Brian Wilson

[andy-hughes]

I saw BW in Montreal last month -

An undoubted music genius, but the contrasts are amazing -

take two songs - Darlin' and Heroes And Villains - both with arrangements and harmonies to bring tears to the eyes, but the lyrics of the first are a pure love song, and the second are just ... barking!

Any fans out there?

[fraserstuart]

followed them since 60s they were the greatest and still are

[-Talbot-]

both with arrangements and harmonies to bring tears to the eyes



I really can't see why.

ok in small doses

[Captain2]

When the question was asked at school (mid 60s) are you a Beatles or Stones fan, my answer was The Beach Boys. I loved the way their music changed over the years (still can't decide whether Holland or Surf's Up is the better LP).
Saw them circa 1970 - their set was so professional; and then in about 2010. Would so love to see Brian Wilson live though.

[Sipowicz]

Heroes and Villains one of my favourite singles, Surf's Up my favourite album.

[Sipowicz]

Heaven!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKxP9PeGUFM

[andy-hughes]

Captain2 - //Would so love to see Brian Wilson live though. //

It's a bit of a mixed bag really Captain.

On the one hand, the entire evening is about the genius that is his writing and arranging, and the wonderful band he has assembled and drilled to perfection.

On the other, he is a frail old man, his voice is gone, and he looks slightly bewildered by it all.

But on balance, it is all about him, and he has the right to be there and enjoy the applause and adoration - and he looks a lot more with it and involved than when he first returned to touring. I saw one of the first UK shows he did, and he just sat in front of a keyboard looking like a rabbit in headlights! Now, he sings and talks to the audience, and he has Al Jardine there, whose voice is still perfect, and Al's son, who covers Carl's vocals perfectly.

It was a wonderful night.

[Captain2]

Andy, I'd take the rough with the smooth, just to see the man. I didn't know Al Jardine toured with him though - another bonus.

[andy-hughes]

Captain - //Andy, I'd take the rough with the smooth, just to see the man. I didn't know Al Jardine toured with him though - another bonus. //

Absolutely.

I was doubly blessed because I saw the show for free - working as a journalist at the Montreal Jazz Festival where they played.

Also on the road with the band is Blondie Chaplin, who rocks up to sing Sail On Sailor.

[mushroom25]

//the lyrics of the first are a pure love song, and the second are just ... barking! //

it may have made more sense if we'd been allowed to hear the piece in its intended setting, ie the unreleased "Smile". as it was the project was shelved, the song became a single and everybody missed the point BW was seeking to make.

[Bigbad]

Saw the Beach Boys in 2012. Admittedly, the backing band did a lot to ‘prop them up’ but it was good to be in the presence of greatness. Carl and Denis got lots of acknowledgement, which was nice.

I read any book I can and watch any programme that’s on TV.
There was a programme on BBC 4 last week about the making of Pet Sounds. Keep a look out for a repeat if you missed it.

[andy-hughes]

Bigbad - //Saw the Beach Boys in 2012. Admittedly, the backing band did a lot to ‘prop them up’ but it was good to be in the presence of greatness. Carl and Denis got lots of acknowledgement, which was nice. //

I assume you mean their contributions were acknowledged, rather than they themselves?

[saintpeter48]

I recently watched the film 'Love and Mercy', the story of Brian Wilson and how he was controlled by his then manager/therapist, and how he met his current wife and subsequently coming off the drugs, brilliant film, try to get to watch it if you can, a great insight about Brian Wilson, his domineering father, the Beach Boys etc .......

[saintpeter48]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903657/

[Togo]

Where is my "board body"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSCibaH9AvU

[mallyh]

darling is one of my favourite bb hits .

[Togo]

Here you are mallyh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uAK0Ws6TwY

[Bigbad]

andy-hughes. Carl and Denis got several mentions, and lots of video footage was shown on the big screen.

[andy-hughes]

Bigbad - //andy-hughes. Carl and Denis got several mentions, and lots of video footage was shown on the big screen. //

Thanks for clarifying.

[mallyh]

thankyou Togo xx

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Watched a programme called "Smile" a few years ago about the writing and making of the album. Absolutely fascinating. Wished I'd have recorded it for Mr BD to watch. Have looked out for it but never seen it advertised since.