The Smiley Smile Message Board
Welcome,
Guest
. Please
login
or
register
.
1 Hour
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
Forever
Login with username, password and session length
If you like this message board, please help with the hosting costs!
680601
Posts in
27601
Topics by
4068
Members - Latest Member:
Dae Lims
March 29, 2024, 03:28:51 PM
The Smiley Smile Message Board
|
Smiley Smile Stuff
|
General On Topic Discussions
|
"Had to Phone Ya"
0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
« previous
next »
Pages:
[
1
]
2
Author
Topic: "Had to Phone Ya" (Read 6875 times)
CenturyDeprived
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5749
"Had to Phone Ya"
«
on:
December 20, 2013, 07:43:09 PM »
How did Brian pull off a nearly Pet Sounds-level backing track in '76? It's just jaw dropping to listen to on the MIC box set.
I dig the vocals on the full 15 Big Ones version, but they are a bit rough at times, and not really up to the stellar beauty of the backing track. I imagine that fans listening to this track in '76 on the 15BO album would have probably thought the full version of "Had to Phone Ya" was good (or even great), but wouldn't really quite have known just how ace the backing track was without hearing it on its own.
If it had been an instrumental on the album, I'd imagine some people would have thought it possible that Brian was still maybe, just maybe capable of pulling off another Pet Sounds level album.
We know this song started out as "Trombone Dixie" during the Pet Sounds era, so it had older roots. Maybe Brian felt this was a "lost" track from that golden era, that nudged him to put that much more care into the recording? I can't think of another song after this one which Brian put quite as much care to produce a backing track close to Pet Sounds level (IMO, of course).
Logged
Rotat
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 178
Re: \
«
Reply #1 on:
December 20, 2013, 08:27:28 PM »
I was thinking the same thing listening to it last night or the other night. I've been really into BB backing tracks and that one is stunning. It is so much more complex than 99% of 15 Big Ones that it is pretty baffling of the quality of that one, especially by 1976 standards. I suppose some of the wrecking crew played on it right? Could be part of the reason why it's so good, but still.. it is credited as being produced, arranged and even conducted by Brian. Very impressive for the time.
Logged
Andrew G. Doe
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 17767
The triumph of The Hickey Script !
Re: \
«
Reply #2 on:
December 20, 2013, 10:20:19 PM »
Sax: Steve Douglas & Jay Migliori
Clarinet: Dennis Dreith & Jules Jacobs
Bass: Lyle Ritz
Violins: Sidney Sharp, Arnold Belnick & Henry Ferber
Trumpet: Bobby Shew
Drums: Dennis Wilson
Guitar: Ed Carter & Billy Hinsche
Piano: Brian Wilson
Logged
The four sweetest words in my vocabulary: "This poster is ignored".
Sheriff John Stone
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5309
Re: \
«
Reply #3 on:
December 21, 2013, 08:16:27 AM »
"Had To Phone Ya" epitomizes, for me anyway, the reality or the "real state" of Brian Wilson in 1976. When you listen to the "Had To Phone Ya" track (and many more on 15 Big Ones), and the Love You album, on one hand you felt that Brian still had "it". But, on the other hand, mainly with the vocals that Brian allowed to be recorded/released, you felt that something was very seriously wrong. You went from feeling really good, almost wanting to go "Yes!", to, maybe 30 seconds later, scratching your head and thinking "WTF..."
Logged
The Heartical Don
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 4761
Re: \
«
Reply #4 on:
December 21, 2013, 08:27:44 AM »
Quote from: Sheriff John Stone on December 21, 2013, 08:16:27 AM
"Had To Phone Ya" epitomizes, for me anyway, the reality or the "real state" of Brian Wilson in 1976. When you listen to the "Had To Phone Ya" track (and many more on 15 Big Ones), and the Love You album, on one hand you felt that Brian still had "it". But, on the other hand, mainly with the vocals that Brian allowed to be recorded/released, you felt that something was very seriously wrong. You went from feeling really good, almost wanting to go "Yes!", to, maybe 30 seconds later, scratching your head and thinking "WTF..."
For me not so much 'WTF', but more a raw, honest ambiguity. Of course it was not the Brian we were used to... but IMHO it is to his credit that he did not want to deceive anyone in this respect. He's always been very much of an 'as is' man. He could have done take after take and then released the most sweet vocal he could come up with... or even have Carl or Mike, or Al do his stuff.
But not so: he presented himself to us as he was at the time. As he always did and does.
Logged
80% Of Success Is Showing Up
Sheriff John Stone
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5309
Re: \
«
Reply #5 on:
December 21, 2013, 08:43:43 AM »
Quote from: The Heartical Don on December 21, 2013, 08:27:44 AM
Quote from: Sheriff John Stone on December 21, 2013, 08:16:27 AM
"Had To Phone Ya" epitomizes, for me anyway, the reality or the "real state" of Brian Wilson in 1976. When you listen to the "Had To Phone Ya" track (and many more on 15 Big Ones), and the Love You album, on one hand you felt that Brian still had "it". But, on the other hand, mainly with the vocals that Brian allowed to be recorded/released, you felt that something was very seriously wrong. You went from feeling really good, almost wanting to go "Yes!", to, maybe 30 seconds later, scratching your head and thinking "WTF..."
For me not so much 'WTF', but more a raw, honest ambiguity. Of course it was not the Brian we were used to... but IMHO it is to his credit that he did not want to deceive anyone in this respect. He's always been very much of an 'as is' man. He could have done take after take and then released the most sweet vocal he could come up with... or even have Carl or Mike, or Al do his stuff.
But not so: he presented himself to us as he was at the time. As he always did and does.
Absolutely. Honesty is one of the best qualities of Brian's work in 1976. It is "so Brian", unlike a lot of his later solo stuff, which sounds manufactured. And, that's why I love 15 Big Ones and Love You. So, maybe you say "WTF" when you realize that this IS really who Brian Wilson is today, or what he became.
Logged
The Heartical Don
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 4761
Re: \
«
Reply #6 on:
December 21, 2013, 09:37:20 AM »
Quote from: Sheriff John Stone on December 21, 2013, 08:43:43 AM
Quote from: The Heartical Don on December 21, 2013, 08:27:44 AM
Quote from: Sheriff John Stone on December 21, 2013, 08:16:27 AM
"Had To Phone Ya" epitomizes, for me anyway, the reality or the "real state" of Brian Wilson in 1976. When you listen to the "Had To Phone Ya" track (and many more on 15 Big Ones), and the Love You album, on one hand you felt that Brian still had "it". But, on the other hand, mainly with the vocals that Brian allowed to be recorded/released, you felt that something was very seriously wrong. You went from feeling really good, almost wanting to go "Yes!", to, maybe 30 seconds later, scratching your head and thinking "WTF..."
For me not so much 'WTF', but more a raw, honest ambiguity. Of course it was not the Brian we were used to... but IMHO it is to his credit that he did not want to deceive anyone in this respect. He's always been very much of an 'as is' man. He could have done take after take and then released the most sweet vocal he could come up with... or even have Carl or Mike, or Al do his stuff.
But not so: he presented himself to us as he was at the time. As he always did and does.
Absolutely. Honesty is one of the best qualities of Brian's work in 1976. It is "so Brian", unlike a lot of his later solo stuff, which sounds manufactured. And, that's why I love 15 Big Ones and Love You. So, maybe you say "WTF" when you realize that this IS really who Brian Wilson is today, or what he became.
Yup. I think 'Imagination' is for me the prime example of 'manufactured', including the portrait on the cover, which I jokingly referred to as: the son of Brian Wilson, at the time.
Logged
80% Of Success Is Showing Up
chrs_mrgn
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 422
Re: \
«
Reply #7 on:
December 21, 2013, 10:09:48 AM »
I agree, Imagination is so overly produced in one of the most horrible ways.
Everything twinkles and blegh.
Logged
Nicko1234
Guest
Re: \
«
Reply #8 on:
December 21, 2013, 10:30:24 AM »
Quote from: CenturyDeprived on December 20, 2013, 07:43:09 PM
How did Brian pull off a nearly Pet Sounds-level backing track in '76? It's just jaw dropping to listen to on the MIC box set.
As you've hinted, a big reason is simply because it was based on Trombone Dixie.
Logged
CenturyDeprived
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5749
Re: \
«
Reply #9 on:
December 21, 2013, 11:11:33 AM »
Quote from: Sheriff John Stone on December 21, 2013, 08:16:27 AM
"Had To Phone Ya" epitomizes, for me anyway, the reality or the "real state" of Brian Wilson in 1976. When you listen to the "Had To Phone Ya" track (and many more on 15 Big Ones), and the Love You album, on one hand you felt that Brian still had "it". But, on the other hand, mainly with the vocals that Brian allowed to be recorded/released, you felt that something was very seriously wrong. You went from feeling really good, almost wanting to go "Yes!", to, maybe 30 seconds later, scratching your head and thinking "WTF..."
When hearing the backing track, I imagine that the other Boys would have been slightly floored, to say the least, that Brian pulled off such an amazing production at that point. Not that backing tracks of Brian's from just a few years prior weren't also amazing, like "Til I Die", "This Whole World", etc... but "Had To Phone Ya" just so specifically recalls his work at the Pet Sounds era (which I imagine even in 1976 was thought by the band to have unquestionably been their high water mark + artistic pinnacle), that I'd think they would've really thought that Brian still had his full powers up his sleeve to use when he wanted to.
It's just a bit odd to me that most fans/critics (and possibly the band themselves to some degree?) didn't seem to quite notice that at the time. Or maybe the band noticed, but Brian simply wasn't able to deliver in that way in a consistent manner. I guess some people noticed just how rad this track is, since someone must've made an extra effort to boot the backing track, as a poor quality backing track of this song was making the boot rounds for years.
«
Last Edit: December 21, 2013, 11:13:38 AM by CenturyDeprived
»
Logged
Rotat
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 178
Re: \
«
Reply #10 on:
December 21, 2013, 11:11:40 AM »
I have a feeling a lot of us might be surprised if we heard some more of the backing tracks from 15 Big Ones. One reason why I really enjoy that album is the some of the arrangements are pretty damn unique. They sound like insipid watered down dated 70s productions to some people at first, but there is something kind of complex about some of the arrangements or just something different Brian added to the mixes that made things interesting. For example, like someone mentioned before, besides the synths in general which I love, the "strings" synth pads in Chapel Of Love do have a slight delay to it that adds a lot of character. Also the saxes sound amazing (the Tallahassee Lasse portion for example).
It's just a shame the song sequence could have been better. I really think that's what killed the album. Too many mediocre selections I guess, looking at it objectively. Some of the outtakes are way better than some tracks that made the album (Mony Mony, Michael Row The Boat Ashore and Sea Cruise are all awesome covers).
«
Last Edit: December 21, 2013, 11:19:02 AM by jcjh20
»
Logged
CenturyDeprived
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5749
Re: \
«
Reply #11 on:
December 21, 2013, 11:17:30 AM »
Quote from: jcjh20 on December 21, 2013, 11:11:40 AM
I have a feeling a lot of us might be surprised if we heard all the backing tracks from 15 Big Ones. One reason why I really enjoy that album is the arrangements are pretty damn unique. They sound like insipid watered down dated 70s productions to some people at first, but there is something kind of complex about some of the arrangements or just something different Brian added to the mixes that made things interesting. For example, like someone mentioned before, besides the synths in general which I love, the "strings" synth pads in Chapel Of Love do have a slight delay to it that adds a lot of character. Also the saxes sound amazing.
I concur... I feel 15 Big Ones is one of the BBs most underrated albums. It's probably because of the vocals, which have their share of less than stellar moments, and obviously because it was seemingly marketed as Brian's "return to form".
But really, the backing tracks seem very proto-Love You, and have lots + lots of unique touches. I think if someday, all BB albums are released Pet Sounds Sessions style with backing tracks + isolated vocals (I won't hold my breath, but hopefully someday), the 15 Big Ones backing tracks will reveal some hidden gems that have been very overlooked.
Logged
Myk Luhv
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 1350
"...and I said, 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy?!'"
Re:
«
Reply #12 on:
December 21, 2013, 12:45:04 PM »
I said this in the album review thread but I've come to enjoy
15 Big Ones
a lot more now that I listen to the album for its sonic textures and arrangements and not necessarily as a collection of songs. If I did that, then I definitely would be disappointed by 2/3 of the album, and I was for the longest time since that's what I was doing. Now, however, I notice the really cool blending of synth and guitar tones on the main riff of "Talk to Me" or the sheer power of entirety of "Just Once in My Life" and so on. Actually, I think that album is really interesting for how Brian combines synthesizers and guitars in his arrangements throughout. That and "Pallisades Parks" really cooks, I love that song!
Logged
Rotat
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 178
Re:
«
Reply #13 on:
December 21, 2013, 12:54:21 PM »
Quote from: Myk Luhv on December 21, 2013, 12:45:04 PM
I said this in the album review thread but I've come to enjoy
15 Big Ones
a lot more now that I listen to the album for its sonic textures and arrangements and not necessarily as a collection of songs. If I did that, then I definitely would be disappointed by 2/3 of the album, and I was for the longest time since that's what I was doing. Now, however, I notice the really cool blending of synth and guitar tones on the main riff of "Talk to Me" or the sheer power of entirety of "Just Once in My Life" and so on. Actually, I think that album is really interesting for how Brian combines synthesizers and guitars in his arrangements throughout. That and "Pallisades Parks" really cooks, I love that song!
I totally agree and that's how I mainly listen to the album.. There are indeed some interesting blending of synths with regular instruments and especially for 1976, it is really cool to hear. Not a lot of people were doing that yet at that time.
I think a few songs are just awesome from start to finish. Just Once In My Life, Talk To Me, Chapel of Love, Palisades Park, It's OK, Had To Phone Ya.. at least half of the album is really good imo.
Logged
zachrwolfe
Guest
«
Reply #14 on:
December 21, 2013, 01:59:19 PM »
«
Last Edit: December 20, 2018, 08:34:10 PM by zatch
»
Logged
donald
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2485
Re: \
«
Reply #15 on:
December 21, 2013, 02:43:42 PM »
I seem to recall this album being trashed frequently on some of the BB chat rooms and message boards a few years ago.
I've always liked most of the LP . glad to see it is being appreciated by more fans.
Logged
punkinhead
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 4508
what it means to be human
Re: \
«
Reply #16 on:
December 21, 2013, 07:55:42 PM »
Now the real question is: how does the original version of Had to Phone Ya (American Spring's performance) fit into all this?
Logged
To view my video documentation of my Beach Boys collection go to
www.youtube.com/justinplank
"Someone needs to tell Adrian Baker that imitation isn't innovation." -The Real Beach Boy
~post of the century~
"Well, you reached out to me too, David, and I'd be more than happy to fill Bgas's shoes. You don't need him anyway - some of us have the same items in our collections as he does and we're also much better writers. Spoiled brat....."
-Mikie
"in this online beach boy community, I've found that you're either correct or corrected. Which in my mind is all in good fun to show ones knowledge of their favorite band."- punkinhead
♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇
Pissing off drunks since 1978
Global Moderator
Offline
Posts: 11844
🍦🍦 Pet Demon for Sale - $5 or best offer ☮☮
Re:
«
Reply #17 on:
December 21, 2013, 08:39:05 PM »
It's...ok.
Pun not entirely intended.
Logged
Need your song mixed/mastered? Contact me at
fear2stop@yahoo.com
. Serious inquiries only, please!
Andrew G. Doe
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 17767
The triumph of The Hickey Script !
Re: \
«
Reply #18 on:
December 21, 2013, 10:55:30 PM »
Quote from: punkinhead on December 21, 2013, 07:55:42 PM
Now the real question is: how does the original version of Had to Phone Ya (American Spring's performance) fit into all this?
It was recorded December 1972 or January 1973, so I'd have to say, it fits right in between "Trombone Dixie" and
15 BO
. I believe the word is "transitional"... or maybe "nascent"... possibly "prototypical". Anyway, it was recorded first, and you can take that to the bank.
Logged
The four sweetest words in my vocabulary: "This poster is ignored".
The Heartical Don
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 4761
Re: \
«
Reply #19 on:
December 22, 2013, 01:25:41 AM »
Really enjoyed the praise for 15 BO expressed here. It's been unfairly dismissed numerous times, I recall the commentary of Dave Marsh in some review book of his; appalling in terms of its superficiality.
Someone mentioned the string synth delay in Chapel Of Love, which was a great idea, I concur. It flavours the whole cover. Then there is the sax intro to Blueberry Hill, and its bass pattern. Just Once In My Life is a great cover, as heartfelt as it gets. It's OK is a true BBs summer smash, in fact I like it more than Do It Again (not so much the composition per se, but the production).
Unfortunately, there are things that mar the album. Everyone's In Love With You is too sickly sweet. That Same Song is better with that Baptist Choir. A Casual Look is mediocre at best. And Susie Cincinnati is badly produced, it's grating on the ears.
All in all, a good LP which could have been a great one.
(Everything IMHO, of course.)
Logged
80% Of Success Is Showing Up
The Shift
Smiley Smile Associate
Online
Gender:
Posts: 7427
Biding time
Re:
«
Reply #20 on:
December 22, 2013, 03:47:59 AM »
Had To Phone you is a lovely BW slice of life tune a la Busy Doing Nothing, etc. love if when Marilyn (or is it Diane?!?!) answers the phone at the end.
Logged
“We live in divisive times.”
Nicko1234
Guest
Re: \
«
Reply #21 on:
December 22, 2013, 05:16:38 AM »
Had to Phone Ya and Just Once in My Life are certainly the best productions on the album.
Much of 15 Big Ones is bilge though and it deserves its bad reputation. The less said about dreck like TM Song and In the Still of the Night the better.
Logged
Russ_B66
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 37
Re: \
«
Reply #22 on:
December 22, 2013, 05:54:59 AM »
If you take "Everyone's In Love With You" at face value, it is not so bad. I wish that I could go back in time before I heard that it was about the Maharishi. It takes on a different flavor when you know the particulars.
Logged
Sheriff John Stone
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5309
Re: \
«
Reply #23 on:
December 22, 2013, 08:09:17 AM »
Quote from: Russ_B66 on December 22, 2013, 05:54:59 AM
If you take "Everyone's In Love With You" at face value, it is not so bad. I wish that I could go back in time before I heard that it was about the Maharishi. It takes on a different flavor when you know the particulars.
I agree. When I first heard the song, and for a year or so after that, I liked it - including the lyrics - because I thought it was about an attractive girl who everybody fell in love with, but she never found love herself. Then, when Mike began introducing the song in concert, well, that changed everything.
There a number of well thought out, nicely arranged, good songs on 15 Big Ones. I always thought "It's OK" and "Palisades Park" could stand with a lot of Brian's stuff from his heyday. Even "That Same Song"; I think it's a well-written song, with an nice intro, verse, chorus, and a little tag. But, Brian can't bring it to fruition because of his vocal. Same with "Back Home"; it's a well-done song/track. Some like Brian's vocal, others might wince, but the song does get going.
There's Mike's "a bow, bow, bow" on "Chapel Of Love". The "Tallahassee Lassie" segment leaves you wanting for more. For such a short song, "TM Song" has a lot going on there; I like the melody on the "What time is it, how long has it been..." part. There's something wrong with "Blueberry Hill", but parts of it are cool.
Brian was still very creative in 1976. Think of all the stuff, really neat stuff that he did that year, including the Love You album. I'd still like to know more about what happened to him in 1978....and....Landy must've really whacked him out in 1983 because, creatively, he's never been the same.
Logged
The Heartical Don
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 4761
Re: \
«
Reply #24 on:
December 22, 2013, 08:52:17 AM »
Quote from: Sheriff John Stone on December 22, 2013, 08:09:17 AM
Quote from: Russ_B66 on December 22, 2013, 05:54:59 AM
If you take "Everyone's In Love With You" at face value, it is not so bad. I wish that I could go back in time before I heard that it was about the Maharishi. It takes on a different flavor when you know the particulars.
I agree. When I first heard the song, and for a year or so after that, I liked it - including the lyrics - because I thought it was about an attractive girl who everybody fell in love with, but she never found love herself. Then, when Mike began introducing the song in concert, well, that changed everything.
There a number of well thought out, nicely arranged, good songs on 15 Big Ones. I always thought "It's OK" and "Palisades Park" could stand with a lot of Brian's stuff from his heyday. Even "That Same Song"; I think it's a well-written song, with an nice intro, verse, chorus, and a little tag. But, Brian can't bring it to fruition because of his vocal. Same with "Back Home"; it's a well-done song/track. Some like Brian's vocal, others might wince, but the song does get going.
There's Mike's "a bow, bow, bow" on "Chapel Of Love". The "Tallahassee Lassie" segment leaves you wanting for more. For such a short song, "TM Song" has a lot going on there; I like the melody on the "What time is it, how long has it been..." part. There's something wrong with "Blueberry Hill", but parts of it are cool.
Brian was still very creative in 1976. Think of all the stuff, really neat stuff that he did that year, including the Love You album. I'd still like to know more about what happened to him in 1978....and....Landy must've really whacked him out in 1983 because, creatively, he's never been the same.
Your last remark puzzles me, SJS, although I can empathise partly with the point you make. Well, let me challenge you: what about the best of the Paley sessions? About 'Melt Away', and the 'surf ballad segment' in 'Rio Grande' (which I am very partial to)? About 'TWGMTR' (the single, as classic as BW gets)?
Logged
80% Of Success Is Showing Up
Pages:
[
1
]
2
Jump to:
Please select a destination:
-----------------------------
Smiley Smile Stuff
-----------------------------
=> BRIAN WILSON Q & A
=> Welcome to the Smiley Smile board
=> General On Topic Discussions
===> Ask The Honored Guests
===> Smiley Smile Reference Threads
=> Smile Sessions Box Set (2011)
=> The Beach Boys Media
=> Concert Reviews
=> Album, Book and Video Reviews And Discussions
===> 1960's Beach Boys Albums
===> 1970's Beach Boys Albums
===> 1980's Beach Boys Albums
===> 1990's Beach Boys Albums
===> 21st Century Beach Boys Albums
===> Brian Wilson Solo Albums
===> Other Solo Albums
===> Produced by or otherwise related to
===> Tribute Albums
===> DVDs and Videos
===> Book Reviews
===> 'Rank the Tracks'
===> Polls
-----------------------------
Non Smiley Smile Stuff
-----------------------------
=> General Music Discussion
=> General Entertainment Thread
=> Smiley Smilers Who Make Music
=> The Sandbox
Powered by SMF 1.1.21
|
SMF © 2015, Simple Machines
Page created in 0.386 seconds with 22 queries.
Helios Multi
design by
Bloc
Loading...