How to ressurect Brian's musical career: Rick Rubin.

[Mr. Cohen]

Take That Lucky Old Sun material, a bag of doritos, a massive pile of hash, Brian Wilson, and lock it all in a studio with Rick Rubin. I guarantee you will like the results. Just listen to the background vocals by Brian Wilson on Neil's "Delirious Love". He sounds much more impassioned than he does on anything on Gettin' In Over My Head.

Of course I'm joking about the hash, but I still think it's a good idea.

[Pretty Funky]

 For 65 years old and considering most of his contemporaries, I didn't realise he was in a slump!

[Sheriff John Stone]

I've been bringing Rubin's name up frequently on a couple of recent threads regarding a possible new album, a reunion, my one big wish, etc.... It got some support and some criticism.

Any genius or great melodies/arrangements have to come from Brian himself. But the end product, the way the songs evolve, for the tunes reach their full potential - that I think Rick Rubin can help with. A lot. Over the last twenty years or so, Rick Rubin's track record speaks for itself. Over that same time period, unfortunately, so does Brian Wilson's....

[Mr. Cohen]

Yeah, when I listen to a song like "Midnight's Another Day", I think that a producer like Rubin could really elevate that song to a level that would put on the same pedestal as some of the greatest Beach Boys songs. Now, I know some here think it's already a masterpiece, but I think someone like Rubin could increase its impact. It almost seems like, for some reason, Brian gets shielded from creative influences that could give his modern music more vitality. For example, how come he didn't record Gettin' In Over My Head with the Wondermints? Because the production might have sounded contemporary instead of clueless?

[RickD]

Over the last twenty years or so, Rick Rubin's track record speaks for itself. Over that same time period, unfortunately, so does Brian Wilson's....

don't know why "unfortunately" is in there -

Over the last twenty years or so, Rick Rubin's track record speaks for itself. Over that same time period, so does Brian Wilson's....  seems to work too! (especially considering the 15 years or so before the last 20)

BW88, Imagination, Roxy, BWPS - TLOS (hopefully)
Return to touring, highly acclaimed tours of Pet Sounds, Smile and Lucky Old Sun, hugely successful appearance at Glastonbury.  Not sure just how much people want from the bloke...

[Dancing Bear]

What Brian needs is a new album full of great songs.

[Amy B.]

What Brian needs is a new album full of great songs.

If he records TLOS, he'll have that.

I don't get why Brian is the subject of so much criticism. As others have pointed out, he has written and released (or not released) tons of great songs over the last 20 years. In the last 5 years, he's released BWPS, the Christmas album, really good songs on soundtracks and compilations, and written TLOS. He's 65 and has issues that affect his creativity and productivity. All in all, I think he's doing pretty well-- certainly beyond reasonable expectations.

[mikeyj]

I don't get why Brian is the subject of so much criticism. As others have pointed out, he has written and released (or not released) tons of great songs over the last 20 years. In the last 5 years, he's released BWPS, the Christmas album, really good songs on soundtracks and compilations, and written TLOS. He's 65 and has issues that affect his creativity and productivity. All in all, I think he's doing pretty well-- certainly beyond reasonable expectations.

Couldn't agree more Amy.. I'd like to see some of these critics do better than what he has done, even without all of his problems. The fact is that most artists can't consistently churn out high quality material decade after decade. I mean the only really prolific and great Brian Wilson period is from about 1965-1967. Not saying his other eras aren't great, just that he wasn't anywhere near as prolific in coming up with great songs. And I think it's generally the same for most artists.

Brian Wilson has given us his fair share and of course we all want more but I can't believe that some people get frustrated when his new material is sub-par. Yes I wish Brian could come up with songs like God Only Knows, Surf's Up and yes even Midnight's Another Day all the time, but seriously, how reasonable is that? Most musicians can't even write one great song in their lifetime (I know that 'great' is a pretty subjective term) let alone dozens.

[lance]

Amen to that. There's something a bit disturbing to me about the whole idea: lock him up with Rubin so we can have more music. He's a man, dammit, not a trained dog. With all due respect. I'm not trying to start a fight or anything, just giving my opinion.
 I understand wanting more great music, and I can see the point about having a good producer really pulling good performances from Brian rather than letting him slide. But it's just that, IMHO, he's given enough. If he comes out with more music, great. We'll enjoy it. If not, we'll still enjoy the old music 'til we die. If he comes out with a mediocre album--well, that's fine too. We'll check it out and we will find something to like on it, even if we don't like it overall.


Besides, Rubin and Wilson would most likely end in a lawsuit and a bunch of boot-legged music from the never-to-be-released "Rick Rubin sessions." No thank you.

[Amy B.]

Brian Wilson has given us his fair share and of course we all want more but I can't believe that some people get frustrated when his new material is sub-par. Yes I wish Brian could come up with songs like God Only Knows, Surf's Up and yes even Midnight's Another Day all the time, but seriously, how reasonable is that?

But he _did_ come out with Midnight's Another Day, very, very, recently. And he presented TLOS, almost as if to say to critics, "Oh, you think I can't do it? Well, how do you like this??"  And people are still saying that he needs to be resurrected. GIOMH wasn't great. Okay, but Brian wasn't in the mood to do it. He has shown that when he's in the mood, he can do great things. Not when someone else decides he's in the mood (like a Rick Rubin) but when he decides he's in the mood. Like when he apparently called Scott Bennett and said, "Let's work on some music." And they did. And it was good. So stop saying he needs to come out of a slump, because he already pulled himself out.

[carl r]

I think the original point is a valid one, in that Brian is still writing some great songs, and we all want him to be recognised for what he is doing now. And a good way of doing this is if he works with people who can provide an extra boost and bring the material into 2008 somehow for a wider contemporary audience. Brian's indirect influence is huge at the moment. It would make me happy if he released an album that people could point to. Which is why I think the pause in putting TLOS down may be a good thing - if the result is something that refuses to conform to expectations.

[mikeyj]

Brian Wilson has given us his fair share and of course we all want more but I can't believe that some people get frustrated when his new material is sub-par. Yes I wish Brian could come up with songs like God Only Knows, Surf's Up and yes even Midnight's Another Day all the time, but seriously, how reasonable is that?

But he _did_ come out with Midnight's Another Day, very, very, recently. And he presented TLOS, almost as if to say to critics, "Oh, you think I can't do it? Well, how do you like this??"  And people are still saying that he needs to be resurrected. GIOMH wasn't great. Okay, but Brian wasn't in the mood to do it. He has shown that when he's in the mood, he can do great things. Not when someone else decides he's in the mood (like a Rick Rubin) but when he decides he's in the mood. Like when he apparently called Scott Bennett and said, "Let's work on some music." And they did. And it was good. So stop saying he needs to come out of a slump, because he already pulled himself out.

Agreed Amy. And how many 65 year olds can say that they are still creating meaningful music?

By the way I wasn't suggesting that Midnight's Another Day wasn't recent, just that you can't expect EVERY new song to be as good as that or any other 'great' Brian song

[mikeyj]

Amen to that. There's something a bit disturbing to me about the whole idea: lock him up with Rubin so we can have more music. He's a man, dammit, not a trained dog. With all due respect. I'm not trying to start a fight or anything, just giving my opinion.
 I understand wanting more great music, and I can see the point about having a good producer really pulling good performances from Brian rather than letting him slide. But it's just that, IMHO, he's given enough. If he comes out with more music, great. We'll enjoy it. If not, we'll still enjoy the old music 'til we die. If he comes out with a mediocre album--well, that's fine too. We'll check it out and we will find something to like on it, even if we don't like it overall.


Besides, Rubin and Wilson would most likely end in a lawsuit and a bunch of boot-legged music from the never-to-be-released "Rick Rubin sessions." No thank you.

Well said Lance. I agree with everything you say. As people have said before, Brian is THE person who has to want to make new music, otherwise it's just going to suck. And if he wants to retire or wants to put out 50 versions of Shortenin' Bread, then I totally support that. It doesn't mean you have to buy those 50 versions of Shortenin' Bread but the fact is that Brian Wilson has earnt the right to do whatever he feels like whether it's garbage or not. The fact is the list of enjoyable songs written and/or produced by Brian Wilson is without a doubt one of the longest lists in the history of pop music.

I like your point about we'll find something we like on it even if it isn't the best. I mean don't most of us do that anyway? I know I do. And sometimes I just like the song purely for Brian's lead vocal (in his peak of course) or the quirkiness of the lyrics or whatever it may be.

[Shady]

Over that same time period, unfortunately, so does Brian Wilson's....

Ridiculous statement.

[Alex]

Take That Lucky Old Sun material, a bag of doritos, a massive pile of hash, Brian Wilson, and lock it all in a studio with Rick Rubin. I guarantee you will like the results. Just listen to the background vocals by Brian Wilson on Neil's "Delirious Love". He sounds much more impassioned than he does on anything on Gettin' In Over My Head.

Of course I'm joking about the hash, but I still think it's a good idea.

How do we know Rubin won't try to make Brian's stuff sound like modern, slick, mainstream hard rock? Isn't mainstream hard rock one of Rubin's calling cards? I think Darian and Mark Linett should help Brian produce, just like on SMiLE.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

How do we know Rubin won't try to make Brian's stuff sound like modern, slick, mainstream hard rock? Isn't mainstream hard rock one of Rubin's calling cards?

Well, Brian is (or rather, was) always talking about a "rock and roll" album. Actually, it might sound cool for Brian to do at least one song in that style.

Truth be told, though, IMHO Scott Bennett is Brian's best non-BB collaborator since, I dunno, Van Dyke Parks?

[Amy B.]

I might make a few enemies by saying this, but I thought Taylor Mills' album was ...not as good as it should have been. I was disappointed with some of those songs, and Scott worked on that album. I haven't heard a ton of his other stuff, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it. Maybe his style is just not mine.

That said, Scott is extremely talented, and if TLOS is mostly his work, then I've found something of his I like. Clearly, he and Darian know Brian's music inside and out. That, combined with Brian's motivation, could make for something great. Maybe Brian could try one song with Rick to see how it goes, but I do like his work with his own band. And with Bacharach, too.

[carl r]

Take That Lucky Old Sun material, a bag of doritos, a massive pile of hash, Brian Wilson, and lock it all in a studio with Rick Rubin. I guarantee you will like the results. Just listen to the background vocals by Brian Wilson on Neil's "Delirious Love". He sounds much more impassioned than he does on anything on Gettin' In Over My Head.

Of course I'm joking about the hash, but I still think it's a good idea.

How do we know Rubin won't try to make Brian's stuff sound like modern, slick, mainstream hard rock? Isn't mainstream hard rock one of Rubin's calling cards? I think Darian and Mark Linett should help Brian produce, just like on SMiLE.

If Mark Linett were given a free reign and the ability to re-interpret... that would also be really interesting - not to downplay Darian at all.

[the captain]

I might make a few enemies by saying this, but I thought Taylor Mills' album was ...not as good as it should have been.

I think it sucked. I respect Scott and Taylor for their abilities, but they didn't come through on that one. I hated the songs, disliked a lot of the sound. Cheese. Mediocre cheese, which is almost even worse than being awful cheese, which at least can draw some emotion (hatred).

(How's THAT for making a few enemies?)

[Mahalo]

Brian's career is just fine and doesn't need resurrection. Just by saying that it implies that Brian's career is in the tank. Compare him to any of his Rock and Roll contemporaries and honestly tell me Brian is somehow not on the same level. BWPS was more than anyone could ever ask for from the man. Maybe the best thing to resurrect his career would be a T.V. special anthology with the proper CD's that go along with it. That might be better publicity than a new album produced by Rick Rubin, if more interest, sales, and new music from Brian is what you mean by resurrection.


Anyone listen to David Gilmour's new album? It's alright, definitely has it's moments. His voice is still great. It wasn't the Rolling Stone record of the year though. How much can we ask for from Brian? He certainly can't dance around in flashy clothes on an IMAX screen like Mick Jagger.

Rick Rubin is not some kind of miracle worker who would resurrect Brian's career. Personally, I like Rick Rubin a lot. Hell, I'm sure I would like the work he would do with Brian very much. However it wouldn't resurrect something that doesn't need resurrection to begin with.

 

[shelter]

How do we know Rubin won't try to make Brian's stuff sound like modern, slick, mainstream hard rock? Isn't mainstream hard rock one of Rubin's calling cards?

Slayer, early Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash's 'American' albums, Neil Diamond... Slick mainstream hard rock?

[shelter]

Brian's career is just fine and doesn't need resurrection.

You're right, it doesn't need resurrection - but an encore would be a great bonus...

That's how I see it... Anything good from Brian after 1972 is and will always be a bonus.

[Rich E P]

Luther,

Ouch... a little harsh, don't ya think?  

Have you recorded any songs we can "review"?

Having said that I was hoping I would enjoy Taylor's cd more.  She has a gorgeous voice and Scott has written some write great songs (there are some great tunes on The Dotted Line cd - I LOVE No Wrong Notes in Heaven!) but not much of Lullagoodbye cd "stuck in my head".  I'd love to hear her voice on some more power poppy tunes (or maybe something soul or gospelish).

However Scott contributed a heck of a lot to TLOS and I LOVE those songs.  All of the songs on that project have elements I really enjoy (Yup AGD even Mexican Girl).  I really hope that Brian and team don't abandon TLOS.

[Alex]

How do we know Rubin won't try to make Brian's stuff sound like modern, slick, mainstream hard rock? Isn't mainstream hard rock one of Rubin's calling cards?

Slayer, early Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash's 'American' albums, Neil Diamond... Slick mainstream hard rock?

Red Hot Chili Peppers?

[Wilsonista]

How do we know Rubin won't try to make Brian's stuff sound like modern, slick, mainstream hard rock? Isn't mainstream hard rock one of Rubin's calling cards?

Slayer, early Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash's 'American' albums, Neil Diamond... Slick mainstream hard rock?

Red Hot Chili Peppers?

So you're judging Rubin solely on the Chilli Peppers when his resume is far more varied than you're giving him credit for.  Johnny Cash's "American Recordings" are NOTHING  like what you describe.

Add the Dixie Chicks to Rubin's resume too.