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Post by Al Smith on Sept 18, 2021 17:53:25 GMT -5
Surprised no one’s yet pointed out that none of The Beach Boys play their own instruments, it’s all done by the Wrecking Crew. And the Andrew’s Sisters do the vocals.Close, it’s the Beach Boys just sped up to sound like the Andrews Sisters mixed with Andrews Sisters slowed down to sound like the Beach Boys. |
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Post by Al Smith on Sept 18, 2021 18:17:14 GMT -5
From someone with an inside word: "I have it on good authority that Brian played on every track. It was recorded using one of those grand pianos that’s midi capable to be able to capture his performance but it was done with overdubs and basically speaking co-produced by Darian. ... My understanding is that it’s tough to count him off and nail a take now at his age, but they noted that he’d noodle around and after a bit he’s just start diving in and playing, so they were trying to figure out a way where they could let him do that and capture it all so that everything he played was recorded in some form." So, there you go. Thanks, Will!!! Between this, Adam's insider info and the published credits, I think definitive evidence is on display for all to see. |
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Post by Al Smith on Sept 18, 2021 18:23:19 GMT -5
Brian as phantom “producer” began with MIU Album, which he apparently “Executive Produced”. I’m not exactly sure what this entailed, but based on the results- I would guess it was something like Al asking, “Hey Brian, can you listen to this and let me know if you have any ideas?”. To which Brian said, “it sounds fine.” I think while those practicalities you mention support the idea of Brian as a phantom producer, my assumption was a lot of the (phantom) producer credits were to meet contractual terms - if not for Warner (under which MIU was recorded, but hastily after the CBS signing), definitely for the CBS contract. |
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Post by Al Smith on Sept 18, 2021 18:30:59 GMT -5
Am I the only one that doesn’t understand this “midi” business? I’d associated it with the kind of musical sounds you got with 1980s computer games, but maybe it’s moved on a bit? Hey, John - I bought a 25 key midi keyboard the other day for the equivalent of 75 quids and 6 hapennies in our equivalent Australian beer bottle lids currency. Plug'n'Play USB 2.0. It came packaged with a program where you can do some really sneaky stuff, even if you're a only a 1 finger wonder. Stuff like, record three shakes notes against a metronome, then cut and paste and stuff around, until you have a masterpiece on your hands! Truth be told, you don't even need the keyboard, you can just click away on an onscreen grid, cook up a multi track song, mix it, master it with compression and limiters etc and pump it out to Sound Cloud. It's a bit of a mind flip. |
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Post by Mark on Sept 18, 2021 18:39:33 GMT -5
GOK is a pleasant version. It reminds me of the ‘add some music’ (?) release of the Muzak style beach boys instrumentals that was put out a while back.
I can’t remember the origin of that music, someone made it all in the 70s or something for airplanes but it wasn’t used maybe? Either way it will be nice and pleasant to chill out to. Looking forward to hearing what Mt Vernon Farewell is!
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Post by Al Smith on Sept 18, 2021 19:16:58 GMT -5
Wow! A totally unexpected present from Brian, recorded during the pandemic! How wonderful! And released right on the heels of the most mind-blowing Beach Boys release since the Smile Sessions! What a great time to be a lover of this music!
Let me go online and check in with the fans, who surely must be over the moon about receiving this unforeseen gift from our most beloved Beach Boy.
oh...
oh, dear...
...yikes!
And so concludes another episode of Why We Can't Have Nice Things. Crazy stuff out there. Over the last few years I've noted the following negative comments for Brian and BB releases. - Joe Thomas's production is terrible - Brian's singing is terrible, he should retire - Brian's albums are overproduced. "They" should just let him do what he wants - I like hearing Brian, but I don't need to hear him partnered with other artists Then, finally, a track with no JT involvement, that is an instrumental take(s) of solo Brian doing his own thing on the piano - ie, pretty much ticking all the boxes - the reaction from a vocal element of the fanbase is "that's not Brian". Surreal. What next? |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2021 19:36:37 GMT -5
Agree with the need for appreciation, but I just wish it sounded better. What a joy it would be to see something clearly produced and sharp and distinct and beautiful. It's just that the production is so murky and muddy that one can't understand the failure of engineering. A grand piano with a good microphone and good Acoustics, and it should sound like something really deep and Celestial and resonant but it just doesn't sound good.
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Post by AGD on Sept 18, 2021 23:51:04 GMT -5
GOK is a pleasant version. It reminds me of the ‘add some music’ (?) release of the Muzak style beach boys instrumentals that was put out a while back. I can’t remember the origin of that music, someone made it all in the 70s or something for airplanes but it wasn’t used maybe? Either way it will be nice and pleasant to chill out to. Looking forward to hearing what Mt Vernon Farewell is! The Gary Usher thing ? |
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Post by Rick Bartlett on Sept 18, 2021 23:56:10 GMT -5
GOK is a pleasant version. It reminds me of the ‘add some music’ (?) release of the Muzak style beach boys instrumentals that was put out a while back. I can’t remember the origin of that music, someone made it all in the 70s or something for airplanes but it wasn’t used maybe? Either way it will be nice and pleasant to chill out to. Looking forward to hearing what Mt Vernon Farewell is! The Gary Usher thing ?  |
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Post by AGD on Sept 19, 2021 0:48:45 GMT -5
My take on this project: it's an unexpected delight, and I can't wait to hear more of it, and the backstory. Two months.  |
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Post by timegoodin on Sept 19, 2021 1:01:13 GMT -5
Feeling the same way, maybe. Got teary near the end of GOK. Want to hear more.
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Post by lonelysummer on Sept 19, 2021 1:31:52 GMT -5
This is not an album i'm interested in, but it's exactly what I expected at this point. Brian's been on the road doing greatest hits shows for years now, so it makes sense that his new album is yet more new recordings of his greatest hits.
So we've got the unplugged versions (I Just Wasn't Made for These Times), the live versions (Live at the Roxy, Pet Sounds Live), the orchestral versions (Royal Philharmonic), now the instrumental versions; is an acapella cd next?
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Post by AGD on Sept 19, 2021 4:48:52 GMT -5
The impetus for this project came from outside Brian's management, or so I understand.
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Post by John Manning on Sept 19, 2021 8:22:18 GMT -5
Am absolutely loving the fade – more than 70 sumptuous minutes of it, becoming more delicate and more exquisite with each repeated, diminishing refrain.
Looking forward most to the Smile medley, to Surf’s Up and Mount Vernon Farewell.
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Post by boogieboarder on Sept 19, 2021 10:36:45 GMT -5
This is not an album i'm interested in, but it's exactly what I expected at this point. Brian's been on the road doing greatest hits shows for years now, so it makes sense that his new album is yet more new recordings of his greatest hits. So we've got the unplugged versions (I Just Wasn't Made for These Times), the live versions (Live at the Roxy, Pet Sounds Live), the orchestral versions (Royal Philharmonic), now the instrumental versions; is an acapella cd next? Don’t forget Brian Wilson and Friends CD/ DVD. |
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Post by lonesurf on Sept 19, 2021 12:12:11 GMT -5
The impetus for this project came from outside Brian's management, or so I understand. Interesting. Thanks. |
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Post by Mark on Sept 19, 2021 12:48:16 GMT -5
Yes that’s the one! Thanks Rick and AGD! |
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Post by Ham Burgerstand on Sept 19, 2021 13:40:21 GMT -5
And I'm not stopping anyone from doing it. Just adding my two cents. You said if we do it then we won’t get Nice Things. Trust me, we will.  No problem.
I think you're getting hung up on a figure of speech that is not meant to be taken so literally.
My concern is not over the future availability of Beach Boys products. My concern is that when the product doesn't match some fans' assumed expectations, they immediately jump to the worst possible hot takes and conspiracy theories. (A general observation, Dirk, not directed at you personally, nor at this site exclusively.) Of course, this kind of behavior is encouraged by internet culture at large and is certainly not limited to Beach Boys fandom.
So yes, literally speaking, I'm sure we will continue to get Nice Things. What I'm not so sure about is, do we actually deserve them? And less importantly, is it really worth my time to engage in these online discussions? In this particular case, I do believe I would have been happier not seeking out feedback from the fans online, and just enjoying the music on my own. And that's kind of a shame. Not a crime. Not a crisis. Just a little disappointing.  |
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Sept 19, 2021 13:58:09 GMT -5
You said if we do it then we won’t get Nice Things. Trust me, we will. No problem.
I think you're getting hung up on a figure of speech that is not meant to be taken so literally.
My concern is not over the future availability of Beach Boys products. My concern is that when the product doesn't match some fans' assumed expectations, they immediately jump to the worst possible hot takes and conspiracy theories. (A general observation, Dirk, not directed at you personally, nor at this site exclusively.) Of course, this kind of behavior is encouraged by internet culture at large and certainly not limited to Beach Boys fandom.
So yes, literally speaking, I'm sure we will continue to get Nice Things. What I'm not so sure about is, do we actually deserve them? And less importantly, is it really worth my time to engage in these online discussions? In this particular case, I do believe I would have been happier not seeking out feedback from the fans online, and just enjoying the music on my own. And that's kind of a shame. Not a crime. Not a crisis. Just a little disappointing. I ended with “No problem” to try and end it. What we have in a nutshell is, I only know what you write, not always what you mean. Same thing with tone. We all read into things. I have heard people use that term in the past and in almost all instances they think that any negativity will somehow stop future releases from happening. We have message boards to discuss stuff like this. Personally, I like hearing, good or bad how fans feel about releases. Hell, I am happy that music is still being released, whether the boxset or Brian’s piano recital. |
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Post by Ham Burgerstand on Sept 19, 2021 14:45:23 GMT -5
I think you're getting hung up on a figure of speech that is not meant to be taken so literally.
My concern is not over the future availability of Beach Boys products. My concern is that when the product doesn't match some fans' assumed expectations, they immediately jump to the worst possible hot takes and conspiracy theories. (A general observation, Dirk, not directed at you personally, nor at this site exclusively.) Of course, this kind of behavior is encouraged by internet culture at large and certainly not limited to Beach Boys fandom.
So yes, literally speaking, I'm sure we will continue to get Nice Things. What I'm not so sure about is, do we actually deserve them? And less importantly, is it really worth my time to engage in these online discussions? In this particular case, I do believe I would have been happier not seeking out feedback from the fans online, and just enjoying the music on my own. And that's kind of a shame. Not a crime. Not a crisis. Just a little disappointing. I ended with “No problem” to try and end it. What we have in a nutshell is, I only know what you write, not always what you mean. Same thing with tone. We all read into things. I have heard people use that term in the past and in almost all instances they think that any negativity will somehow stop future releases from happening. We have message boards to discuss stuff like this. Personally, I like hearing, good or bad how fans feel about releases. Hell, I am happy that music is still being released, whether the boxset or Brian’s piano recital.
Please don't feel any obligation to end this discussion for me. I'll just stop when I'm done, thanks.
Regardless, I'm always willing to expand or clarify my remarks when necessary, like just now when it seemed clear to me that you and I had different definitions of what the Nice Things phrase means. (And just to be precise, to me, the phrase is an expression of frustration when someone's bad behavior taints an otherwise positive situation.)
Like you, I also (generally) appreciate reading fan's reactions to the music -- positive and negative. But when those reactions stray toward ridiculous accusations and conspiracy theories... nope, not so much.
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Sept 19, 2021 15:01:30 GMT -5
I ended with “No problem” to try and end it. What we have in a nutshell is, I only know what you write, not always what you mean. Same thing with tone. We all read into things. I have heard people use that term in the past and in almost all instances they think that any negativity will somehow stop future releases from happening. We have message boards to discuss stuff like this. Personally, I like hearing, good or bad how fans feel about releases. Hell, I am happy that music is still being released, whether the boxset or Brian’s piano recital.
Please don't feel any obligation to end this discussion for me. I'll just stop when I'm done, thanks.
Regardless, I'm always willing to expand or clarify my remarks when necessary, like just now when it seemed clear to me that you and I had different definitions of what the Nice Things phrase means. (And just to be precise, to me, the phrase is an expression of frustration when someone's bad behavior taints an otherwise positive situation.)
Like you, I also (generally) appreciate reading fan's reactions to the music -- positive and negative. But when those reactions stray toward ridiculous accusations and conspiracy theories... nope, not so much.
Sorry then. I must have missed the ridiculous accusations. I’ll review the thread. |
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Post by Ham Burgerstand on Sept 19, 2021 15:29:57 GMT -5
Please don't feel any obligation to end this discussion for me. I'll just stop when I'm done, thanks.
Regardless, I'm always willing to expand or clarify my remarks when necessary, like just now when it seemed clear to me that you and I had different definitions of what the Nice Things phrase means. (And just to be precise, to me, the phrase is an expression of frustration when someone's bad behavior taints an otherwise positive situation.)
Like you, I also (generally) appreciate reading fan's reactions to the music -- positive and negative. But when those reactions stray toward ridiculous accusations and conspiracy theories... nope, not so much.
Sorry then. I must have missed the ridiculous accusations. I’ll review the thread.
No apology necessary. Again, my comment was a general observation about internet culture and the fandom in general -- not an indictment of a specific site, thread, or post. The reason I visit here is because, unlike most of the internet, the quality level of the discourse is usually quite high and almost always enlightening. I'd just like to keep it that way. |
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Post by donnylang on Sept 19, 2021 16:55:07 GMT -5
Complaining on the internet about people who complain on the internet?
It’s obvious to me these “this is why we can’t have nice things”/“only positive, supportive comments allowed” positions are thinly veiled attempts to censor or shame those who have legitimate thoughts and opinions to share that might be negative.
“I’m not interested in this and I won’t be buying it, and here’s why …” adds more to the discussion than “I love this, wow it’s cool, can’t wait” IMO.
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Post by Paul JB on Sept 19, 2021 17:38:42 GMT -5
Less of a complaint than an observation.
People thinking Brian wasn’t playing on the sample tune are probably just knee jerk assuming that because he barely touches the piano when he performs. Even before AGD and others provided evidence it is Brian, I would have assumed it was because it’s nice but nothing like some concert pianist would sound and it would be a weird thing to fake.
My main take away from this release is the craziness over what, ten years or more, when it comes to the Brianista’s… those who have been telling us that Brian is capable and still has it in him to unleash something great again. Well, we’ve had Radio, NPP (a lot of people hated the JT production) and cover albums like Gershwin and Disney. I’m in the minority of people that really likes NPP… I think most of us like Radio, especially the closing suite but that was 10 years ago. This release tells me the case is closed on waiting for something great from Brian. And that’s actually fine as what we’ve had over 60 years was more than enough. Not saying this can’t be a fun listen but when you keep going back to the same well over and over and time isn’t on your side….
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Post by boogieboarder on Sept 19, 2021 17:41:19 GMT -5
Complaining on the internet about people who complain on the internet? It’s obvious to me these “this is why we can’t have nice things”/“only positive, supportive comments allowed” positions are thinly veiled attempts to censor or shame those who have legitimate thoughts and opinions to share that might be negative. “I’m not interested in this and I won’t be buying it, and here’s why …” adds more to the discussion than “I love this, wow it’s cool, can’t wait” IMO. My reaction is usually "I will be buying this, and can't wait for it, but there will always be flaws, mistakes, missed opportunities and disagreements." |
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No problem.
