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Author Topic: "Telephone Backgrounds (On a Clear Day)" and "Burlesque"  (Read 2818 times)
Jim V.
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« on: December 08, 2021, 09:41:50 PM »

Hey there everybody. Got some questions about two little known "songs" from the early '70s.

First off, "Telephone Backgrounds (On a Clear Day)." Since we are getting near the end of the year and it didn't appear on Feel Flows, it appears that this title is either no longer on tape, was never recorded in the first or perhaps was such an experiment that there is nothing to put out. Or maybe it's just a rumored title that never existed?

As for whether it was an actual "song" or whatever it is/was, does anybody know? My assumption is, if we don't hear anything by years end, it either never existed or is unreleasable.

Then onto "Burlesque." This one confuses me. We have lyrics recited by Jack Rieley. We have an apparent reaction to the song by Mike Love back in the day (via Jack). It's been listed in Beach Boys books and what not as far back as either the late '70s or the early '80s. But apparently there is no tape. Nothing.

Maybe "Burlesque" is "Body Talk" aka "Grease Job"? I don't know. Maybe next year we will find out.

If anybody knows anything or just wants to help theorize, please pitch in!
« Last Edit: December 09, 2021, 10:34:57 PM by Jim V. » Logged
Bedroom Tapes
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« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2021, 04:37:44 PM »

.
« Last Edit: December 10, 2021, 03:05:01 PM by Bedroom Tapes » Logged
sloopjohnb72
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« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2021, 07:06:49 PM »

Telephone Backgrounds exists. Burlesque was not recorded in 1972, but there's an MIU outtake titled "Beach Burlesque" that may be a backing track of the same tune, recorded 5 years on. Body Talk/Grease Job exists and is unrelated to both of these
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BJL
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« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2021, 07:07:58 PM »

I don't have any special knowledge, but a search of the board brought up some info about both songs from this post, from user jiggy22:

Telephone Backgrounds (On a Clear Day): This was recorded during the Surf's Up era. Is essentially just some noodling around on a moog, which may or may not be Carl. Could be released on a digital copyright dump at the end of the year.

Sail On, Sailor (Demo): Is not in possession of BRI.

Ten Years of Harmony: The "demo" was recorded in October 1974 and released as the b-side of a California Music session. There is an unfinished backing track from Spring 1972 though.

Burlesque: Written during the Surf's Up/CATP era, but a basic track for the song wouldn't be recorded until 1977 during the MIU Album sessions.

Funky Fever: Most likely not in possession of BRI.

Gimme Some Lovin'/Baby, I Need Your Lovin': Most likely not in possession of BRI. The remake of Gimme Some Lovin' was tracked during the late Adult/Child sessions in June 1977, and only exists as a backing track.

Quad Symphony: This doesn't exist. The pieces of music showcased by Desper during his lecture include sections of Ecology and Before, as well as the version of Barbara released in 1998. The piece commonly referred to as "Follow Me to the Sea" is actually an early take of Cocktails, recorded during the Bambu sessions. No idea how it came to be associated with the so-called "Quad Symphony."

Spark in the Dark: Not just a jam, but an entirely produced track, albeit without any vocals.

Slow Song: Recorded sometime between 1974-1975. Nothing but a bare-bones chord progression on an electric piano done by Dennis in the studio one day.

Out in the Country: The more-finished version was actually the first version cut, featuring Don Goldberg on lead vocals. Brian wanted to include it on CATP, but Bruce hid the master tape away to prevent its inclusion. The second version, featuring organ and vocals, was recorded in summer 1972 for the Holland album. Certainly more stripped-back than the first version, but that in no way means that it is a "skeletal" demo. I believe it was considered finished; it just wasn't included on the album.

River Song: Recording most likely began in late 1973-early 1974, long after the Holland album had been released.

Pattycake: 100% never recorded.

Dr. Tom: Seeing as Brother Studios was still a porn theatre in March 1973, this was more than likely recorded in March 1974, not 1973.
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Jim V.
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« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2021, 10:31:59 PM »

I think both of these hail from 1972 so we'll find out next year if they exist or not.  Just my educated guess.

Nah. Or kinda nah actually.  LOL

At least according to some reputable sources (in my opinion), "Telephone Backgrounds" apparently comes from '71. As far as "Burlesque," I'm not sure anybody knows, but I feel like Jack tied it to the Carl and the Passions era. But perhaps I'm wrong.
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roffels
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« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2022, 07:53:37 AM »

I'm sure it's been posted elsewhere in the forums, but the Telephone Backgrounds were posted to the Beach Boys bandcamp if you feel like giving them $10 for scraps.

https://thebeachboysmusic.bandcamp.com/album/misc-tracks-1971
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Jim V.
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« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2022, 01:51:10 PM »

So....er....

Nobody has any comment on any of this stuff?

I love this board and much prefer it to any other Beach Boys board, but ain't nobody really interested in talking, especially as there is material out there that we'd been interested in hearing.

THREE previously unheard Dennis Wilson recordings: the 1971 "Sea Cruise" cover, "Just For You" and "Untitled 1971 Piano Track."

Then you got a previously unheard David Sandler composition, "Sing Out A Song" which in its tracking form is kinda nice, in my opinion.

Then there is Carl's beloved "Telephone Backgrounds" which in my humble opinion is a masterpiece on the level of George Harrison's Electronic Sound. Yeah. Sure.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2022, 08:36:21 PM by Jim V. » Logged
Bedroom Tapes
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« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2022, 02:28:11 PM »

Telephone Backgrounds reminds me a lot of Carnival of Light.  Similar vein.  I'm also willing to bet Rooftop Harry isn't too dissimilar.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2022, 02:29:16 PM by Bedroom Tapes » Logged
Jim V.
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« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2022, 04:48:28 PM »

Telephone Backgrounds reminds me a lot of Carnival of Light.  Similar vein.  I'm also willing to bet Rooftop Harry isn't too dissimilar.

You've heard "Carnival of Light"? No way. I will say, as a massive Beatles fan (big surprise) that I expect nothing out of that "song" and really don't care if it's released.

"Rooftop Harry," on the other hand, from descriptions sounds like it should be an actual song. Doubtful it's anywhere near complete, but still.
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leoleoleoleo
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« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2022, 04:09:47 AM »

Telephone Backgrounds reminds me a lot of Carnival of Light.  Similar vein.  I'm also willing to bet Rooftop Harry isn't too dissimilar.

This is the part where you explain how you've heard Carnival Of Light.
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HeyJude
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« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2022, 07:03:10 AM »

I don't think anybody here has heard much if any of "Carnival of Light", and my recollection without revisiting Lewisohn (or other descriptions) is that a couple minutes of telephone/electronic sound effects is not how "Carnival of Light" was ever described. While I've never been fixated on seeing "Carnival of Light" released, I'd wager even it its potential "Revolution 9-esque" vibe, it would be more interesting than "Telephone Backgrounds", which is really about on par with the dog barking session from "Pet Sounds", and even the dog barking session was more interesting in its brief funny moments.

This "Telephone Backgrounds" sounded more like two minutes of experimenting trying to get that opening to ELO's "Telephone Line."
« Last Edit: January 31, 2022, 07:04:45 AM by HeyJude » Logged

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« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2022, 07:07:24 PM »


This "Telephone Backgrounds" sounded more like two minutes of experimenting trying to get that opening to ELO's "Telephone Line."

Or the intro to In The Meantime by Spacehog
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