Saturday, September 27, 2008

The Beach Boys Network

The Beach Boys Network

Re: The Jon Stebbins Thread [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 03:46 AM CDT

Quick question:
For those who've heard early versions of Holy Man with Carl doing a draft vocal; is the melody similar to the Taylor Hawkins version?

Re: New Wilson interview on Lucky Old Sun in new Mojo [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 03:25 AM CDT

Sounds like a good interview, Sylvie is a Brian enthusiast of course so she might know how to make sure he's talkative.

Brian missing the BB's. I wonder if he means missing them personally and not musically? It must have, at times, been great making records with your brothers, cousin and best friend.

As for MAD, doesn't surprise me...Brian has always had a knack of picking a chord that nobody else would have thought of...and when you hear it you realise it works. But it's good to know that he still has that talent and used it on TLOS.

Re: Questions about Dennis's death [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 03:17 AM CDT

I thought it was better known actually. Brian in his own words tried to commit suicide by drowning himself. That's been reported in a few places actually, and it was touched on in the Wilson Project book. Apparently Brian went into further detail in some interview, but honestly I've never read that interview or know too much more about it. If anybody else has a scan, or remembers more, now'd be a good time to post!

Re: New Wilson interview on Lucky Old Sun in new Mojo [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 03:15 AM CDT

Quote
Sorry, I don't have the magazine to hand, so this is probably a pointless post but in response to the other topic about BW's comments on a BB reunion I wanted to add that in the new Mojo interview, BW comments that he misses the Beach Boys and sighs that although his new band are great, they're not the Beach Boys. Of course this doesn't make the prospect of a BB reunion any more likely but it's interesting to read that Wilson misses his old band.

Really?! Very interesting...

New Wilson interview on Lucky Old Sun in new Mojo [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 02:59 AM CDT

Sorry, I don't have the magazine to hand, so this is probably a pointless post but in response to the other topic about BW's comments on a BB reunion I wanted to add that in the new Mojo interview, BW comments that he misses the Beach Boys and sighs that although his new band are great, they're not the Beach Boys. Of course this doesn't make the prospect of a BB reunion any more likely but it's interesting to read that Wilson misses his old band.

In the same interview Bennett also goes into more details about the writing behind MAD: That the opening piano riff to the song was something he (Bennett) had kicking around, that Brian suggested they do in a different key and rhythm that totally transformed the riff and surprised bennett. He also describes the point where they were trying to find the right chord for the fade to grey bit and Brian plucked this weird chord change out of the air that totally amazed Bennett "the money chord" (although I think this bit has already been mentioned).

Anyway it's a nice piece by Sylvie Simmons. When I get my hands on it again later I'll see if there are any other details from it that are worth paraphrasing.

Re: Dylan Question-opinion for all Zimmerman-heads... [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 12:53 AM CDT

I think it comes down to the fact that Dylan has SO MANY thoughts, perspectives over the years. Everyone flows in and out of them over time. I can relate to Dylan X at some point, Dylan Y at another. It isn't an A>B>C situation so much as a "I used to like A, now I'm into B," etc.

Yes, and that's what makes it such a difficult question to answer. Damn, TdHabib, this is a tough one. OK, on 9/26/08, I'll say:

1. Highway 61 Revisited
2. Blonde On Blonde
3. Blood On The Tracks

Highway 61 Revisited has no weak spots; it's consistently great. That's not to say Blonde On Blonde has any filler; it doesn't. It is just as consistent, but does it have the "highs" of Highway 61 Revisited? I don't know, they're so close. Again, it depends on what mood you're in, what you're looking for. Highway 61 Revisited is more straight-forward rock and roll, if you're looking for that. Dylan seems extremely focused, still maybe angry? Blonde On Blonde, while it too rocks, is a little more "out there", a little more druggy. And there's more "relationship" songs on Blonde On Blonde. Was there the slightest sign of Dylan mellowing? 

Blood On The Tracks has a couple cuts ("You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome", "Meet Me In The Morning", and "Buckets Of Rain") that are just a notch below. While I love "Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts", it seems slightly out of place, suited more for Nashville Skyline or Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid. But, hey, Blood On The Tracks is a stone cold classic!

Did I dodge your question enough, TdHabib?   
Nah, it's alright, you answered the best you could...

If I could dig a little deeper...

The thing about Blood on the Tracks that always bugged me was that Dylan could've kept the original take of "If You See Her, Say Hello", and by all means should have, but replaced with that inferior version. I don't mind the three tunes you mentioned, perversely I think they fit in with the mood  Tongue I think the thing is whenever I get into my Blood on the Tracks mood, there's no stopping me...

But I was always irked about the second version of "If You See Her, Say Hello" the first version (acoustic) is pure emotion, one of Dylan's best vocals, and then the second version comes out officially and it's that watered down, fleshed out take...

As for Highway 61, the tune that hasn't clicked for me yet it "From a Buick 6." But I just listened to "Desolation Row" again, what a great song...

Re: Is this real? [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 12:27 AM CDT

That's a fake, and a rather obvious one.

The song was copywritten in 1983....and it's in the wrong key!

I don't think it's the seller trying to scam anybody...rather, I think they were taken also and may not even know about it.

Re: Dylan Question-opinion for all Zimmerman-heads... [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 12:06 AM CDT

I pretty much agree with Luther.

But I think that 61 was the more significant album culturally, while BOTT is more consistently listenable(meaning I'm in the mood for it more often.) But the fact I'm in the mood for it more often is probably more indicative of my age and where I'm at as a person than anything else.

Blonde on Blonde is one of his most important records, but is not my personal favorite anymore(though it was at one point.)

Re: Friends [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 27 Sep 2008 12:02 AM CDT

It's funny how people disagree about things. I think the lyrics to Friends are great and add to the album's beauty, not take away from it; they were something different from the high-falutin' wordplay of Smile and the classic love-song  lyrics of Wild Honey.

Is this real? [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 11:44 PM CDT

I found something very interesting on e-bay today. It seems to be hand written sheet music for "It's Just A Matter Of Time". I'm hoping that maybe Andrew G Doe or somebody could take a look at this. If it's the "real deal", is it worth bidding on?  http://cgi.ebay.com/BRIAN-WILSON-BEACH-BOYS-1983-Sheet-Music-Score-8J07_W0QQitemZ350100020839QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item350100020839&_trkparms=72%3A1156%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Re: Dylan Question-opinion for all Zimmerman-heads... [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 11:25 PM CDT

Blood on the Tracks is my favorite Dylan album of them all.  It is the home of my favorite Dylan tune "Idiot Wind".  That song never fails to blow my away.  The anger that comes through in Dylan's voice on that song is so captivating.  Every track on the record is an absolute killer.  Highway 61 is probably right behind it at #2.

Re: The Jon Stebbins Thread [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 10:32 PM CDT

Quote
Regarding the drum sounds on Dennis' solo stuff, I think it's interesting that there seemed to be a shift in mic'ing style when Tom Murphy started doing the sessions:  he used a more "close" mic approach, as opposed to the Mankey/Hanlon "room" mic approach.

Indeed.

Good stuff, Jon, thanks.

Re: Dylan Question-opinion for all Zimmerman-heads... [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 10:29 PM CDT

I think it comes down to the fact that Dylan has SO MANY thoughts, perspectives over the years. Everyone flows in and out of them over time. I can relate to Dylan X at some point, Dylan Y at another. It isn't an A>B>C situation so much as a "I used to like A, now I'm into B," etc.

Yes, and that's what makes it such a difficult question to answer. Damn, TdHabib, this is a tough one. OK, on 9/26/08, I'll say:

1. Highway 61 Revisited
2. Blonde On Blonde
3. Blood On The Tracks

Highway 61 Revisited has no weak spots; it's consistently great. That's not to say Blonde On Blonde has any filler; it doesn't. It is just as consistent, but does it have the "highs" of Highway 61 Revisited? I don't know, they're so close. Again, it depends on what mood you're in, what you're looking for. Highway 61 Revisited is more straight-forward rock and roll, if you're looking for that. Dylan seems extremely focused, still maybe angry? Blonde On Blonde, while it too rocks, is a little more "out there", a little more druggy. And there's more "relationship" songs on Blonde On Blonde. Was there the slightest sign of Dylan mellowing? 

Blood On The Tracks has a couple cuts ("You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome", "Meet Me In The Morning", and "Buckets Of Rain") that are just a notch below. While I love "Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts", it seems slightly out of place, suited more for Nashville Skyline or Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid. But, hey, Blood On The Tracks is a stone cold classic!

Did I dodge your question enough, TdHabib?   

Re: Questions about Dennis's death [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 10:24 PM CDT

Also, Brian back in 1985 apparently tried to do the same thing.
I've never heard that before. Do you have any details on it?

Re: The Jon Stebbins Thread [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 10:23 PM CDT

It was definitely fun sitting in the studio with Hanlon while he mixed the Bambu stuff. I don't have much tech expertise to add, but i would encourage you and others to interview Hanlon and Mankey and Murphy and Moffett while they are still around...again they will say the spirit was one of experimentation and exploration.

Also, the musicians who played on the album or those who were to be in his touring band would be good folks to talk to; Eddy Tuleja, for example. He has stories. I think he's living in Tasmania.

Yep, I contacted him and he did provide some great info, as best as he could remember.  As he put it, "If you remember the '70s, you weren't there".  The best quotes I got from him are in my POB essay on my website. (www.beachboysarchives.com).  I'm progressing on a Bambu essay that also has loads of great quotes from people like Tommy Smith.

Regarding the drum sounds on Dennis' solo stuff, I think it's interesting that there seemed to be a shift in mic'ing style when Tom Murphy started doing the sessions:  he used a more "close" mic approach, as opposed to the Mankey/Hanlon "room" mic approach. 

2008 TOPPS BLACK BRIAN WILSON 34/57 ["brian wilson"]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 10:14 PM CDT

US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-29-2008 20:14:23 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list

Re: Mike comments on relations between him and Al [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 09:51 PM CDT

I'm sure if Brian decides to write a song about high school girls, hot rods and surfing, Mike will get the call!

Do you mean like "Desert Drive" and "Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl"?

Re: Friends [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 09:49 PM CDT

t really lame lyrics.  Brian should have collaborated with a lyricist on this one. 
He was collaborating. Mike Love, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine...

Re: Brian comments on possibilities of a BB reunion [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 09:48 PM CDT

The only way an album could work would be if Brian came up with a bunch of songs with his band (similar to what he was doing prior to TLOS), cut the tracks and brought the guys in to sing.  That's the only way...Mike may be right that Brian had the most success while collaberating with him, but it should also be noted that the Beach Boys were the most successful when Brian was calling the shots. 

The only two band members with songwriting skill even remotely approaching Brian's are sadly dead.  Brian's band seems to bring out the best in Brian creatively, so any project would have to involve them.  Bring the boys in to sing Brian's songs, with Brian's band doing the backing tracks, and you may have something.  Otherwise, I just can't see it working. 

Some of your post I completely agree with, other parts....

First, yes, have Brian's band do the backing tracks and have the guys come in to do the vocals. Sure. Absolutely. That's how Brian always worked best. From the Wrecking Crew to his band now. That's been Brian's best formula for success. And I think Mike, Al, and Bruce could do the tracks justice - vocally. As I mentioned above, they would know what's at stake; they would "buckle down". Don't judge their studio voices by their "coasting" live voices. And with technology....

Where I don't agree is that Mike, Al, Bruce, and maybe David wouldn't be able to contribute some quality material. Yes, Dennis and Carl were good songwriters, and can't be replaced. But all you're asking is for one song from each. Just one. Those guys HAVE TO HAVE ONE SONG with merit! I have at least that much faith in them.

It hurts me to say this but the stumbling block would be Mike Love. Mike would demand too much, and he would end up alienating a lot of people, or, the worst case scenario would be Brian/Melinda taking their ball and going home. Mike would wanna be the Executive Producer, the chief or sole lyricist, and he might want veto power over the final track selection for the album. Mike hasn't been plugging away for the last 47 years as this undying Beach Boy to surrender the power he has acquired. I can see "creative differences", yes....

Re: Dylan Question-opinion for all Zimmerman-heads... [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 09:46 PM CDT

I prefer Highway 61, which isn't really among my very favorites. For me, there's Blonde On Blonde and Bringing It All Back Home, then the past two albums and the two you mentioned all in some kind of steel cage match for supremacy. But honestly, I'm trending the other way: Blood on the Tracks is recently growing on me. I think it comes down to the fact that Dylan has SO MANY thoughts, perspectives over the years. Everyone flows in and out of them over time. I can relate to Dylan X at some point, Dylan Y at another. It isn't an A>B>C situation so much as a "I used to like A, now I'm into B," etc.

Re: Mike comments on relations between him and Al [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 09:44 PM CDT

I'm sure if Brian decides to write a song about high school girls, hot rods and surfing, Mike will get the call!

Re: Brian comments on possibilities of a BB reunion [Smiley Smile Message Board]

Posted: 26 Sep 2008 09:42 PM CDT

Everyone is way past their prime. Maybe I'd dig it for sentimental reasons. For musical reasons, I wish they'd release archival material.
A-friggin'-men. (Although I don't know if I'd personally even dig it for sentimental reasons, two of the key guys being dead.)

Brian Wilson - That Lucky Old Sun (CD 2008) ["brian wilson"]

Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:18 PM CDT

US $4.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Sep-27-2008 20:18:35 PDT
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