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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
hifigary
44 posts
 
Date is July 10, 2016.
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. (-:

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,893 posts
 
Amen fjn04! Brian Wilson has probably been the most important music maker in my life. The Beach Boys were the first group I saw live, in 1964, and Brian was still playing bass and singing with the Group at that time. I even made a pilgrimage to Brian’s beautiful Spanish-style mansion on Belagio Drive in Bel-Air in ’75, to see about having him produce myself and my musical partner, a songwriter heavily influenced by Brian. We were not yet aware of how damaged Brian was, that info not yet being public. I can’t imagine my musical life without Brian. Anyone accusing me or anyone like me of being culpable or complicate in Brian’s tragic demise by lauding his greatest achievement, the stunning Smile, can kiss my a--.
joejoe
69 posts
 
To each their own. I find it irrelevant, thay you think them irrelevant. Here's a thought, if you don't like, then don't listen. Opinions are like assholes everyones got one. ( Here's hoping the thought police won't find it necessary to delete this.)
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