M & B Tour 2013

[filledeplage]

Thanks for "Wild honey"! I'm not a fan of Cowsill's singing and this certainly won't change that. But it's nice to see them doing that song. Totten's solo is nice although I kinda wished Bruce would play his cool organ part from the record.

 I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know. No excuse. The voice is what it is. Christian would sound good on it if he had the range. We'd have to lower way too far... I am generally a back ground singer. I dred singing Darlin, especially after sitting next to Darian when he does it.  sh*t! I sound more like Kermit the frog... oh well I like singing. But I don't want to hear me either. so for those who agree I'm sorry for your misery...

Mr. Cowsill - with all due respect and deference, the music and parts you are covering are those of the Great Voice - Carl Wilson, who I will analogize to Tina Turner's expression ( in a literal context, please!) - Carl could "take it easy, or take it rough," (the Tina quote IIRC was for the intro of Proud Mary.) Really, three jobs, if you count the drums/percussion, that you rule.  

Even attempting it is courageous. Give yourself some credit. Carl Wilson left Size 18 shoes to fill. I did notice that Mike and Bruce seemed to groove out as though it was 1967.  Mike looked almost giddy with glee to hear that song performed.  They got to be 25 years old again for about 3 minutes.

It takes two people to cover many of his (Carl's) parts.  Maybe it could be a classic BB split lead? With Christian, with whom I think you share a section of Getcha Back?  

And, I thought you "rocked the house," in Morristown!  

[Mikie]

Hey Cowsill, I thought you did a helluva job singing Wild Honey! And you DO have an excuse that it was your first time - it can only get better after that! And Darlin'. Next to Darian and Matt Jardine, I think you do a fine job on that song. And Rhonda too! You're too humble, man. Worst case, you can ALWAYS fall back on your great drumming skills!  

P.S. Enjoyed seeing you get the thumbs up from Brian in the "Do It Again" video last year. Good stuff!

[Cabinessenceking]

Mr. Cowsill I must just comment that your drumming for the C50 tour was truly fantastic. One must go back to the Dennis Wilson days if one wants to have something to compare to. Most importantly your drumming has a subtle sense of taste and modesty, unlike the wildly excessive drumming the band had during the 80's and 90's. Very skillful drumming indeed.

Also, thank you so much for doing Wild Honey with ML and BJ! Very adventurous and tough song to sing!

[hypehat]

Add me to the long list of praise, Mr Cowsill - Saw you at Wembley Arena last year and you put in a bloody fine performance. You laid it down on every song. As for your Wild Honey... don't be so hard on yourself 

[Shady]

Mr Cowsill. Hats off to you for your performance during the C50 tour. I was at Wembley and that concert was easily the best night of my life and you were a huge part of the magic of that show.

Anyone who sings Wild Honey has huge shoes to fill. As I stated earlier it's just fantastic you guys are doing it.

[Sheriff John Stone]

I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know.'m sorry for your misery...

I saw you perform "Wild Honey" THE NIGHT BEFORE and you/it was incredible! I started this thread having seen the 4/7/13 show in Lancaster, PA and I praised the hell out of your version of the song. YouTube videos don't do justice to live performances (no bass, poor acoustics, etc.). Anyway, you're a helluva drummer and singer and provide much needed energy. Keep up the great work and keep dropping in and posting!

[AndrewHickey]

Thanks for "Wild honey"! I'm not a fan of Cowsill's singing and this certainly won't change that. But it's nice to see them doing that song. Totten's solo is nice although I kinda wished Bruce would play his cool organ part from the record.

 I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know. No excuse. The voice is what it is. Christian would sound good on it if he had the range. We'd have to lower way too far... I am generally a back ground singer. I dred singing Darlin, especially after sitting next to Darian when he does it.  sh*t! I sound more like Kermit the frog... oh well I like singing. But I don't want to hear me either. so for those who agree I'm sorry for your misery...

Personally, I think you're the best singer by far in the touring band, and the one disappointment about last year's tour for me was that you weren't given a vocal spot. Should have let you do Sail On Sailor -- you do a far better job on that than Brian.

[Nicko1234]

Personally, I think you're the best singer by far in the touring band, and the one disappointment about last year's tour for me was that you weren't given a vocal spot. Should have let you do Sail On Sailor -- you do a far better job on that than Brian.

This.

I've never been the biggest fan of the studio version of this song but when I saw Cowsill singing it with the touring band I was blown away.

[Rocker]

Thanks for "Wild honey"! I'm not a fan of Cowsill's singing and this certainly won't change that. But it's nice to see them doing that song. Totten's solo is nice although I kinda wished Bruce would play his cool organ part from the record.

 I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know. No excuse. The voice is what it is. Christian would sound good on it if he had the range. We'd have to lower way too far... I am generally a back ground singer. I dred singing Darlin, especially after sitting next to Darian when he does it.  sh*t! I sound more like Kermit the frog... oh well I like singing. But I don't want to hear me either. so for those who agree I'm sorry for your misery...

Good that you don't take it personally (as it wasn't meant as something against you and your work). I just think your singing (based on the video!) wasn't very fitting for the song (I tried singing it myself with my old band in the same key and I still can't stand listening to myself on that. Carl had it down great for the studio recording but the live versions from '67 show him struggling as well). I don't know if Christian Love would fit since I only know his voice as very smooth and cool one and not rough and rocking but who knows.
I absolutely love your drumming and think your work for the Beach Boys tour was one of the instrumental highpoints.

[Kurosawa]

I was really impressed with it as well, and especially considering you were drumming at the same time, because a lot of drummers say that's very difficult to do and then Wild Honey itself is a very hard song to sing. You were great on the C50 tour, I was lucky enough to catch you guys in Raleigh, NC.

[filledeplage]

Thanks for "Wild honey"! I'm not a fan of Cowsill's singing and this certainly won't change that. But it's nice to see them doing that song. Totten's solo is nice although I kinda wished Bruce would play his cool organ part from the record.

I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know. No excuse. The voice is what it is. Christian would sound good on it if he had the range. We'd have to lower way too far... I am generally a back ground singer. I dred singing Darlin, especially after sitting next to Darian when he does it.  sh*t! I sound more like Kermit the frog... oh well I like singing. But I don't want to hear me either. so for those who agree I'm sorry for your misery...

Good that you don't take it personally (as it wasn't meant as something against you and your work). I just think your singing (based on the video!) wasn't very fitting for the song (I tried singing it myself with my old band in the same key and I still can't stand listening to myself on that. Carl had it down great for the studio recording but the live versions from '67 show him struggling as well). I don't know if Christian Love would fit since I only know his voice as very smooth and cool one and not rough and rocking but who knows.
I absolutely love your drumming and think your work for the Beach Boys tour was one of the instrumental highpoints.

Rocker - from where I sit, I think the enduring nature of this Band, confers "qualifying" my expectations.  If I wanted something perfect, I'd stay home and listen to a studio album.  What I love are the "sessions" like Pet Sounds or 73/4 concert or better, still YouTube! And I know I'm getting, for the most part 50 to 70 year old vocal cords.  Jet lagged, poor plane air quality, or hotel air quality, etc.  What I'm getting is a bunch of guys who sing from their hearts and their toes. (Not from their feet.)

On any day, whether it is the Boys or anyone else, it is the fire for the music, the interaction with the crowd.

Ever see Steve Stills solo? OMG. Feisty, earthy and someone whose heart still has passion, and whose ears now sport hearing aids, and reading from a TelePrompTer. He does not care that he isn't 20.  He's ALIVE! Is he off key? Maybe. We love him more, because he does.  He is not aging gracefully; he is kicking and screaming all the way. 

Cowsill is a wailing, ageless rocker.  Not unlike the guys he sings with, who are now, not holding back!   

[donald]

So, I say again, to all of the  M&B band doubters, go out and see this band.  John and Scott, and the others, are all very talented and put on a hell of a show.  This band stands on its own with barely more than a handful of people when compared to the C50 Big Band.

Coming soon to a town near you.   Don't miss it! 

[Cowsii]

Thanks for "Wild honey"! I'm not a fan of Cowsill's singing and this certainly won't change that. But it's nice to see them doing that song. Totten's solo is nice although I kinda wished Bruce would play his cool organ part from the record.

 I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know. No excuse. The voice is what it is. Christian would sound good on it if he had the range. We'd have to lower way too far... I am generally a back ground singer. I dred singing Darlin, especially after sitting next to Darian when he does it.  sh*t! I sound more like Kermit the frog... oh well I like singing. But I don't want to hear me either. so for those who agree I'm sorry for your misery...

Good that you don't take it personally (as it wasn't meant as something against you and your work). I just think your singing (based on the video!) wasn't very fitting for the song (I tried singing it myself with my old band in the same key and I still can't stand listening to myself on that. Carl had it down great for the studio recording but the live versions from '67 show him struggling as well). I don't know if Christian Love would fit since I only know his voice as very smooth and cool one and not rough and rocking but who knows.
I absolutely love your drumming and think your work for the Beach Boys tour was one of the instrumental highpoints.

Rocker..I have thick skin. In this business? hahahaha if you don't you'll go crying to mama "I'm tellin you as sure as I am standin here...hahahaha dude i totally get it and take no offense... see ya'll out there and thanks to everyone who loves the beach boys music. I am just a fan like most of us here. BUT ... with the better seat. And that 50th tour was the best time of my career... Bar none. And thanks to those who said nice things about me. my wife really likes that. hahahahaha it's just music gang and we all love it!!!!! Keep on Rockin in the free world

[Autotune]

kudos to Mr. Cowsill for nailing one of the most difficult songs to sing of the entire band's catalogue!!!

BTW, if people are going to pretend that Mike should not write with Brian anymore based on a silly FB post, then allow me to pretend that they should collaborate based on the quality of the song being discussed here.

[Lowbacca]

Thanks for "Wild honey"! I'm not a fan of Cowsill's singing and this certainly won't change that. But it's nice to see them doing that song. Totten's solo is nice although I kinda wished Bruce would play his cool organ part from the record.

 I'm not a fan of my voice either but that was the first time we ever did it. I know. No excuse. The voice is what it is. Christian would sound good on it if he had the range. We'd have to lower way too far... I am generally a back ground singer. I dred singing Darlin, especially after sitting next to Darian when he does it.  sh*t! I sound more like Kermit the frog... oh well I like singing. But I don't want to hear me either. so for those who agree I'm sorry for your misery...

Good that you don't take it personally (as it wasn't meant as something against you and your work). I just think your singing (based on the video!) wasn't very fitting for the song (I tried singing it myself with my old band in the same key and I still can't stand listening to myself on that. Carl had it down great for the studio recording but the live versions from '67 show him struggling as well). I don't know if Christian Love would fit since I only know his voice as very smooth and cool one and not rough and rocking but who knows.
I absolutely love your drumming and think your work for the Beach Boys tour was one of the instrumental highpoints.

Rocker..I have thick skin. In this business? hahahaha if you don't you'll go crying to mama "I'm tellin you as sure as I am standin here...hahahaha dude i totally get it and take no offense... see ya'll out there and thanks to everyone who loves the beach boys music. I am just a fan like most of us here. BUT ... with the better seat. And that 50th tour was the best time of my career... Bar none. And thanks to those who said nice things about me. my wife really likes that. hahahahaha it's just music gang and we all love it!!!!! Keep on Rockin in the free world

Great post.



(Also, best BBs drummer since Dennis himself.)

[Rich E P]

Loved seeing that clip of Wild Honey.  Nice work Cowsii!  Shut up, your vocals are solid.  Ha Ha.  I am driving a few hours from Calgary to see the band next friday (May 3) in Edmonton.  It is a casino show so I have my doubts, but I would kill (OK, maybe not kill but you get the idea...) to hear Wild Honey.  I have also heard tale of you guys playing Good Timin' recently and I haven't heard Mike's band do that since Farmer was MD.  Name your price.  If you can persuade Mike and Scott to get those 2 songs in the setlist for the Cree River Edmonton Casino show I will beg, borrow or steal.

Re: Wild Honey.  All the recordings I have of Carl trying it out live are not shining examples of his wonderful singing, as it is a beast of a song to belt out.  I heard Matt Jardine sing it live but was really disappointed.  I love Matt's voice and he is my fave pick to do Brian's high parts (no disrespect to Foskett, Kirsch, or even Adrian Baker as anyone who can consistently reach those notes on a regualr basis for hours on end have my admiration) as he has the whine in his voice that Brian often had.  But what made Matt's version such a let down is they moved the key from G to E and it took the "wail" out of it.  The song just begs to be near the edge of the singers range for authenticity's sake.

At the risk of sounding like an over the top fan boy (too late), just wanted to say that I just saw The Cowsills doc by Louise Palanker and I would recommend it to many here.  Great doc, though I had hoped to for more a bit more Billy footage.  I lived two blocks away from Billy Cowsill for many years and had the pleasure of seeing The Blue Shadows twice and The CoDependents dozens of times and had the good fortune of chatting with Billy many times.  He told a great story of being considered as a candidate to join the The Beach Boys band and going to speak with Brian about it.  Fascinating stuff.  He was without a doubt in the top ten vocalists I have ever heard live.  Truly right up the with the great Carl Wilson and the best of The Beach Boys vocals in their prime.  It was a pretty big thrill to see you for the first time with The Beach Boys band in Calgary in 2001 as Billy was standing right behind me in the audience singing along.  He looked pretty proud of his kid brother belting out Darlin, I Can Hear Music and Help Me Rhonda.  I over heard him say, "why the f**K isn't he playing the drums".  Thankfully that has since been remedied.  Keep on Rockin' indeed.

[Dave in KC]

Now if said group whould just allow Indian Lake into the setlist, I think it would work and be a nod to the big push JC has added to the show over the last several years.

[Steve Mayo]

even though i bought that 45 when it came out..after watching that doc i don't think the  cowsill group was fond of that single! at least some members... 

[Jason]

I love how John Cowsill, of all people, can take a critical comment in stride yet so much of this board's membership is ready to go apeshit over the same issue.

Oh, and he rocked out on that Wild Honey vocal.

[Gertie J.]

exactly.

[Lonely Summer]

I think of Rain, Park and Other Things as the Cowsills Good Vibrations.

[filledeplage]

Loved seeing that clip of Wild Honey.  Nice work Cowsii!  Shut up, your vocals are solid.  Ha Ha.  I am driving a few hours from Calgary to see the band next friday (May 3) in Edmonton.  It is a casino show so I have my doubts, but I would kill (OK, maybe not kill but you get the idea...) to hear Wild Honey.  I have also heard tale of you guys playing Good Timin' recently and I haven't heard Mike's band do that since Farmer was MD.  Name your price.  If you can persuade Mike and Scott to get those 2 songs in the setlist for the Cree River Edmonton Casino show I will beg, borrow or steal.

Re: Wild Honey.  All the recordings I have of Carl trying it out live are not shining examples of his wonderful singing, as it is a beast of a song to belt out.  I heard Matt Jardine sing it live but was really disappointed.  I love Matt's voice and he is my fave pick to do Brian's high parts (no disrespect to Foskett, Kirsch, or even Adrian Baker as anyone who can consistently reach those notes on a regualr basis for hours on end have my admiration) as he has the whine in his voice that Brian often had.  But what made Matt's version such a let down is they moved the key from G to E and it took the "wail" out of it.  The song just begs to be near the edge of the singers range for authenticity's sake.

At the risk of sounding like an over the top fan boy (too late), just wanted to say that I just saw The Cowsills doc by Louise Palanker and I would recommend it to many here.  Great doc, though I had hoped to for more a bit more Billy footage.  I lived two blocks away from Billy Cowsill for many years and had the pleasure of seeing The Blue Shadows twice and The CoDependents dozens of times and had the good fortune of chatting with Billy many times.  He told a great story of being considered as a candidate to join the The Beach Boys band and going to speak with Brian about it.  Fascinating stuff.  He was without a doubt in the top ten vocalists I have ever heard live.  Truly right up the with the great Carl Wilson and the best of The Beach Boys vocals in their prime.  It was a pretty big thrill to see you for the first time with The Beach Boys band in Calgary in 2001 as Billy was standing right behind me in the audience singing along.  He looked pretty proud of his kid brother belting out Darlin, I Can Hear Music and Help Me Rhonda.  I over heard him say, "why the f**K isn't he playing the drums".  Thankfully that has since been remedied.  Keep on Rockin' indeed.

So glad you brought up the documentary. Awesome.  And, even though the Boys have played the Hatch Shell / Esplanade in Boston, there is only ONE band, I've seen there: The Cowsills!  With the high school crew!  

And, yes Mr. Cowsill - What he said !  

[LostArt]

I finally got an opportunity to watch this clip of John Cowsill singing Wild Honey.  That is excellent.  Mr. Cowsill....you rock!  You guys are playing 20 minutes from my house in July, and I hope I will be able to attend.  Right now I don't have a band job scheduled, but it's rare when I get a Saturday in July off.  I've never seen the Beach Boys show with just Mike and Bruce and the rest of you guys, but I was fortunate enough to see the C50 thing in Milwaukee last July.  You, sir, are the best drummer that the Beach Boys have had since Dennis Wilson.  [begin extreme fanboy rant here] Did you play on "The Rain, The Park, & Other Things", or were you limited to singing on the track?  I had the 45 when I was a kid (11 years old then), and it was one of my faves, along with "Hair".  Man, I'd love to hear stories from those days [sorry...fan boy rant over].  Keep rockin', man, and I hope to see you sing Wild Honey in July!  A.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Now if said group whould just allow Indian Lake into the setlist, I think it would work and be a nod to the big push JC has added to the show over the last several years.

...or "Hair". That would be a challenge for sure, but it would sound so cool!

[filledeplage]

I think of Rain, Park and Other Things as the Cowsills Good Vibrations.

Under FYI - Cowsills related!

In the "to do list" of the Boston Globe is an announcement of the Berklee School of Music, doing "Hair Day" at the Berklee Performance Center.  Last night (April 25) and tonight (April 26) featuring Berklee's Musical Theater Ensemble.
Info at www.berkleebpc.com.  Tix are $8-20.  617-747-2261 - 7:30 p.m.  "Hair Day" features the peace movement and social revolution of the 1960's that inspired "Hair" are in the past, but the musical lives on." (Boston Globe)

22 cast members and 11 orchestra musicians