Thursday, June 15, 2006

Some Thoughts About The Boys On The Tower

By Michael deMartin

Great to see Brian along with Al, Mike and Bruce at the Capitol Tower on Tuesday in recognition of "The Sounds Of Summer" selling two million copies. I can't imagine another act - with the possible exception of Elvis - with so many greatest hits albums. Yet, the Beach Boys continue to sell big-time to every new generation of kids and kids at heart. It is great: 30 hits on one CD and besides Elvis and the Beatles, who else could do that.



Sounds like Capitol has another set ready to go next year called "The Warmth Of The Sun" which will be kind of a Part II of the series. It's funny to think that Brian basically had a five-year career (1962-1967) where he wrote, arranged and produced so many hits for the boys - and that was basically it from a commercial standpoint. Five years. These days it takes some bands five years to make ONE album. Think about it: Brian produced 18 - count 'em - 18 albums and more than 30 hit singles in that time, not to mention the absolute pinnacles, "Pet Sounds" and "Good Vibrations" both from 1966. In a word: unbelievable.

Back to Tuesday: Brian said there's a chance the Boys may get back together for something, and as a fan, I'm kind of split. I think Brian's tours have been fantastic and he's got a great band who are all singers, but to hear the blend of Brian, Al, Mike and Bruce's voices on top of a new Brian Wilson song and production would be thrilling. On the other hand, it would be hard to compete with the past - in fact, impossible. But, why the hell not - and what fan wouldn't want to hear that?

6 Comments:

At 8:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It was great to see the photos of the "boys" together on top of Capitol. I am mixed, too, about some sort of reunion. Brian and his current band are so fabulous that his music and sound would have to top what they(a re-constituted Beach Boys) could probably put out. Brian seems so happy nowadays and I'm not sure a working collaboration with the all of the ego problems that would come with a Beach Boys production would be worth it. But my main concern is there would not be Carl Wilson in the mix. Or Dennis. But, without Carl it wouldn't have the sound we all love and remember. I personally mark the end of the Beach Boys with dear Carl's passing. I love Brian and his solo music and of course hope for more, more, more. And as a Beach Boy fanatic I would support any new venture they might put together. So, I'm mixed. But Happy 40th Pet Sounds/Good Vibrations!

 
At 11:05 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

During the news I spotted Brian and the rest of the BBs on top of the Capitol Towers and screamed! Its Won-der-ful! Barbara-Ann

 
At 5:12 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think it would be great to see them together for it brings everything full circle. Don't you wish the Beatles did it before Lennon was killed? Sort of like what CSN&Y are doing this summer. Perhaps if only to see the remaining members have a cathartic moment that we can all experience might be beautiful to a certain degree. Seems cleansing to me.

Musicially, however, I would not expect much. They will never top their sound and flair when they were young men and hot. Actaully, I would enjoy to see them explore some of the hits in a different musical context - almost a grown up retro vibe - unplugged?

My two cents.

 
At 4:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, it would be great to see them back together, except for the fact that in my mind, there are no Beach Boys without Carl and Dennis. I think I'd just as soon see Brian and his great band back on tour.

 
At 9:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We need for the remaining guys to get together & do a north america tour. (editor dont be so glass half full.) this could be something really great!!

 
At 9:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

me alegra saber que estan bién the beach boys,soy una chilena admiradora de uds.en especial de Brain W.siento que no tenga acceso a mas de esta musica,aquí en la ciudad de Osorno al sur de Chile es muy dificil,aunque tengo mucho material(musica,videos,) LORENA DE MOHR,OSORNO-CHILE. MAMA__LOLO@HOTMAIL.COM
CALLE G,HURTADO 945 OSORNO -CHILE F:064-253512 OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

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