alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted February 24th, 2012 02:17 PM IPYeah. I saw that other version too. The overall sound was very impressive, apart from the fact that you could barely hear any of the actual Beach Boys. Jeff was the clearest voice you could hear. And it's not as if Brian hasn't been singing that for the last 10 years. But it looks like it will be much like the Brian Wison Band experience, amazing reproductions of the songs with occasional input from the nominal lead singer.
Posted February 24th, 2012 04:49 PM IPI think you have to keep the the Grammy performance in perspective, it's not what we think or the Smiley Board, or the Record room, but how it was received by the "great unwashed". The audience reaction at the grammys was positive and enthusiastic, the reviews, outside of us cynical folk, were very positive, and proof of this is how popular a ticket for this tour has become. The Beacon shows here in NYC sold out on the presale. To see this I'm going to Bethel NY about 90 miles away.
Posted February 24th, 2012 07:00 PM IPPity Channel 4 in Britain didn't see Brian Wilson back together and performing with the other surviving Beach Boys for the first time in 15 years (or whatever it is - the last thing I remember is that Status Quo collaboration) as worthy of inclusion in a one and a half hour Grammy highlights programme.Have YOU been Con-Demed yet?
Posted February 24th, 2012 09:04 PM IP[quote]Mike wrote:
I think you have to keep the the Grammy performance in perspective, it's not what we think or the Smiley Board, or the Record room, but how it was received by the "great unwashed". The audience reaction at the grammys was positive and enthusiastic, the reviews, outside of us cynical folk, were very positive, and proof of this is how popular a ticket for this tour has become. [quote}
Yeah, you know, over the last ten years or so, while Brian's solo albums (other than BWPS) didn't sell much, his legacy and the overall good feelings toward him have maintained or even increased. Did you notice at The Grammys how, when he sang, the audience applauded. And, included in the introduction of the group, The Smile Sessions was mentioned. Did you ever think you would hear that release mentioned in an introduction? Like I mentioned in my above post, the audience knew that somebody (Brian AND the other guys) special was performing.
I'm not saying they will ever escape the surf & turf stigma, but, slowly but surely, they are being recognized for other important contributions such as Pet Sounds and now SMiLE and Brian's overall greatness/genius/influence. There seems to a definite audience out there who "gets" Brian & The Beach Boys, almost a sophisticated faction.
I also don't think you can discount the positive goodwill Mike & Bruce have spread - AND - the cumulative affect of those comps like Sounds Of Summer. I think that audience sophistication has spread to the 1962-65 period also. People are experiencing the real genius in those recordings also.
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted February 25th, 2012 09:32 PM IPI think there is now a genuine apprecIation not only for the music but the fact that they have been going FIFTY YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! and most of them are not only still alive, e eryone but Mike still has hair. And he never had any to start with.
I'm not dismissing how good the overall sound was by the way, we know why it was that good, and the choice of sidemen was always very important here.
I was surprised they chose The Beacon in NY though, that's a small venue. I was expecting MSG or something that size.
Still no word of UK dates.
I didn't even notice C4 had done a Grammy's programme, but if they didn't show the Boys then I'm glad I missed it. The other bands involved in the 'tribute' were excreable though. Foster the what????
Posted April 15th, 2012 02:22 AM IPDoes anybody know if and where you can purchase Al Jardine's A Postcard From California - in physical CD form - with all 15 tracks, including "Sloop John B" and "Waves Of Love"?
Quote: Mike wrote:
you know I don't know what to expect from these shows. I know there are some who think this will be unqualified disaster, I can't be that cynical or pessimistic, I mean I bought tickets so I'm hoping otherwise. Why did I buy tickets, I haven't seen the Beach Boys since 81 at the Pier in NYC, I hated it. It seemed they were a totally different band that I saw and loved back in 72-74, and even a few of the mid 70's shows, especially the Brian's back show at MSG in 76. But I'm going just the same, because one I have really enjoyed Brian's solo tours, The Pet Sounds shows, and especially Smile shows were some of the best I've seen. Also that they were able to put out The Smile Sessions made a difference, though they'll probably not play much of it. Hey it's also the 50th anniversary and how many more times am I going to have a chance to see them again. There are things about this that does bother me, one it's hard for me to imagine The Beach Boys without Carl and Dennis, obviously that can't be helped, also I would have liked Blondie, and Ricky involved. The one really cool thing for me that comes out of this, this is an old hippie speaking, I finally get to go to Yasgur's Farm, the site of the original Woodstock. I'm excited about that. But this not the end of Michael's wish he was back in High School tour, in October
I have tickets to see Ian Anderson's 40th anniversary tour of Thick As A Brick. I saw Tull do it 40 years ago three times. I would like to see the The Stones 50th shows also, but I'm not rich enough, and I have a kid in college, whose tuition is probably the cost of a ticket.
Quote: Mike wrote:
There are things about this that does bother me, one it's hard for me to imagine The Beach Boys without Carl and Denis, obviously that can't be helped, also I would have liked Blondie, and Ricky involved.
I feel the same way, but there IS something about this current lineup that I like. It's certainly a legitimate Beach Boys. After 50 years, it's about as "founding members-like" that you can get with Brian, Mike, Al, and David. Honestly - even without Dennis and Carl - in some ways I view this lineup just as representative and legitimate as the other 5-6 configurations of past Beach Boys' groups. Think about it, there's been a lot of different Beach Boys combinations.
That being said, I still expect the live performances to be driven by the backup band. I'm sure the lead vocals will be divided up strategically and effectively, and I expect to hear David's guitar featured prominently in the mix. But, I think the sound will resemble Brian's solo concerts. The real stars will be the music/songs and the way the band is reproducing them. The backup band's harmonies (and maybe doubling of leads by Foskett) will cover a lot of rough edges. Let's face it, in concert, Mike's, Brian's, and even Bruce's lead vocals have weakened considerably. They better turn the mics up or there could be some serious drowning out.
And, maybe that's OK. I get the feeling that the group is really trying to enjoy this moment, this last hurrah, basking in the adulation they so deserve. I don't know how much they are into it for artistic reasons. 50-60 dates in that short span is a lot of work for these 70-something year old guys. I suspect there will be some coasting. I hope not too much, though. I'm paying $325 to see these guys!
Posted April 18th, 2012 08:06 PM IPTicketmaster. That's for one gig, May 17th, at The Sands in Bethlehem PA.
If you wanna get anywhere near the stage these days, that's what you're gonna pay. If you want to get reserved seats in the first (I think) 20 rows, you have to purchase this V.I.P. package. It doesn't matter if you call or set your computer for the first second the tickets go on sale, in order to get up close to the stage, you have to purchase that package. I think beginning in Row 21 the tickets cost $99.00.
Now, with that V.I.P. package we're in Row 3, you get to attend the sound check, attend a meet-and-greet with the band with photo opportunities, you get a special dated T-shirt, a laminated ticket, and other little goodies. I still can't get over paying that much, but the people I'm going with wanted to go that route, and I didn't want to appear cheap (although I'm constantly thinking what I could do with that money). But, you know, it's a once in a lifetime thing, it will be an unforgettable night. Only nuts like us can appreciate something like this. BRIAN BETTER BE THERE!
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted April 18th, 2012 10:12 PM IPI think you are right to go for that if you can afford it. I'm just waiting for word of a UK Gig or two.
Mike is so lucky to have seen them in the early 70's. They did very few UK gigs in that decade and I only got to see them on the 81 tour, where all 6 were on stage (even if Brian didn't seem to be aware of that fact).
But as long as they do a London show I will be there.
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted April 19th, 2012 02:56 AM IPJust saw that clip of Jeff and his backing band doing Surfer Girl at the Dodgers stadium. He sounded good. Dunno bout all those old guys with him though....
Quote: alan wrote:
Just saw that clip of Jeff and his backing band doing Surfer Girl at the Dodgers stadium. He sounded good. Dunno bout all those old guys with him though....
Yeah, I saw that clip about two weeks ago. I have mixed emotions about it.
Of course I don't want the five Beach Boys drowned out by the non-Beach Boys backing band. However, like I posted above, I am expecting some of it, especially the harmonies. I also expect Jeff Foskett to be in very close proximity to Brian Wilson. But, you know, I understand it.
Maybe after 50 years, The Beach Boys finally figured it out. At least maybe Brian's wifeandmanagers have. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT AND MAKE THE BEACH BOYS LOOK & SOUND GOOD IN THE PROCESS.
There were three major opportunities in The Beach Boys' career to really "reach the sky" popularity-wise, and solidify their reputation even more than it had previously been, and each time they blew it.
In late 1966/early 1967, after the artistic and commercial success of Pet Sounds (with 2 hit singles) and "Good Vibrations", they were perched at the top and were primed to do some very special things. Instead, Brian did Smiley Smile, Wild Honey, and Friends. Regardless of the artistic merits of these albums, they were obviously not what the public wanted from the group, and they were dropped by their record company and the group went bankrupt.
After the amazing success of the one-two punch of Endless Summer and Spirit Of America in 1974/75, the Beach Boys were given a second chance. Because of those two releases, they were arguably the most popular band in the world at that time. And, this time Brian churned out 15 Big Ones and Love You. Is it safe to say that those two offerings were not exactly what 99% of the Beach Boys' fans wanted? It just didn't sound ENOUGH like The Beach Boys. So much for that chance and that popularity.
And, finally, in 1988 they were lucky(?) enough to get a No. 1 single with "Kokomo". Another chance! And, what does the band come up with this time? Still Cruisin' and Summer In Paradise. Ugh. This time Brian was barely to be found. He was busy recording stuff like Sweet Insanity. A third chance blown.
Now it's 2012 and it's deja vu all over again. I can feel the momentum building again. The Beach Boys are all over the place. YouTube videos ("Do It Again" 2012), the Grammys, baseball parks, national anthems, boxed sets, solo albums, and a lot of press. A lot of press! Could it be they finally learned their lesson? The public - at least 99% of the public - has an idea of how The Beach Boys should sound, or at least how they would LIKE them to sound.
Will The Beach Boys shock the public like they did with Smiley Smile, and lose their audience again? Will they turn off the audience with "what the fu--" vocals from Brian, and overly nasal vocals from Mike, where the audience will be saying, "Are they the same Beach Boys who sang all those great songs..." - much like what happened with 15 Big Ones and Love You. Will they have nothing to say, much like what happened after "Kokomo".
No, there won't be a Smiley Smile, there won't be a 15 Big Ones, and there won't be a Love/Melcher Summer In Paradise. I don't think so anyway. What the audience will get in concert is a "sound" that SOUNDS LIKE THE BEACH BOYS. They can't get that sound with the 2012 BW, ML, AJ, BJ, and DM. They need Foskett and Company. 99% of the audience won't care anyway. They just want the sweet sounds, the good vibrations, the surf & turf, the fun in the sun Beach Boys. And that's what they are going to get. But, this is the only way to achieve it. Mix Brian down and Jeff up. That wasn't always the way they did it. I still have visions of Brian in concert 1977 singing "Love Is A Woman". Yeah, it was an honest attempt, an honest picture of the group at that time. But, how did that work out? Never again. It won't happen again. I think they learned their lesson. Give the people what they want. Or, more specifically, give the people the SOUND that they want.
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted April 19th, 2012 06:57 PM IPOh i know, and I would be the first to complain if they didn't use Brian's band to make them sound good at this point in their lives. They could have chosen a song that one of them took lead though, or one that wasn't quite so obviously Jeff.
Quote: alan wrote:
Oh i know, and I would be the first to complain if they didn't use Brian's band to make them sound good at this point in their lives. They could have chosen a song that one of them took lead though, or one that wasn't quite so obviously Jeff.
At the Dodger's game, before performing the National Anthem, they sang "Surfer Girl". Guess who sang the bridge? What was the weakest part of the song/performance? What/who made them sound respectable - or at least like The Beach Boys?
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted April 20th, 2012 02:23 PM IPAnd I suppose he looks old and fat enough to pass muster....
Posted April 21st, 2012 06:11 PM IPI'm not too keen on the song's title but the harmonies and the melody of that sounded wonderful to me. Have YOU been Con-Demed yet?
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted April 22nd, 2012 12:02 AM IPDamn, it has been removed!!!!!!
Posted April 22nd, 2012 08:46 AM IPDoes sound like a slight hint of You Only Live Twice in the chorus which...no, I won't say it. I don't want to put anyone else off!Have YOU been Con-Demed yet?
Posted April 23rd, 2012 06:09 PM IPHere's another link!
Have YOU been Con-Demed yet?
alan Administrator Posts: 7455 Registered: Aug 2007
Posted April 24th, 2012 06:25 PM IPThe new MOJO just out is a BB special celebrating the 50th, with a polite interview (everyone says nice things about eachother) and another 50 best songs list, plus a cd of various nobodies and Wayne Coyne coverng Pet Sounds. Nothing new to report.
Posted April 24th, 2012 07:43 PM IPBut, you know, they're everywhere. I just heard that "That's Why God Made The Radio" is going to premier on the ESPN Sports talk/TV show, Mike & Mike - tomorrow.
For decades, The Beach Boys' popularity has always been cyclical, usually based on the odd hit single or Brian doing something. I haven't seen this much attention since Endless Summer!
Posted April 25th, 2012 02:02 PM IPhey alan and rob, I know there are no shows scheduled as of yet in England, but if you're up for an overseas trip, there are plenty of tickets for the June show at the Bethel Woods Arts Center, the site of the original Woodstock Festival. It's only 1 1/2 - 2 hours from NYC , and you would get the chance to meet yours truly, or buy meet and greet and meet the Boys. Tickets for the shows are very affordable. Just Sayin'.
Posted April 25th, 2012 08:28 PM IPIt's a nice idea Mike and I'm sort of touched that you thought of it. But I don't think I can afford to do it.Have YOU been Con-Demed yet?
