Track listing for new 2011 box set??

[Pretty Funky]

aeijtzsche wrote

..That was indeed me, though all I did was help out a little bit.  I had hoped to spearhead a series of incredible vault-purging releases, but alas, I'm not much of a spearhead.
    
 
What a shame. Can you go into any detail of what you found, was anything dumped or is it still there, who pulls the strings?

We also use 'the vaults'. Is that the case or is it just a broom cupboard?

[theCOD]

So... you've heard everything else that's in the vaults to form this opinion, I take it ?

Your loss.

No, I'm just not interested in songs that weren't good enough for KTSA, or any other mediocre album they released after Brian went away.  I guess I'll just have to live with missing out on a listenable song or two.  If they had written another 'God Only Knows' or 'Heroes and Villains' I seriously doubt it'd just be chillin' in the vaults.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Not exactly what you originally said, and not what I was responding to.  To refresh you memory...

I think everything The Beach Boys did after Friends (with the exception of Love You and maybe half of Sunflower) is worthless, so to say I'm not interested in songs that were cut from those records would be an understatement.

Your opinion, of course, but also your loss.

If they had written another 'God Only Knows' or 'Heroes and Villains' I seriously doubt it'd just be chillin' in the vaults.

Allow me to throw a title at you: "(Wouldn't It Be Nice To) Live Again"... and here's a few more "worthless" songs to consider -

I'm Going Your Way (= California Slide)
Won't You Tell Me
I've Got A Friend
California Feelin' (1974 demo)
Michael Rowed The Boat Ashore
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

Not, I freely grant, a huge number, but the first title is acknowledged by those who've heard it to be magnificent.

[Paulos]

I would add Carry Me Home to that list of magnificent unreleased songs.

[Mike's Beard]

So... you've heard everything else that's in the vaults to form this opinion, I take it ?

Your loss.

No, I'm just not interested in songs that weren't good enough for KTSA, or any other mediocre album they released after Brian went away.  I guess I'll just have to live with missing out on a listenable song or two.  If they had written another 'God Only Knows' or 'Heroes and Villains' I seriously doubt it'd just be chillin' in the vaults.

In a logical word that statement would be true, but you are making it in reference to the band that still hasn't officially released a good chunk of what many fans consider their greatest achievement "Smile".

[letsmakeit31]

Please put at the very least in any 50th Beach Boys release
1)Wouldn't it be nice to live again
2)Smile sessions and full stereo tracks
3)Dennis Wilson early 70's unreleased songs
4)Surf's up Vocals
5)Brian Wilson demos 1962-78.
Too much to ask lol??

[Joshilyn Hoisington]

aeijtzsche wrote

..That was indeed me, though all I did was help out a little bit.  I had hoped to spearhead a series of incredible vault-purging releases, but alas, I'm not much of a spearhead.
    
 
What a shame. Can you go into any detail of what you found, was anything dumped or is it still there, who pulls the strings?

We also use 'the vaults'. Is that the case or is it just a broom cupboard?

Well, I just came in in the middle of an ongoing process--a lot of organization had already been done and I did very little of that myself.  Suffice it to say, there's a lot there, as you'd expect.  It is a vault, but it's pretty utilitarian.  Lots of old boxes on a series of shelves/stacks.  Picture the warehouse in Indiana Jones, only with much more important stuff in it.

[bgas]

aeijtzsche wrote

..That was indeed me, though all I did was help out a little bit.  I had hoped to spearhead a series of incredible vault-purging releases, but alas, I'm not much of a spearhead.
    
 
What a shame. Can you go into any detail of what you found, was anything dumped or is it still there, who pulls the strings?

We also use 'the vaults'. Is that the case or is it just a broom cupboard?

Well, I just came in in the middle of an ongoing process--a lot of organization had already been done and I did very little of that myself.  Suffice it to say, there's a lot there, as you'd expect.  It is a vault, but it's pretty utilitarian.  Lots of old boxes on a series of shelves/stacks.  Picture the warehouse in Indiana Jones, only with much more important stuff in it.

Whoa, wait! 
More important than a mysterious magnetic Crystal skull?

[lance]

I would add Carry Me Home to that list of magnificent unreleased songs.

I would add a lot more: Child is Father of the Man, Look, Holidays, BWPS-style edits of Old Master Painter/Sunshine and Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Friday Night,  mona Kuai, Sound of Free, and the yet-unreleased tracks from Adult Child, Looking Down the Coast, original Santa Ana Winds, Stevie. To me all of those are great tracks that I would PAY BIG BUCKS to hear in a quality non-bootleg release. I'm sure there are more great songs than that. Those are just the ones I've already heard. 

[Jim V.]

So nobody really feels confident that we get anything decent this year? I honestly am hoping against hope that we at least get a few unreleased tracks tossed our way. I mean, this is the 50th anniversary of the biggest band to ever come from America. Surely we could expect a few treats for us hardcore fans. I mean, look at what the Stones have done with Exile and what the Boss has done with Dark on the Edge of Town. I'm sure BRI has been paying attention.

I don't expect a boxset, but I find it possible that we get another Endless Harmony-type package. I said something like this last year, but I'll repeat myself. Give us a nice smattering of great unreleased songs, maybe tuck in a few hits to please Mike Love, and hey, even throw in maybe 2 new Wilson penned cuts. Write one with Dr. Love, and another with maybe Van Dyke or Scotty Bennett. Whaddya say BRI? Ya listening? Plus, I could die a happy boy if I finally got to hear the 1974 demo of "California Feelin'". I also wish for a completed 1967 version of "Surf's Up", but unlike Domenic Priore, I don't believe such a thing exists, so I'm just fine with the 1971 version. Anyways here's a few of my wishes (some I've already heard, and some I'm just guessing are good) on this proposed album:

• "California Feelin'" 1974 demo: classic-era Brian vocal; great performance (per AGD); good song
• "(Wouldn't It Be Nice) To Live Again": great Dennis song (per AGD)
• "In The Back of My Mind" 1975 version: historically interesting (Brian in '75); great song; likely an interesting performance
• "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling": great performance; sh ows off Brian's studio prowess; Brian covers influences
• "I'll Bet He's Nice" demo: great performance; shows off great 70's writing; showcases how great Brian's songwriting still was
• "Boys and Girls": early '80s track; sounds promising; maybe use "Sweetie" instead?
• "Baby I Need Your Lovin'/Gimme Some Lovin'": very intriguing early '70's experiment; however, how finished is it?
• "Where Is She?": apparently a lovely performance by Brian, although very rough? (per AGD, i think)

I think that is a pretty reasonable list. From what I know, all the recordings are of complete songs, and could probably be released to the public (although maybe they could remove Dr. Love's cursing from the demo of "I'll Bet He's Nice", since he wants to project his family friendly ways. I didn't choose stuff like "Burlesque" cuz I'm assuming that is STILL not how BRI wants to portray The Beach Boys, and I also didn't include things like "Lucy Jones" because from what AGD has said, sure, it's probably interesting historically speaking (because of the voice change and all), but as a song, he makes it sound as if its no great shakes. And I think "California Feelin'" from '74 and "In The Back of My Mind" from '75 would probably please that crowd anyways. Anyways, hope this wasn't a bore.

Anyways, lets not give up hope guys and gals!

[Andrew G. Doe]

So nobody really feels confident that we get anything decent this year?

I wouldn't say I'm "confident", but given the enormity of the anniversary and the undeniable fact that BRI have been forcing folk to pull a shitload of unreleased stuff from YouTube, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Also, concerning the 50th tag... it really is just that: there's still a Beach Boys out there playing, with one and three-quarters original members. No matter what anyone says, next year is NOT the Beatles 50th anniversary: The Beatles ceased to exist 40 years ago. It's not even the 50th anniversary of their formation, rather it's the 50th Anniversary of their first release as The Beatles.  Which, of course, won't dampen the hoopla one little bit. Just sayin'.

"(Wouldn't It Be Nice) To Live Again": great Dennis song (per AGD)

Not just me - everyone who's heard it. Go listen to Adam Marsland's Chaos Band's wonderful, wonderful cover (and live, yet !). Then double it.

[Jim V.]

So nobody really feels confident that we get anything decent this year?

I wouldn't say I'm "confident", but given the enormity of the anniversary and the undeniable fact that BRI have been forcing folk to pull a shitload of unreleased stuff from YouTube, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Also, concerning the 50th tag... it really is just that: there's still a Beach Boys out there playing, with one and three-quarters original members. No matter what anyone says, next year is NOT the Beatles 50th anniversary: The Beatles ceased to exist 40 years ago. It's not even the 50th anniversary of their formation, rather it's the 50th Anniversary of their first release as The Beatles.  Which, of course, won't dampen the hoopla one little bit. Just sayin'.

"(Wouldn't It Be Nice) To Live Again": great Dennis song (per AGD)

Not just me - everyone who's heard it. Go listen to Adam Marsland's Chaos Band's wonderful, wonderful cover (and live, yet !). Then double it.

Well that makes me feel better that you are cautiously optimistic.

However I was also thinking of a few things I DON'T want this year. First of all, lets leave Pet Sounds alone. Amazingly album, possibly the best ever, but how about we leave it as is, at least for, say, five more years. We don't need "Trombone Dixie" remixed by Dr. Dre, or whatever scheme they wanna pull this time. Leave the album alone for now.

Also, if they are gonna do another Stars & Stripes type deal where, they re-work oldies with other artists, how about they go with artists like Panda Bear, Atlas Sound, Caribou, Sufjan Stevens, etc (all of whom I'm pretty sure are directly influenced by Brian)......and not Snoop Dogg and Katy Perry, or *gulp* that horrid mainstream country Brucie seems to love these days.

I also think if they are gonna reissue old material AGAIN in another compilation, they should try to highlight more of their work from Sunflower thru Love You, as I really think the public would dig it, if actually given some attention. And maybe use a song like "This Whole World" to promote the reunion. Something like that, a great song that hasn't gotten enough attention. Maybe have them perform it live too if they do a concert.

Just some ideas.

[guitarfool2002]

I see a major problem with the fact the public image is so deeply established for the name "Beach Boys" that it may be impossible to elevate the music of the 70's beyond the oldies image. It may remain a niche market for the more devoted fans who can pass it on to their friends and their kids and let those new ears decide the quality of the music. But expecting the public at large to listen to "Carl And The Passions" or "Love You" when the band has been established and marketed a certain way for so long is close to impossible at this point.

It was like the ultimate failure of the McDonalds fast-food name to try updating their brand identity to include "healthy" menu choices, when the main reason most customers visited McDonalds was to eat the unhealthy food they enjoyed for years! The Big Mac and fries are still king, the salads and other green items are the niche.

The saying..."you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink"? It fits.

[Myk Luhv]

I actually wouldn't mind seeing a remix project in the same vein as The New Sound Redesigned (2005) [allmusic review]. It'd be neat to see what some other acts could come up with in sampling or deconstructing the Beach Boys' music -- especially their 1970s stuff, I think. (Though I don't know if they could get as hip groups as Stereolab or Madlib or Kid Koala...)

[Jim V.]

I see a major problem with the fact the public image is so deeply established for the name "Beach Boys" that it may be impossible to elevate the music of the 70's beyond the oldies image. It may remain a niche market for the more devoted fans who can pass it on to their friends and their kids and let those new ears decide the quality of the music. But expecting the public at large to listen to "Carl And The Passions" or "Love You" when the band has been established and marketed a certain way for so long is close to impossible at this point.

It was like the ultimate failure of the McDonalds fast-food name to try updating their brand identity to include "healthy" menu choices, when the main reason most customers visited McDonalds was to eat the unhealthy food they enjoyed for years! The Big Mac and fries are still king, the salads and other green items are the niche.

The saying..."you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink"? It fits.

I agree that changing the cultural identity of The Beach Boys can't change, but honestly, even a lot of their more "mature" work still has that "Beach Boys" feel. I'm sure the mainstream public these days could accept "Good Timin'", "This Whole World", "Til I Die", or "Heroes and Villains". And this is coming from a person who doesn't think much of the "mainstream". I just hope the group doesn't forget that side of their work this year.

[letsmakeit31]

So nobody really feels confident that we get anything decent this year?

I wouldn't say I'm "confident", but given the enormity of the anniversary and the undeniable fact that BRI have been forcing folk to pull a shitload of unreleased stuff from YouTube, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Also, concerning the 50th tag... it really is just that: there's still a Beach Boys out there playing, with one and three-quarters original members. No matter what anyone says, next year is NOT the Beatles 50th anniversary: The Beatles ceased to exist 40 years ago. It's not even the 50th anniversary of their formation, rather it's the 50th Anniversary of their first release as The Beatles.  Which, of course, won't dampen the hoopla one little bit. Just sayin'.

"(Wouldn't It Be Nice) To Live Again": great Dennis song (per AGD)

Not just me - everyone who's heard it. Go listen to Adam Marsland's Chaos Band's wonderful, wonderful cover (and live, yet !). Then double it.

Sounds great to me and to think this could be the only way that we may hear this great song or maybe we may get to hear it this year??

[Myk Luhv]

I agree that changing the cultural identity of The Beach Boys can't change, but honestly, even a lot of their more "mature" work still has that "Beach Boys" feel. I'm sure the mainstream public these days could accept "Good Timin'", "This Whole World", "Til I Die", or "Heroes and Villains". And this is coming from a person who doesn't think much of the "mainstream". I just hope the group doesn't forget that side of their work this year.

I reckon it has "that Beach Boys feel" because, well, it's still them doing the vocals and... I don't think it's too far of a stretch to suggest they're possibly more renowned for that than their music per se. The music itself, though, had changed significantly not just three or four different times in the 1960s but probably most drastically in the 1970s. They sounded more like a band from 1970 onward if not from 1968 and beyond. That, combined with the fact that they began writing together and in various combinations of Beach Boys more, it certain gives the music a different sound even if the vocals are still probably recognisably "Beach Boys".

[donald]

I think I've said this before.  The Byrds released two boxes and the second was better.  I would like the BBs to do the same.    And we all pretty much agree on at least a dozen or more songs that could be included.    Yeah.  A nice big juicy beautiful box set of 7 or 8 discs covering the essentials and the so far boot only releases of a lot of great music.

Is that too much to ask???!!!!!!!

[Ron]

I don't have an exhaustive knowledge of the unreleased material, I haven't heard much of it at all... and I know the SOT stuff booted many of the capitol vaults... but surely there's some that were never copied.. and surely Brian personally must have dozens and dozens of songs.  I'll bet he's got stuff from back then that was recorded and never turned over to capitol.  Is that wishful thinking?

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Nope, and I have a feeling that's where most of the unbooted material lies...that is, if Brian didn't chunk them like a deuce years ago.

[XY]

Another idea: 3 Box sets with all albums + singles + bonus tracks

1. The 60's - Twofers updated with more bonus tracks + Lost & Found
2. The 70's - Twofers with bonus tracks added
3. The 80's/90's - + New Twofers for the last albums

[The Shift]

surely you jest, sire? Three boxes based on released stuff most of us have already? I have two sets of Capitol twofers,  and I'm sure the label is pretty aware they'll struggle  to market them widely a third time around.   

The 50th anniversary is the ideal opportunity for NEW old material to get the treatment, not for rehashing - though one suspects we'll have to allow for the obligatory hits comp.

[XY]

These CD's would contain new unreleased stuff. The 70's towfers don't have bonus tracks, so the best of ADULT/CHILD for LOVE YOU, "California Feelin'" for LA, "I'm Going Your Way" for SUNFLOWER, "Wouldn't It Be Nice To Live Again" for SURF's UP,  etc... And of course, a special CD with all the new outtakes available for fans through the net.
I highly doubt a new CD with old unreleased material would sell - HAWTHORNE CA didn't.

[The Shift]

I highly doubt a new CD with old unreleased material would sell - HAWTHORNE CA didn't.

We're gonna have to define the difference between 'new' and 'old' 'unreleased material'!

Having twofer bonus tracks on an individual cd for fans would virtually screw the fresh market for the twofers. Appreciate the thought, as I'm not sure I need those albums yet again, but I suspect Capitol couldn't afford to think so generously..

[shelter]

If I'd be in charge of these things, this is what would get released this year:

- Two versions of 'Smile': a one disc edition with the best/most complete version available of each song (maybe with some new overdubs where necessary), and a box set version comparable to 'Pet Sounds Sessions' (which obviously includes the one disc version).

- A 4CD + DVD "treasure box":
CD 1: unreleased songs
CD 2: demo's, alternate takes, a capella mixes, backing tracks, etc.
CD 3: selected live recordings 1962-2010, with a strong focus on unusual versions and songs that were rarely performed live
CD 4: a full live show
DVD: TV appearances and live clips (full songs only)

- No new hits compilation, but instead an "Essential Beach Boys Starters Kit" with 'Sounds of Summer', 'The Warmth of the Sun' and 'Pet Sounds' packaged together for a nice price.