Ani's continuing Beach Boys thread

[Deleted]

Think I tried this a few years ago but stopped for various reasons. Because I'm on a tablet, I can't post any pictures. We'll start with:

1. Made in California box set (2013)

Synopsis: This is a perfect set for the beginner to start with. EVERY era of the band is covered here from the beginning to their 2012 reunion album. The set has 6 CD's full of standards as well as rare and unheard tracks. The unheard tracks will be bolded. It also comes with a yearbook styled program that is really fun to look through.

Disc 1:
1. Home Recordings/Surfin' Rehersal Highlights (2012 Edit-Mono): Includes an a capella clip of the band and various others. The rehearsal is is pretty cool just to hear Brian threaten to beat Dennis up.
2. Surfin' (with Session Intro-mono): A cool behind the scenes look of the band doing takes of their first hit.
3. Their Hearts Were Full of Spring (Demo-mono): The band covers a hit by The Four Freshman, a band very influential on them.
4. Surfin' Safari (Original mono long version): Pretty much the song without a fadeout.
5. 409 (Original mono long version): Same as above
6. Lonely Sea (Original Mono Mix): Almost the same as above but with the producer announcing the take number at the beginning.
7. Surfin' USA: The hit that made them big.
8. Shut Down (2003 Stereo Mix): A different stereo mix of the song. Sounds better to the ears than the original stereo mix.
9. Surfer Girl: One of their best early songs.
10. Little Deuce Coupe: Probably their best car song.
11. Catch a Wave: A beach song that I feel is very underrated.
12. Our Car Club: One of the deeper cuts. Nice bouncy tune.
13. Surfers Rule (with Session Intro): One of the weaker songs with chatter. One of the "why is this here?" cuts.
14. In My Room: A very personal song and one of their best early cuts.
15. Back Home: The "Surfer Girl (1963)" version of a song Brian would go back to. Starts with a Italian sounding guitar intro before turning into a bouncy brass tune with Brian's vocals all over. Nice cut that was album worthy.
16. Be True to Your School (Mono single version): A long time concert staple that is good but MUCH better live.
17. Ballad of Ole' Betsy: Another deep cut. It's a ballad dedicated to an old card.
18. Little Saint Nick (Stereo Single Version): Nice stereo remix of a classic holiday tune.
19. Fun, Fun, Fun: It's good. Nothing else to say
20. Little Honda: Somewhat deep cut
21. Don't Worry Baby (2009 Stereo Mix): Done after the multi's were re-discovered. Beautiful and better than the original stereo mix by milles.
22. Why Do Fools Fall in Love (2009 Stereo Mix): Same as above.
23. The Warmth of the Sun: One of the band's best slow songs
24. I Get Around (with Session Intro-mono): Nice little piece of history that shows Brian producing the studio musicians before segueing into the finished song.
25. Wendy (2007 Stereo Mix): Better than the original. Noticeable for editing a cough out of the middle eight.
26. All Summer Long (2007 Stereo Mix): Really lively here compared to the mono mix.
27. Girls on the Beach: One of the deeper cuts and one that has really grown on me. There's some amazing harmony going on here.
28. Don't Back Down: Another great deeper cut.
29. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) (2012 Stereo Mix): The harpsichord really stands out here.
30. All Dressed Up For School (Mono): Why oh why was this not on the Today! album instead of the interview? Great rocker.
31. Please Let Me Wonder (2007 Stereo Mix): Kinda like the 2012 mix better. This one is lively to a fault imo.
32. Kiss Me, Baby (2000 Stereo Mix): Nice stereo version of this great ballad
33. In the Back of My Mind (2012 Stereo Mix): Great stereo version of the Dennis Wilson ballad.
34. Dance, Dance, Dance (2003 Stereo Mix): Nice rocker done in stereo.

Disc 2:
1. Do You Wanna Dance (2012 Stereo Mix): Not as good in stereo as it is in mono due to some multis that are still missing.
2. Help Me, Rhonda (Mono Single Version): One of the band's biggest hits.
3. California Girls (2002 Stereo Mix): Man, this kicks serious butt in stereo. A must hear.
4. Amusement Parks USA (Early Version): Ugh, another "why is this here?" track. Not as good as the final but you do get to hear drummer Hal Blaine say ass!
5. Salt Lake City (2001 Stereo Mix): Nice stereo version of the deep cut.
6. Let Him Run Wild (2007 Stereo Mix): Again, a bit too lively here. The remastered stereo version from 2012 is better.
7. Graduation Day (Session Excerpt & Master Take, 2012 Mix): This is a real treat. Some nice chatter before the actually song comes on. Beautiful cover (Four Freshman again) that somehow didn't make the Summer Days album.
8. The Little Girl I Once Knew (Mono): The track that hints at Pet Sounds imo.
9. There's No Other (Like My Baby) (2012 "unplugged" Mix with Party Session Intro): Surprisingly good track here. There's some absolutely hilarious dialog before they go into the song (which has the chatter removed, more about that when I review "Party!") Like this song more now hearing it without the talking.
10. Barbara Ann (2012 Stereo Mix): Another live song staple. Everybody knows this one.
11. Radio Spot "Wonderful KYA" (Mono): Nice harmony but meh, could do without this.
12. Sloop John B (1996 Stereo Mix): Another one you know. The transition to the Pet Sounds feel is complete.
13. Wouldn't It Be Nice (2001 Stereo Mix): Best opener ever? It's possible.
14. God Only Knows (1996 Stereo Mix): One of the band's best. Top 5 for me easily and it should be in yours as well.
15. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: Another top 5 for me. A deep cut that shouldn't be a deep cut.
16. Caroline No (1996 Stereo Mix): The closer to Pet Sounds.
17. Good Vibrations (Mono): Another top 5 song for me and arguably the band's top hit of all time.
18. Our Prayer (2012 "Smile Sessions" Stereo Mix): Nice stereo version of the 1966 cut of this track. Some vocals start a bit before the others though which can be jarring.
19. Heroes and Villains: Part 1 ("Smile Sessions" mix- Mono): The song reconstructed as Brian had originally intended the single to be.
20. Heroes and Villains: Part 2 ("Smile Sessions" mix- Mono): The "B side" of the single featuring mostly wordless harmonies.
21. Vega-Tables ("Smile Sessions" Stereo Mix): Previously an LP only track.
22. Wind Chimes ("Smile Sessions" Stereo Mix): Same as above.
23. The Elements: Fire (Mrs. O'Leary's Cow) ("Smile Sessions" Mix- mono): The infamous Fire track. Must be heard to be believed.
24. Cabin Essence ("Smile Sessions" Mix- Mono): This is in my personal top 5. Amazing song.
25. Heroes and Villains (2012 Stereo Mix): Heroes and Villains in stereo arranged like the mono version is on the SMiLE box set.
26. Wonderful (2012 Stereo Mix): The Smiley Smile version in Stereo.
27. Country Air (2012 Stereo Mix): From Wild Honey. Much better in stereo than mono.
28. Wild Honey (2012 Stereo Mix): A great rocker and yes, it sounds better in stereo.

Taking a little break here. Discs 3 and 4 coming very soon.

[Deleted]

Disc 3:
1. Darlin' (2012 Stereo Mix): Nice bluesy rocker that sounds great in stereo.
2. Let the Wind Blow (2001 Stereo Mix): One of my favorite songs from Wild Honey and yes, it sounds better in stereo
3. Meant For You (Alternate Version): A really interesting track. Extended and featuring Brian singing about ponies and puppies! The vocal bridge near the end is breathtaking and is one of the highlights of the set.
4. Friends: From the album of the same name.
5. Little Bird: Also from Friends
6. Busy Doin' Nothin': Same as above. One of the better songs from the album.
7. Sail Plane Song (2012 Stereo Mix): An interesting piece that has evolved over time. Brian playing the piano and organ in the style of Jefferson Airplane. The percussion is remixed here really well.
8. We're Together Again (2012 Stereo Mix): Another Brian song. Better than the mono version as this one has a really nice string arrangement.
9. Radio Spot "Murray The K" (Mono): Again, why is this here?
10. Do It Again (2012 Stereo Mix): The multis of the song were long lost until recently. Easily kicks the ass of the fake stereo version they went with.
11. Old Man River (Vocal Section): Nice organ and vocal driven performance here. Brian did many versions of this song and some people point to these sessions as the beginning of his "decline."
12. Be With Me: Nice deep cut from Dennis here.
13. I Can Hear Music: One of the band's best covers.
14. Time to Get Alone: One of many great songs from side 2 of "20/20."
15. I Went to Sleep: See above
16. Can't Wait Too Long (A Capella): Nice little vocal piece.
17. Break Away (Alternate Version): Has Brian singing the first verses instead of Carl.
18. Celebrate the News: One of their best B sides that wasn't a hit.
19. Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) (Single Version, 2001 Stereo Mix.): Has a few extra guitar notes the mono version doesn't ave.
20. Susie Cincinnati (2012 Mix): Really nice version of this otherwise meh song. Has more vocals.
21. Good Time: Eventually released on Love You, it was originally recorded for Sunflower, hence the placement.
22. Slip on Through: Sunflower opener. It's a good one.
23. Add Some Music To Your Day: Another Sunflower song.
24. This Whole World: One of the best songs from Sunflower.
25. Forever: A nice Denny ballad.
26. It's About Time: Nice little rocker.
27. Soulful Old Man Sunshine: A great sunny song that is a personal favorite of mine.
28. Fallin' In Love (2009 Stereo Mix): Another nice Dennis song from the Sunflower era that he released as a solo single B side.
29. Sound of Free (Mono Single Version): The A side to that single. This one is more of a rocker.
30. 'Til I Die: One of Brian's best songs. Hauntingly brilliant.
31. Surf's Up: Maybe the best Beach Boys song ever.

Disc 4:
1. Don't Go Near the Water: Surf's Up opener about polution.
2. Disney Girls (1957): One of Bruce's best.
3. Feel Flows: One of the band's more psychedelic songs.
4. (Wouldn't It Be Nice to) Live Again: What a beautiful song! One of Dennis's best and worth the price of the box set.
5. Marcella: An old melody finally gets released.
6. All This is That: No involvement from Brian doesn't mean this sucks. It's VERY good.
7. Sail On, Sailor: Great opener to Holland.
8. The Trader: Great pop song from Carl.
9. California Saga (On My Way to Sunny Californ-I-A): Nice bouncy moog driven track.
10. Rock and Roll Music (2012 Mix w/Extra Verse): Much more livelier than the released version in a good way.
11. It's OK (Alternate Mix) Other than a short synth intro, don't see much difference between this and the released version.
12. Had to Phone Ya: Nice song from an otherwise forgettable album.
13. Let Us Go On This Way: Opener from Love You. Nice song
14. I'll Bet He's Nice: Nice duel between gruff Brian Wilson and gruff Dennis Wilson
15. Solar System: Weird track here. Brian singing about the planets. It's pretty blah.
16. The Night Was So Young: Great performance by Carl here.
17. It's Over Now (Alternate Mix); The great "Adult/Child" track is finally pitched correct. Sounds marvelous.
18, Come Go With Me: Nice light cover here.
19. California Feelin': Unreleased track from the L.A. album. Another standout.
20. Brian's Back (Alternate Mix): From Mike's solo album. Lacks an instrumental break. It's meh.
21. Good Timin': Opener for L.A. Great song.
22. Angel Come Home: Nice little Dennis song here.
23. Baby Blue: Another nice Dennis song. Ending is a bit flat imo.
24. It's A Beautiful Day (Single Edit) (2012 Mix) : Great rocker that's better than most of the band's output at this time.
25. Goin' To The Beach: Catchy, if corny beach song from Mike.

Discs 5 and 6 coming later today.

[Deleted]

Disc 5:
1. Goin' On: Fun if somewhat uninspired song.
2. Why Don't They Let Us Fall in Love: Fun cover by Mike and Brian. I really like it.
3. Da Doo Ron Ron: Another fun cover from the "Keepin the Summer Alive" era.
4. Getcha Back: One of the few songs from their self titled album that's worth listening too.
5. California Dreamin': OK cover of the Mama and the Papas song.
6. Kokomo: The song you either love or want to throw in a fire. I happen to like it. Very calming.
7. Soul Searchin': From the group's 1995 sessions. This is a really nice song with a grea Carl vocal.
8. You Still A Mystery: Also from the 1995 sessions although allegedly with a later Brian vocal. An absolute treat that's near Pet Sounds quality.
9. Isn't It Time (Single Version): Bleh, the album version is ten times better.

The Beach Boys Live

11. Runaway (Chicago 1965 - w/Concert Promo Intro - Mono): Al does a nice job singing the Del Shannon classic.
12. You're So Good To Me (Paris 1966- Mono): Decent live performance but there are much better.
13. The Letter (Hawaii 1967-Rehearsal): This is indeed a cover of The Box Tops hit. More an overdubbing session for an aborted live album than a real rehearsal.
14. Friends (Chicago 1968- Mono): Really nice live version of this song.
15. Little Bird (Chicago 1968- Mono): Same as above.
16. All I Want To Do (London 1968): The possible first performance of this song before it was released. Punctuated with a nice brass section.
17. Help Me, Rhonda (New Jersey 1972): Dennis (!) sings a rockabilly song of the big hit.
18. Wild Honey (New Jersey 1972): Boy, does this rock! A great performance by Blondie Chapman here.
19. Only With You (New York 1972): Performed months before the Holland album came out. A nice Carl vocal.
20. It's About Time (Chicago 1973): The Sunflower rocker gets even more rocking here.
21. I Can Hear Music (Maryland 1975): Somewhat subdued performance of the classic albeit done well.
22. Vegetables (New York 1993): A really nice performance here. Done more like SMiLE than Smiley Smile
23. Wonderful (New York 1993): Ditto. Nice performance by Carl.
24. Sail On Sailor (Louisville 1995): Carl takes on the song here. Not too bad although Carl is obviously slowing down as his cancer was slowly appearing at this time.)
25. Summer in Paradise (Wembley, 1993): DEAR GOD SKIP THIS!

Disc 6

From The Vaults...

1. Radio Spot (1966- Mono): Yawn...
2. Slip on Through (A Capella Mix): Nice to hear all the vocals along with some that were later mixed out. This was eventually sped up.
3.Don't Worry Baby (Stereo Session Outtake w/ Alternate Lead Vocal): A nice treat as Brian sings the melody of Little Saint Nick at the end.
4. Pom Pom Play Girl (Vocal Session Highlight): Skippable.
5. Guess I'm Dumb (Instrumental Track w/ Background Vocals): Originally a Beach Boys track, Brian gave this to Glen Campbell as his first single.
6. Sherry She Needs Me (1965 Track w/ 1976 Vocal): A unique curiosity here but it's a nice track. 1976 Brian singing next to 1965 Brian's vox at the end are a trip.
7. Mona Kana (Instrumental Track): Really nice instrumental here. Dates from 1968.
8. This Whole World (A Capella Mix): Brian sings on the bridge of this instead of Carl.
9. Where Is She?: This is a demo from the Sunflower era. Maybe my favorite track on the set. Lots of potential was here.
10. Had To Phone Ya (Instrumental Track): Great production. There's a lot going on here.
11. SMiLE Backing Vocals Montage (from "The Smile Sessions"): A real treat. If you haven't heard it yet, get to hearing it ASAP.
12. Good Vibrations (Stereo Track Sessions): Been released on many comps before.
13. Be With Me (Demo): Really cool session of Dennis hammering the song out on the piano.
14. I Believe in Miracles (Vocal Section): From the Smiley Smile Sessions. Nice arrangement. No clue what it belonged to.
15. Why (Instrumental Track): From the early M.I.U. sessions. This is a really kicking track with nice repetition from Brian.
16. Barnyard Blues: From 1974 sessions. It's OK but there are a few unreleased tracks I would've wanted over this.
17. Don't Go Near The Water (Instrumental Track): Nice but much better with vocals.
18. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling: A cover by Brian from 1976. A real guilty pleasure.
19. Transcendental Meditation (Instrumental Track): A meh song and a meh track.
20. Our Sweet Love (Vocals w/ Strings): Another favorite of mine. Includes Brian vocals at the end that were later mixed out.
21. Back Home (1970 Version): Yup, this song again. Al takes a crack at it. OK song that gets better by the end.
22. California Feelin' (Original Demo): From 1974. One of the last times Brian will hit a decent falsetto. Very fascinating audio document.
23. California GIrls ("Lei'd In Hawaii" Studio Version): Really nice minimalist production of this song. The end especially.
24. Help You, Rhonda ("Lei'd In Hawaii" Studio Version): Not a misprint. Al sings the song from a different view.
25. Surf's Up (1967 Version) (2012 Mix): SMiLE's been done for months yet, here's Brian running through the song at the Wild Honey Sessions!
26. My Love Lives On: From 1974. Dennis runs through a really nice and lovely piano ballad
27. Radio Spot (1964- Mono): ENOUGH OF THESE!
28. Wendy (BBC- Live in the Studio- 1964- Mono): Captured from a fans radio. Nice performance
29. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) (BBC- Live in the Studio- 1964- Mono): From the above performance. Very unplugged like style.
30. Hushabye (BBC- Live in the Studio- 1964- Mono) Same as above
31. Carl Wilson: Coda (2013 Edit): Carl talks about the band while the band's music plays.

There's the track by track synopsis. There will be more reviews in the future.

[RowdyRobbyPiper]

I will go back and finish reading your posts, but I think the Good Vibrations box set from 1993 serves as a better introduction to the Beach Boys. The 1962-67 tracks are all in the original Brian/Chuck Britz mono mixes which I think is the only way to listen to 1960's Beach Boys (Mark Linnett's stereo mixes of the albums from that era gives me a headache).

[RowdyRobbyPiper]

"25. Summer in Paradise (Wembley, 1993): DEAR GOD SKIP THIS!"

You are my New Best Friend.

[AFN: Judge Shred]

No theme from Problem Child? Bullshit!

[Deleted]

Sept 18, 2014 17:23:18 GMT -5 AFN: Judge Shred said:

No theme from Problem Child? Bullshit!

Nope. Who knows in the future though? It's A Beautiful Day was a movie theme as well.

[RowdyRobbyPiper]

Sept 18, 2014 17:23:18 GMT -5 AFN: Judge Shred said:

No theme from Problem Child? Bullshit!

No "Carry Me, Home" (Dennis' other great unreleased song)? That's caca!!!!

[Deleted]

Not sure what the fifth of your top five are, but "Good Vibrations", "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times", and "God Only Knows" are three of mine too. My other two are "Don't Worry Baby" and "Warmth of the Sun". The opening verse of Good Vibrations is one of my favorite bits of writing of any sort.

[AFN: Judge Shred]

Side note, I saw the Beach Boys in 1986 or so. I was but a wee lad, and it was the day before kindergarten started. Though everyone expected a teacher's strike, things worked out that day. Thank goodness for afternoon class.


also, without the Beach Boys, we don't have this and I don't want to live in a world without it.

[Deleted]

As someone who is familiar with their biggest hits but not a huge fan, is there a better starter compilation than a 6-disc box set? That's a big time investment for someone "trying them out" so to speak.

[Deleted]

Sept 18, 2014 19:29:48 GMT -5 @therealoblivion said:

As someone who is familiar with their biggest hits but not a huge fan, is there a better starter compilation than a 6-disc box set? That's a big time investment for someone "trying them out" so to speak.

Good question. 50 Big Ones is a slightly smaller comp that has some known hits and deeper cuts. The Good Vibrations Box Set is probably cheaper now as well but the quality is kinda poop. Also, there's the two disc SMiLE set if you can't afford the big box. Summer Love Songs is another and that has Fallin' In Love on it.

[RowdyRobbyPiper]

Sept 18, 2014 19:29:48 GMT -5 @therealoblivion said:

As someone who is familiar with their biggest hits but not a huge fan, is there a better starter compilation than a 6-disc box set? That's a big time investment for someone "trying them out" so to speak.

I actually prefer the 1993 Good Vibrations:30 Years of the Beach Boys. It is a 5 CD set that has all of the hits, most of the great LPS tracks (I prefer the deep cuts on the '93 box over the ones that were put on MIC). Plus it has a thirty minute sample of music from SMiLE. I have seen it used on Amazon for as low as 27 bucks.

If you want just want a comp, I would go for Sounds of Summer (their 30 biggest hits) and Warmth of the Sun (the sequel to SOS). For actual studio albums, I love Pet Sounds, Sunflower, The Beach Boys Today, All Summer Long, The Beach Boys Love You.

Of course no Beach Boys collection is complete without SMiLE, the legendary unfinished album. The BB released a box set of music from SMiLE in both 2 disc and 5 disc configurations. I would recommend the 2 disc version for a relative newbie.

[Deleted]

Thanks, I'll start with Sounds Of Summer and go from there.

[Deleted]

Album #2: Sunflower

This is honestly one of my favorite albums of theirs. Unfortunately, it came at a time where the band's popularity was at an all time low and the LP finished below the top 150.

1. Slip on Through: A Dennis song opens this. Lot of harmony going on here.
2. This Whole World: One of my favorite post 1967 songs form the band. One of the few songs with music AND lyrics from Brian.
3. Add Some Music To Your Day: A nice acoustic song featuring all of the band members taking a lyric.
4. Got to Know the Woman: One of the weaker tracks on the album. Any song that has the line "come on, come on and do the chicken" is questionable
5. Deirdre: A nice pop song from Bruce. This was sampled in the SNES game, Earthbound.
6. It's About Time: A rocker that has grown on me over the years. Used to hate it.
7. Tears in the Morning: Syrupy but I love it.
8. All I Wanna Do: Another favorite of mine. Very psychedelic.
9. Forever: Probably Dennis WIlson's best song. Great harmony from Brian at the end.
10. Our Sweet Love: Another favorite of mine. Very piano driven pop.
11. At My Window: Another song that I really don't care for. Brian does speak French though so there is that.
12. Cool, Cool Water: Started in 1967, it was expanded to 4 minutes for the album. Love it but feels out of place here.

Overall: I give this 4 out of 5 stars. It's a great album to listen to all the way through.

[RowdyRobbyPiper]

Love Slip On Through. This Whole World is one of my top 5 favorite BB tracks (and is a total bitch to play on guitar, FYI). Add Some Music deserved to have been a hit since it blended the acoustic sound that was popular at the time with *Michael Cole mode* Vintage Beach Boys harmonies. Got To Know The Woman has that awesome, primal Jerry Lee Lewis at Sun Studios vibe that goes well with the lust-fueled lyrics. Deirdre is a nice little ditty with a cool chorus. It's About Time flat out rocks. Tears is corny, but catchy. All I Wanna Do is the Boys at their most Beatlesque. Forever is a standard. Or it deserves to be one. Our Sweet Love is lovely. I loved At My Window, bad French lyric and all. And Cool Cool Water shows the Boys still knew how to work with Brian's leftovers.

I give it 5 stars. It's one of the few times that the group made a record as great as Pet Sounds.

[Deleted]

After months of speculation, Brian's social media accounts finally announced that his first solo album in four years ("No Pier Pressure") will come out in Spring 2015 with more info coming on New Year's Day.

There will be a bunch of contemporary guests including Lana Del Ray, Zooey, Kacey Musgraves and Nate Ruess of Fun.

[El Hijo del Havoc]

Ever since I started listening to 'The Smile Sessions', I've been on a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson kick for the last month. 'Smilely Smile' and 'Love You' have to be among their best albums, with 'Friends' close behind. In the last 2 weeks I've picked up Brian Wilson's first solo album, 'Wild Honey', 'Sunflower', and 'Love You'. Really want to find a good copy of 'Surf's Up' though

[Deleted]

Nov 6, 2014 22:40:04 GMT -5 El Hijo del Havoc said:

Ever since I started listening to 'The Smile Sessions', I've been on a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson kick for the last month. 'Smilely Smile' and 'Love You' have to be among their best albums, with 'Friends' close behind. In the last 2 weeks I've picked up Brian Wilson's first solo album, 'Wild Honey', 'Sunflower', and 'Love You'. Really want to find a good copy of 'Surf's Up' though

The remaster that came out about two years ago is pretty good.

Mike Love has announced that he has secured a book deal and will release his bio called, "Good Vibrations, My Life with the Beach Boys" in 2016. Probably end up being around the same time Brian releases his lol.

[Deleted]

Brian's doing a Q&A on the BB message board Im on. Here's what he has said:
-Has considered doing a tour playing the whole Love You album. Mentions he and his bands love it
-Says there was no specific inspiration behind the Wild Honey song, Country Air. Loves that one too.
-Loved working on his soon to be released album, "No Pier Pressure." Lot of sweetness and likes singing with guests (people such as Kacey Musgraves, Nate Ruess, and Zoey Deschanel are on it.)
-Says he writes songs in the studio now more than at home.
-Talked about the forthcoming track "Last Song." Like the melody but says the lyrics are sad (it's reportedly about how the reunion in 2012 didn't last as long as he hoped.)
-Says his adopted kids pushed him to work on the new album along with himeslf and his wife.
-Talks about living in Holland with the band for six months in the 70's. Distinctly remembers the old cobblestones there.
-Brian likes his Pizza plain. It's never a Brian Wilson interview without something food related
-Realized around senior year in high school that music was what he wanted to do. Started to play Four Freshman melodies on the piano more. Not long after he wrote Surfer Girl.
-If he could change a song on his album (besides Let Him Run Wild of which he HATES the vocal) it would be to redo his cover of Chapel of Love (15 Big Ones, 1976.) Says he had laryngitis during that session.
-Big pet peeve when recording is using hi-hats on the drums. Hates them.
-If he could complete an unfinished song, it would be Lana, an early Beach Boys song from 1962.
-Indicated he doesn't really re-listen to his old Beach Boys albums much. Has been listening to his new one more now.
-On if the white baldwin organ used in 1967 still exists: "We used it on Heroes and Villains and Fall Breaks and Back to Winter than put it in storage. We might still have it!"
-Lists Van Dyke Parks (SMiLE) as his favorite lyricist. Interesting as Van hasn't really said a lot of nice things about Brian lately.
-Favorite Four Freshman harmony stack is "You Stepped Out of a Dream."
-Would love to collaborate with Burt Bacharach again. In particular, "Walk on By" which Brian worked on in 1968 with Dennis.
-Brian loved working on the Friends album. Revealed that his dad sung on sole bass note on the track "Be Here in the Mornin'." Lists Wake the World and Diamond Head as his favs on the album.
-He'll sometimes change the chords or melody of a song in the studio but usually, what's in his head stays that way with no change.
-Says he edited Meant for You because it was better shorter. The longer version was discovered not long ago and was on the Made in California box set.
-On songwriting: "Write whole songs, don't write half and quit. Make sure lyrics are on pitch, not flat. Be happy with your song and also, have good management "
-Favorite chord is F sharp 7. Listen to Wild Honey and you will notice this is 100% true.
-Music brings him the most joy.
-Other than music, loves taking walks in the park and watching his son's basketball games and playing with his other adopted children.
-Loves the Doors, Monkees (sites I'm a Believer), and the Kingsman.
-Loves working with Blondie Chaplin.
-Big fan of Frank Siantra. Mentions he did a piano demo of a Strangers in the Night arrangement around 2003-2005.
-Says favorite part of Mt. Vernon and Fairway EP is "I'm the Pied Piper." Loved manager Jack Riley's narration on it.
-His father did the lyrics for "Break Away." Father remembered Joey Bishop on his show saying "Let's break away" and that inspired the title.

That's the first Q&A. He's doing one on his board now:
-Liked working with Andy Paley and Lenny Waronker. Mentions Lenny had great lyrics.
-Favorite classical composer is Bach.
-Pie over cake. Apple pie in particular.
-Loves the biopic of him. Cited the performances of Dano, Cusack, Elizabeth Banks and Giamatti. Going to see it again at the Berlin Film Festival next month.
-If he could only listen to two instruments for the rest of his life, would be piano and organ.
-Never met Walt Disney (worked on the Disney film Monkey's Uncle in the mid 60's.)
-Definition of artistic success is to have a #1 album in his opinion.
-There will be a tour to support the new album.
-Top 3 bands are Beatles, Stones, and Bee Gees. Currently has the Stones as #1.
-Always was a confident singer.
-Favorite Motown songs are; I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Reflections (Diana Ross), and Superwoman (Stevie Wonder.)
-Wished the Beatles would've covered Girl Don't Tell Me (Carl Wilson song that has the Ticket to Ride sound.)
-Mentioned Steve Kalinich as another lyricist he likes. Mentioned their collab "A Friend Like You."
-Mentioned Nate Reuss again as a new talent he likes.
-Favorite Gershwin compositions are Someone to Watch Over me and I Loves you, Porgy.
-"Music is good for the brain"
-Mentions "The Little Girl I Once Knew" as an underrated song.
-Brian yet again mentions Nate Reuss. Seems to really like him.
-Took accordion lessons at age 14 but wasn't good at it.
-Has thought about making a children's album but doesn't seem to be on backburner. If he were to do it, would simply be voice and piano.
-Likes his cover of "There's no Other (Like my Baby)" especially the three part harmony.
-Liked working with Jan Berry. Working with him got Brian his first #1 ("Surf CIty.")
-Did pre-production work at an apartment. Even in that kind of space, he still had a studio.