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The Beach Boys

I'm a huge fan of classic rock, and music in general, listening to almost all genres from classical to jazz to rock to contemporary pop (very selectively). Don't care much for country and reggae. I've been reading in the latest issue of Stereophile about Acoustic Sounds reissuing The Beach Boys catalog, and the article compelled me to express my opinion on this forum. I'm simply completely, utterly, and overwhelmingly at a loss to understand the acclaim for this band. The fact that "Pet Sounds" is considered one of the greatest albums of all time leaves me speechless. I always considered their music a bit of a joke, good for background when you're in a beach bar in Southern California, in the same vein reggae or mariachi music are tolerable in Jamaica or Mexico, respectively, when one's on vacation. I then heard about them being compared to The Beatles and have been confused ever since. Perhaps a comparison to The Beatles early songs as they were evolving as musicians and songwriters would make sense, but comparing the genius of The Beatles to the "genius" of Brian Wilson is just preposterous, in my opinion.

I would like to hear from those who like or love The Beach Boys what it is about their music that they think warrants the acclaim and their presence in the upper echelon of music. I realize my post may generate quite a bit of controversy and angry responses, but I don't mean to offend or put down anyone's musical tastes. I'm posting as a music lover who is truly perplexed. 

    
actusreus

Showing 5 responses by fjn04

fjn04
1,561 posts
 

Great stuff as usual bdp24. QRP will soon to be releasing Smiley Smile. My guess is they decided it sounded good enough to release. They did a fantastic job with Pet Sounds Stereo. It beats the Ron Macmaster hands down. The Macmaster was serviceable, but the QRP is pretty special. I have Surfs Up coming from the next batch.



fjn04
1,561 posts
 
+1 bdp24. I spun Sunflower last night. I love this LP.  I could see a casual Beach Boys fan listening to this, and not immediately recognizing who it was. I find it quite different than their early material.  
fjn04
1,561 posts
 

bdp24- indeed Sunflower is great IMHO. I might go so far as to say, and underappreciated gem. I must ad Good Vibrations at one point. I'd likely grab The Smile Sessions LP from 2011, or Smiley Smile. If the latter, maybe the QRP, as it's not the easy to find a nice copy used. Of course either of those would also give me Heroes and Villains.

fjn04
1,561 posts
 

hifigary- Thanks for sharing that.  A couple of stops in VT, Boston Symphony Hall, and Tanglewood, just to name a few East coast options. Tanglewood seems to mix in a few non-classical shows each year. I was lucky enough to catch Steely Dan there 8-10 years ago. What a great opportunity this is. I should have looked closer, but I wonder if they are doing mostly smile. CHEERS -Don

fjn04
1,561 posts
 

I really enjoy Audiogon, and it's really fun getting to share this wonderful hobby with all of you. I'm not sure if  I'm just having a bad day, but I truly dislike the direction this thread went. Maybe turning 50 next month has made me more sensitive, who knows. I did read the entire thread, before commenting here. I read nothing that suggested embracing abuse. So perhaps the issue is the accepting the fruits of the abuse.  I've never been in any controversy here, but this one is perplexing. I'm sorry, but I just wanted to get this out. On the lighter side, and I know there are others who agree, it's truly great to have artists as gifted as Brian. So if I may be so bold, may I officially lift this dark cloud, so we can get back to the music. (-:

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