Early version of "River Song"

[Jim V.]

This thread makes me feel like a total newbie because I feel that I should know the truth about this after years of fandom, but for the life of me I just can't remember. So here goes...

That version of "River Song" from earlier in the '70s where a clearer-voiced Dennis sings the lead, where is it from? Is it a Beach Boys studio recording, is it a "solo" Denny Wilson recording, or is it a rehearsal or something? I seem to recall it being a rehearsal, but I'm not sure that I'm right.

Anyways, after listening to it again earlier, I'm kinda surprised it didn't make it onto Made In California (if it was indeed a Beach Boys recording), since it's pretty different from the Pacific Ocean Blue version, and I'm sure Beach Boys aficionados wouldn't have minded it.

[Cabinessenceking]

This thread makes me feel like a total newbie because I feel that I should know the truth about this after years of fandom, but for the life of me I just can't remember. So here goes...

That version of "River Song" from earlier in the '70s where a clearer-voiced Dennis sings the lead, where is it from? Is it a Beach Boys studio recording, is it a "solo" Denny Wilson recording, or is it a rehearsal or something? I seem to recall it being a rehearsal, but I'm not sure that I'm right.

Anyways, after listening to it again earlier, I'm kinda surprised it didn't make it onto Made In California (if it was indeed a Beach Boys recording), since it's pretty different from the Pacific Ocean Blue version, and I'm sure Beach Boys aficionados wouldn't have minded it.

Reason it's not on MiC is probably that there are so many Dennis songs being released (since he penned much of the unreleased material).

Also, Myke Luhv decided that the world was finally ready to hear Goin' To The Beach!

[SonicVolcano]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJeHcHzGyZQ

This version?

[Andrew G. Doe]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

[Jim V.]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

I trust you on this kinda stuff Andrew, but that is not Blondie on the lead. That is Dennis. Those are Denny's vocal inflections. In fact, it almost sounds like the POB version, but just a touch sweeter sounding.

But yeah, I have to imagine that they have a live version in the archives (or maybe they don't). Or at least a cleaner version of this rehearsal. Definitely think it shoulda made it, and I really don't have complaints about MIC otherwise.

[AndrewHickey]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

I trust you on this kinda stuff Andrew, but that is not Blondie on the lead. That is Dennis. Those are Denny's vocal inflections. In fact, it almost sounds like the POB version, but just a touch sweeter sounding.

Yeah, the version AGD's talking about is an actual early version. This is just a different mix of the POB track, with a different vocal take. AGD was talking about "the version from earlier in the 70s"

[Jason]

River Song was played on at least a couple gigs on the summer 1973 tour - in Hartford as Andrew mentioned, and also at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY the previous day.

[Andrew G. Doe]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

I trust you on this kinda stuff Andrew, but that is not Blondie on the lead. That is Dennis. Those are Denny's vocal inflections. In fact, it almost sounds like the POB version, but just a touch sweeter sounding.

But yeah, I have to imagine that they have a live version in the archives (or maybe they don't). Or at least a cleaner version of this rehearsal. Definitely think it shoulda made it, and I really don't have complaints about MIC otherwise.

That youtube version is the 1973 rehearsal for the tour - I have a copy of the audio for the KABC TV report, and it's the exact same track. And listen again - the vocal is Blondie, with DW occasionally doubling. Denny's voice in 73 was already deteriorating and it was never, ever that clear.

[Jim V.]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

I trust you on this kinda stuff Andrew, but that is not Blondie on the lead. That is Dennis. Those are Denny's vocal inflections. In fact, it almost sounds like the POB version, but just a touch sweeter sounding.

But yeah, I have to imagine that they have a live version in the archives (or maybe they don't). Or at least a cleaner version of this rehearsal. Definitely think it shoulda made it, and I really don't have complaints about MIC otherwise.

That youtube version is the 1973 rehearsal for the tour - I have a copy of the audio for the KABC TV report, and it's the exact same track. And listen again - the vocal is Blondie, with DW occasionally doubling. Denny's voice in 73 was already deteriorating and it was never, ever that clear.

Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks for the info Mr. Doe. So this is indeed a rehearsal, and it is indeed Blondie singing (with occasional Dennis doubling).

Which would mean that Andrew Hickey's assertion that this is an alternate take from Pacific Ocean Blue is incorrect.

However, did The Beach Boys ever attempt any official recording of "River Song"? Or was doing it live close as they got?

[Jon Stebbins]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

I trust you on this kinda stuff Andrew, but that is not Blondie on the lead. That is Dennis. Those are Denny's vocal inflections. In fact, it almost sounds like the POB version, but just a touch sweeter sounding.

But yeah, I have to imagine that they have a live version in the archives (or maybe they don't). Or at least a cleaner version of this rehearsal. Definitely think it shoulda made it, and I really don't have complaints about MIC otherwise.

That youtube version is the 1973 rehearsal for the tour - I have a copy of the audio for the KABC TV report, and it's the exact same track. And listen again - the vocal is Blondie, with DW occasionally doubling. Denny's voice in 73 was already deteriorating and it was never, ever that clear.

Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks for the info Mr. Doe. So this is indeed a rehearsal, and it is indeed Blondie singing (with occasional Dennis doubling).

Which would mean that Andrew Hickey's assertion that this is an alternate take from Pacific Ocean Blue is incorrect.

However, did The Beach Boys ever attempt any official recording of "River Song"? Or was doing it live close as they got?

Sorry but this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJeHcHzGyZQ is the early early studio version with the basic track being the same as the released POB version albeit in a much different mix. All the lead vocals on this are Dennis with some Carl harmony and doubling. You can even hear them bringing the tape/track up at the beginning. No Blondie on this as he was gone by the time it was recorded. He does sing lead on the couple of live versions that float around from the '73 tour. Andrew Hickey's assertion that this is the 1974 in progress studio cut is correct.

[MBE]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81PcyF7Ygl8
This is how Blondie sang it, the rehearsal version is to my ears Dennis. I think Dennis could still sing well in 1973 if the live Forever is anything to go on.

[Jon Stebbins]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81PcyF7Ygl8
This is how Blondie sang it, the rehearsal version is to my ears Dennis. I think Dennis could still sing well in 1973 if the live Forever is anything to go on.

Again, that version I commented on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJeHcHzGyZQ... is not a rehearsal. its an early early mix/vocal take circa '74 of the eventual POB track, much of what you hear there remains on the released POB track, some of it buried further down in the mix.

[Mikie]

Yeah, the Hartford and Nassau boots have the early River Song on there.

There was a radio interview in early 1976 and I'm trying to remember what it was........where the '73 track of River Song was played. Carl commented on something during a phone interview with a DJ or commentator. I think he was asked about 15 Big Ones because he commented that "the new album will consist of an album of oldies and an album of new songs". I can't remember. All I know is this guy was talking and the '73 River Song track was playing in the background and he intoduced the soundbite by saying "We're with Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys". Anybody else hear that one?

[Wrightfan]

Man, I'd give my left AND right nut to hear River Song if the band could've done it during the Surf's Up era.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Yeah, the Hartford and Nassau boots have the early River Song on there.

There was a radio interview in early 1976 and I'm trying to remember what it was........where the '73 track of River Song was played. Carl commented on something during a phone interview with a DJ or commentator. I think he was asked about 15 Big Ones because he commented that "the new album will consist of an album of oldies and an album of new songs". I can't remember. All I know is this guy was talking and the '73 River Song track was playing in the background and he intoduced the soundbite by saying "We're with Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys". Anybody else hear that one?

Think you're slightly misremembering the spring National Album Countdown show where Carl did a phoner: I have that tape, and the DJ does say that... but the track played is the 'hot' mix of "Rock & Roll Music".

[Andrew G. Doe]

There's an excellent reason Dennis sounds clear-voiced on this: it's Blondie (who sang lead on the live performances). Recorded in 1973. There was a KABC TV clip that featured this recording: the voice-over stated it was a rehearsal for the upcoming tour, which would have been the August 12-September 3 sweep of the east coast and midwest. The didn't do "River Song" at every stop, but certainly did on 8/24 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford CT.

I trust you on this kinda stuff Andrew, but that is not Blondie on the lead. That is Dennis. Those are Denny's vocal inflections. In fact, it almost sounds like the POB version, but just a touch sweeter sounding.

But yeah, I have to imagine that they have a live version in the archives (or maybe they don't). Or at least a cleaner version of this rehearsal. Definitely think it shoulda made it, and I really don't have complaints about MIC otherwise.

That youtube version is the 1973 rehearsal for the tour - I have a copy of the audio for the KABC TV report, and it's the exact same track. And listen again - the vocal is Blondie, with DW occasionally doubling. Denny's voice in 73 was already deteriorating and it was never, ever that clear.

Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks for the info Mr. Doe. So this is indeed a rehearsal, and it is indeed Blondie singing (with occasional Dennis doubling).

Which would mean that Andrew Hickey's assertion that this is an alternate take from Pacific Ocean Blue is incorrect.

However, did The Beach Boys ever attempt any official recording of "River Song"? Or was doing it live close as they got?

Sorry but this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJeHcHzGyZQ is the early early studio version with the basic track being the same as the released POB version albeit in a much different mix. All the lead vocals on this are Dennis with some Carl harmony and doubling. You can even hear them bringing the tape/track up at the beginning. No Blondie on this as he was gone by the time it was recorded. He does sing lead on the couple of live versions that float around from the '73 tour. Andrew Hickey's assertion that this is the 1974 in progress studio cut is correct.

If Jon says so, then I defer, of course. Memo to self - schedule appointment to audiologist.

[zachrwolfe]

‍

[Mikie]

Yeah, the Hartford and Nassau boots have the early River Song on there.

There was a radio interview in early 1976 and I'm trying to remember what it was........where the '73 track of River Song was played. Carl commented on something during a phone interview with a DJ or commentator. I think he was asked about 15 Big Ones because he commented that "the new album will consist of an album of oldies and an album of new songs". I can't remember. All I know is this guy was talking and the '73 River Song track was playing in the background and he intoduced the soundbite by saying "We're with Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys". Anybody else hear that one?

Think you're slightly misremembering the spring National Album Countdown show where Carl did a phoner: I have that tape, and the DJ does say that... but the track played is the 'hot' mix of "Rock & Roll Music".

Not surprised I'm misremembering. I initially typed that Rock & Roll Music reference, but then deleted it, thinking it was a different interview. I have it mixed up - I don't think it was the Best Summers Of Our Lives radio special. I have it on a cassette somewhere. I know for a fact River Song is definitely playing in the background at the beginning. Maybe C-Man or Steve Mayo remembers. Big Steve, you out there?

Tell me I'm not insane, Van Dyke!

[pixletwin]

The drums at the end get pretty wild on that demo version. Who is it?

[Jason]

The drums at the end get pretty wild on that demo version. Who is it?

If I remember correctly, the drums on River Song were done by Ricky. Both the demo and the album version.

[Mikie]

Gotta be Rick.  Dennis had a dilapidated hand.....

[Rocker]

Did the Beach Boys record any more vocals for this? The song could've become a Beach Boys classic imo. You got so much in there that made them so fascinating among other things. The great harmony vocals in the beginning, that cool bassline (rollin', rollin'....) which was perfect for a Mike Love vocal. Then you have this almost Smile/Good Vibrations structure with different musical motifs and even a connection with the water.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Yeah, the Hartford and Nassau boots have the early River Song on there.

There was a radio interview in early 1976 and I'm trying to remember what it was........where the '73 track of River Song was played. Carl commented on something during a phone interview with a DJ or commentator. I think he was asked about 15 Big Ones because he commented that "the new album will consist of an album of oldies and an album of new songs". I can't remember. All I know is this guy was talking and the '73 River Song track was playing in the background and he intoduced the soundbite by saying "We're with Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys". Anybody else hear that one?

Think you're slightly misremembering the spring National Album Countdown show where Carl did a phoner: I have that tape, and the DJ does say that... but the track played is the 'hot' mix of "Rock & Roll Music".

Not surprised I'm misremembering. I initially typed that Rock & Roll Music reference, but then deleted it, thinking it was a different interview. I have it mixed up - I don't think it was the Best Summers Of Our Lives radio special. I have it on a cassette somewhere. I know for a fact River Song is definitely playing in the background at the beginning. Maybe C-Man or Steve Mayo remembers. Big Steve, you out there?

Tell me I'm not insane, Van Dyke!

Pretty sure what you thinking of is the KABC TV clip from spring 1973. Would love to see the video of that.

[hypehat]

The drums at the end get pretty wild on that demo version. Who is it?

If I remember correctly, the drums on River Song were done by Ricky. Both the demo and the album version.

Ed Roach mentioned once on here that he mixed this version, and loved the bongos so much he brought them up at the end. Well played, Ed 

[gfac22]

The drums at the end get pretty wild on that demo version. Who is it?

If I remember correctly, the drums on River Song were done by Ricky. Both the demo and the album version.

That's right, it's actually the same exact drum track on both.