M & B Tour 2013

[gfac22]

Just wanted to add a couple of more comments that I forgot to add last night:


- I don't want to be that hard on Christian Love but I don't think his vocals sound at all like Carl Wilson and I don't think he sings with an energy; also his body language doesn't portray an energy either; he's right up front BUT HE BARELY MOVES!

I couldn't agree more.  I've said this before, but Christian does have a really good voice (sort of similar in tone to Carl, but of course nobody can match Carl), and if he actually even pretended to give a sh*t, he'd sound so much better.  He just looks like he'd rather be anywhere else in the world.  The rest of the band is having a great time up there, but he's kind of a buzzkill.

And I kind of wish they'd go back to opening with Surfin', I thought it was a pretty cool.  As much as I love Do It Again, I've never thought it was the greatest show opener.

[filledeplage]

Just wanted to add a couple of more comments that I forgot to add last night:


- I don't want to be that hard on Christian Love but I don't think his vocals sound at all like Carl Wilson and I don't think he sings with an energy; also his body language doesn't portray an energy either; he's right up front BUT HE BARELY MOVES!

I couldn't agree more.  I've said this before, but Christian does have a really good voice (sort of similar in tone to Carl, but of course nobody can match Carl), and if he actually even pretended to give a sh*t, he'd sound so much better.  He just looks like he'd rather be anywhere else in the world.  The rest of the band is having a great time up there, but he's kind of a buzzkill.

And I kind of wish they'd go back to opening with Surfin', I thought it was a pretty cool.  As much as I love Do It Again, I've never thought it was the greatest show opener.

It's kind of cool to be at my place in life, and able to look in the rear view mirror, and ahead.  Having almost-grown children, I look at their personalities, and thought that they would all grow up as extroverts.  Two of three are, and, one is a very funny, but a very reserved introvert.  Just because someone is on stage, as a singer, doesn't confer a personality as an extrovert.  Maybe not shy, but reserved.  

And, I've been watching this very nice young man, since he began with the band, growing into the job, and I think very nicely.  He is very nice to the kids in the audience, and often  goes over to give them one of his guitar picks.  That is a nice gesture.  And, I think young people like to be their own person's. And not a "mini-me" of a high-profile parent. It is just harsh.

First, I heard vocals on that little Hallmark CD, with Cool Head, Warm Heart, and heard this "voice" (Christian's) that was a déjà vu. It instantly reminded me of Carl's soft yearning vocal quality.  Funny, one might think that looking like his dad would make him sound like Mike.  Kids sometimes resemble someone else, such as an uncle, or aunt, or cousin. If he has even an ounce of Carl's voice, it is just such a gift. It's been a joy to see this second BB generation coming along, choosing music.  

Do it Again is very cool; California Girls, with those sparkling few measures as the former intro, that always make me gasp. It's my favorite intro, and just gets the crowd so psyched for the show, right off the bat.  

[Mikie]

So it sounds like that's the only real incentive to see the Mike and Bruce show these days. To see the drummer sing Wild Honey. Fantastic song, and I'm sure Cowsill sings it great, but I've heard the rest of the setlist about 437 times already, so please give me another reason to plunk down 75 smackers to see the Mike & Bruce Travelin' Jukebox. Always liked Blondie singing Wild Honey in that video clip.

Good to know Bruce is finally getting off his ass and working these days, instead of adjusting his mic and smiling and clapping and hippity hopping like the Easter Bunny across the stage in his big ol' white shorts.

[Sheriff John Stone]

...I've heard the rest of the setlist about 437 times already, so please give me another reason to plunk down 75 smackers to see the Mike & Bruce Travelin' Jukebox....

There isn't another reason for you, Mikie. The Mike and Bruce version of The Beach Boys isn't for everybody. No problem. So, spend your money on somebody else.

[tpesky]

Kudos to Mike and company for adding Wild Honey. Mike usually ups the ante when he feels pressure from Brian. After a period of hearing how Mike and Bruce just did the hits and Brian had all of these deeps cuts,  all of a sudden their setlists got MUCH deeper ( circa 2005-06 maybe) I would bet the Brian/Al/Dave tour prospects will push Mike and his group a bit to do different stuff.

[Mikie]

...I've heard the rest of the setlist about 437 times already, so please give me another reason to plunk down 75 smackers to see the Mike & Bruce Travelin' Jukebox....

There isn't another reason for you, Mikie. The Mike and Bruce version of The Beach Boys isn't for everybody. No problem. So, spend your money on somebody else.

I will.  The Stones are coming to town.  They have a lead singer that dances around the stage like Mike Love use to.

[Mikie]

Mike usually ups the ante when he feels pressure from Brian.

Yep, he sure does!  That's been the trend since Brian started touring in '99.

[SonoraDick]

quote author=AndrewHickey link=topic=15478.msg361872#msg361872 date=1365428709]

That is pretty wild.  Here's hoping they're still feeling adventurous with the set lists when they make their way to my neck of the woods in August.  Has the M&B band ever done Wild Honey?  Come to think of it, when was the last time it was performed?

Mike & Bruce have never done it before. Al's band did it in 98/99, don't know if they still do.
[/quote]

From Al's "Postcard" cd release party, Roxy Theatre, March 20, 2012. Matt nails it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H81tILMF-N0

[SMiLE Brian]

Not trying to turn this thread into a Mike bashing thread, but I think its ironic Mike only wants to play the deeper cuts to compete with Brian. While on C50 Brian had to beg Mike to play something like "Marcella".

[Nicko1234]

Not trying to turn this thread into a Mike bashing thread, but I think its ironic Mike only wants to play the deeper cuts to compete with Brian. While on C50 Brian had to beg Mike to play something like "Marcella".

Does anyone really believe that is the only reason deeper cuts are played? Wild Honey was on Sounds of Summer anyway...

Mike's attitude has always been 'give the audience what they want'. For the casino and county fair shows that is the greatest hits and for the theatre shows they add a few other songs. Sometimes Brian's shows (eg. his U.K. Smile concerts) probably have given indications to Mike and Bruce that the audiences will accept more interesting setlists which led to them playing 54 tunes when touring the U.K. But I seriously doubt that Mike thinks about competing with Brian when Brian is only playing a few concerts all year and will probably play a similar setlist anyway.

[AndrewHickey]

Not trying to turn this thread into a Mike bashing thread, but I think its ironic Mike only wants to play the deeper cuts to compete with Brian. While on C50 Brian had to beg Mike to play something like "Marcella".

Who says he only plays them to compete with Brian?
When I saw him in 2004 he did All This Is That, Sail On Sailor, Til I Die, Everyone's In Love With You, You Still Believe In Me, Disney Girls and more
In 2008 he did those plus Good Timin', Let Him Run Wild, Good To My Baby, Here Today and more.
Even in 2011 when I saw him doing a relatively short hits show he still included Heroes & Villains with the Bicycle Rider chorus.
And that Rolling Stone article that people keep talking about doesn't have Brian 'begging' to include Marcella. The dialogue runs:
"I have feedback from my family. They want new songs."
"Like what, cuz?"
"I was thinking Marcella"
"Whaaaaaat?"
"Marcella's pretty cool, Mike. Hey, hey Marcella!"
"What are we gonna cut?"
"Well..."
"Maybe we can alternate songs"
"Yah, OK, all right, whatever"

That hardly reads to me like someone who was dragged kicking and screaming into doing the song, or anyone having to beg.

The actual evidence seems to me to show that Mike, of course, wants to do as many of the hits as possible in a show, but that when the opportunity presents itself (a longer show or a more receptive audience) he's perfectly willing to vary the setlist.

[Cabinessenceking]

respect to Mike and his band for doing WH. Wonder if it was a genuine ML decision or if his band pushed for them to try it?

[SMiLE Brian]

Part of the reason Mike upped his game in 2004 was Brian's then deep cut heavy tours. Before that it was the hits and a few covers.

[filledeplage]

Not trying to turn this thread into a Mike bashing thread, but I think its ironic Mike only wants to play the deeper cuts to compete with Brian. While on C50 Brian had to beg Mike to play something like "Marcella".

Who says he only plays them to compete with Brian?
When I saw him in 2004 he did All This Is That, Sail On Sailor, Til I Die, Everyone's In Love With You, You Still Believe In Me, Disney Girls and more
In 2008 he did those plus Good Timin', Let Him Run Wild, Good To My Baby, Here Today and more.
Even in 2011 when I saw him doing a relatively short hits show he still included Heroes & Villains with the Bicycle Rider chorus.
And that Rolling Stone article that people keep talking about doesn't have Brian 'begging' to include Marcella. The dialogue runs:
"I have feedback from my family. They want new songs."
"Like what, cuz?"
"I was thinking Marcella"
"Whaaaaaat?"
"Marcella's pretty cool, Mike. Hey, hey Marcella!"
"What are we gonna cut?"
"Well..."
"Maybe we can alternate songs"
"Yah, OK, all right, whatever"

That hardly reads to me like someone who was dragged kicking and screaming into doing the song, or anyone having to beg.

The actual evidence seems to me to show that Mike, of course, wants to do as many of the hits as possible in a show, but that when the opportunity presents itself (a longer show or a more receptive audience) he's perfectly willing to vary the setlist.

Agreed. Look to the actual evidence. But, now, that setlist analysis needs to "bifurcate" into UK/European setlist choices versus the USA.  The Touring Band has always dug a little deeper, doing stuff like Sail On, Sailor, etc., in the European markets, where those albums sold well.  Wild Honey sold better in the UK than in the States.  One broad brush doesn't cover all aspects of the argument.  

And, please let's not start a bash session.  I think it gets boring, sickening and beneath the dignity and the intelligence of many fine posters, here.  Each band will surely get out there, with their personal best work, and that will only make the next "reunion" all the finer.  I hope the BAD (not badder) band books dates where I can see them; and hope they dig out what will work for them.  I hope they do Don't Fight the Sea and And, I Always Will, from Postcard, to eventually include for all, should that take place in the future.  

If people would only stand back and look at what each band can work on to bring back to the table, they might see this year of not being together, in a more positive light.  They don't need to compete; they only need to work on themselves.  Personal best, here.  I was delighted to hear Cowsill do the Wild Honey lead.  His voice was conspicuously absent on C 50, while he drove the backbeat for the tour.  He "sang" through his percussion work.  

[Nicko1234]

Part of the reason Mike upped his game in 2004 was Brian's then deep cut heavy tours. Before that it was the hits and a few covers.

I've never seen it said it was to 'compete' with Brian though. That would be slightly bizarre anyway especially since Brian had been touring solo for years by this point.

Scott Totten becoming the band leader may have changed things as much as anything.

[SMiLE Brian]

That might be the case, Scott has done wonders for M&B. That 2003 show on YouTube shows how bad they were before he took charge.

[Jason]

Chris Farmer first became the bandleader back in 2004, taking over from (believe it or not) Bruce. It's not exactly a coincidence that the quality of the band's performances improved. Then when Scott became the bandleader in 2008 and the band was whittled down to the most essential members, it's about the best they've ever sounded. They're a great band.

[AndrewHickey]

Scott Totten becoming the band leader may have changed things as much as anything.

No, the improvement started before that, when Chris Farmer was still band leader. Getting rid of Adrian Baker was a major step forward -- the 2004 UK shows were extremely good, apart from the useless Kowalski on drums. Scott's done a great job as bandleader, but the thing that really made the difference was getting Kowalski out and moving Cowsill over to the drums. The rest was all in place back in 2004.

[filledeplage]

That might be the case, Scott has done wonders for M&B. That 2003 show on YouTube shows how bad they were before he took charge.

YouTube can only give you a snapshot of any performance.  They are tighter, now with Scott's fresh pair of eyes.  I think on many levels, his insight might be analogous to Darien's, who also applied a more impartial observer to Brian's work and through technology, that wasn't around when the music was written, look at more possibilities for both recording and performance.  Scott didn't take over, I think until around 2007-2008, but, I will tell you I never saw a "bad" Touring Band show.  YouTube is a only a "snapshot," and hardly a definitive analysis.  

[SMiLE Brian]

Chris Farmer first became the bandleader back in 2004, taking over from (believe it or not) Bruce. It's not exactly a coincidence that the quality of the band's performances improved. Then when Scott became the bandleader in 2008 and the band was whittled down to the most essential members, it's about the best they've ever sounded. They're a great band.

Yikes about Bruce being the band leader....

[Nicko1234]

No, the improvement started before that, when Chris Farmer was still band leader. Getting rid of Adrian Baker was a major step forward -- the 2004 UK shows were extremely good, apart from the useless Kowalski on drums. Scott's done a great job as bandleader, but the thing that really made the difference was getting Kowalski out and moving Cowsill over to the drums. The rest was all in place back in 2004.

Sorry, had a brain fart there. Getting mixed up between the 2004 shows with Chris Farmer and the 2008 shows with Scott Totten as leader.

I agree that the band was already excellent in 2004.

[Scott]

Scott Totten becoming the band leader may have changed things as much as anything.

No, the improvement started before that, when Chris Farmer was still band leader. Getting rid of Adrian Baker was a major step forward -- the 2004 UK shows were extremely good, apart from the useless Kowalski on drums. Scott's done a great job as bandleader, but the thing that really made the difference was getting Kowalski out and moving Cowsill over to the drums. The rest was all in place back in 2004.

Actually, when I first started playing in the band in late 2000, Chris Farmer was the Musical Director, and he remained so until 2007 when the lineup changed.  However, I had started working with Tim on keyboard sounds and parts in 2005 I think, right before our performances on The TODAY show.

I do agree that Cowsill moving over to drums made a big difference!

Scott

[the professor]

Scott Totten becoming the band leader may have changed things as much as anything.

No, the improvement started before that, when Chris Farmer was still band leader. Getting rid of Adrian Baker was a major step forward -- the 2004 UK shows were extremely good, apart from the useless Kowalski on drums. Scott's done a great job as bandleader, but the thing that really made the difference was getting Kowalski out and moving Cowsill over to the drums. The rest was all in place back in 2004.

Actually, when I first started playing in the band in late 2000, Chris Farmer was the Musical Director, and he remained so until 2007 when the lineup changed.  However, I had started working with Tim on keyboard sounds and parts in 2005 I think, right before our performances on The TODAY show.

I do agree that Cowsill moving over to drums made a big difference!

Scott

Always a distinct pleasure to hear the authoritative voice of one of our heroes. Scott, there is nothing quite like the drama of you and Dave alternating fills throughout the verses of Little Honda live; may I salute you for the arrangement and bit of elegance? Still Crusin' as well is a favorite. Thank you for the unity, professionalism, musical awareness and bardic joy you brought to the 50th shows. The list is no place to interrogate the honored guests, so I make no inquiry about the future. You know surely how we all long for more original work written and performed by this once-in-a-lifetime band, however chimerical that hope may be. For now, deep thanks for your work and infinite gift to us.

The Professor (no doubt speaking for many other here as well).

[AndrewHickey]

I do agree that Cowsill moving over to drums made a big difference!

Scott

It did. I hope you don't think, BTW, that my comment was minimising your contribution -- you do a remarkable job. I just don't think that Chris Farmer did a bad job at all either, and I think some people here tend to lay the faults of other ex-members at his door a little.

[Nicko1234]

It did. I hope you don't think, BTW, that my comment was minimising your contribution -- you do a remarkable job. I just don't think that Chris Farmer did a bad job at all either, and I think some people here tend to lay the faults of other ex-members at his door a little.

Agreed 100%