Best songs from their worst albums

[Myk Luhv]

Feel free, man, I just can't dig it that much is all.

[rogerlancelot]

For me personally, the weakest BB studio material comes from the era after KTSA and before TWGMTR. So I suppose I could make a compilation covering 1984 (or so) - 1996. I am not implying that there weren't any weak albums before this era, it's just that the digital technology that was used in the BB case just doesn't move me in any way. I don't really love it or hate it. Therefor I will have to let the songs themselves and the performances speak for themselves.

So, big question: is there no love for "Chasin' The Sky" out there? It's probably both my favorite 80's BB song and my favorite example of Carl singing in a more "rock/gruff" voice. I admit some of it is kind of cheesy and by the numbers but what isn't from this era? And for those who are unfamiliar with the song I suggest you listen to it and compare it in contrast to the '85 album.

All in all, I probably could make an 80's/90's compilation but would I really ever listen to it? The answer is: not very often. And yet some of these songs that I hate ("Problem Child", "Crocodile Rock", etc.) are the favorites of other fans. Some of my favorites (In Concert lp, So Tough lp, etc.) are the least favorites of other fans. We (all of us here) love the same band but in different ways. And who here loves absolutely everything released by this band? I can not think of any band where I find quality is consistent throughout their entire recording career except for some obvious examples such as Beatles or Led Zeppelin, but their eras are short (10 years or less) and the BB have been recording on and off for 50+ years! Not all of it can be excellent.

Really, can anybody name a group or artist where quality was maintained throughout every album during a recording career that lasted over 10 years (excluding bands and artists that wait 4+ years to put out a new release as is the norm these days)? My brother and I both absolutely love the band Pink Floyd. I am a huge fan of early works like Ummagumma and don't care much for later works like Final Cut, Momentary Lapse, etc. My brother on the other hand completely dismisses early Pink Floyd (with the exception of Syd Barrett related music) but loves Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. And keep in mind that there exist fans of Roger Waters solo music  which neither of us can get into.

Recently I made a compilation for a friend of mine here in Vegas that had only listened to Pet Sounds on his cd which is an earlier version only in mono but with the 3 bonus tracks (Trombone Dixie, Unreleased Backgrounds, HOTYE). He was interested in more so I made a seemingly random mix of material that I thought might interest him but I decided to include material from 1963-2012 and not in chronological order. Somehow it worked and now he listens to it regularly. For those interested, here is the list:

01) Never Learn Not To Love
02) The Trader
03) I'm Waiting For The Day
04) Celebrate The News
05) Catch A Wave
06) All I Wanna Do
07) You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
08) Little Bird
09) She Knows Me Too Well
10) Feel Flows
11) Be Here In The Morning
12) This Whole World
13) Steamboat
14) That's Why God Made The Radio
15) Time To Get Alone
16) I'll Bet He's Nice
17) Cabin Essence
18) My Diane
19) The Warmth Of The Sun
20) Good Timin'
21) Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
22) Forever
23) All Summer Long
24) Pacific Coast Highway
25) Surf's Up (TSS Vinyl Sessions -> Stereo Mix)
26) 'Til I Die
27) In The Back Of My Mind

Even though I put this together randomly I tried to cover the whole spectrum. But now looking at the list, there is a glaring absence of material from the 80's and 90's. Maybe I struggle to acknowledge that era. Either way, I see why people have so much fun making BB compilations because of the vast amount of material to choose from.

[Jim V.]

In My Car

I am sooooo glad that That's Why God Made The Radio came out just to save us for this being the last original Brian Wilson Beach Boys song. It's not that it's bad, but it's just so blah and hardly worthy of being his only new contribution to a Beach Boys album. Why couldn't he have offered up something like "Water Builds Up" or something else to Still Cruisin'?

Yeah, and God Only Knows is a far better composition than I Know There's An Answer. Nevertheless, both are great. If Good Timin' and Goin' On had gone unreleased, and Stevie had been released, their roles would switch anyway. The grass is always greener in the tape vault.

...but I don't think the two released songs are great, I find them to be an imitation of what "The Beach Boys" should sound like -- except that it's because the group recording them is in fact The Beach Boys they're thought better of than being just-fine songs -- and I wouldn't think they were great even if they were unreleased. But I'll turn in my Beach Boys badge if you want I guess, dude.

I cannot see how "Good Timin'" is an 'imitation'. It is Brian being Brian and making a great Beach Boys song. It's just what he does. Do you think "Marcella" is an imitation too? It's like saying "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is imitation Rolling Stones cuz it might remind one of "Satisfaction". In my opinion it's just the composer doing what they do, and doing it well. "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is vintage Stones, and "Good Timin'" is vintage Beach Boys. Only Brian could write something like "Good Timin'", and I truly believe it.

I think on the other hand, something like "Kona Coast" or "California Calling" could be looked at as imitation or pastiche. Those more obviously seem to be trying to recapture something, and they don't seem organic. On the other hand, "Good Timin'" does.

[SamMcK]

Even now I think a new version of Love and Mercy with backing vocals from the other Beach Boys would be a perfect way to close an album. (If they were to make another album of course)

[I. Spaceman]

In My Car

I am sooooo glad that That's Why God Made The Radio came out just to save us for this being the last original Brian Wilson Beach Boys song. It's not that it's bad, but it's just so blah and hardly worthy of being his only new contribution to a Beach Boys album. Why couldn't he have offered up something like "Water Builds Up" or something else to Still Cruisin'?

Yeah, and God Only Knows is a far better composition than I Know There's An Answer. Nevertheless, both are great. If Good Timin' and Goin' On had gone unreleased, and Stevie had been released, their roles would switch anyway. The grass is always greener in the tape vault.

...but I don't think the two released songs are great, I find them to be an imitation of what "The Beach Boys" should sound like -- except that it's because the group recording them is in fact The Beach Boys they're thought better of than being just-fine songs -- and I wouldn't think they were great even if they were unreleased. But I'll turn in my Beach Boys badge if you want I guess, dude.

I cannot see how "Good Timin'" is an 'imitation'. It is Brian being Brian and making a great Beach Boys song. It's just what he does. Do you think "Marcella" is an imitation too? It's like saying "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is imitation Rolling Stones cuz it might remind one of "Satisfaction". In my opinion it's just the composer doing what they do, and doing it well. "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is vintage Stones, and "Good Timin'" is vintage Beach Boys. Only Brian could write something like "Good Timin'", and I truly believe it.

I think on the other hand, something like "Kona Coast" or "California Calling" could be looked at as imitation or pastiche. Those more obviously seem to be trying to recapture something, and they don't seem organic. On the other hand, "Good Timin'" does.

YEAH! But man, I love In My Car too.

[Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll]

seeing some SIP songs sooo... was this ever made? - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2251515/ ?

[Disney Boy (1985)]

Where I Belong is one of my all time favourites and it's on one of The BB's worst albums ever, second only to you know what...

Yep. Where I Belong is in my top twenty all-time favourite BB songs. Incredible song!

(Although personally i'd rank BB '85 comfortably above MIU, Keepin' The Summer Alive, Still Crusin' and SIP)

[Disney Boy (1985)]

For me personally, the weakest BB studio material comes from the era after KTSA and before TWGMTR. So I suppose I could make a compilation covering 1984 (or so) - 1996. I am not implying that there weren't any weak albums before this era, it's just that the digital technology that was used in the BB case just doesn't move me in any way. I don't really love it or hate it. Therefor I will have to let the songs themselves and the performances speak for themselves.

So, big question: is there no love for "Chasin' The Sky" out there? It's probably both my favorite 80's BB song and my favorite example of Carl singing in a more "rock/gruff" voice. I admit some of it is kind of cheesy and by the numbers but what isn't from this era? And for those who are unfamiliar with the song I suggest you listen to it and compare it in contrast to the '85 album.

All in all, I probably could make an 80's/90's compilation but would I really ever listen to it? The answer is: not very often. And yet some of these songs that I hate ("Problem Child", "Crocodile Rock", etc.) are the favorites of other fans. Some of my favorites (In Concert lp, So Tough lp, etc.) are the least favorites of other fans. We (all of us here) love the same band but in different ways. And who here loves absolutely everything released by this band? I can not think of any band where I find quality is consistent throughout their entire recording career except for some obvious examples such as Beatles or Led Zeppelin, but their eras are short (10 years or less) and the BB have been recording on and off for 50+ years! Not all of it can be excellent.

Really, can anybody name a group or artist where quality was maintained throughout every album during a recording career that lasted over 10 years (excluding bands and artists that wait 4+ years to put out a new release as is the norm these days)? My brother and I both absolutely love the band Pink Floyd. I am a huge fan of early works like Ummagumma and don't care much for later works like Final Cut, Momentary Lapse, etc. My brother on the other hand completely dismisses early Pink Floyd (with the exception of Syd Barrett related music) but loves Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. And keep in mind that there exist fans of Roger Waters solo music  which neither of us can get into.

Recently I made a compilation for a friend of mine here in Vegas that had only listened to Pet Sounds on his cd which is an earlier version only in mono but with the 3 bonus tracks (Trombone Dixie, Unreleased Backgrounds, HOTYE). He was interested in more so I made a seemingly random mix of material that I thought might interest him but I decided to include material from 1963-2012 and not in chronological order. Somehow it worked and now he listens to it regularly. For those interested, here is the list:

01) Never Learn Not To Love
02) The Trader
03) I'm Waiting For The Day
04) Celebrate The News
05) Catch A Wave
06) All I Wanna Do
07) You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
08) Little Bird
09) She Knows Me Too Well
10) Feel Flows
11) Be Here In The Morning
12) This Whole World
13) Steamboat
14) That's Why God Made The Radio
15) Time To Get Alone
16) I'll Bet He's Nice
17) Cabin Essence
18) My Diane
19) The Warmth Of The Sun
20) Good Timin'
21) Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
22) Forever
23) All Summer Long
24) Pacific Coast Highway
25) Surf's Up (TSS Vinyl Sessions -> Stereo Mix)
26) 'Til I Die
27) In The Back Of My Mind

Even though I put this together randomly I tried to cover the whole spectrum. But now looking at the list, there is a glaring absence of material from the 80's and 90's. Maybe I struggle to acknowledge that era. Either way, I see why people have so much fun making BB compilations because of the vast amount of material to choose from.

Great choice of opening track, man!! Love it.

[EgoHanger1966]

I don't understand the phenomenon over "Where I Belong" as being such a standout track. I think there are several better tracks on that album, with equally as good Carl leads. There are other songs on the album where you can hear Brian in the stack. There are other songs with creative melodies and loads of harmony.

[Sunflowerpet]

"Lahaina Aloha" shines on Summer In Paradise like a gem in a five and dime store.

[harrisonjon]

I'm not certain that "God Only Knows is a far better composition than I Know There's An Answer", in terms of gear shifts that take you by surprise and great parts throughout the arrangement.

[Disney Boy (1985)]

As much as i can't stand Mike's cringe-inducing name-checking of former glories - and as much as Roger Mcguinn sounds like he's constipated - i've got to admit that i do really like the melody on the track Summer In Paradise. The chorus is really nice, and the chiming guitar sound is really pleasant.

Rest of the albums sucks ass though...

[Sheriff John Stone]

As much as i can't stand Mike's cringe-inducing name-checking of former glories - and as much as Roger Mcguinn sounds like he's constipated - i've got to admit that i do really like the melody on the track Summer In Paradise. The chorus is really nice, and the chiming guitar sound is really pleasant.

Rest of the albums sucks ass though...

Agree on "Summer In Paradise". I think it's a solid tune. Yes, Mike's lyrics are a bit cringe-inducing, but he sings them well. I like his vocals on the song.

I'm surprised that you don't care for the rest of the album. I think there's a half dozen good songs on SIP. Not great, but good:

- Lahaina Aloha
- Strange Things Happen
- Summer In Paradise
- Hot Fun In The Summertime
- Still Surfin'
- Slow Summer Dancin' (One Summer Night) - OK, this one's debatable, but I like it...

[rogerlancelot]

How about a list of worst songs from the best albums? I vote for "Cool Cool Water" from Sunflower and "Student Demonstration Time" from Surf's Up. Hell, "Ding Dang" from Love You and "Anna Lee The Healer" from Friends. Personal choices. And "Shortnin' Bread" from LA. And the ENTIRE California Saga from Holland if you don't count the Mt. Vernon EP. These aren't necessarily what I think are the "worst" songs, just a list of my lesser favorite tracks. Anybody want to list the worst songs from Pet Sounds? Or should we make that a new thread of its own?

[Dudd]

How about a list of worst songs from the best albums? I vote for "Cool Cool Water" from Sunflower and "Student Demonstration Time" from Surf's Up. Hell, "Ding Dang" from Love You and "Anna Lee The Healer" from Friends. Personal choices. And "Shortnin' Bread" from LA. And the ENTIRE California Saga from Holland if you don't count the Mt. Vernon EP. These aren't necessarily what I think are the "worst" songs, just a list of my lesser favorite tracks. Anybody want to list the worst songs from Pet Sounds? Or should we make that a new thread of its own?

I love Cool Cool Water! I'd say that's one of the best tracks on Sunflower.
Hm... I'd say the weakest song from Pet Sounds would be I'm Waiting For The Day, but I still like it.

[BergenWhitesMoustache]

How about a list of worst songs from the best albums? I vote for "Cool Cool Water" from Sunflower

 

[kookadams]

For me personally, the weakest BB studio material comes from the era after KTSA and before TWGMTR. So I suppose I could make a compilation covering 1984 (or so) - 1996. I am not implying that there weren't any weak albums before this era, it's just that the digital technology that was used in the BB case just doesn't move me in any way. I don't really love it or hate it. Therefor I will have to let the songs themselves and the performances speak for themselves.

So, big question: is there no love for "Chasin' The Sky" out there? It's probably both my favorite 80's BB song and my favorite example of Carl singing in a more "rock/gruff" voice. I admit some of it is kind of cheesy and by the numbers but what isn't from this era? And for those who are unfamiliar with the song I suggest you listen to it and compare it in contrast to the '85 album.

All in all, I probably could make an 80's/90's compilation but would I really ever listen to it? The answer is: not very often. And yet some of these songs that I hate ("Problem Child", "Crocodile Rock", etc.) are the favorites of other fans. Some of my favorites (In Concert lp, So Tough lp, etc.) are the least favorites of other fans. We (all of us here) love the same band but in different ways. And who here loves absolutely everything released by this band? I can not think of any band where I find quality is consistent throughout their entire recording career except for some obvious examples such as Beatles or Led Zeppelin, but their eras are short (10 years or less) and the BB have been recording on and off for 50+ years! Not all of it can be excellent.

Really, can anybody name a group or artist where quality was maintained throughout every album during a recording career that lasted over 10 years (excluding bands and artists that wait 4+ years to put out a new release as is the norm these days)? My brother and I both absolutely love the band Pink Floyd. I am a huge fan of early works like Ummagumma and don't care much for later works like Final Cut, Momentary Lapse, etc. My brother on the other hand completely dismisses early Pink Floyd (with the exception of Syd Barrett related music) but loves Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. And keep in mind that there exist fans of Roger Waters solo music  which neither of us can get into.

Recently I made a compilation for a friend of mine here in Vegas that had only listened to Pet Sounds on his cd which is an earlier version only in mono but with the 3 bonus tracks (Trombone Dixie, Unreleased Backgrounds, HOTYE). He was interested in more so I made a seemingly random mix of material that I thought might interest him but I decided to include material from 1963-2012 and not in chronological order. Somehow it worked and now he listens to it regularly. For those interested, here is the list:

01) Never Learn Not To Love
02) The Trader
03) I'm Waiting For The Day
04) Celebrate The News
05) Catch A Wave
06) All I Wanna Do
07) You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
08) Little Bird
09) She Knows Me Too Well
10) Feel Flows
11) Be Here In The Morning
12) This Whole World
13) Steamboat
14) That's Why God Made The Radio
15) Time To Get Alone
16) I'll Bet He's Nice
17) Cabin Essence
18) My Diane
19) The Warmth Of The Sun
20) Good Timin'
21) Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
22) Forever
23) All Summer Long
24) Pacific Coast Highway
25) Surf's Up (TSS Vinyl Sessions -> Stereo Mix)
26) 'Til I Die
27) In The Back Of My Mind

Even though I put this together randomly I tried to cover the whole spectrum. But now looking at the list, there is a glaring absence of material from the 80's and 90's. Maybe I struggle to acknowledge that era. Either way, I see why people have so much fun making BB compilations because of the vast amount of material to choose from.

Yeah first of all there isnt a single group in history that made great records from beginning to end. AND the Beach Boys most memorable songs/albums were from Surfin USA thru Holland and Love You (63-73). Its beyond prevalent that after Love You they were hardly holding it together and solely making albums to shut the record company up. BUT- that doesn't mean there werent good songs on the albums- every album in that era had at least a couple decent songs.

[Dudd]

Here's my best of the worst tracklist (I called it Good Timin', because I'm a pretentious idiot, but whatever):
1. Goin' On (makes a great album intro, surprisingly)
2. Shortenin' Bread
3. She's Got Rhythm
4. Come Go With Me
5. Wontcha Come Out Tonight
6. Match Point Of Our Love (shut up, I like it )
7. In My Car
8. Good Timin'
9. My Diane
10. Baby Blue

[Gertie J.]

Anybody want to list the worst songs from Pet Sounds?

all's good 'cept the title track. cringeworthy.

[Dudd]

I made an attempt to improve Sumahama by cutting out the Japanese verses which everyone seems to dislike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdSp85H8K-k

[zachrwolfe]

‍

[Dudd]

6. Match Point Of Our Love (shut up, I like it )

Love that song. Is it not popular among most BBs fans?

Seems to have polarised fans a bit. Some just can't get past the lyrics...

[lostbeachboy]

Devoted To You from Party!
Good Vibrations from Smiley Smile
Aren't You Glad & Let The Wind Blow from Wild Honey
Just Once In My Life, It's O.K. & Back Home from 15 Big Ones
Endless Harmony from Keepin' The Summer Alive
Getcha Back & California Calling from The Beach Boys
Kokomo & Still Cruisin' from Still Cruisin'
Summer of Love from Summer In Paradise
Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 is just an insult....
The title track & From There To Back Again from the new beach boys album of 2012...

[runnersdialzero]

6. Match Point Of Our Love (shut up, I like it )

Love that song. Is it not popular among most BBs fans?

Brian sounds so frigging good, I can get into it, but holy hell the lyrics are dumb. Like, at least ridiculous to the extent of being amusing (to me, anyway), but it's still kinda sad that the last instance of Brian sounding somewhat like his older self is singing those lyrics. The music is also pretty tacky in a very late 70s way. Still, I can forgive those things because the vocals are so effective.

[drbeachboy]

Devoted To You from Party!
Good Vibrations from Smiley Smile
Aren't You Glad & Let The Wind Blow from Wild Honey
Just Once In My Life, It's O.K. & Back Home from 15 Big Ones
Endless Harmony from Keepin' The Summer Alive
Getcha Back & California Calling from The Beach Boys
Kokomo & Still Cruisin' from Still Cruisin'
Summer of Love from Summer In Paradise
Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 is just an insult....
The title track & From There To Back Again from the new beach boys album of 2012...

409 from Stars & Stripes by Jr. Something or an another was pretty cool, but yea, insult about sums it up. Oh, Caroline No was pretty good too.