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Dec 11, 2022 3:29:29 GMT
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Post by mikeiw8jsj28 on Dec 11, 2022 3:29:29 GMT
After much consideration and yada yada yada, here's what I came up with for what I would consider a strong 1971-ish album. And what the hell, let's call it LANDLOCKED:
Side One:
1. It's a New Day
2. San Miguel
3. Lady (Fallin' in Love)
4. Back Home
5. 4th of July
6. Big Sur
Side Two
7. Soulful Old Man Sunshine
8. Won't You Tell Me
9. Susie Cincinnati
10. Sound of Free
11. Sweet and Bitter
12. Wouldn't It Be Nice (to Live Again)
Wow! Just realized how Dennis-centric this set is. I suppose that says something....
I'm bumping up this thread to announce that I'm zeroing in on my outtake album(s) and will have a final lineup to list very soon. This has actually developed into quite a project for me, as I've spent a considerable amount of time in my studio EQing and doing some minor editing on some of the tracks (no disrespect to Mr. Linett, I'm just very picky on mastering).
My list will be similar to what I listed in my earlier post, except that now that I have acquired the actual 5 disc set, I've made several more discoveries. My project has evolved into 2 albums, which I've tentatively designated as The Fading Rock Group Revival (fictitiously released as a follow up to the very real Sunflower in late 1970, just in time for Christmas) and then Landlocked (released in 1971 in place of Surf's Up).
Yeah, I'm totally messing with history but my goal is to assemble two very listenable theoretical albums from this incredible era.
Stay tuned.....
Well I've completed my project and I have locked in my fantasy 1970-71 Beach Boys twofer. As I stated in my previous post I am focusing more on what hangs together as album lineups (for my personal taste anyway), then strict chronology. I'm sure every aspect of this project is debatable, right down to my choice of album titles, but in the end it's just for fun.
I'm going to post only the first "album" for now, which in this alternate universe could have been released a few months after the excellent SUNFLOWER (which we'll assume was widely received and did incredibly well in sales!)
THE FADING ROCK GROUP REVIVAL (late 1970)
Side One
1. Soulful Old Man Sunshine
As I've stated before, this tune has almost a Motown sound to it. Very 1969-70 sounding. I think it makes a perfect lead off to this album and could've easily been a single. My edit is similar to the homemade YouTube video someone created awhile back. I used the slow intro from the Endless Harmony cd version and then the verses from the Feel Flows track. I also used the EH version for the group tags, eliminating Carl's out of synch lead in those parts. And then once again like the video, I finished up with the EH track with its layers of backing vocals, sadly missing on the FF mix. Then I applied a bit of EQ to the whole track to tame the somewhat shrill highs.
2. San Miguel
I went with the FF version of course, as it has way more of a stereo spread to it. I EQed the lows to take some of the boomy-ness out of it, and adjusted the volume. Sequencing this right after SOMS gives this album a strong one-two punch. Another potential single (a or b-side).
3. Won't You Tell Me
I know this wasn't recorded until the Surf's Up era, but to me it has such a 1969-70 vibe it just feels more at home with these earlier tunes. By 1971 the style seemed to be changing, with more synth and a more progressive sound.
4. Sound of Free
Ok, time to get a Dennis lead in there! Not much I can comment on with this song; it's just a great rockin' tune. I just wish there was a stereo mix to put here.
5. Cotton Fields
Continuing a very strong Side One of this album with an offering from Al. I utilized the Hawthorne mix because the odd synching on the intro of the FF version just doesn't work for me. Also, there seems to be a bit more of a stereo spread on the older mix.
6. I'm Going Your Way
The last track on Side One keeps the momentum going with this soulful Dennis rocker. I trimmed the chatter off the beginning, as humorous as it is.
Side Two
1. Loop De Loop
Side Two kicks off with what I interpret as a "vintage sounding novelty tune". On this one I again mined the EH soundtrack for the mix I prefer (even if it wasn't the "original" mix). There's just something about Al's falsetto in the vintage mix that doesn't set right with me.
2. Carnival (Over the Waves)
Since this track has a similar vibe to Loop De Loop, I have cross faded it onto the ending. This has created sort of a mini-suite on this part of the album, and I don't know if there was ever was a concept to do that or something similar, but I'm taking a liberty here once again just for fun.
3. When Girls Get Together
This song continues the mini-suite, as it has a similar vintage sounding vibe to the previous two songs. I didn't cross fade this one with Carnival because it just didn't sound right to me.
4. My Solution
Completes the mini-suite with this darkly humorous tune that reminds me of the old classic black and white horror movies. I know it wasn't intended to be on an album, but I had to put it somewhere! I trimmed Brian's "play it!" off the end because I like the idea of fading out with his maniacal laughter.
5. Susie Cincinnati
Back on track with the classic Beach Boys rock sound. I used the FF mix which seems to be the most satisfying to me.
6. Lady (Fallin' in Love)
As the album starts to wind down, one of the few mellow songs on the set.
7. Back Home
This seems to be a good way to end the album. A song that has its roots in the earlier classic era of the Beach Boys with a bit of a nostalgic sound. I trimmed off the false start.
Well there's the first half. I will post my 1971 album lineup soon...
As promised, here is the second half of my cd-r twofer. I'm gonna say right off that this installment is likely to be controversial. In fact, I can think of one or two other forums where I'd be likely tarred and feathered! Just remember, this is just my personal alternate universe based on opinion and taste, and I certainly welcome other folks' take on this little exercise.
As y'all know, I'm not a huge fan of the Surf's Up album. IMO, there's a few great tracks on there and some not so great. I've mashed up my favorites with a number of the unreleased tracks from that year. In my fantasy world, the SMiLE album was released on schedule in 1967, and while we can debate till the end of time whether that album could've made a big splash, I like to think that the song "Surf's Up" was somewhat of a hit in that time period (or at least a cult classic). With that idea in mind, the song's inclusion on a 1971 album becomes unnecessary. So I'm calling my 1971 reimagining Landlocked.
LANDLOCKED (1971)
Side One
1. It's a New Day
Once again, a perfect leadoff to an album. A catchy, rocking song with a positive message. And what a great way to introduce new member Blondie. Gone is "Don't Go Near the Water" which I kind of despise. Use that song for a TV psa or something....
2. Long Promised Road
Let's keep this one in the second slot. It's a soulful rocker and still has positive lyrics. I really had to tinker with the EQ on this one. The SACD is very toned down on highs, while the FF track seems to overcompensate with ear splitting shrillness. I was able to take that one and shave back some of those highs.
3. Big Sur
My favorite version of "Big Sur" by far, and a nice gentle break after the one-two punch of rockers. It's nice to hear more Mike on this set. He (like the other Beach Boys in their own way) had shining moments as a lead singer.
4. 4th of July
Ok, being the fourth track is purely coincidental! I just noticed that oddity! But I feel like this majestic track belongs here. I had to tame the lows a bit. When those drums come in, things around the house--and my car--rattle, and not in a good way.
5. Sweet and Bitter
Another stellar lead by Mike. Is it just me, or does Mike sound a lot like Al here? I realize this track isn't exactly finished but it stands up pretty well. Obviously this set is dominated by mellow songs, but I guess that's where things were at overall.
6. Lookin' At Tomorrow
This is the FF version without the phasey effects and the piercing "Ba ba bahh" part toward the end. I trimmed off the chatter and false start at the beginning. I think this makes a better side one closer than "Student Demonstration Time". I know, I used to defend that song quite a bit, but I've grown tired of it. GONE!
Side Two
1. Seasons in the Sun
I don't know if this could've been a single for the Boys or not, it's all debatable. Terry Jacks' hit single from '74 will always be THE version. Still, this is a nice vocal from Carl and leading off the side with it seems logical.
2. It's Natural
Another nice vocal from Mike. I know this track is very incomplete, but I polished it up a little by reprising the one and only verse at the end.
3. Til I Die
What can I say? Arguably the bestest song from Surf's Up absolutely has to be on here!
4. Old Movie
Even though this became "Cuddle Up" on the next album, it sounds great as an instrumental with that incredible flute part.
5. Feel Flows
Goes without saying....
6. (Wouldn't it be Nice To) Live Again
A perfect closer, to me, with it's cool jazzy instrumental jam at the end.
And there it is. I'm ducking for cover now!
My LandLocked
1 Seasons In The Sun
2 It's Natural
3 H.E.L.P. Is On The Way
4 Sweet And Bitter
5 My Solution
6 Hawaiian Dream
7 Awake
8 Won't You Tell Me?
9 Big Sur
10 Wouldn't It Be Nice To Live Again?
11 4th Of July