Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Beach Boys Network

The Beach Boys Network

Re: Hmmm.. Sail Away promo single? [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 06:25 AM CDT

Absolute genuine item: WB PRO 6105/PRCD 110, original German promo CDS including product info sheet.

Though it isn´t that rare as the seller claims, at least over here in Germany.

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 06:23 AM CDT

Another factor might be that in the US, there's just so much of a cacophony with pop music and popular culture in general that the best stuff sometimes gets a little lost--and loses to more slickly marketed stuff.

Or perhaps the culture there has fractured far to much for charts to be meaningful to any body but a minority of teens.

Or maybe the "music business" has become such a well-oiled machine that the best bands are simply destroyed by it.

Or perhaps America simply don't respect their own culture. In general I have to say I love a lot of American music--even more than UK music!--, but none of it--or hardly any of it makes the charts in any big way nowadays.

Whereas a band like Radiohead will not only be popular in the UK but also hit number one in the US, great US bands(in my opinion) tend to be "underground" in the USA nowadays--with some exceptions, of course.

It's something I've long pondered.

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:53 AM CDT

Isn't it ironic that Elvis has more #1s than the Beatles in the UK, yet it's vice versa here in the US?  You would think that would be the opposite. I still cannot understand why so many people here give so much praise and devotion to the Beatles, yet dismiss the Beach Boys and Elvis as a group that "only sang about surfin'" and "just a guy with big sideburns and a lip curl".

The Beatles were innovative from their first record to their last, they changed the face of popular music completely. One could argue that they came along at the right time and got lucky, but they achieved all those things. Today, even refugee children from Afghanistan can sing at least one Beatle's song (and yes, I do have reason to know this).

The Beach Boys have a couple of claims to fame....the surfin' and cruisin' songs - which are great and caught people's imagination but didn't really change the world...and the Pet Sounds/Good Vibrations period where they were up with the Beatles in terms of creativity.

As for Elvis....well he could sing, and from what I have heard (and seen on film) he had a tremendous stage presence....he knew how to wow his audience. So did the Beatles (in a different way)...while the Beach Boys for too long remained clean-cut good boys.  Therein lies the Boys' image problem....they were a great band with a lot of great songs, but image-wise never quite recovered from 1966.

When I tell people, especially Americans as it happens, that I am a Brian Wilson fan....they often tell me "Ah, Surfin' USA...yeah it's OK but 3 Beach Boys songs is all I can take"...then I remind them about Pet Sounds, and its almost as if that was by another entity...

Another thing about Elvis Vs the Beatles.....is that Elvis' career more or less lasted twenty years...and he has continued to rack up occasional number 1's (in the UK at least) after his death. I don't think the Beatles have had a #1 after 1970...though a couple of re-releases have come close...even Free as a Bird got to #2 in the UK.

Re: BLUE? vinyl 45 [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:52 AM CDT

The lady at Control, who sounded like someone's older mother,

... as opposed to their younger one?  Smiley

Seriously, suppose I just wanted to buy a vinyl 45 of MAD and nothing else, how can I ? (nothing on Amazon AKAICS). Is there a 12-inch?

Re: Smiley Smile was a joke. [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:39 AM CDT

Here's something that makes me a bit undecided on the "joke vs. really gave it an honest try" argument: according to history (or legend, as it may be), Brian had a difficult time getting the Boys on board with the SMiLE material (especially Mike, who wanted to keep the old hit formula).  So, what made them so cooperative on Smiley?  I mean, they do seem to be enjoying themselves on that one; what changed their minds?

Tantalizing question.

1. Perhaps the group was under the impression that the Smiley material never was meant to be officially released and thus benevolently gave in to a whim of Brian's, in the hope that after this minor and rather quick ordeal Brian would return to the old home turf. Sort of a trade-off, if you will. Could be that the other band members thought: hey, if we make this effort, we'll forever be freed from the shackles of that still-born monster. Mike might have thought: 'we'll make a sh*t album - so the outside world will finally realize that Brian is not the genius that he's cracked up to be.'

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:39 AM CDT

One thing to keep in mind too, in the '60s there was only one chart in each country and now there are like 4000.

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:33 AM CDT

General public UK has better taste than general public US. In my opinion.

Yep I would agree, but then that's only because a lot of it coincides with my tastes

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:33 AM CDT

Don... Billboard is US sales only... Not all Smiley Smile members are American...  Grin

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:30 AM CDT

I'm still enjoying the free stream!

Put me down for one when AGD gives me the ok on the sound. Wink

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:28 AM CDT

Has always amazed me that they didn't have more No 1s but then perhaps the charts were a different kettle of fish when they were at their peak, and the competition was that much tougher.

They were up against all kinds of genres as well, from crooners to easy listening to the sort of stuff that Murray would have relaxed with his pipe to. There was also much more US/UK rivalry (or inspiration).

These days I've no idea whether I'm listening to a UK chart act or a US chart act... all I can guess is that the act probably won their contract on a TV show featuring Simon Cowell.

Good points... There's no doubt in my mind that back then there was so much more competition. I mean you just look at some of the big hits from back then and they are all time classic songs, whereas nowadays a lot of the time those songs won't be remembered after like a year at the most. And even though there are more genres etc.. these days, it seems that it's the same sort of manufactured crap that gets big on the charts. I could be wrong though as I don't really keep up with the pop charts.

Re: TLOS DVD [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:27 AM CDT

...and Brian and band spent the whole concert changing clothes too! Grin


Seriously, I don't think it is uncommon. Paul McCartney wasn't at the first show in London of SMiLE. Not that you would know it from the DVD.

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:26 AM CDT

Lessee -

there are 1204 members in the Smileysmile.net community. Each of them must have bought at least one item pertaining to the TLOS bonanza. I used SPSS and a two-sided confidence interval of 0.05; --> 700 members have bought 2 items --> 400 members bought 3 things (this peaks enormously because it corresponds with the bonus tracks issue --> 250 members bought 4 items --> 100 members bought 5 --> (the curve becomes flat until:) --> Andrew G. Doe bought 8,312 items (and he still complains about the sound quality; even the CDs pressed in Bhutan and Ulan Bator don't satisfy his demands).

The upshot of my calculations is that 2 copies were bought in the general marketplace in the first week after release. Which is not bad at all for a Brian Wilson solo album.

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:21 AM CDT

Has always amazed me that they didn't have more No 1s but then perhaps the charts were a different kettle of fish when they were at their peak, and the competition was that much tougher.

They were up against all kinds of genres as well, from crooners to easy listening to the sort of stuff that Murray would have relaxed with his pipe to. There was also much more US/UK rivalry (or inspiration).

These days I've no idea whether I'm listening to a UK chart act or a US chart act... all I can guess is that the act probably won their contract on a TV show featuring Simon Cowell.

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:18 AM CDT

Isn't it ironic that Elvis has more #1s than the Beatles in the UK, yet it's vice versa here in the US?  You would think that would be the opposite. I still cannot understand why so many people here give so much praise and devotion to the Beatles, yet dismiss the Beach Boys and Elvis as a group that "only sang about surfin'" and "just a guy with big sideburns and a lip curl". I mean they're every bit as great, groundbreaking, and influential as the Beatles yet they're not taken seriously or acknowledged for their talent. People in the UK seem to get this, but here (where they're from!!) it seems to go over people's heads. And I cannot for the life of me figure out how the BBs only have 3 #1s (and Kokomo LOL ). With the exception of the Eagles, Elvis, and the Beatles I can think of more BB hits than I can for anyone else on that list, but I guess I'm dumb

And just checking but wasn't Barbara Ann kinda, sorta a #1 on some list Huh
General public UK has better taste than general public US. In my opinion.

Re: Hmmm.. Sail Away promo single? [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:17 AM CDT


I read it carefully. Of course I can be fooled like any other person can, but I think it is genuine. Whether it's a CDR or an original CD can be tested within a few seconds. The seller is honest about the outer shortcomings. And I can't for the life of me imagine why someone would go to the lengths of manufacturing a piece of forgery that costs relatively little but requires much time and work to come across as 'it must be real'.
Now, as huge a Wilson/Parks fan as I am, I won't even contemplate purchasing it.

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:14 AM CDT

Who, I'm a little confused. Can anybody tell me how high TLOS charted on the official Billboard album charts? I don't mena any internet-charts or whatsoever. Just the official charts....

It's #21 on the regular, official album chart...

Re: #1 Hit Singles [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:13 AM CDT

And just checking but wasn't Barbara Ann kinda, sorta a #1 on some list Huh

Yep, number one on Cash Box - February 5, 1966

2 tkts + pkg Brian Wilson + Fireworks Hollywd Bowl 9/13 ["brian wilson"]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 05:11 AM CDT

US $105.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Sep-11-2008 21:10:50 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $125.00
Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Hmmm.. Sail Away promo single? [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 04:43 AM CDT

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 04:33 AM CDT

Who, I'm a little confused. Can anybody tell me how high TLOS charted on the official Billboard album charts? I don't mena any internet-charts or whatsoever. Just the official charts....

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 03:58 AM CDT

#21 is a better chart position than any Beach Boys album after Pet Sounds....apart from 15 Big Ones.

So it's a pretty decent position, when you consider that means it has charted higher than Smiley ever did...or Wild Honey...or Surf's Up...

I, like everyone else, just hope it holds on for a 2nd and 3rd week...at least inside the top 40.

Re: TLOS DVD [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 03:03 AM CDT

Pardon me for being skeptical, but how many DVD versions will we have to buy to get the whole concert?

Best Buy will sell the musical tracks, iTunes will sell only the VDP-narratives, and the sound will be in 1.0 Mono split across left and right channels, unless you buy 2 versions to play simultaneously to create your own 5.1 stereo mix.

I already paid extra for a TLOS DVD. i don't know if i can be bothered to get the concert unless we get something special beyond the show.

I watched the Pet Sounds live in London DVD recently and was appalled. I didn't remember it being so bad. After track 1, we cut to a clip of Brian running across the front row, slapping hands with fans, then he's back in his seat again for track 2. I was at one of the shows (Tuesday 29th Jan) and you didn't need to be there to know that this CLEARLY didn't happen. Who were they trying to fool? Seriously, who? Who did BriMel think would believe this?

Re: Brian interview on Pitchfork [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 02:26 AM CDT

A classic example of Brian not wanting to do the interview and getting it over as rapidly as possible, not caring how he comes across.  Sad

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 02:20 AM CDT

I think that what is more important than #21 on its' initial week on the charts is...where will it be in week #3?  Is there any staying power?  Despite the (mostly) positive reviews I think this has peaked where it is right now.  I hope I'm wrong.  But even with PSML, chart positions faded rather quickly.

I hope that the news of TLOS being #21 will make some of the more casual fans curious enough to check the album out. People like us on this forum were aware of things like the TLOS live performances and the Midnight's Another Day demo, but for the more casual fans this chart position will probably be the first sign they get that Brian's made the next great album that nobody really expected anymore.

Re: Brian Wilson on Pacific Ocean Blue [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 02:04 AM CDT

Or ask Brian Wilson some questions about taping the wind as a teenager. Smiley

Re: How Will TLOS Chart? - UK And US [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 11 Sep 2008 01:47 AM CDT

Hate to be a damper again, but 21,000 copies isn't that great of an amount.

It's enough for a #21 position, so apparantly that is quite a lot nowadays.

Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl 9/13 - Fireworks Finale ["brian wilson"]

Posted: 10 Sep 2008 10:21 PM CDT

US $125.00
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Buy It Now for only: US $125.00
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Brian Wilson Beach Boys That Lucky Sun Signed CD ["brian wilson"]

Posted: 10 Sep 2008 04:50 PM CDT

US $61.00 (7 Bids)
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Brian Wilson Beach Boys That Lucky Sun Signed CD ["beach boys"]

Posted: 10 Sep 2008 04:50 PM CDT

US $61.00 (7 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Sep-11-2008 14:50:25 PDT
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Brian Wilson Midnight's Another Day ORANGE 7" VINYL ["brian wilson"]

Posted: 10 Sep 2008 04:19 PM CDT

US $29.99
End Date: Saturday Sep-13-2008 14:19:24 PDT
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