Grammy Museum Los Angeles 9/18/12

[Aegir]

what's so mysterious about All I Wanna Do?

[CenturyDeprived]

In advance, I tried to head off any possible confusion between "All I Want to Do" and "All I Wanna Do" that could have happened, which is why I specified "Sunflower" and it being a "Brian + Mike" song... but in the context of the evening, the question still fell flat  I don't think they were confused between the 2 songs, I think they just literally have never had any reason to think of, or even listen to "All I Wanna Do" in 40 years, despite the band's supposed collective love for the Sunflower album as a whole.

Man, I wish this band loved their deep cuts as much as their fans do.

And that is hilarious about the O.C. Weekly mention of my question!

"All I Wanna Do" was mentioned the last time Mike was at the Grammy Museum (for the Ca. Saga show), and he sang a little bit of it there too.

This is true - and that was actually also me at the Cal Saga show who brought it up then too! I'd really hoped with the whole band there last night, we'd get a tidbit or 2 of info about the song. That song seems to be a mystery and I'd love to uncover some info about it.

 

Nice going! As a huge fan of "All I wanna" I seriously appreciate that 

Sigh - thanks, I tried! It's infuriating as a big fan to have giant swaths of this band's history just ignored or brushed to the side... bummer that I picked too obscure a nugget to get some info on. However, I did run into Bruce earlier that evening in the hall, and got him to sing a couple of lines of "Don't Run Away"...

[runnersdialzero]

what's so mysterious about All I Wanna Do?

Nothing.

[CenturyDeprived]

what's so mysterious about All I Wanna Do?

I guess I haven't seemed to find any bits of info on its inception - such as if it was specifically recorded for an album (I know it was on Sunflower, but hard to say if it was a bit of a one-off type of recording 20/20-style, or specifically intended as a song as part of a collection of songs)...

As well, to my ears, it sounds so different from any other BB songs from that period, and really seems to be a (wonderful) anomaly in their catalog. Seems like it was an attempt at a certain psychedelic proto-shoegaze direction that they never fully explored further (perhaps Feel Flows has a bit of that tripped out, psychedelic direction), but I've never really heard another Brian song like it.

The fact that it was a Brian-Mike song makes it all the more interesting. The fact that Mike sings a bit of falsetto on it makes it even more unique. The song just plain rules, and it's seemingly been completely ignored by the band. I feel that this direction, if more fully explored at the time, could have gotten the band some respect in the then-modern rock realm. As much as I love Sunflower, imagine a fully-formed, cohesive album with more songs like All I Wanna Do... perhaps that's a glimpse of what the band's output would've sounded like if SMiLE had been finished, and he had remained the main songwriter...

[runnersdialzero]

For starters, we know it's actually a Mike song that Brian helped expand upon. No idea who wrote what. Otherwise, it may just be another song they wrote like many other songs. There may not be much of a story to tell, I mean.

[CenturyDeprived]

For starters, we know it's actually a Mike song that Brian helped expand upon. No idea who wrote what. Otherwise, it may just be another song they wrote like many other songs. There may not be much of a story to tell, I mean.

That's cool, and something I have not heard before - where did you get this info (about it starting off as a Mike song)?

[Rocker]

what's so mysterious about All I Wanna Do?

I guess I haven't seemed to find any bits of info on its inception - such as if it was specifically recorded for an album (I know it was on Sunflower, but hard to say if it was a bit of a one-off type of recording 20/20-style, or specifically intended as a song as part of a collection of songs)...

First, didn't Brian talk a bit about it in the booklet for Sunflower/Surf's Up?
And then you'd ask Stephen Desper. Maybe he has something to add.

The fact that Mike sings a bit of falsetto on it makes it even more unique.

I believe that is Bruce doing the falsetto (a gentle thought comes in m-y-y mi-i-i-ind). You can hear a different voice take over after Mike's "when I sit and close my eyes"

[Aegir]

If that's Bruce, it's Bruce doing a really good Mike impression.

It wouldn't surprise me if Mike had to record the falsetto part separate from the rest of the vocal take, but I'm pretty sure it's still him.

[monicker]

I believe that is Bruce doing the falsetto (a gentle thought comes in m-y-y mi-i-i-ind). You can hear a different voice take over after Mike's "when I sit and close my eyes"

There is definitely no vocal trading off there. That's all Mike.

[smilethebeachboysloveyou]

First, didn't Brian talk a bit about it in the booklet for Sunflower/Surf's Up?
And then you'd ask Stephen Desper. Maybe he has something to add.

According to Timothy White's liner notes, he said that "it was a real nice one" and proceeded to sing part of the song.  He doesn't provide any information about the writing or recording of the song (or at least none that appears there).

[Autotune]

Did Brian seem recovered from his back problems?

[Jon Stebbins]

It was an awesome event. The curator described it as the biggest night in Grammy Museum history, and the entire affair was conducted with the kind of respect towards the Beach Boys that any fan would appreciate. The exhibit is really tasteful and has some one-of-a-kind items that made the collector in me drool... a little. But the main attraction was that the guys themselves were there...and to mingle and chat with them is still a thrill because they are legends, and they created such lasting beauty with their songs. It still completely blows my mind how good they were...and are.

On this night the Beach Boys were personable with the fans and press, Brian seemed good. He seems happy to be IN HIS band again. The Q&A was hilarious with both Brian and David talking about past substance issues with candor, and Mike physically acting out what a drunken 14 year-old David looked like...all five got off funny one-liners at various points in the chat. It was relaxed and intimate. When Brian enthusiastically mentioned that he hoped to record another Beach Boys album in the months ahead, and Al pointedly said he wanted to keep the momentum gained this year moving forward as a group, to me Mike and Bruce's body language seemed just a little uncomfortable. Behind the scenes there was more talk from Al about wanting to keep the group together, and its obvious that Brian and Dave are loving what has happened with the reunion. Why would anyone not want to keep that chemistry intact?

The acoustic performance was excellent, and again natural and relaxed. I really think the spiritual element of the five of them together is a positive for Brian, like the fingers on a hand, it all works together instinctively. I'm talking about the whole range of things, from greeting the crowd, to chatting about themselves, to joking among themselves, to rehearsing, performing, and just making a sound together. Brian knows its right. He wants to explore it further. It would suck if he doesn't get the chance.

There were some notables in the audience like Micky Dolenz, Barbara Wilson, Dennis' sons Michael and Carl, Carl's sons Justin and Jonah and their mom Annie. Joe Thomas was there and was very accessible, i even talked to him about the fact that some fans prefer the album version of Isn't It Time to the new single mix.  He took it well. Vicky Peterson of the Bangles was there (of course hanging with John Cowsill), Rodney Bingenheimer, Mark London, Harvey Kubernick and many other old L.A. friends. I even ran into Eddie Roach later in the night. In general the event had that energized and giddy feeling that something does when the balance of fan fueled excitement and VIP intimacy is just right. Cowsill, Scott Totten, Jeffrey Foskett and Darian Sahanaja lent their usual perfect support to the principals while playing music, and while doing all the other stuff that's required on a happening night like this one. It was a team effort and it was a home run.

I want to thank Howie Edelson and Paki Newell for giving me total access to the event, and to Dave Marks for offering me a place to crash for the night. I passed because I had to get home to my family for today's round of being a busy dad. But as I drove the three hours up the coast in the wee hours, i thought back to the earnest excitement I saw in Brian's eyes when he was talking about wanting to record more with these Beach Boys. He sees the potential for another chapter, and maybe if things fall into place again like they did this year, we might get one more shot of that Beach Boys bliss. If not, what a year, and what a gift this has been.

[18thofMay]

Thanks for that Jon! Awesome!!

[ivy]

Thank you guys for the reviews. Jon, that picture is so awesome. Especially the part where you're blocking Bruce hahaha.

I really love the Pendletone touch! But in another shirt-related matter, who let Mike and Dave where the same incredibly busy-patterned shirt?

Brian replied that he "would really like to record a rock n' roll album with the boys".

Brian's great Rock n' Roll album has overtaken Smile as the most anticipated Beach Boys album of all time.

When asked about their various solo ventures, Al stated he had no interest in that, "this is the band (pointing to the group)."  He stated that they plan on continuing on this configuration, or something to that effect.

Wow, shiesty, Al!

[Don Malcolm]

Beautiful write-ups, South Bay and Jon...much appreciated. Sounds like there is a lot of hope for more good things in the future.

And that's definitely a wonderful shot, Jon--you just command that spot on stage the way good ol' Jack Reiley used to back in the day!!! 

[Pretty Funky]

When asked about their various solo ventures, Al stated he had no interest in that, "this is the band (pointing to the group)."  

But just in case it doesn't work out...

http://www.aljardine.com/booking.html

[KittyKat]

Can someone tell me what Mike sees in Bruce or what the rest of the band does (as in Brian)?  The more I've seen and heard of Bruce since this reunion, the more of a negative presence he seems to be.  He even called the latest album, and by extension Brian's work, a bunt, even after claiming he hadn't heard the whole thing.  Add in his general extreme rudeness to fans at times and the fact he never really contributed much at all to the music and can't sing too well anymore on a consistent basis.  I don't get it.

[DonnyL]

It was an awesome event. The curator described it as the biggest night in Grammy Museum history, and the entire affair was conducted with the kind of respect towards the Beach Boys that any fan would appreciate. The exhibit is really tasteful and has some one-of-a-kind items that made the collector in me drool... a little. But the main attraction was that the guys themselves were there...and to mingle and chat with them is still a thrill because they are legends, and they created such lasting beauty with their songs. It still completely blows my mind how good they were...and are.

On this night the Beach Boys were personable with the fans and press, Brian seemed good. He seems happy to be IN HIS band again. The Q&A was hilarious with both Brian and David talking about past substance issues with candor, and Mike physically acting out what a drunken 14 year-old David looked like...all five got off funny one-liners at various points in the chat. It was relaxed and intimate. When Brian enthusiastically mentioned that he hoped to record another Beach Boys album in the months ahead, and Al pointedly said he wanted to keep the momentum gained this year moving forward as a group, to me Mike and Bruce's body language seemed just a little uncomfortable. Behind the scenes there was more talk from Al about wanting to keep the group together, and its obvious that Brian and Dave are loving what has happened with the reunion. Why would anyone not want to keep that chemistry intact?

The acoustic performance was excellent, and again natural and relaxed. I really think the spiritual element of the five of them together is a positive for Brian, like the fingers on a hand, it all works together instinctively. I'm talking about the whole range of things, from greeting the crowd, to chatting about themselves, to joking among themselves, to rehearsing, performing, and just making a sound together. Brian knows its right. He wants to explore it further. It would suck if he doesn't get the chance.

There were some notables in the audience like Micky Dolenz, Barbara Wilson, Dennis' sons Michael and Carl, Carl's sons Justin and Jonah and their mom Annie. Joe Thomas was there and was very accessible, i even talked to him about the fact that some fans prefer the album version of Isn't It Time to the new single mix.  He took it well. Vicky Peterson of the Bangles was there (of course hanging with John Cowsill), Rodney Bingenheimer, Mark London, Harvey Kubernick and many other old L.A. friends. I even ran into Eddie Roach later in the night. In general the event had that energized and giddy feeling that something does when the balance of fan fueled excitement and VIP intimacy is just right. Cowsill, Scott Totten, Jeffrey Foskett and Darian Sahanaja lent their usual perfect support to the principals while playing music, and while doing all the other stuff that's required on a happening night like this one. It was a team effort and it was a home run.

I want to thank Howie Edelson and Paki Newell for giving me total access to the event, and to Dave Marks for offering me a place to crash for the night. I passed because I had to get home to my family for today's round of being a busy dad. But as I drove the three hours up the coast in the wee hours, i thought back to the earnest excitement I saw in Brian's eyes when he was talking about wanting to record more with these Beach Boys. He sees the potential for another chapter, and maybe if things fall into place again like they did this year, we might get one more shot of that Beach Boys bliss. If not, what a year, and what a gift this has been.

really great post, Jon ... your perspective and insight makes me remember why I still read this board !

[hypehat]

Can someone tell me what Mike sees in Bruce or what the rest of the band does (as in Brian)?  The more I've seen and heard of Bruce since this reunion, the more of a negative presence he seems to be.  He even called the latest album, and by extension Brian's work, a bunt, even after claiming he hadn't heard the whole thing.  Add in his general extreme rudeness to fans at times and the fact he never really contributed much at all to the music and can't sing too well anymore on a consistent basis.  I don't get it.

He does have fantastic legs.

[Lowbacca]

Can someone tell me what Mike sees in Bruce or what the rest of the band does (as in Brian)?  The more I've seen and heard of Bruce since this reunion, the more of a negative presence he seems to be.  He even called the latest album, and by extension Brian's work, a bunt, even after claiming he hadn't heard the whole thing.  Add in his general extreme rudeness to fans at times and the fact he never really contributed much at all to the music and can't sing too well anymore on a consistent basis.  I don't get it.

He does have fantastic legs.

True. Plus, these days you need any half-legit Beach Boy you can get.  He's been with them (and with Mike) for far too long.

[Rocker]

Facebook:

I believe that is Bruce doing the falsetto (a gentle thought comes in m-y-y mi-i-i-ind). You can hear a different voice take over after Mike's "when I sit and close my eyes"

There is definitely no vocal trading off there. That's all Mike.

Your opinion. I hear different. I've got no problem should I be wrong but right now I'm quite sure it's Bruce

[Jaco]

Beach Boys Wrap 50 Years As Questions Arise About Their 51st
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/legal-and-management/beach-boys-wrap-50-years-as-questions-arise-1007953922.story

The only thing certain about future releases from the reunited Beach Boys is a live album that Capitol will release in 2013.

and

In their acoustic set after the Q&A in front of an SRO crowd that included Monkee Mickey Dolenz, fabled L.A. disk jockey Rodney Bingenheimer, lyricist Joe Thomas and Beach Boys' family members, they performed five songs that will appear on both of the next Beach Boys compilations - "50th Anniversary Greatest Hits" and the two-CD "Greatest Hits: 50 Big Ones." The two collections will be released Oct. 9.

On Oct. 9, 12 remastered studio albums will be released with mono and stereo mixes. "It's really for the collectors market," EMI Music North America senior VP, catalogue, Jane Ventom told Billboard.

[Rocker]

In their acoustic set after the Q&A in front of an SRO crowd that included Monkee Mickey Dolenz, fabled L.A. disk jockey Rodney Bingenheimer, lyricist Joe Thomas and Beach Boys' family members, they performed five songs that will appear on both of the next Beach Boys compilations - "50th Anniversary Greatest Hits" and the two-CD "Greatest Hits: 50 Big Ones." The two collections will be released Oct. 9.

Maybe that means just that the songs will appear on the CDs and not these particular performances of said songs. That's how I would understand it.


I think this is very interesting, though:

The band members kept the focus on the tour, their history and the exhibit, but members of the musicians' camps found the timing of Love's announcement, at the very least, curious. Several people close to the Beach Boys said they could have easily added another dozen dates in the U.K. In addition, Wilson has continued writing for a follow-up album to "That's Why God Made the Radio" and has four songs in the vein of the album's suite of "Strange World"/"From There to Back Again"/"Pacific Coast Highway."

BTW I never knew if the surfboard on the Surfer Girl and Surfin' Safari covers belonged to Dennis or was just a prop from Capitol. Neat to know that it is Dennis' and that it is there in the museum. Is it the one he got from Murry/bought himself when he was a teenager?

[Jon Stebbins]

Thanks to 18th of May, Ivy, Don and Donny L for the nice comments about my post. Feels good to know this board still connects us in a positive way.

[Aegir]

Jon, I hope you don't feel underappreciated here. It's contributions from experts like you that make it worth sifting through the silly stuff.