MiC up for order on Amazon, August release

[Mahalo]

A lot of the people in these hardcore Beach Boys circles are really clueless when it comes to determining what rational-minded (e.g.: not insane) people would care to listen to. Even the people in charge seem to have no idea what they should be including and what they shouldn't. (I'm speaking mostly about the vocals-only Slip On Through and studio version of I'll Bet He's Nice.)

everything else on the set is more-or-less fine... besides the crazy stuff like Problem Child or instrumental Don't Go Near The Water.

When the band has a merda load of tunes in the vaults that sound better than half their post- 1969 released stuff, I would disagree. Plus, it's not like we have many chances to hear some some of this stuff. How many times do they have to release Surfin' USA? 2,876,934 times? Many BB fans and friends have died before hearing, say, PSS or TSS. I knew one, Mr. Greg L. He was very generous and kind, and even more of a true fan.


Oh, the lyrics to TM are charming and amazing. DGNTW is dumb.

[Rocky Raccoon]

Still wondering out loud how it came to be that Bruce of all people didn't know about this box set until now.

He's not a member of BRI. Simple.

Simple? Maybe if we stretch logic just enough to conclude that the topic of this box set was never raised even once in passing as Mike and Bruce traveled together and/or rehearsed to play their shows.

How long has this been a topic here? We fans knew about the set before an actual Beach Boy! And Bruce says this on a British fan message board.

Not to mention the fact that Bruce will be receiving his own royalty checks for portions of this set.

It's hard to believe. I think he's taking the piss. 

Not to mention that Bruce supposedly has an essay to write for the set.

[guitarfool2002]

Still wondering out loud how it came to be that Bruce of all people didn't know about this box set until now.

He's not a member of BRI. Simple.

Simple? Maybe if we stretch logic just enough to conclude that the topic of this box set was never raised even once in passing as Mike and Bruce traveled together and/or rehearsed to play their shows.

How long has this been a topic here? We fans knew about the set before an actual Beach Boy! And Bruce says this on a British fan message board.

Not to mention the fact that Bruce will be receiving his own royalty checks for portions of this set.

It's hard to believe. I think he's taking the piss. 

Not to mention that Bruce supposedly has an essay to write for the set.

Bruce's reaction: "What set?"

[SurfRiderHawaii]

I'll cherry pick the box on iTunes. And I will be sooooo happy.

I think I can offer an explanation for the inclusion of instrumental tracks for Don’t Go Near The Water and Transcendental Meditation-- the lyrics are moronic, and the backing tracks are interesting mid-period, well produced BB tracks. Sounds good to me!

Yeah, I like Water but the instrumental track as a rarity instead of Carry Me Home? I wouldn't have msde that choice.

[Les P]

Just wanted that live version of "Mess of Help," however. WAAH!!!! 

Me too!

I don't envy the compilers, having to juggle the varied interests, tastes, egos, and writing credits of the group members, along with copyright, financial, and corporate considerations.  Then, after finally getting to an approved tracklist, having to hear the inevitable whining from the fanbase (at least we whine because we are passionate about this band).  I feel about the tracklist the way I felt about the 50th tour setlist: I might have chosen some different songs, but it's probably the best we could hope for considering the numerous compromises that had to be made. 

I suppose my disappointment about tracks that didn't make it (a live "Mess of Help" being one) is really more fear that this was the last chance we had of ever hearing them/getting good quality versions, and now we never will.  Time will tell, but unless BRI starts releasing online, I don't foresee many more rarities in the future.  I hope I'm wrong.

[JohnMill]

Re(4): "Made In California" is up for preorder with "Wouldn't It Be Nice(To Live Again)" included!
Posted on June 12, 2013 at 00:19:09 AM by Bruce Johnston

Acedecade75:

I realize the great expense of all these CDs & DVDs but at least EMI dug in the vaults at the right time for the real fans. I do not expect someone to buy 'everything' but there is a great deal of selection now and you can count on a great deal of sonic quality that will be recaptured from the original recordings.

I was thinking that possibly 'down the road' we (the band) could listen to some playbacks of the recording of our Royal Albert Hall concert (my absolute favourite concert of the whole tour!!!!) and perhaps we could bring it to life as a future release if it sounds as good as I remember.
Bruce Johnston
Montecito
June 11, 2013


Yes Please!!!

I'd be happy just to get the individuals members of the band back together in one room again after the cluster... last fall.  As for RAH, the only way I can see it coming out as an official release is if it is that DVD package Bruce alluded to earlier.  They won't release another live cd to compete with the C50 release they put out last month.  Unless they are aiming to turn into DMB or something.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Still wondering out loud how it came to be that Bruce of all people didn't know about this box set until now.

He's not a member of BRI. Simple.

Simple? Maybe if we stretch logic just enough to conclude that the topic of this box set was never raised even once in passing as Mike and Bruce traveled together and/or rehearsed to play their shows.

How long has this been a topic here? We fans knew about the set before an actual Beach Boy! And Bruce says this on a British fan message board.

Not to mention the fact that Bruce will be receiving his own royalty checks for portions of this set.

It's hard to believe. I think he's taking the piss. 

Not to mention that Bruce supposedly has an essay to write for the set.

Bruce's reaction: "What set?"

I read Bruce's post on the BBB board. I think he was joking, tongue in cheek.

[guitarfool2002]

If the story turns out to be true and not just another load of nonsense, now we can try to guess which of the rarities Mike tried to have removed from the tracklisting. 

[Jay]

I am so happy right now.  I was to excited to read this whole thread. It's going to be very, VERY hard to not listen to any sound clips before I have the set actually in my hands. 

[Jim V.]

Well, I guess I'll throw my opinion into the mix.

I'm super excited that we will get to finally hear the "Where Is She?", "(Wouldn't It Be Nice To) Live Again", the demo of "California Feelin'" and all kinds of other stuff. So psyched. Was kinda hoping that there might be some "unknown" new Brian titles, but it's honestly ok that there isn't. I'm glad that stuff like "Where Is She?" and "California Feelin'" exist and I'm excited to hear them. Also intrigued to see what "Why" and "I Believe in Miracles" are.

I'm also somewhat surprised that "You're Still A Mystery" and "Soul Searchin'" are getting release. I figured Brian might be holding back "You're Still A Mystery" for an upcoming project, and I also thought that maybe "Soul Searchin'" was off the table since a very similar version was on GIOMH. But whatever. It is great to hear the final original Beach Boys tunes featuring Carl Wilson in great quality.

My only complaints are very minor. I'm kinda miffed that "California Dreamin'" is on there. Actually, I was confused why they played it last year too. It's a song that people confusingly think is a Beach Boys original, not realizing it's a Mama's & Papas song. I think if they had to put something from the mid '80s, "It's Gettin' Late" or "Still Cruisin'" or something woulda been a better choice.

Also disappointed that they are using the Summer Love Songs mix of "Fallin' In Love" rather than Dennis & Rumbo's original single mix which is actually titled "Lady". It would be great if that was easily available. Isn't the only way to get a CD version getting either some Super Furry Animals influences CD or a Phoenix influences CD?

I'm also slightly confused as to why they put a bunch of the previously unreleased material on the last disc rather than mixing it in with the rest. Some of the rarities are sprinkled throughout the other discs (like "Live Again" and the band version of "California Feelin'"), so obviously it's not that they wanted to separate ALL the rarities. I suppose it could be that the stuff on the last disc is maybe considered a bit rough for the average person, so they separated things.

[SMiLE Brian]

Any number of acts with fewer fans have put out lines of official bootlegs and crazy rarities sets. It just takes some imagination, and the understanding you won't sell masses of copies.

As for the 15 Big Ones set, I happen to really love those sessions and think they're wildly underappreciated. Putting them all together would hopefully prompt a reevaluation of a really creative and odd time in the band. But maybe that's just me. 

I like the 15 big ones sessions as well, so much great music buried under bad mixes. Brian could still record, but wasn't interested in mixing anymore.

[AndrewHickey]

I'll cherry pick the box on iTunes. And I will be sooooo happy.

I think I can offer an explanation for the inclusion of instrumental tracks for Don’t Go Near The Water and Transcendental Meditation-- the lyrics are moronic, and the backing tracks are interesting mid-period, well produced BB tracks. Sounds good to me!

Yeah, I like Water but the instrumental track as a rarity instead of Carry Me Home? I wouldn't have msde that choice.

I'm sure I read somewhere (can't remember where) that Brian vetoed Carry Me Home from appearing on a previous release because he couldn't stand to hear Dennis sing about dying. If so, that would probably explain why it isn't on here...

[wantsomecorn]

I'll cherry pick the box on iTunes. And I will be sooooo happy.

I think I can offer an explanation for the inclusion of instrumental tracks for Don’t Go Near The Water and Transcendental Meditation-- the lyrics are moronic, and the backing tracks are interesting mid-period, well produced BB tracks. Sounds good to me!

Yeah, I like Water but the instrumental track as a rarity instead of Carry Me Home? I wouldn't have msde that choice.

I'm sure I read somewhere (can't remember where) that Brian vetoed Carry Me Home from appearing on a previous release because he couldn't stand to hear Dennis sing about dying. If so, that would probably explain why it isn't on here...

I can see that. We're lucky to finally get a song by him called "Wouldn't It Be Nice To Live Again" released, but I can see why Brian would be turned off by a very tired-sounding Dennis saying "Please God, I'm afraid to die".

[DonnyL]

Are these Keepin the Summer Alive outtakes ('Da Do Ron Ron' and 'Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love') perhaps the last BW-produced BB recordings in a sense? When they went to Western, used the old crew and Carl said Brian got 'really hot for a few days' and was 'singing like a bird' or something? I'm wondering if these are maybe more significant than we might think.

Super stoked to see Dennis finally get his due in this type of archive release ... if it's the definitive representation of the group's living career, the track list rightfully shows Dennis as second to only Brian as their strongest creative force. A first, I think.

[Nicko1234]

Are these Keepin the Summer Alive outtakes ('Da Do Ron Ron' and 'Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love') perhaps the last BW-produced BB recordings in a sense? When they went to Western, used the old crew and Carl said Brian got 'really hot for a few days' and was 'singing like a bird' or something? I'm wondering if these are maybe more significant than we might think.

Da Doo Ron Ron is from right in the heart of the KTSA sessions and to me it is a lifeless and dull cover.

Why Don't They Let us Fall in Love is from the Wilson/Love recordings in 1980 I believe so is a late Brian production. I can't say I think it's very good though.

[DonnyL]

Why Don't They Let us Fall in Love is from the Wilson/Love recordings in 1980 I believe so is a late Brian production. I can't say I think it's very good though.

Is that so? I thought Carl sang it.

[Nicko1234]

Is that so? I thought Carl sang it.

According to AGD's site it is from the WAVES sessions. Mike contributes both bass vocals and slightly nasal lead vocals I think.

[Les P]

Are these Keepin the Summer Alive outtakes ('Da Do Ron Ron' and 'Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love') perhaps the last BW-produced BB recordings in a sense? When they went to Western, used the old crew and Carl said Brian got 'really hot for a few days' and was 'singing like a bird' or something? I'm wondering if these are maybe more significant than we might think.

Da Doo Ron Ron is from right in the heart of the KTSA sessions and to me it is a lifeless and dull cover.

Why Don't They Let us Fall in Love is from the Wilson/Love recordings in 1980 I believe so is a late Brian production. I can't say I think it's very good though.

I have to admit these two inclusions are the most puzzling to me, as I agree they don't seem to be anything special.  "I'll Always Love You" from this era is supposed to be a standout track.

[DonnyL]

Is that so? I thought Carl sang it.

According to AGD's site it is from the WAVES sessions. Mike contributes both bass vocals and slightly nasal lead vocals I think.

I think I've heard a version with Carl singing that sounds like a wrecking crew thing, not the basic Love You-style setup of those later sessions

[Dave Modny]

Now that we're getting into dissecting the particulars of the set....


Does anyone else find it a bit puzzling that they're choosing to use what appears to be the Sounds Of Summer stereo remix of Shut Down? Which, frankly put, might be the worst in the bunch of the modern era stereo mixes/remixes.


Unless that date is incorrect.

[Nicko1234]

It will be fascinating if we ever discover how and why certain songs were omitted.

For example, Somewhere Near Japan would have seemed a cert for this set as it is both a good song and the 45 mix is quite rare. So was it Al who vetoed it due to the drug references? Or was it left off due to the allegations about John Phillips and his daughter? Lord knows.

I can't think of any logical reason why Mike would have vetoed Big Sur, Glow Crescent Glow, California Beach etc. But surely the compilers would have liked to have included these originals above the crappy 1980 covers if they'd had the chance.

Did one of the band members really insist that no Party outtakes could be included on the CD?

[Nicko1234]

I think I've heard a version with Carl singing that sounds like a wrecking crew thing, not the basic Love You-style setup of those later sessions

You may well be right. To be honest, it isn't a song that I like enough to listen to regularly so it may well have Carl's vocals on too. Mike is certainly the most prominent though.

[Mike's Beard]

Are these Keepin the Summer Alive outtakes ('Da Do Ron Ron' and 'Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love') perhaps the last BW-produced BB recordings in a sense? When they went to Western, used the old crew and Carl said Brian got 'really hot for a few days' and was 'singing like a bird' or something? I'm wondering if these are maybe more significant than we might think.

Da Doo Ron Ron is from right in the heart of the KTSA sessions and to me it is a lifeless and dull cover.

Why Don't They Let us Fall in Love is from the Wilson/Love recordings in 1980 I believe so is a late Brian production. I can't say I think it's very good though.

I have to admit these two inclusions are the most puzzling to me, as I agree they don't seem to be anything special.  "I'll Always Love You" from this era is supposed to be a standout track.

I really like Carl's vocals on Da Doo Ron Ron, will be glad to get a decent, cleaned up edit of this song. I'm guessing the brief studio banter at the start (including the F bomb) will be gone.

[DonnyL]

It will be fascinating if we ever discover how and why certain songs were omitted.

For example, Somewhere Near Japan would have seemed a cert for this set as it is both a good song and the 45 mix is quite rare. So was it Al who vetoed it due to the drug references? Or was it left off due to the allegations about John Phillips and his daughter? Lord knows.

I can't think of any logical reason why Mike would have vetoed Big Sur, Glow Crescent Glow, California Beach etc. But surely the compilers would have liked to have included these originals above the crappy 1980 covers if they'd had the chance.

Did one of the band members really insist that no Party outtakes could be included on the CD?

I'm glad they kept the '80s stuff out, but "Carry Me Home", "Still I Dream Of It", "Stevie", "Big Sur" and "It's Not Easy Being Me" are stone-cold classics that I would personally love to have seen included, but we can't have it all ... and I'm sure there are very good reasons why some of these tracks just won't see the light of day right now.

Stuff like "Problem Child" and "Somewhere Near Japan" would just drag the set down (way down) in my opinion. Throw on "Chasin The Sky" and "Happy Endings" and you've got a real dud of a disc there!

I'm not ready to dismiss the 'crappy 1980s covers' because I bet these are some of the last real BW productions he did for the group, and he may have specifically requested their inclusion, who knows? They're both Spector songs after all !

The weirdest thing to me is the inclusion of all of the Smile stuff (it looks like Smiley is represented only by 'Wonderful') ... but I guess you've got to cater to every kind of potential fan/market.

[runnersdialzero]

Now that we're getting into dissecting the particulars of the set....


Does anyone else find it a bit puzzling that they're choosing to use what appears to be the Sounds Of Summer stereo remix of Shut Down? Which, frankly put, might be the worst in the bunch of the modern era stereo mixes/remixes.


Unless that date is incorrect.

I feel like, on the 2012 remasters or possibly another recent hits compilation, it was said that the Sounds Of Summer stereo mix of "Shut Down" was the one used when it was in fact the original. Lets hope so, as that one is indeed pretty bad unless they've fixed the phasing error that is literally physically painful to listen to.