Analysis of the Live 50th Anniversary Tour CD

[drbeachboy]

There's a huge difference, though. Taking the vocals from the album and placing them onto an alleged "live" album? Again, it insults the listener's intelligence big time and is giving them something they already have when it's implied that they're getting something totally different. Lame, cheap, and fairly offensive.

So, about the 1964 "In Concert" album?  Backing tracks for "Fun Fun Fun" and "I Get Around"?  Heck, this is almost the fiftieth anniversary of the Beach Boys doing that!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

What about it?

What do you mean, what a about it? I Get Around and Fun Fun Fun have the studio versions flown in on Concert. So, I guess The Beach Boys have been insulting our intelligence since 1964.

[TimmyC]

Haven't read the whole thread, but saw some some negative comments.

 

Man... I don't even want to read that stuff!  This 2-disc set is fan-freakin'-tastic!!!  It's exactly everything I hoped for.  More so.

First -- it's a live album.  You have to know what you're getting into.  It's not a new studio album.  There's no revelations to be found and it's nothing new.

Second -- live albums (to me) are for certain settings.  Cookouts.  Parties.  BBQs.  And cookouts    They not for deep moments and personal reflection.  They're for getting out and having fun.  So if that's how you're judging this -- STOP.  Take off the headphones, put this disc on your hi-fi, open the window and place your biggest speaker in said open window.  Now go outside and fire up the grill.  And forget about it.

Third -- live albums provide a nice way to hear ole' favorites without having to hear the same ole' damn recordings.

Fourth -- hearing ole favorites in 2012 rock-concert sound quality!!  Spinning I Get Around from 1964 and California Girls from 1965 is one thing... quaint and old.  But it's 2013...

Fifth -- it's fresh to hear them today.  The songs are done different, sound newer.  They're almost like entirely new songs, using old well-loved songs!

Sixth -- there can be a lot of minor surprises.  The way Brian sings the ending of Sail On Sailor for one.

Seventh -- Perhaps there's more of a reason to "sweetin'" it up in the studio, post-production -- because they're older, etc.  But I'm hearing a lot more "music" where that wasn't the case in the original cut.  Disney Girls comes to mind.  Harmonies get more emphasis where they didn't before.  It's just awesome.

Eighth -- what damn good set-list.  Wonderful mix of classics and great 70s stuff.  California.  Disney Girls.  All This is that.

Ninth -- the new single(s) sound great!!!  It's so awesome to hear them mixed in with the oldies.  I love it!!!

Tenth -- 2 DISCS!!!!!!!!

start the chant: Bean Bag, bean Bag, bean Bag!!!!!! Again, stoked with holy fire, Bean Bag nails lit!! Oh bean bag, this is the professor's take completely!!!

+1 (or would that be +2??)

[TimmyC]

That's what I said, but having to be funny wasn't called for there. A plain statement would have done fine. Plus, not everyone has the same sense of humor. Plus we were talking about background vocals, not leads, in the case of Dennis & Carl.

Yeah. It's one thing to be a smart ass to each other, another to be a smart ass to an honored guest who is busy on tour and has graciously taken the time to give us his thoughts. I'm sure Scott has a great sense of humor, but why risk pissing him off? I seem to recall another honored guest who was basically chased off the board because of comments like this. I think it's really cool that Scott reads the board and weighs in from time to time. Lets let him know how much we appreciate it by avoiding the snark.

Just my opinion.

[Theydon Bois]

I've already stated that it was not my intention to upset an "honoured guest", but since some people clearly think that a mark has been overstepped here, I have sought a speedy resolution by taking the liberty of reporting myself to the moderators for an impartial review.  If they conclude that I have behaved inappropriately, then I will happily accept any slapdown or censure that they choose to impose.  I hope that this will draw a line underneath the matter, and that we can get this fascinating thread back on topic.  I for one am very much looking forward to the return of AlFall, and hope that he will perhaps revisit his conclusions on "Sail On, Sailor", since I believe he's called that one wrong when he says it's a continuous performance.

(My regards to Heartical Don and Gohi.)

[drbeachboy]

I've already stated that it was not my intention to upset an "honoured guest", but since some people clearly think that a mark has been overstepped here, I have sought a speedy resolution by taking the liberty of reporting myself to the moderators for an impartial review.  If they conclude that I have behaved inappropriately, then I will happily accept any slapdown or censure that they choose to impose.  I hope that this will draw a line underneath the matter, and that we can get this fascinating thread back on topic.  I for one am very much looking forward to the return of AlFall, and hope that he will perhaps revisit his conclusions on "Sail On, Sailor", since I believe he's called that one wrong when he says it's a continuous performance.

(My regards to Heartical Don and Gohi.)

Geez, what a martyr! Nobody was asking for anything like that against you, except yourself. Just be aware of what you say and who you say it to. You know, use some common sense.

[Theydon Bois]

I don't think I'm ever going to please you, drbeachboy.

[drbeachboy]

I don't think I'm ever going to please you, drbeachboy.

Have I had issues with you in the past? If I did, then I don't remember. Besides, don't please me, please who you are responding to.

[Theydon Bois]

Besides, don't please me, please who you are responding to.

Responding to this is going to be a curious logical problem.

[Generation42]

Meh, it was enough to make me chuckle (if a little bit of a groaner), and I can't imagine Scott, or anyone, really, getting upset enough to split on us over it, but what do I know?

Anyway, the real point of my post is to try and get us back on topic with a query for AlFall (or anybody else who may wish to chime in).

On my copy of the disc, during the first verse of "Good Vibrations," Brian's lead vocal is audibly cut, to where the word "wears" (from "I love the colorful clothes she wears") is missing the "s."  So, in effect, what we hear is "she wear/..."

I don't have a copy of Chiba handy at the moment, but I can't imagine this shows up during the actual live show, as it's not a case of Brian simply not singing the "s" - Brian's line is clearly, decisively cut.  My question is "why?"  On the live recording, does Brian carry the end of the line out-of-pitch, necessitating a cut?  Maybe we're seeing another case of sloppy editing of the masters, adding to the tally of editing issues which have popped-up here and there recently on Beach Boys releases?  I suppose that it is possible, however unlikely, that it's an issue with only my copy.  Listen closely and see if you notice.

Any thoughts?

[drbeachboy]

Besides, don't please me, please who you are responding to.

Responding to this is going to be a curious logical problem.

  I am pleased.

[Peter Reum]

Sadly, Chiba trumps the live cd. Incredible recording.

[Pretty Funky]

+1

Add the BBC 2 show and we have a pretty good package. Now if those 8-10 songs from the CD not on either BBC or Chiba could just be found somewhere?

[Mikie]

Add Chiba, RFH, and Wembley and you have a good package.

The Berkeley and Socal shows were damn good too.

[Rich E P]

I enjoy parts of the official 2 cd live set a whole bunch and glad I bought it as it brings back some nice memories...

But I'm with Mr. Reum, Chiba is the best recording of all of the ones I have heard thus far.  I know there was some post production on that recording too, but it is less obtrusive than the glossy sheen of the official 2 disc project.  I hope this doesn't cross any lines, but has anyone WATCHED the whole (not so official) video that has been released on dvd?  Just curious how the video is as I love the audio and I may fork out the buck to put the dvd in my collection.  I bought both the officially released blu-rays that came out in the last year and enjoyed the live one (but it was too short and a bit too over-produced) but I want some of the more rare tunes.  Just curious if anyone here purchased the dvd that come with the complete Chiba show plus a complete US show too (Chicago or Boston I think) as well as some live tv appearances from C50.

[Dave Modny]

Add Chiba, RFH, and Wembley and you have a good package.

The Berkeley and Socal shows were damn good too.

I'll raise you one and also say *some* of the mixes from the respective Grand Prairie, NPR tracks as well. That is, specifically and for me personally, "The Little Girl I Once Knew." In the case of that one, I much prefer the integration of the vocals -- namely Jeff's falsetto -- over how it was mixed on the CD. Same performance. Two different mixes. Quite a difference.

On a related note, if anyone is interested, or has anything to add where I still have question marks, here's a breakdown of that NPR airing in terms of  actual sources. I did a brief run-through last night. If anyone sees any mistakes, feel free to comment as well:


NPR - In Concert:

Do It Again - Alternate mix of "DIA 2012" studio (digitally time-compressed/tempo sped-up + assorted "live" sounds and crowd noise mixed in [spoken "yeahs" "one more time," etc.]. Though, those spoken sounds don't appear to be from the actual live performance in Grand Prairie, TX.)
Catch A Wave - Artist Confidential
Don't Back Down - Grand Prairie, TX
Surfer Girl - Grand Prairie, TX
Surfin Safari - Artist Confidential
The Little Girl I Once Knew - Grand Prairie, TX
Isn't It Time - Alternate Studio Mix (w/ "sneaky" edit at end and solo vocal line to simulate a hard ending).
Little Deuce Coupe - Spoken intro is an edit from Grand Prairie, TX, Rest of song maybe a combination of Grand Prairie and Artist Confidential ? It was late, and I got tired of sync-ing and going back and forth between everything...lol. Anyone?
409 - Artist Confidential
Shut Down - Artist Confidential
I Get Around - Artist Confidential
Sail On, Sailor - ? (NOT Grand Prairie)
TWGMTR - Alternate Studio Mix (w/ hard ending)
California Girls - Grand Prairie, TX
Dance, Dance, Dance - Grand Prairie, TX
All Summer Long - Grand Prairie, TX
Help Me, Rhonda - Grand Prairie, TX
Rock 'N' Roll Music - Grand Prairie, TX
Do You Wanna Dance - Grand Prairie, TX
Barbara Ann - Grand Prairie, TX
Surfin USA - ?  (NOT Grand Prairie)
Good Vibrations - Artist Confidential

[Melt Away]

No Auto-Tune here! Maybe it could use some, lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY-L89UdOS4

[Generation42]

Meh, it was enough to make me chuckle (if a little bit of a groaner), and I can't imagine Scott, or anyone, really, getting upset enough to split on us over it, but what do I know?

Anyway, the real point of my post is to try and get us back on topic with a query for AlFall (or anybody else who may wish to chime in).

On my copy of the disc, during the first verse of "Good Vibrations," Brian's lead vocal is audibly cut, to where the word "wears" (from "I love the colorful clothes she wears") is missing the "s."  So, in effect, what we hear is "she wear/..."

I don't have a copy of Chiba handy at the moment, but I can't imagine this shows up during the actual live show, as it's not a case of Brian simply not singing the "s" - Brian's line is clearly, decisively cut.  My question is "why?"  On the live recording, does Brian carry the end of the line out-of-pitch, necessitating a cut?  Maybe we're seeing another case of sloppy editing of the masters, adding to the tally of editing issues which have popped-up here and there recently on Beach Boys releases?  I suppose that it is possible, however unlikely, that it's an issue with only my copy.  Listen closely and see if you notice.

Any thoughts?

Okay, so I guess it strikes no one else as weird.

Anyway, can anybody at least confirm that the cut is on their copy, too, please?  Thanks.

[Pretty Funky]

To be honest, the whole album is a bit weird but yes, the 's' is cut from my copy also. May have to do with the flown in crowd noise, but just sloppy IMO.

[Generation42]

To be honest, the whole album is a bit weird but yes, the 's' is cut from my copy also. May have to do with the flown in crowd noise, but just sloppy IMO.

Hey, thanks for the confirmation.  Though I actually enjoy the disc for stretches at a time, there are some peculiarities.  And concerning this GV one, in particular, I think "sloppy" sums it up nicely (What, no QC?  Was anybody even paying attention?).

[SonicVolcano]

What professional recordings are there from the C50 tour? Chiba, the BBC2 show and...?

[AndrewHickey]

What professional recordings are there from the C50 tour? Chiba, the BBC2 show and...?

At least Grand Prairie, the SiriusXM show, and the show used for the live DVD. Bruce has made comments on the BBB board that suggest that the Albert Hall show was professionally recorded, too.

[SonicVolcano]

What professional recordings are there from the C50 tour? Chiba, the BBC2 show and...?

At least Grand Prairie, the SiriusXM show, and the show used for the live DVD. Bruce has made comments on the BBB board that suggest that the Albert Hall show was professionally recorded, too.

Thanks

[Generation42]

What professional recordings are there from the C50 tour? Chiba, the BBC2 show and...?

At least Grand Prairie, the SiriusXM show, and the show used for the live DVD. Bruce has made comments on the BBB board that suggest that the Albert Hall show was professionally recorded, too.

By "professionally recorded," do you mean each of these shows were multi-tracked?  How about, say, the Hollywood Bowl?  Wembley?  Any info on these?

Also, I guess that, by extension, the next question would be which shows are thought to have been professionally filmed, as well as recorded to milti's?

[Micha]

To be honest, the whole album is a bit weird but yes, the 's' is cut from my copy also. May have to do with the flown in crowd noise, but just sloppy IMO.

13 years ago I recorded a song with my band, and in two lines the "s"ses at the ends of two words couldn't be heard in the mix, even though I had sung them. So I overdubbed just the "s"ses again on a free track to make sure I could mix them loud enough so you could hear them.

It was a song about summer, too, and for those who know German, here's the lyrics:

Und mir rinnt der Schweiß / auf mein Vanilleeis.

At first it was:

"Und mir rinnt der Schwei / auf mein Vanilleei"

[runnersdialzero]

There's a huge difference, though. Taking the vocals from the album and placing them onto an alleged "live" album? Again, it insults the listener's intelligence big time and is giving them something they already have when it's implied that they're getting something totally different. Lame, cheap, and fairly offensive.

So, about the 1964 "In Concert" album?  Backing tracks for "Fun Fun Fun" and "I Get Around"?  Heck, this is almost the fiftieth anniversary of the Beach Boys doing that!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

What about it?

What do you mean, what a about it? I Get Around and Fun Fun Fun have the studio versions flown in on Concert. So, I guess The Beach Boys have been insulting our intelligence since 1964.

Again, yeah? It is an insult to our intelligence. I hate to defend it with "Those were different times, it was more common to do that back then" and "Their fanbase was very different in 1964", but it's so true. Also, again, just because Brian Wilson did it doesn't mean it's right. It's two instances early on in their career when Capitol had a knife in their back to ensure the Beach Boys were putting out records every five minutes, it didn't happen again until 2013, a time when there's really no excuse to do it anymore. I'm not sure why anyone is defending it.

Again, it's redundant - it's giving us something we already have with the promise of it being something we don't have. I really, really doubt they couldn't have put together a cohesive, good quality lead for "Do It Again", "Radio" and "Isn't It Time" from the multiple shows they recorded.

It's so, so cheap, it's indeed an insult to our intelligence and it's just another contributing factor to the really sloppy, low-quality job on something where a little more care should've been employed for the sake of the band's dignity.