New Brian album announced

[Dancing Bear]

They say that Brian's back, I never knew that he was gone...   

Ok, ok, sorry, I lost my mind. 

Recording a new album: GOOD
MultiBrian backing vocals: BAD

[Andrew G. Doe]

Frankly, I really like the sound of this. This sounds like the most BRIAN project that Brian's worked on in a long time. It sounds like he's large and in charge on this 'un, and the stripped down approach really appeals.

I dig the song titles too: "Oxygen To The Brain?" Sweet.

And "Proud Mary" *FINALLY* resurges! That oughta make AGD have fits, but I'm ecstatic.

A whole song based on the "Shortenin' Bread" riff ?  My idea of heaven ! 

But...

But...

Brian doing most of the vocals ? Er...

Two, three songs nigh on 20 years old ("Wondering..." and I'm thinking "Oxygen..." might well be "Chain reaction...") ? Errrrrrrrrr...

Question - do they have a label for this ?

[Andrew G. Doe]

For an example of how it might sound, check out "Walking Down The Path Of Life," which I believe was ALSO cut with basically Brian and Scotty.

And Taylor, and Nelson.

I like "Path", but that same session also produced the latest and totally insipid version of "Spirit Of Rock & Roll".

[Old Rake]

I'm thinking "Oxygen..." might well be "Chain reaction..."

Why might you think that?

"I'm Goin' Home" is, according to Toby, a Paley sessions track, too, so that one's old as well.

I'm not a fan of "stack o' Brian" either -- or that is, I'm a fan when its DONE well, as it was on the first solo album and on Wilson/Paley, but not when its NOT done well, as in several recent attempts.

[matt-zeus]

Frankly, I really like the sound of this. This sounds like the most BRIAN project that Brian's worked on in a long time. It sounds like he's large and in charge on this 'un, and the stripped down approach really appeals.

I dig the song titles too: "Oxygen To The Brain?" Sweet.

And "Proud Mary" *FINALLY* resurges! That oughta make AGD have fits, but I'm ecstatic.

A whole song based on the "Shortenin' Bread" riff ?  My idea of heaven ! 

But...

But...

Brian doing most of the vocals ? Er...

Two, three songs nigh on 20 years old ("Wondering..." and I'm thinking "Oxygen..." might well be "Chain reaction...") ? Errrrrrrrrr...

Question - do they have a label for this ?

Oh Andrew, you're such a cynic! 

[Andrew G. Doe]

I prefer to regard myself as... a realist. 

I hope for the best, but am prepared for the worst.

Except for GIOMH - nothing prepared me for how bad that puppy was. And is.

[Don't Back Down]

I just hope he uses real instruments, instead of synth sounds

Well, why not? I could live with some Love You-eccentricity.

Unless a synth is in good use, I don't mind it, hence Love You (which I do enjoy listening to). Just, to me as being a musician, I like to hear the real thing, and not an imitation. I can understand synths used during live shows, because it's "cheaper" then paying musicians if you need more than five instruments (not including bass, guitar, drums the usual live instruments). But, on a record, give me musicians anyday. But, to each his own.

[Cal]

Oh g-d, no! Please no PROUD MARY! I hate his version on bootleg and am afraid
the new version will end up being very close to that! No covers, Brian. Do 100% originals! (Wishful thinking, eh?)

Regards,
Cal

[Howie Edelson]

I seem to recall reading/hearing that Brian (or his management) had stated once that the Paley sessions were only considered "demos" for use in securing a deal. Was that the actual case?

Brian also stated to me that Mark Linett was not engineering the project.

[Old Rake]

I may be in the minority, but I *love* Brian's Paley-era version of "Proud Mary." Said it before, say it again: the thing flat-out rocks. It has a heavy, driving feel, the verses pound and then the chorus absolutely SLAMS. Its my favorite version of that song in general -- yeah, ahead of CCR *and* Ike and Tina, and I do not say that lightly.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Oughta be a Beach Boys' record

[the captain]

I'm really interested in this--of course--but while I appreciate the smaller (less intimidating?) scale from a basic tracks perspective, I really would have preferred an ensemble vocal approach. I've said often that I wish he'd use his current band the way he did the Beach Boys, not only using them for backing vocals but to dole out leads to. This, one assumes, means that won't happen.

[Jason]

Interesting...

Well, Scott Bennett is a one-man band, he can play darn near everything you'd want instrumentally from drums to guitar to keys to harmonica to who knows what else. And he's a VERY good vocalist. And the "No Wrong Notes In Heaven" collaboration with BW on Scott's "Dotted Line" CD is quite good.

But...

I just am afraid of the vocals. At first blush it seems it could easily be too much Brian. But maybe there are other bandmembers doing vocals as well, that would be a real plus.

Are you ill, gubb'ner?

[matt-zeus]

I seem to recall reading/hearing that Brian (or his management) had stated once that the Paley sessions were only considered "demos" for use in securing a deal. Was that the actual case?

Brian also stated to me that Mark Linett was not engineering the project.

Well the Paley session versions of 'Saturday morming...' and 'Soul searchin' are the ones that ended up on GIOMH (the title track should have been from that too). Personally I think the Paley sessions backing tracks are great and when put all together are really cohesive. 'Some sweet Day' should be resurrected!

[the captain]

Personally I think the Paley sessions backing tracks are great and when put all together are really cohesive. 'Some sweet Day' should be resurrected!

I agree with that, for the most part. Some Sweet Day and Marianne are, to me, the style of thing that would have made the "rock n roll album" (so often discussed for the past eternity or two) fantastic--that style is great for Brian, and those recordings were really cool.

As for what we'll get...we'll see. I just hope Brian sings on key...or even sort of on key. (PLEASE bring in a few others to help, Brian...or at least TRY when you sing.)

[Jim McShane]

Interesting...

Well, Scott Bennett is a one-man band, he can play darn near everything you'd want instrumentally from drums to guitar to keys to harmonica to who knows what else. And he's a VERY good vocalist. And the "No Wrong Notes In Heaven" collaboration with BW on Scott's "Dotted Line" CD is quite good.

But...

I just am afraid of the vocals. At first blush it seems it could easily be too much Brian. But maybe there are other bandmembers doing vocals as well, that would be a real plus.

Are you ill, gubb'ner?

What are you talking about?

[Steve Mayo]

i will believe it only when i hold the new album in my hands......

[Emdeeh]

Two words:

WHERE'S FOSKETT?

[Bill Barnyard]

I'm for one really looking forward to this; but hey I'm an optimist.

Re: Album release: - Brian had a 2 album deal with Clive Davies didn't he? The Xmas LP was the first.

 

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I'm really hyped up about this album. That said...why isn't Mark engineering?

[the captain]

Is it possible that Brian is acting to lower the expectations all around? No big studio, no major, expensive sessions booked, no large groups of musicians to manage (or not manage, as the case may be), etc. Maybe the whole thing is just a way to relax and record with a friend he's comfortable with--and inexpensively, at that. Could be, couldn't it?

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Can I be honest? THIS is the album I've been waiting for Brian to make. If it really is pure unadulterated and motivated Brian, we're in for a treat.

[drlandy]

What's wrong with Brian doing all the vocals himself? I love OCA, but I love LY as well and I'll take anything that comes out in the end.

[Swamp Pirate]

Can I be honest? THIS is the album I've been waiting for Brian to make. If it really is pure unadulterated and motivated Brian, we're in for a treat.

Billy, whatever Brian decides to put out I'll probably one of the first in line.  I would love to hear a finished version of "Proud Mary" once and for all.  I'd also like to hear a finished "It's Not Easy Being Me" too.

[the captain]

What's wrong with Brian doing all the vocals himself?

I assume you've heard GIOMH? We all love him, but his voice has really, really deteriorated, and unless he's really into it (and possibly has someone driving him to do a great job), Brian-only vox are terrifying.