Thank you for helping me better appreciate the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson

Posted by: Naimed-In-NY on 02 November 2004

Hi all. One of the neat things about this Forum is that it exposes you to different types of music and, more importantly, different viewpoints regarding stereo equipment and music. Previously, I only was a very casual fan of the Beach Boys, with a couple of their cds in my collection. I found the hits to be enjoyable, catchy, etc., but never really focused on the lyrics or arrangements. I kind of "self-classified" Beach Boys music as good, "light" singles but nothing that would stick with you, if you know what I mean. About six months ago, after reading numerous threads on this forum discussing the Beach Boys' (and/or Brian Wilson's) genius, I started to give my Beach Boys' cds a new listen. Now I get IT - or at least part of IT. The lyrics for many of the songs are much more than "throwaways" (honestly, I'm kind of ashamed of my prior, uneducated opinion), and the musical arrangements and harmonies really are something to be admired and appreciated (perhaps they just made it all sound so easy). I've come to treasure my copy of Pet Sounds, and recently picked up the Brian Wilson Live version of it, which I also am enjoying. While I'm not ready to place the Beach Boys in my own grouping of all-time favorites, I view (and listen to) their music totally differently than I did some six months ago. Anyway, to end this ramble, I just wanted to say that but for this forum, I don't know if I ever would have appreciated - and enjoyed - Beach Boys music as I do now. Thanks!

Mike
Posted on: 02 November 2004 by graham55
So now you need to get Smile.

G
Posted on: 03 November 2004 by Naimed-In-NY
I intend to.

Mike
Posted on: 03 November 2004 by graham55
Mike

When you get "Smile", just listen in astonishment to what Brian has done with his new recording of "Heroes and Villains". Quite a remarkable achievement.

I think that, sadly, he wasn't able to pull off the same trick with the new "Good Vibrations". But we always have the amazing original of that to go back to.

G
Posted on: 03 November 2004 by Chris Metcalfe
I actually luurrrve the new Good Vibrations. Specially as it's in true stereo.
Posted on: 04 November 2004 by TomK
I regard the new Smile as a brand new work to be enjoyed for itself, and try not to compare it with the originals. I hear talk of the new Good Vibrations being released as a single and I think that would not be a good idea.
Posted on: 06 November 2004 by bdnyc
Mike-

If you enjoy your trip into the Beach Boys world, you might want to pick up their box set "Good Vibrations", which is beautifully done in HDCD. Although it is not their best work, I have always liked the late 60's albums that came out after Pet Sounds. In some ways the music from this period has a more timeless feel than some of their most popular work, which will always say 60's to many people. Their harmony vocals on songs like"I Can Hear Music" are a wonder. If you are curious about this phase of their career, I believe that there is a CD twofer that combines "Friends" with "20/20".

Good listening,

Bruce
Posted on: 07 November 2004 by Naimed-In-NY
Bruce -

Thanks for the recommendation!

Mike
Posted on: 07 November 2004 by garyi
A few years ago someone recounted an excellent but sad story surrounding the beach boys, unfortunately I can't remember what it was.

Does any one else know?
Posted on: 07 November 2004 by graham55
garyi

There are a number of sad stories surrounding the Beach Boys. You may need to give us a hint!

G
Posted on: 08 November 2004 by Chris Metcalfe
Alternatively, if you don't want to shell out for the boxed set, get the Best of the Brother Years vols 2&3.
Posted on: 08 November 2004 by Naimed-In-NY
Chris - Thanks for the recommendation. Not yet sure whether I want to spring for a box set or a few single cds.

Mike
Posted on: 09 November 2004 by Kingsley
Dear Mike,
You would seriously love the boxed set - it carries a wonderful selection of their music from all periods, and some great samples of 'Smile' backing tracks hitherto unknown other than on bootlegs, and even more interesting now in view of the recent completed 'Smile' release.
Posted on: 09 November 2004 by greeny
I'm not trying to suggest the boxed set isn't excellent (I don't have it). But most of the beach boys albums are available on 2'fer One Cd's and at cheap prices (£5 - £6 in the UK if you look around).

Hence you can get some of their best works really cheaply.:

Smiley Smile / Wild Honey
Friends / 20 20
Surfs Up/ Sunflower (*)

These (especially *) are all well worth getting.
Posted on: 27 November 2004 by Robert Derwae
Naimed-In-NY:

I, too, when through a Beach Boys reformation a few years ago courtesy of a fan who loaned me his box set of "Pet Sounds." I'm a little surprised this set hasn't yet been recommended to you; it's absolutely stunning. There are mono and stereo versions of all the songs as well as music-only versions and, best of all, vocal-only versions. I never quite got the "Brian is a genius" tag before listening to all the pieces separately and then together. Now, I'm a confirmed BW fan. Interestingly, I had a conversation with my daughter recently (who, incidentally, lives in Chappaqua, as does bdnyc) and she acknowledged that she just doesn't get the Beach Boys. If I can get her to sit down and listen to the Pet Sounds box set (it's 4 CDs as I recall), I'm certain she'll change her mind.

By the way, I just checked on Amazon and the domestic set is, it seems, out of print. (There is an outrageously overpriced foreign set available, however.) So, if you're interested, your best bet is eBay, where you could pick up a set for $40-$50.

Robert

[This message was edited by Robert Derwae on Sat 27 November 2004 at 18:03.]