Which version of Big Sur do you prefer?

[JK]

I also feel that the Holland version is the right one for that album. It fits nicely in the build-up through "Beaks" to "California". Its intimacy is better suited (pun unintentional)----much as I like it, the 4/4 version feels too much like a stand-alone track to be part of a suite. As for the harmonica, it makes me think more of a mellow Neil Young than Dylan.

[Fire Wind]

Holland version.  I find the lyrical/lead melody fit a bit awkward on the other.

[Bicyclerider]

I feel the lyrics/melody fit the Landlocked version best - as it was the first version, the lyrics/melody were written for 4/4.  They don't fit as well IMO in the waltz.  And I've never liked the suite anyway - Beaks is awful - they would have been better off keeping Big Sur and California Saga separate.  They could follow each other of course.

[RiC]

Holland version is the greatest, of course. There's a reason why they re-recorded it. Landlocked version is nice, but the Holland one is just awesome. So simple.

[donald]

The Holland version is the one.  However, if you have not heard the 4/4, you owe it to yourself to find a copy.  Truly one that should have shown up on a twofer or box   (or has it?). 

[Mikie]

The Holland version is the one.  However, if you have not heard the 4/4, you owe it to yourself to find a copy.  Truly one that should have shown up on a twofer or box   (or has it?). 

No, it hasn't shown up anywhere, Don, as I alluded to earlier. Only on bootlegs, i.e. 'Landlocked'.

[Orange Crate Art]

I like the 4/4 version better. I love the vocals at the beginning right before Mike begins his lead. Having said that, I like the Holland version as well. I just prefer the 4/4 version.

[punkinhead]

Big Sur is generally regarded as Mike's finest hour by BB fans...

Not this fan* - the decision to pare it back to campfire basics to fit with the rest of the "California Saga" suite was 100% correct. The so-called Landlocked version is way too lush.

[* - since you asked... "Let The Wind Blow"... "All I Wanna Do"... "Viggie" (the ocarina mix)... "Kiss Me, Baby"]

Where can one hear that mix of Viggie?


Concerning Big Sur, I like the "Landlocked" version best, it seems a lot more positive than the Holland version, in some ways. I also think the Holland version seems a little dark and weary...not a bad thing, just dont to enjoy it for this song.
I do like the harmonica on the Holland version, reminds me of PiaNo Man.

[Mikie]

Maybe this song shoulda been up for a vote!  Just for fun.

[The Shift]

Maybe this song shoulda been up for a vote!  Just for fun.

 
Like a poll thread? What a lark!  Not completely sure though - perhaps it's worth a vote on whether we should have a poll? What do you think?  Is there a precedence?

[joshferrell]

Someone mentioned above the possibility of a Deluxe version of "Holland" that makes sense to me that would explain why both "Big Sur" and "We got Love" are missing from MIC and also the fact that they didn't reissue it a couple years ago when they reissued the remasters..this also makes me wonder if they are planning on releasing deluxe versions of "CATP", "Love You", and "15 BO's" since they, too, would have some unreleased tracks on them as well as demo...

[Smilin Ed H]

Holland version on Holland. The earlier version on Surf's Up.

[urbanite]

The unreleased version of Big Sur is the superior recording and has a real Beach Boys sound to it.   

[RiC]

Someone mentioned above the possibility of a Deluxe version of "Holland" that makes sense to me that would explain why both "Big Sur" and "We got Love" are missing from MIC and also the fact that they didn't reissue it a couple years ago when they reissued the remasters..this also makes me wonder if they are planning on releasing deluxe versions of "CATP", "Love You", and "15 BO's" since they, too, would have some unreleased tracks on them as well as demo...

Wow, that's my wet dream. Is that only speculation, or is there some kind of rumour about it? They should add Carry Me Home and Hard Times too. Sorry if this is offtopic.

[Mikie]

Maybe this song shoulda been up for a vote!  Just for fun.

 
Like a poll thread? What a lark!  Not completely sure though - perhaps it's worth a vote on whether we should have a poll? What do you think?  Is there a precedence?

Wasn't there somebody who complained recently about too many poll threads? I think this deserves a poll thread.

And I agree with the guy who said "Carry Me Home" should be released. That's been on my want list for a couple of decades too.

[CenturyDeprived]

Someone mentioned above the possibility of a Deluxe version of "Holland" that makes sense to me that would explain why both "Big Sur" and "We got Love" are missing from MIC and also the fact that they didn't reissue it a couple years ago when they reissued the remasters..this also makes me wonder if they are planning on releasing deluxe versions of "CATP", "Love You", and "15 BO's" since they, too, would have some unreleased tracks on them as well as demo...

Wow, that's my wet dream. Is that only speculation, or is there some kind of rumour about it? They should add Carry Me Home and Hard Times too. Sorry if this is offtopic.

This is just a rumor I started

Pure speculation on my part. But it would seem to make some sort of sense that the band was "hoarding" Holland-era outtake tracks for some reason. I mean, what individual BB album (except perhaps Sunflower) could have a better chance at a Deluxe edition, complete with hoards of current-day hipster cred, other than Holland?

IMO, I think it's a no-brainer that it's a question of when, not if.

[metal flake paint]

27 votes so far:

Landlocked version - 14 votes - 51.85%
Holland version      - 13 votes - 48.15%

[donald]

I have the landlocked lp vinyl but haven't listened to it for some time (cause its buried in my vinyl collection) but as I recall, the 4/4 version has some very sweet BB harmony parts.  I think I'll go home today, dig that out, and have my neighbor make a cd for me with his usb turntable. 

[Quzi]

Used to dig the Landlocked version more, but I think that was partly due to it being unreleased. The Holland version suits the conversational tone of the lyrics much better.

[Ron]

I like the Landlocked version, but the backup vocals are too repetitive.  It's a nuance... they're beautful of course, but it's the same thing 50 times. 

So i'm going to have to go with the released version.  Plus, it's a Waltz.  How can you vote against a Waltz?

[Micha]

I like the Landlocked version, but the backup vocals are too repetitive.  It's a nuance... they're beautful of course, but it's the same thing 50 times. 

So i'm going to have to go with the released version.  Plus, it's a Waltz.  How can you vote against a Waltz?

Like this: I vote against the waltz!

[Les P]

Landlocked version.  The Holland version is too country for my taste.

[clinikillz]

Maybe this song shoulda been up for a vote!  Just for fun.

I tried to make this a poll thread but it wouldn't let me.  

[Mikie]

It's OK, Metalflake's keeping track for us. 

[metal flake paint]

Currently equal with 15 votes apiece.