Al's Leads Over The Years

[jeffh]

I've always wondered why Al wasn't given more lead vocals over the years. He always had a great voice. Why was this ? Was it because he wasn't a brother or cousin? Thanks in advance for replies.

[KDS]

I can really only speculate. 

In the early days, it was really all Mike and Brian on lead, with a token lead from Dennis from time to time.  Of course, it's worth noting that Al wasn't on their first few albums (how many seems to depend on who you ask). 

It seems like he and Carl got more leads once Brian started to retreat from his leadership role. 

But, overall, I will agree that Al's lead vocals were underused in the grand scheme of things. 

[Joel Goldenberg]

The only less than stellar Al lead I can think of was on the '64 Christmas album.

[KDS]

I've always thought that "Christmas Day" was a good song. 

Although Al seems to be doing his best Brian impression on his first lead. 

[Rocker]

Of course, it's worth noting that Al wasn't on their first few albums (how many seems to depend on who you ask). 

 

Wasn't Al in fact on every album except for "Surfin' USA" (the first one had "Surfin'" on it)?  But of course your point is understood

[KDS]

While Al does appear on every album except Surfin USA, I don't think he was officially listed as a member of the group until Shut Down Vol 2. 

[Rocker]

While Al does appear on every album except Surfin USA, I don't think he was officially listed as a member of the group until Shut Down Vol 2. 

Yeah, I know what you mean. I was just wondering if the inclusion of him as participant was really that low.

[tpesky]

Part of that after the very early years is because Al covered most of Brian's leads and parts live.  In fact, he has sung most of those songs more than Brian has.