» OLD MESSAGE ARCHIVES «
The Pop Culture Information Society...
Messageboard Archive Index, In The 00s - The Pop Culture Information Society

Welcome to the archived messages from In The 00s. This archive stretches back to 1998 in some instances, and contains a nearly complete record of all the messages posted to inthe00s.com. You will also find an archive of the messages from inthe70s.com, inthe80s.com, inthe90s.com and amiright.com before they were combined to form the inthe00s.com messageboard.

If you are looking for the active messages, please click here. Otherwise, use the links below or on the right hand side of the page to navigate the archives.

Custom Search



Subject: The Beach Boys

Written By: Indy Gent on 05/18/02 at 02:29 a.m.

My belief about the Beach Boys is that they are overrated.  ::)Certainly not in the same league as the Beatles, Elvis, The Stones, Elton John or even Stevie Wonder. But a lot of people enjoy their music. Do you? ???

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: FussBudgetVanPelt on 05/18/02 at 07:30 a.m.

Quoting:
My belief about the Beach Boys is that they are overrated.  ::)Certainly not in the same league as the Beatles, Elvis, The Stones, Elton John or even Stevie Wonder. But a lot of people enjoy their music. Do you? ???
End Quote



Hi J.C.

I didn't think they were rated in the same league as those mentioned above, but then I am a half a world away from you and therefore subject to differing information perhaps.

I like their stuff, but unlike the beatles felt that their albums were a few good songs but offset by the rest of the tracks which were simply fillers (as was the pattern with every other group of the day).

My exception to that statement would be 'Good Vibrations', which I thought was a great album.

FBVP

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: RockandRollFan on 05/18/02 at 08:51 a.m.

I had a friend who actually felt the Beach Boys were better than the Beatles  ???...another friend thought Pink Floyd was the best band ever  :o....They were entitled...as it was thier personal opinion.  I personally think the Beatles were the best of all time. I also believe that opinion is further enhanced by all of the musicians who have said that the Beatles were most influencial to them.  Okay, back to topic.....FBVP, your point is well taken about the Beach boys playing a lot of "filler" material....or that they had a "Cluster" of hits in a very short time.  I believe thier effectivness lasted very strongly from 1963-1967 and that they survived the British Invasion with the release of "Pet Sounds."  Brian Wilson once said that was the Beach Boys Sgt. Pepper so again straight from his mouth, he was praising the Beatles!  As for the Beach Boys later on, I read the Book by Brian which told of his struggles with drugs, ect. and all the while Mike Love and the rest basically deserted him.  Brian Wilson, IMO Was, Is, and Always will be the leader of that group.  It's so very sad that on the very day he released his first solo record back in 1988....The Beach Boys found out and released "Kokomo" that very day :(  Also there was Mike Loves debacle at the R&R hall of fame when he challenged The Beatles by saying such mindless dribble such as "We can kick thier *ss in concert anytime" ect. So I just try and keep my feelings on them simple  ;)  Brian Wilson was the genius behind the sound and HE was the lead singer on My all-time favorite Beach Boys song "Don't Worry Baby"  So, in closing this mini novel I will just state that IMO, yes they were an influencial band but sadly I do believe they are over-rated.  That does not mean I don't enjoy thier songs though ;)

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: CeramicsFanatic on 05/18/02 at 08:01 p.m.

I've never cared for The Beach Boys.  I do think they did a great job harmonizing, it's just that I couldn't get into that surfing sound that was so popular in the 60's...

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo (Guest) on 05/19/02 at 02:49 a.m.

Massive, massive fan here, so, obviously, I feel I have to stand up for them. Since I study music, I like looking at not only the lyrical content of the songs themselves, but the ways that Brian (primarily) writes. I love their music for what it is, music, but also for that stage in my musical comprehension that encompasses lyrics and, obviously, those beautiful harmonies.

(Not to mention the fact that I have been known to sing lots of Brian Wilson falsetto at pseudo-karaoke competitions). The next one's coming up next week, and I don't think my voice is quite trained up yet.

Re: Filler Material

A lot of the new Beach Boys two-fers contain 25-30 songs (mainly originally written, eg Smiley Smile/Wild Honey's Good Vibrations - A Love/B. Wilson track and Surfs Up by Wilson/Parks). Some of these are epicly long tracks such as Surf's Up, some stunningly short but beautiful tracks such as Pom Pom Play Girl and, to an extent In The Parking Lot (8 bars of harmonies begin and end the track, and a driving Love vocal highlights the verses).

The Beach Boys have been around since 1961, and are currently touring mainly with Mike, but also with Bruce and sessioners. At the risk of controlling your own personal thoughts, I believe 41 years in the same group is worth celebrating. I don't know any other band that has been going as long, has released as much material, and has kept their fans on edge for so long (what about Good Vibrations, Surfs Up, etc)?

RnRFan, if you haven't already, you should check out The Everly Brothers' version of DWB. A fabulous track, if only you can find the normal, complete version.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Cat_Lover on 05/19/02 at 09:53 a.m.

They were okay, but like many of you, I could not really get into them as well! There were many other performers who had much more debth! The Beatles(either by themselves, or together), Elton John, and of course, Cat  Stevens are all prime examples!

Peace,Cat Lover

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo (Guest) on 05/19/02 at 09:57 a.m.

So, I'm the outcasted one again? Damn, I hate that. Still, nothing better than standing up for what you believe, yet not forcing it upon others.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: RockandRollFan on 05/19/02 at 05:48 p.m.


Quoting:
So, I'm the outcasted one again? Damn, I hate that. Still, nothing better than standing up for what you believe, yet not forcing it upon others.
End Quote


Very well said, Bobo.  It is for that very reason that I don't....as tempted as I may be.....put my signature as a great picture I have making fun of a certain sports team.... :D

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Indy Gent on 05/19/02 at 11:44 p.m.

I have a friend who actually has the "Pet Sounds" CD and he considers it one if the best albums ever. I disagreed, but different strokes for different folks. ;)

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo on 05/20/02 at 02:25 p.m.

Even Brian Wilson had a high opinion of it. I paraphrase him when I say...

"Hey, Tony, I just heard Rubber Soul. What a f****** fantastic album"

"Yes, it is rather"

"Hey, why don't we try and make an album that's totally different, but just as amazing?"

"Yeah!!! That would rock".

"Now, what shall we call it?"

"How about Run, James, Run"

And so, Pet Sounds was born. But, in my opinion, it did have that continuous concept running through it, yet was different. Well played (you could always count on sessioners), well sung (those notes!) and well produced. But still, they did release a lot of mediocre material in between then and their 1970 comeback. Okay, I'm done.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Gis on 05/22/02 at 04:45 a.m.

I like them.Good childhood memories if nothing else!!

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Paul-Lynn on 07/09/02 at 06:20 p.m.

I really don't have any interest in The Beach Boys. My interests lie amongst The Monkees ;D and The Beatles ;D.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Tomborino on 09/29/02 at 04:06 p.m.

Stevie Wonder--you've got to be kidding.  Other than S.W. (and he's simply disqualified) and The King, please note all the others are British.  In the Rock and Roll era, the Beach Boys were the Best American Band--hand down.  Great music. You could probably fit all of Stevie's BIG hits on one 33 RPM record.  You'd never be able to do that with the Beach Boys.  They were great.  That's just my opinion, if course.  It's great having a soapbox................  

Quoting:
My belief about the Beach Boys is that they are overrated.  ::)Certainly not in the same league as the Beatles, Elvis, The Stones, Elton John or even Stevie Wonder. But a lot of people enjoy their music. Do you? ???
End Quote

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: the_OlLine_Rebel on 09/30/02 at 11:29 a.m.

I love the Beach Boys.    ;D

I'm not a big Stevie fan.  I like him as a person (I'm sure anyway), but not much for his music.  Except for "I Just Called to Say I Love You"!  I mean, it's OK, but I quickly tire of it.  Not the same as the other Motown - that means it's unique, right?  Well, I guess I like the less unique stuff!   :-/

As for the Beatles, I loved their 1st stuff where they splashed on the scene.  But quickly they disolved into that hippie garbage.  Most of it to me was just as goony as it was boring.  Not what I'd call R&R anyway (a much-abused term), just popular/pop.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: My_name_is_Kenny on 09/30/02 at 04:45 p.m.


Quoting:
I have a friend who actually has the "Pet Sounds" CD and he considers it one if the best albums ever. End Quote



This is not an uncommon stance to take.  "Pet Sounds" topped MOJO's top 100 albums list about five years ago.  It's the holy grail of people looking for catchy harmless pop that actually means something, which is something the Beach Boys were very good at.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: jamminoldies on 09/30/02 at 06:57 p.m.

What I do like from The Beach Boys is when they teamed with The Fat Boys in 1985 to sing"Wipeout"and"Kokomo"in 1988.That's basically it.I'm not much of a fan of the early songs,sorry to say.-howard-

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: quahog on 09/30/02 at 07:57 p.m.

I love em:) Childhood memories here too.I would play them a lot in the winter to kinda take me out of the rut LOL
I agree though that they werent a mainstream "universal sound" band that most bigger bands were.Although,Around the time they were popular there were a lot of "specialty" bands.I love Pink Floyd,Zeppelin,Guess Who,etc but again they all have thier own sound,Floyd maybe being a "specialty" psychedelic rock band.Maybe.
Just look at the Kinks.Many people consider them to be the grandfathers of Punk :)

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Steve_H_2002 on 10/08/02 at 04:10 p.m.

Ah, the Beach Boys were great.   Do I have to like the Beatles more than the Beach Boys, or vice versa?  If I'm driving with the top down and the sun up, I wanna listen to the Beach Boys.  If I gotta clean the fridge I'll pop in Sgt. Pepper and try to imagine what it was like listening to that when it was new... listening to it for the first time when it was new.  If I want wry and ironic give me the Kinks Muswell Hillbillies.  

Who had the weirder history?  The Beach Boys or The Beatles?  On the one hand you've got Charles Manson and the head heart and soul of the band growing progressively strange; on the other hand you've got the Maharishi Yogi, FBI files and an assassination... not to mention the Dragon Lady

Subject: Then and Now

Written By: Steve_H_2002 on 10/20/02 at 00:00 a.m.

Brian Wilson Then:http://ws64.com/beachboys/pictures/bbs02.jpg


Brian Wilson Now:http://media.abcnews.com/media/Entertainment/images/rt_b.wilson_000616_h.jpg

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo on 10/20/02 at 00:17 a.m.

In his defence, he's had more than his fair share of medical problems...

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Steve_H_2002 on 10/20/02 at 00:37 a.m.

Just for the record, Bobo... I didn't put up this or any other then and now pix to mock the people.  I just think it's interesting to see how people look now.  I don't think Wilson has aged that badly.  :)

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo on 10/20/02 at 00:42 a.m.

I wasn't meaning it as an attack against the fact you posted it, it's just some people will say that he's not been doing to well. It was more an anticipatory response, if that is possible. I didn't mean any harm by what I was saying. Besides, from that pic, even today it's visible how much he suffered from the abuse his father dished.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Steve_H_2002 on 10/20/02 at 06:02 p.m.

I'll raise you one, Bobo... if you had to chose the pop genius of the 60s, your choice is gonna narrow down to one of the two... Sir Paul or Brian Wilson.  Given his past and his personal history, it's amazing that Wilson was able to create what he did.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo on 10/20/02 at 11:56 p.m.

That's the stance I've always taken. From his abusive father, Murry, who took it out on anyone as much as he could, not just Brian, the one who was 50% deaf, not just Carl, who he didn't always agree with, and not with Dennis, who continued making beautiful music despite his attitude which made him smoke and drink his life away from 15, but with probably the one who could stand up to him... I always thought from what I read that Brian took it surprisingly well... plus all of Brian's and Gary's music which Murry disliked... it's surprising how Brian acted, yet surprising how he made his way through it all.

Quoting:
Given his past and his personal history, it's amazing that Wilson was able to create what he did.


End Quote

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: FunkyFresh on 11/13/02 at 12:12 a.m.

I have to stand up for the Beach Boys as well, I mean mainly Brian Wilson.  The guy still performs today and Pet Sounds is his masterpiece, a brilliant album, one of the best ever.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Hairspray on 11/13/02 at 12:18 a.m.

I like their hit "Don't Worry Baby". Their collaboration with the Fat Boys in the 1980's called "Wipe Out" wasn't bad either. I probably like a couple more of their hits and just don't know the names.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Syncronos on 11/13/02 at 12:23 a.m.

I Get Around is my all around fave

Well, that and Good Vibrations...and Kokomo...and Problem Child...and that Fat Boys thing...I LOVE THE BEACH BOYS!!!

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: snoops71 on 01/05/03 at 00:26 a.m.

:-*   No, I don't think they're overrated. If anyone's overrated, it's the Beatles. I like the Beach Boys music. It's got a simplicity to it, and it's refreshing in a way.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: julie on 01/05/03 at 08:07 a.m.

I have to agree with the general concsensus that the Beach Boys are not in the same class as the Beatles.  However, I do like their music.  I had the opportunity to see them in an outdoor concert (probobly about 10 yrs ago)  with Chicago and it was one of the most fun shows I've been to.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo on 01/05/03 at 08:16 a.m.

I picked up a few of their CDs for Christmas, including a 1980 concert from Knebworth, which was the last recorded concert with the original lineup. This included a version of Good Vibrations (¡Ö5:50) which included mass audience participation, and one of the best versions of Fun Fun Fun I've ever heard.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: shazzaah on 01/06/03 at 03:01 p.m.

Quoting:
So, I'm the outcasted one again? Darn, I hate that. Still, nothing better than standing up for what you believe, yet not forcing it upon others.
End Quote



You and me both then. I love the Beach Boys music, and I don't expect more from it than I should. They were not as deep as the Beatles, but, if all I ever did was sit around and listen to lyrically deep music I would probably go crazy. I like to be entertained too and that is what the Beach Boys did for me. Entertainment and an enjoyable sound. Not everyone likes 'em and that is fine. But I love their sound to this day and never get tired of listening to it.

;)

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Rice Cube on 01/06/03 at 03:24 p.m.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could enjoy some good vibrations with our favorite California girls?  ;)

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: shazzaah on 01/06/03 at 03:34 p.m.

Quoting:
Wouldn't it be nice if we could enjoy some good vibrations with our favorite California girls?  ;)
End Quote



yep, since we've been having fun all summer long with that little surfer girl, she is real fine, she is a 409.  :) ;D

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: RockandRollFan on 01/07/03 at 10:20 a.m.

I enjoy the Beach Boys music, but I cannot STAND Mike Love for how he acted at the Hall Of Fame ceremony in 1988 (Saying that the Beach Boys were better than the Beatles and being a total jerk) or how they released "Kokomo" the same day as Brian Wilsons solo effort, after they found out about it.  As for thier 60's stuff...I Love it! I'd also add that IMHO, Brian Wilson was to the Beach Boys what Steve Perry was to Journey....Mike Reno was to Loverboy....Kurt Cobain was to Nirvana....Paul Rodgers was to Bad Company.....on so on, and so on!

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: shazzaah on 01/07/03 at 11:11 a.m.


Quoting:
I enjoy the Beach Boys music, but I cannot STAND Mike Love for how he acted at the Hall Of Fame ceremony in 1988 (Saying that the Beach Boys were better than the Beatles and being a total jerk) or how they released "Kokomo" the same day as Brian Wilsons solo effort, after they found out about it.  As for thier 60's stuff...I Love it! I'd also add that IMHO, Brian Wilson was the Beach Boys what Steve Perry is to Journey....Mike Reno was to Loverboy....Kurt Cobain was to Nirvana....Paul Rodgers was to Bad Company.....on so on, and so on!
End Quote



I agree with you there RnRf! ;D

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: RockandRollFan on 01/07/03 at 12:08 a.m.

Quoting:


I agree with you there RnRf! ;D
End Quote

Thanks, shazzaah...if you like to read, i would highly recommend a book I read called "Wouldn't It Be Nice?: My Own Story" back in 1995...I learned a lot about the group from the man, the genius who led them to fame in the 60's.  Brian Wilson is wonderful! Mike love is a creep....

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Bobo on 01/07/03 at 12:11 a.m.

Warning: Wouldn't It Be Nice, My Own Story is full of a lot of absolute bulls**t. Brian, in fact, did not write it, nor give it permission to be published.

Quoting:

Thanks, sazzaah...if you like to read, i would highly recommend a book I read called "Wouldn't It Be Nice?: My Own Story" back in 1995...I learned a lot about the group from the man, the genius who led them to fame in the 60's.  Brian Wilson is wonderful! Mike love is a creep....

End Quote

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: RockandRollFan on 01/07/03 at 01:10 p.m.


Quoting:
Warning: Wouldn't It Be Nice, My Own Story is full of a lot of absolute bulls**t. Brian, in fact, did not write it, nor give it permission to be published.

End Quote

Wouldn't It Be Nice?: My Own Story by Brian Wilson, Todd Gold (Contributor) (Hardcover) All I know is what I read.  I found the above text and pasted it from amazon...I heard an interview with him about how Mike Love and the others in the group distanced themselves from him..and they DID indeed release Kokomo, after hearing of Brians upcoming solo release, the very same day back in 1988.  That much I KNOW ;) I will always love the stuff with Brian in the group as he was, is and always will be the genius that made the Beach Boys...and I STILL think Mike Love is an idiot....Just My opinion though :D

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: shazzaah on 01/07/03 at 01:25 p.m.


Quoting:

Wouldn't It Be Nice?: My Own Story by Brian Wilson, Todd Gold (Contributor) (Hardcover) All I know is what I read.  I found the above text and pasted it from amazon...I heard an interview with him about how Mike Love and the others in the group distanced themselves from him..and they DID indeed release Kokomo, after hearing of Brians upcoming solo release, the very same day back in 1988.  That much I KNOW ;) I will always love the stuff with Brian in the group as he was, is and always will be the genius that made the Beach Boys...and I STILL think Mike Love is an idiot....Just My opinion though :D

End Quote



I also read that the boys in the early part of their career were under creative control of Father Wilson (as well as some other control), so really, if there sound was considered "fluff", then most likely it is because their father wanted it that way. I did not know that about the Kokomo/Brians solo album though. THat is really sad. :(

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: RockandRollFan on 01/07/03 at 04:41 p.m.


Quoting:


I also read that the boys in the early part of their career were under creative control of Father Wilson (as well as some other control), so really, if there sound was considered "fluff", then most likely it is because their father wanted it that way. I did not know that about the Kokomo/Brians solo album though. THat is really sad. :(
End Quote

It is sad, but thankfully, when I was watching Super Bowl 32 they showed Brian and Carl Wilson in the stands sitting together...so I'm glad to see they must've made up before Carl passed away.  Oh yeah, thier Dad was a tyrant and....Mike  Love is STILL an idiot :D

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: My_name_is_Kenny on 01/07/03 at 08:25 p.m.

I'm pretty sure Brian Wilson has made a full recovery from his dark period in the 70's.  I heard some recent live tracks from him, and he sounded like he was having the time of his life.  He even covered the Barenaked Ladies' "Brian Wilson;" how cool is that?

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: FunkyFresh on 01/10/03 at 02:03 a.m.

I'm going to chime again!

Live At The The Roxy was released in 2001.  2 of the CDs I play the most.  Great stuff to listen to...

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: PATTIE on 01/26/03 at 11:11 a.m.

Way back when, lol, I was not really into surf or car music..then when i met my husband in 1986 and he played a CD of the beach Boys for me, I was totally amazed at the unbelievable harmonies! Brian Wilson was absolutely the best singer i ever heard...he not only can hit the high notes but can effortlessly hold them plus do falsetto...as a singer i hear and know different things someone who doesn't sing does...Yes, The Beach Boys were so good...songs were so beautiful and powerful.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: PATTIE on 01/26/03 at 11:16 a.m.

Brian Wilson most certainly did write Wouldn't it be nice...with help.....that's a fact!

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Kenlos on 01/26/03 at 11:20 a.m.

I know i am alittle late in comming on this thread but i like the Beach Boys if i had be around back when they were big i would have been a fan.   Their song "Kokamo" rules one of my favorite songs all time.

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

Written By: Jinx on 01/26/03 at 12:47 a.m.

Beach Boys were all right for their time and place...but I would never equate them with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in terms of their impact to rock and roll-that being said, they do have a very distinct sound to them, and the did dominate the surf-songs era. I guess they contributed to the 60's as much as any artist(s). Do I sound wishy-washy?  ::)