LoCash Wrote + Recorded New Song ‘Beach Boys’ With the Actual Beach Boys

[guitarfool2002]

Just in case those with reading comprehension problems are visiting this thread - I don't think anyone here or elsewhere (from what I can tell) has said this song is, quote, "ruining The Legacy," nor has anyone even alluded to the idea that this song is going to crash and burn the image of the band.

I think they needed Wink Martindale back again to moderate this...wow. Reddit? No thanks, I'll pass.

Oh wow I totally forgot about the Wink Martindale Q&A.

And on that point, I have to wonder why Mike Love is attaching himself to songs that glorify drinking a lot of booze and partying with booze (and in the case of Somewhere Near Japan scoring hard drugs) given his decades-long history of discussing his cousins' and bandmates' history of addictions and substance abuse, which included alcohol and alcohol abuse. I can understand Mike's viewpoint 100%, anyone who has seen a friend or family member go through any addiction can relate, but when you're making public comments regularly about how such abuses and addictions ruined your band and your family, I guess I couldn't see how singing and writing songs almost celebrating booze-filled parties and the like would line up with that previous commentary.

Yeah, I know it's meant to be a fun song for people - so I'm not really going to harp on this point. But it is odd given Mike's very public outbursts not too many years ago about Brian's dependency on substances and how it ruined his life (and supposedly it was the only thing Mike Love ever regretted in his life somehow?). Just in a million years, given what Dennis went through, I can't really see Brian doing a song that tells people to chug beer and take shots. But then again, he supposedly gave this song his blessing? So who the heck knows with this band haha.

That was an interesting time back in 2015, with some backstory as a refresher - So someone either working with or for Mike's website tried to set up another message board called "The Vibe Room", connected to Mike's website. And I'm not 100% on the timeline, but there wasn't much interest nor were there many posts or discussions to note, and eventually they announced a Q&A with Mike where fans could register at and post questions on "The Vibe Room" message board where Mike would answer them. Then, they got Wink Martindale to shoot a video interview with Mike where Wink would read these questions off index cards in between chatting with Mike and if I recall there was a lava lamp or something as the room decor? Anyway, the message board had some issues where people tried to register and were unable to, etc. And the Wink Martindale interview got uploaded to YouTube, but Mike's "Vibe Room" never got off the ground I guess.

Anyway, that's the failed "Vibe Room" which was an attempt to give Mike his own message board, I guess, back in 2015. It didn't work out.

I was reminded of that reading and re-reading this recent Reddit Q&A with Mike and Bruce and the guys from Locash, there weren't many participants considering the reach of the Reddit platform and the two acts' respective fan bases. I don't think anyone asked Locash a question during the thing, and some of the questions to Mike and especially Bruce were just absurd. That's why I said I think they need to bring Wink Martindale back with his index cards to moderate something like this...

And "The Vibe Room" didn't really work as a name for that failed forum, did it?

Here's some vintage discussions on the Vibe Room topic:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,19960.0.html

[HeyJude]

HeyJude, you may be relieved to see the Beach Boys logo didn’t make it to the final release. (I guess just the advertising leading up to it?)

This is at least the second time a Mike Love-related product has used the "Beach Boys" logo initially only for it to pointedly disappear subsequently. I'm guessing they didn't just randomly decide to *not* include the logo on the actual eventual release, but rather somebody somewhere let the pertinent parties know that they can't and shouldn't use it. *Especially* when the the song is called "Beach Boys" and the artists releasing the song have oversold just exactly *whom* they actually worked with on this track.

I'm certainly not prepared to say simply calling the song "Beach Boys" is like trademark infringement; I honestly don't know. Can anybody just release a song called "Coca Cola" or "Kellogg's Frosted Flakes" or "Beatles", etc.? I'd guess the law is kind of murky on that, but certainly those things can usually be mentioned in song lyrics, so I suppose they can be used as song titles.

But I'm also pretty sure if I release a song called "Coca Cola" and also use the Coca Cola logo at any point, even in a descriptive sense ("Featuring Al Jardine, who loves <INSERT COKE LOGO HERE>"), that's a no-no.

[Matt H]

There is an old Andrews Sisters song called Rum and Coca Cola.  Weezer had a song a few years ago called Beach Boys that samples Murry in it.

[rab2591]

This is at least the second time a Mike Love-related product has used the "Beach Boys" logo initially only for it to pointedly disappear subsequently. I'm guessing they didn't just randomly decide to *not* include the logo on the actual eventual release, but rather somebody somewhere let the pertinent parties know that they can't and shouldn't use it. *Especially* when the the song is called "Beach Boys" and the artists releasing the song have oversold just exactly *whom* they actually worked with on this track.

I'm certainly not prepared to say simply calling the song "Beach Boys" is like trademark infringement; I honestly don't know. Can anybody just release a song called "Coca Cola" or "Kellogg's Frosted Flakes" or "Beatles", etc.? I'd guess the law is kind of murky on that, but certainly those things can usually be mentioned in song lyrics, so I suppose they can be used as song titles.

But I'm also pretty sure if I release a song called "Coca Cola" and also use the Coca Cola logo at any point, even in a descriptive sense ("Featuring Al Jardine, who loves <INSERT COKE LOGO HERE>"), that's a no-no.

I think the equivalent to this is if I wrote a song called “McDonalds” and then sang “Ba da da da da, I’m lovin’ it” over and over during the chorus. While I think people can write a song called McDonalds with no issue, I’m not sure they’d be legally allowed to use the jingle/lyrics of the song.

Or, as I said in a previous post, having Luke Bryan call a song “Beatles” and then sing “I wanna hold your hand, in my truck” - I don’t think that would fly.

One real world example of this is when Katy Perry released her song “California Gurls”

Rondor Music International has sent a warning to Perry, Snoop — a.k.a. Calvin Broadus — and their co-writers and publishers arguing that Beach Boys founding members Brian Wilson and Mike Love should receive co-writing credits because Perry’s record lifts the phrase “I wish they all could be California girls” from the original record.

“Using the words or melody in a new song taken from an original work is not appropriate under any circumstances, particularly from one as well known and iconic as 'California Girls',” Rondor said in a statement issued Wednesday. “Rondor Music, who publishes the works of Brian Wilson and Mike Love, is committed to protecting the rights of its artists and songwriters, and with the support of the writers, that is exactly what we are doing.”

https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/08/beach-boys-katy-perry-a-warning-not-a-lawsuit.html

I'm not sure where that ever led to, but it shows that this goes beyond just Mike and Brian giving someone their blessing (and that taking lyrics that are directly related to a song isn't exactly legal in some cases).

[rab2591]

There is an old Andrews Sisters song called Rum and Coca Cola.  Weezer had a song a few years ago called Beach Boys that samples Murry in it.

Is that actually Murry in the song? I thought it was just someone who was pretending to sound like him (unless that's what you mean). I think the difference with the Weezer song is that they didn't rip any lyrics/melodies from a Beach Boys song. It's like the 'Brian Wilson' song by the Barenaked Ladies (I think?) - they use his name in the song but I don't think they copy any of his work - but it has been years since I've heard the song so I could be wrong.

That Weezer song comes from a great album called "Pacific Daydream" if anyone wants a great summer album to listen to.

[rab2591]

Here's some vintage discussions on the Vibe Room topic:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,19960.0.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20150601022631/http://mikelove.com/viberoom

^Take a trip in the Way Back Machine to the glory days of the Vibe Room! I love bossaroo's comment: "The Vibe Room... sounds like the back of a porn shop. no wonder Brian didn't want to get together with Mike in a room."

Probably would've been more successful had they called it the Koke House.

But really, I wonder what Mike's initial intentions were with this forum - I bet it would've been a lot more successful had Mike himself posted there. But then again what a hornets nest - between users trolling the hell out of that place to Mike possibly going too far with some things (I think that was during the time he was constantly/petulantly critiquing Brian's weight, drug use from decades prior, and Melinda supposedly being controlling (i DoNt UnDeRsTaNd WhY pEoPLe DiSlIkE MiKe LOvE!!&$@#@!)). No wonder he needed a moderator back then for the Q&A.

[guitarfool2002]

Here's some vintage discussions on the Vibe Room topic:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,19960.0.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20150601022631/http://mikelove.com/viberoom

^Take a trip in the Way Back Machine to the glory days of the Vibe Room! I love bossaroo's comment: "The Vibe Room... sounds like the back of a porn shop. no wonder Brian didn't want to get together with Mike in a room."

Probably would've been more successful had they called it the Koke House.

But really, I wonder what Mike's initial intentions were with this forum - I bet it would've been a lot more successful had Mike himself posted there. But then again what a hornets nest - between users trolling the hell out of that place to Mike possibly going too far with some things (I think that was during the time he was constantly/petulantly critiquing Brian's weight, drug use from decades prior, and Melinda supposedly being controlling (i DoNt UnDeRsTaNd WhY pEoPLe DiSlIkE MiKe LOvE!!&$@#@!)). No wonder he needed a moderator back then for the Q&A.

The wonders of the internet...I never thought I'd see the infamous "Vibe Room" again! Maybe that's a good thing haha...

Not to open it up again, but when you got beyond the surreal nature of Wink Martindale interviewing Mike, holding blue index cards with the questions, and sitting in front of a lava lamp or something, it seemed hopeful that Mike was going to be more relaxed and less negative in his interviews as he was with Wink on that video. And then not long after his chat with Wink, an interview got published where he lapsed right back into the "Wilsons-drugs-Brian is controlled" company lines. Even 7 years or whatever later, it still just doesn't make sense.

[crazy beach boys uncle]

I am not trolling when I say I quite honestly love the locash song. It’s a great way to bring together two cornerstones of Americana, COUNTRY MUSIC and The Beach Boys! It’s a great way to preserve their legacy for the next generation. Locash is a cool, hip new American country duo and it’s great for Mike and Bruce to be associated with them. I also think the song is great, pretty complex harmonies and lyrics that really put you in the zone. I think this song helps their legacy, rather than hurts is. I can only think Dennis would have even liked it. Shotgunning beers in heaven and catching a John Boat Buzz on a catamaran! Mike and Bruce’s lyrics are both pretty solid as well. I hope to see more of these types of collaborations in the future, this will really help preserve their legacy.

[NateRuvin]

I'm in the camp of those who enjoy the song. It's fun, what can i say? I'm not very well informed in the Country music genre, but I can dig the harmonies. Seeing the Behind The Scenes video made me enjoy the song even more, because clearly the Locash guys were honored to be in the prescience of The BBs. After years of not being credited for the song, it also made me smile for Mike to receive recognition  for writing the lyrics of California Girls.

The song is made in good fun.

I'll be excited about any new music from Mike, Bruce, and the rest of the band members for as long as we get it. We take for granted how cool it is that they're still recording in their 80's!

[SMiLE Brian]

You might be onto something my crazy beach boys uncle….

[HeyJude]

I think Mike has been receiving credit (and royalties) for writing the lyrics to "California Girls" for quite some time now. 27 or 28 years in fact.

In fact, we're a year or two away from coming up to a point where he's been credited on the song more years than he hasn't.

[Jim V.]

Yeah, this song is good, if you think absolute sh*t is good.

[HeyJude]

It's the worst, still.

I'm quite able to properly contextualize these things and set an appropriate bar for quality. I'd never expect much. But this is truly awful music on every level. I'm surprised that I'm surprised it could get this bad.

I mean, I *guess* it could be worse; it's *someone else's* track, not the Beach Boys'. That's something I guess.

[rab2591]

I think it's an awful song, but I'm glad others get some enjoyment out of it. I like music that some here would (and have) criticize me for listening to - I understand why they dislike that music, but that criticism doesn't change my brain chemistry from feeling happy when listening to it. We've all got different reasons for liking what we like.

What I do find funny is the pages upon pages of criticism at Brian for the 12 second sample of 'On The Island' where he was berated for the use of autotune, he was berated for teaming up with a country artist*, he was berated for seeking out younger talent, etc etc. Yet those who make it a habit of ceaselessly berating Brian's every music release seem to be fairly quiet about the LoCash song - yet this song seems to have every hallmark of a "bad" Brian Wilson song and soooo much more).

(*edit, wanted to clarify that I know that GYHTBT and On The Island are two different songs, I'm more commenting about the general negative hysteria that followed the initial information/offerings from the NPP album)

Actually the comparison between the LoCash and Musgrave's collaboration is interesting - both seem to be born from phone calls (though I think Brian's people called up Musgraves and LoCash's people called up Mike). Both songs refer to driving around. Both songs talk about drinking alcohol. Both songs are rooted in country. Yet both songs are so strikingly different - the Musgrave song is seemingly introspective about the dangers/regrets of excess - and the LoCash song is flat out promoting excess. The Musgrave's song talks about "sipping on a new wine" (which isn't meant to be taken literally), and the LoCash song stresses pounding back beer and hard liquor on a boat. The Musgrave's song has country elements but Brian meets that style halfway with his own production style. The LoCash song definitely has Beach Boys elements but it's completely slathered with modern bro-country production.

Not saying any of that is good or bad for either song, but it's interesting that both songs have a lot in common but yet they are also polar opposites in many ways.

I can only think Dennis would have even liked it. Shotgunning beers in heaven and catching a John Boat Buzz on a catamaran!

I'm not sure what he would've thought. Towards the end of his life he was irreparably damaged from his use of alcohol. He was broke, homeless, and had severed relationships with people he loved (and who loved him). While we all love the idea of Dennis being a fun party animal, we seem to forget that alcohol is still a drug that kills millions of people annually. Again, I know the LoCash song is meant to be a fun romp so I'm not harping on this point, but I do think it's crass for the band to endorse a song that promotes binging on alcohol. That Brian supposedly gave this song his blessing is completely baffling to me. Again, I get that it is meant to be a fun song, but given the way Dennis died (and the depressing events that led up to that death) it's just odd that these guys would be all for this song.

[Sam_BFC]

Kasey M was a guest on the Brian track, whereas Mike and Bruce are the guests on the LoCash track.

Brian has done some great guest spots of course. I really liked Dirty Computer.

[rab2591]

Kasey M was a guest on the Brian track, whereas Mike and Bruce are the guests on the LoCash track.

Brian has done some great guest spots of course. I really liked Dirty Computer.

My favorite modern guest spot of Brian’s was ‘Any Emotions’ by Mini Mansions. He didn’t have a major part in it, but his vocals/harmonies are all over the song and they fit it perfectly.

[HeyJude]

I like some Brian guest pairings more than others (whether it's a "Brian" track or someone else's), but at least with those, whomever is instigating those, whatever intermediaries or whomever is making those suggestions, they usually have some artistic merit or have an eye towards working with artists with some clout and/or genuine talent.

I'd perhaps make a partial exception for that "Our Special Love" track, but even that track, which is probably the worst "duet" type of track Brian has released, is less grating on every level than the Locash track. At least with "Our Special Love", it was some other artist fishing an actual Brian composition (albeit not a particularly inspired one) out of the circular file and trying to do something with it. And, obviously, that track was never sold as a "Beach Boys" track or "Beach Boys collaboration."

[rab2591]

I like some Brian guest pairings more than others (whether it's a "Brian" track or someone else's), but at least with those, whomever is instigating those, whatever intermediaries or whomever is making those suggestions, they usually have some artistic merit or have an eye towards working with artists with some clout and/or genuine talent.

I'd perhaps make a partial exception for that "Our Special Love" track, but even that track, which is probably the worst "duet" type of track Brian has released, is less grating on every level than the Locash track. At least with "Our Special Love", it was some other artist fishing an actual Brian composition (albeit not a particularly inspired one) out of the circular file and trying to do something with it. And, obviously, that track was never sold as a "Beach Boys" track or "Beach Boys collaboration."

Yeah I've been impressed with Brian's guest lineups. I can't say I care for 'Dirty Computer' (it's just not my style), but I see the talent there. He also did one with Kesha a couple years ago - you can't really hear him in the mix but I think he's in the bg vocals. This sent me down a rabbit hole of looking up Brian Wilson and Mike Love guest songs - I always forget about the Emile Haynie song Brian guested on - really love that one. It's seems like all the songs Brian collaborates on they realize there are limitations to what Brian can do (or wants to do) and they structure his parts accordingly.

It's really a shame that 'Our Special Love' didn't work out as well as it should've. I know the collaborator on that was fairly hurt by all the criticism he received. It's not my style, but there are some great moments in that song. There was legitimate time and effort put into that song - and it's impressive that the entire song is done by voice.

Mike's Hanson collaboration honestly had some potential - it starts off great, but the amount of vocal correction/processing on Mike's lead just takes me out of the element - kinda like Brian's first line of the 'Right Where I Belong' song (only that was one line, not the entire song so it doesn't totally ruin it). And that seems to be a thing with a lot of Mike's solo output. It's odd considering some songs are completely untouched by autotune (and they sound great), then others it's like they ran his voice through 5 rooms of IBM supercomputers running pitch correction software to the point the end result is almost unrecognizable as Mike Love. It's like Mike actually liked that awful Joe Thomas 50th live album and wanted to emulate that sound on most of his future recordings.