[Sunflower1]

50 Sides of The Beach Boys by Mark Dillon Review
June 12, 2012
The Gazette

The title and packaging of journalist Mark Dillon’s Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys (ECW Press) suggests an analysis of 50 key tracks by the America’s greatest band. It is that, but it’s so much more.

Devotees of the group, worn out by years of uneven biographies, reissue-related overanalysis and voyeuristic obsession with Brian Wilson’s darkest years will breathe a sigh of relief as they read Dillon’s chronicle. While the book doesn’t sugarcoat the tragedy, infighting and substance abuse that have been an unavoidable part of the Beach Boys story, the tone is mostly celebratory.

The songs selected for dissection are both well-known and deep in the catalogue. So while chapters are devoted to Help Me, Rhonda, California Girls and Good Vibrations, you’ll also find sections on I’m Bugged At My Old Man, Meant For You and Johnny Carson.

Each chapter features historical background on the chosen song, so that the band’s whole story is more or less tackled along the way. Dillon has clearly researched everything thoroughly and drawn facts from many sources to illuminate the creation, recording and context of each selection.

An interview with either an enthusiast or a primary source brings useful insight. Along with the pleasure of reading Beach Boys fans like John Sebastian, James Mercer, Al Kooper, Daniel Lanois, Lyle Lovett, Zooey Deschanel, Matthew Sweet, Cameron Crowe and Jace Lasek discussing songs that struck a deep chord, you’ll find David Marks, Al Jardine, Dean Torrence, Carol Kaye, Bruce Johnston, Mike Love and Brian Wilson sharing memories of tracks that are important to them.

There’s something here for both the rookie fan and the jaded obsessive who has heard it all, particularly regarding the late 60s and early 70s period, when the band fell off the commercial radar, and the diminishing-returns albums that came in the 80s and 90s. And while Wilson’s musical vision and personal troubles will always dominate any discussion of the Beach Boys, it’s refreshing to hear all members get a voice here.

Best of all, 50 Sides of the Beach Boys does what all great rock books do: it makes you dive back into your collection to re-examine songs you haven’t thought about in decades.

Mark Dillon will be at Paragraphe Books, 2220 McGill College, on Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m. to launch Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys. Musical guest Laurel Jackson will be there, and yours truly will sit down to talk Beach Boys with the author.

[beachboy39]

Sunflower1, on 12 June 2012 - 11:37 PM, said:

50 Sides of The Beach Boys by Mark Dillon Review
June 12, 2012
The Gazette

The title and packaging of journalist Mark Dillon’s Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys (ECW Press) suggests an analysis of 50 key tracks by the America’s greatest band. It is that, but it’s so much more.

Devotees of the group, worn out by years of uneven biographies, reissue-related overanalysis and voyeuristic obsession with Brian Wilson’s darkest years will breathe a sigh of relief as they read Dillon’s chronicle. While the book doesn’t sugarcoat the tragedy, infighting and substance abuse that have been an unavoidable part of the Beach Boys story, the tone is mostly celebratory.

The songs selected for dissection are both well-known and deep in the catalogue. So while chapters are devoted to Help Me, Rhonda, California Girls and Good Vibrations, you’ll also find sections on I’m Bugged At My Old Man, Meant For You and Johnny Carson.

Each chapter features historical background on the chosen song, so that the band’s whole story is more or less tackled along the way. Dillon has clearly researched everything thoroughly and drawn facts from many sources to illuminate the creation, recording and context of each selection.

An interview with either an enthusiast or a primary source brings useful insight. Along with the pleasure of reading Beach Boys fans like John Sebastian, James Mercer, Al Kooper, Daniel Lanois, Lyle Lovett, Zooey Deschanel, Matthew Sweet, Cameron Crowe and Jace Lasek discussing songs that struck a deep chord, you’ll find David Marks, Al Jardine, Dean Torrence, Carol Kaye, Bruce Johnston, Mike Love and Brian Wilson sharing memories of tracks that are important to them.

There’s something here for both the rookie fan and the jaded obsessive who has heard it all, particularly regarding the late 60s and early 70s period, when the band fell off the commercial radar, and the diminishing-returns albums that came in the 80s and 90s. And while Wilson’s musical vision and personal troubles will always dominate any discussion of the Beach Boys, it’s refreshing to hear all members get a voice here.

Best of all, 50 Sides of the Beach Boys does what all great rock books do: it makes you dive back into your collection to re-examine songs you haven’t thought about in decades.

Mark Dillon will be at Paragraphe Books, 2220 McGill College, on Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m. to launch Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys. Musical guest Laurel Jackson will be there, and yours truly will sit down to talk Beach Boys with the author.

Got it the day it came out. A very nice add to my collection. Although there are a handful of tracks I wouldn't necessarily put in as "key tracks" in this sort of book such as: "I'm Bugged at My Ol' Man", "Girl Don't Tell Me", "Let's Go Away for Awhile", "Wonderful", "Darlin", "Johnny Carson", "Farewell My Friend", "Keepin' the Summer Alive" (all good tracks though..) And a few Brian Wilson solo tracks that shouldn't be on it: "Love and Mercy", "Still I Dream of It", "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow", "Midnight's Another Day" & "Rhapsody in Blue.

[DGP]

I know Bugged was a filler, throwaway track, but it said alot at the time about Brian's feelings and it was a brave move by him to record a track so obviously slating his tyrannical dad.

[Scooby1970]

beachboy39 said:

"Love and Mercy"

Brian Wilsons signature tune and arguably one of his best works ever.
Mark

[Sunflower1]

beachboy39, on 13 June 2012 - 12:10 AM, said:

Got it the day it came out. A very nice add to my collection. Although there are a handful of tracks I wouldn't necessarily put in as "key tracks" in this sort of book such as: "I'm Bugged at My Ol' Man", "Girl Don't Tell Me", "Let's Go Away for Awhile", "Wonderful", "Darlin", "Johnny Carson", "Farewell My Friend", "Keepin' the Summer Alive" (all good tracks though..) And a few Brian Wilson solo tracks that shouldn't be on it: "Love and Mercy", "Still I Dream of It", "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow", "Midnight's Another Day" & "Rhapsody in Blue.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[beachboy39]

Sunflower1, on 13 June 2012 - 01:47 PM, said:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Anytime! I hope a Fifty MORE Sides of The Beach Boys is in the works!

[Sunflower1]

I got my copy of the book a couple days ago. It looks to be an enjoyable read. It is text heavy which I expected but wish there were a few more pictures than those included. The book does include a picture of Bruce Johnston surfing. Cool!

[wavedancer]

Another month before it comes out in the UK but from what I've read I'm looking
forward to it.

[DGP]

Sunflower1, on 23 June 2012 - 04:14 PM, said:

I got my copy of the book a couple days ago. It looks to be an enjoyable read. It is text heavy which I expected but wish there were a few more pictures than those included. The book does include a picture of Bruce Johnston surfing. Cool!

Do you have Bruce's 'Surfin Round The World' album, from about 1963? That's got a good album cover with Bruce and his board out at sea, sat on a life buoy. It's a good album too, some excellent tracks on it.

[wavedancer]

DGP, on 24 June 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

Do you have Bruce's 'Surfin Round The World' album, from about 1963? That's got a good album cover with Bruce and his board out at sea, sat on a life buoy. It's a good album too, some excellent tracks on it.

I have that album, I treasure it as I managed to get Bruce to sign it.

[Sunflower1]

DGP, on 24 June 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

Do you have Bruce's 'Surfin Round The World' album, from about 1963? That's got a good album cover with Bruce and his board out at sea, sat on a life buoy. It's a good album too, some excellent tracks on it.

No I don't have that album. I wish I did. Actually, in all honesty, I've never heard of it. (Gotta tell it like it is. Sorry Bruce). Wavedancer, you have a signed copy of the album. Will you post a picture of it under the "Beach Boys shrines and collectibles" thread? I'm jealous. I feel like at this point I have all or nearly all of the recordings of The Beach Boys. I think it is time to concentrate on some of their solo work. As you all realize, changing from records to cassette tapes to CD gets expensive. It's a conspiracy. lol. I've just concentrated on collecting the recordings of The Beach Boys even though I knew that members have done solo albums. I have listened via YouTube to some of the recordings by Terry and Bruce.

Anyway, I have read several entries in the new book and I am enjoying it.

[wavedancer]

Sunflower1, on 24 June 2012 - 02:23 PM, said:

No I don't have that album. I wish I did. Actually, in all honesty, I've never heard of it. (Gotta tell it like it is. Sorry Bruce). Wavedancer, you have a signed copy of the album. Will you post a picture of it under the "Beach Boys shrines and collectibles" thread? I'm jealous. I feel like at this point I have all or nearly all of the recordings of The Beach Boys. I think it is time to concentrate on some of their solo work. As you all realize, changing from records to cassette tapes to CD gets expensive. It's a conspiracy. lol. I've just concentrated on collecting the recordings of The Beach Boys even though I knew that members have done solo albums. I have listened via YouTube to some of the recordings by Terry and Bruce.

Anyway, I have read several entries in the new book and I am enjoying it.

I will try to upload at some point, I don't know how to do it (may need some help) I'm an old
fan but newish to the internet. I don't know about now but up 'til recently this album was
available as a double cd Surfin' Round The World/Going Public.

[DGP]

wavedancer, on 24 June 2012 - 04:34 PM, said:

I will try to upload at some point, I don't know how to do it (may need some help) I'm an old
fan but newish to the internet. I don't know about now but up 'til recently this album was
available as a double cd Surfin' Round The World/Going Public.

What's his Going Public album like then? I don't have that. I do have all the stuff by Bruce & Terry and also The Rip Chords (who were much better after Bruce and Terry took over). The Rip Chords released some belters: Don't Be Scared is a fantastic track (similar to Little Honda), as is Summer USA, Hot Rod USA, My Stingray, Hey Little Cobra and Three Window Coupe, all in the Beach Boys vein. B&T were pretty good as a duo too, they moved away from the surf/hot rod stuff to more mainstream pop. All worth checking out.

[Sunflower1]

wavedancer, on 24 June 2012 - 04:34 PM, said:

I will try to upload at some point, I don't know how to do it (may need some help) I'm an old
fan but newish to the internet. I don't know about now but up 'til recently this album was
available as a double cd Surfin' Round The World/Going Public.

I'm not that great with computers either and feel ancient when I can't solve a problem myself. I'll have to look for that double CD and maybe down the road I can buy it. Sometimes other things have to take priority. I hope you can post the album. That is so cool that Bruce signed it and I know you treasure it.

[wavedancer]

Bruce's Going Public album is from 1977 and is produced by Gary Usher. In my mind it's an ok album, I
don't think it get's a lot of respect from fans. I Write The Songs is definately the best track. He does
two covers of his own BB songs, a pacier Deidre and a much poorer version of Disney Girls. There are a
couple of sugary sweet ballads as you would expect from Bruce(no disrespect) Thank You Baby which I
would liked the BB's to have done, and Don't Be Scared which I don't think can be the same as the
Rip Cords one which I've never heard, but maybe he slowed it down. There is a track called Rendevous
which he wrote with the Hudson Brothers,it's a catchy upbeat number, Bruce said this one still gets
a lot of airplay round the world. The other ballad is Rock And Roll Survivor which it been said is about BW the jury is still out on that one I think. That leaves a big disco type track I suppose. Pipeline
is the old Chantays track done with a full orchestra. This was a surprise UK minor hit, reaching No30
i think it was. I would score this album 6/10 I play it more than the two Carl solos, about the same
as Mikes, and I think I will be playing it more than Postcard From California which I have to say I
was dissapointed with. Oh forgot Won't Somebody Dance With Me ? which is a cover of a UK hit for
Lynsey De Paul.

[wavedancer]

Just checked out The Rip Chords Don't Be Scared, not the same song.

[Sunflower1]

wavedancer, on 25 June 2012 - 04:50 AM, said:

I would score this album 6/10 I play it more than the two Carl solos, about the same
as Mikes, and I think I will be playing it more than Postcard From California which I have to say I
was dissapointed with.

Thanks for that entire review. Interesting that you said you play it more than Carl's solos. I'll definitely try and add album to my collection when I can.

[Sunflower1]

From "Fifty Sides of The Beach Boys" the following is an excerpt of the song "Surfer Girl":

" An early example of Brian twisting traditional doo-wop chord progressions, 'Surfer Girl' announced that there was more to The Beach Boys than Chuck Berry rewrites. Twenty-five hundred miles east in New York, a burgeoning folk scene was happening, and its participants had no time for hedonistic California surf-music. But bespectacled 19 year old John Sebastain, caught up in the Bob Dylan-influenced singer-songwriter movement and tentatively readying his own career, took note with 'Surfer Girl'.

'As East Coast kiddies, we didn't get that big portion of surf music on the radio, so Brian's whole first effort kind of went over or under our heads,' Sebastian says. 'Surfer Girl,' he adds, changed that. 'That was epic. It still generates a tear to hear it. That was one of the songs that made you want to be a West Coast guy and experience that whole surf culture.' "

[Sunflower1]

From "Fifty Sides of The Beach Boys" the following is an excerpt of the song "Fun, Fun, Fun":

Initially, Brian was stumped by the tempo, trying it fast, slow and in-between before shelving it for a while. Even more doubting was Murry, who thought the song substandard and canceled a session for it. An angered Brian rescheduled and finally got all the elements together, including Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" pretty much note for note. (And since the Berry tune was also part of the group's early repertoire, it was impossible for audiences to tell which of the two song the band was launching into.) There is also a typically great Brian organ solo, but the kicker is his siren like vocal wail in the tag, which never fails to spur a hoot-a-long.

The track is also notable for the drum' driving beat and effortless fills. According to Beach boys historian Craig Slowinski, the load in this case was shared by Dennis and session player par excellence Hal Blaine. "One of my favorite songs", Blaine says of the number. "It just felt so good lyrically. It was just youngsters' lyrics, but it all worked. It was perfect timing for teenagers who were thinking about the beach and having fun. It couldn't miss".