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Post by B.E. on Dec 9, 2022 14:09:03 GMT
The CD clearly labels tracks 13-15 as bonus tracks and, indeed, the LP does not include them. And, technically, they were previously released (which I only mention to differentiate it a little bit from a track like "Sloop John B"). By the way, I think it was a good idea to include them. It was the perfect opportunity. You get a solo Christmas album and gather up the other solo Christmas tracks he'd done for the fans. I'm glad, though, that they clearly labeled them as bonus tracks. If not, that would have bothered me. Wasn't Sloop a 45 prior to the release of Pet Sounds? That's why I used that as an example. Thanks, I actually didn't know it was released on LP at the time. Ah, got it. "Sloop John B" was a lead single (as was "Caroline, No").
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Post by kds on Dec 9, 2022 14:10:48 GMT
I was always kind of in the middle. I knew those three songs were not from the What I Really Want For Christmas sessions, but I viewed them more as "tack- ons" than bonus tracks. I always thought it was strange to have "bonus tracks" on a new release. They do appear to be tack-ons because of the sequencing - all three are placed together, in a row, at the end - and they don't work in that regard. But, Brian sounds the same so they don't sound out-of-place in that regard. I'm glad they included them on all CD / streaming releases of the album, unlike the Disney album that had two bonus tracks, which I believe were Best Buy exclusive. I guess they're kind of like the two "Post Script" acoustic instrumentals that play at the end of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra album Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Dec 9, 2022 14:49:10 GMT
I was always kind of in the middle. I knew those three songs were not from the What I Really Want For Christmas sessions, but I viewed them more as "tack- ons" than bonus tracks. I always thought it was strange to have "bonus tracks" on a new release. They do appear to be tack-ons because of the sequencing - all three are placed together, in a row, at the end - and they don't work in that regard. But, Brian sounds the same so they don't sound out-of-place in that regard. I'm glad they included them on all CD / streaming releases of the album, unlike the Disney album that had two bonus tracks, which I believe were Best Buy exclusive. Oh, so am I.
OK, I'll get "Silent Night" out of the way. Like I said, I don't think it should've even been released. It's almost like a combination demo/riff/spoken word/message thing. And it doesn't work. It makes me think they were mining the vaults for anything Christmasey to use. Could it be that they thought the album...needed something more? Conversely, I'm glad they included "Joy To The World" and "On Christmas Day" because, as I mentioned, I think they're the two best songs on the album. But, they could've worked them into the album more efficiently sequencing-wise.
And, speaking of sequencing, the vinyl version of What I Really Want For Christmas ends with "Auld Land Syne", just like The Beach Boys' Christmas Album. How weird is that? And so unnecessary. Why, just tell me why Brian felt the need to re-record "Auld Lang Syne"? He had the perfect album closer in "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Just nix "Auld Lang Syne". I do.
The CD version of What I Really Want For Christmas clocks in at 46:04. I guess they could've included the three bonus tracks on the vinyl version, but it would've been cutting it pretty close; maybe it wasn't even possible.
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Post by kds on Dec 9, 2022 15:01:13 GMT
I'm glad they included them on all CD / streaming releases of the album, unlike the Disney album that had two bonus tracks, which I believe were Best Buy exclusive. Oh, so am I.
OK, I'll get "Silent Night" out of the way. Like I said, I don't think it should've even been released. It's almost like a combination demo/riff/spoken word/message thing. And it doesn't work. It makes me think they were mining the vaults for anything Christmasey to use. Could it be that they thought the album...needed something more? Conversely, I'm glad they included "Joy To The World" and "On Christmas Day" because, as I mentioned, I think they're the two best songs on the album. But, they could've worked them into the album more efficiently sequencing-wise.
And, speaking of sequencing, the vinyl version of What I Really Want For Christmas ends with "Auld Land Syne", just like The Beach Boys' Christmas Album. How weird is that? And so unnecessary. Why, just tell me why Brian felt the need to re-record "Auld Lang Syne"? He had the perfect album closer in "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Just nix "Auld Lang Syne". I do.
The CD version of What I Really Want For Christmas clocks in at 46:04. I guess they could've included the three bonus tracks on the vinyl version, but it would've been cutting it pretty close; maybe it wasn't even possible. So, wait, you said you agree with me that you're glad that the three bonus tracks were included on the CD version, but also think Silent Night should not have been released? I'll agree 100% about We Wish You a Merry Christmas. That definitely sounds like a perfect closer to me, and yet it's right in the middle of the album. I've never been a huge fan of ALS's inclusion on Christmas albums in general. I guess New Year's Eve/Day technically occur during the Christmas Season, but it always struck me as a square peg.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Dec 9, 2022 15:06:15 GMT
Oh, so am I.
OK, I'll get "Silent Night" out of the way. Like I said, I don't think it should've even been released. It's almost like a combination demo/riff/spoken word/message thing. And it doesn't work. It makes me think they were mining the vaults for anything Christmasey to use. Could it be that they thought the album...needed something more? Conversely, I'm glad they included "Joy To The World" and "On Christmas Day" because, as I mentioned, I think they're the two best songs on the album. But, they could've worked them into the album more efficiently sequencing-wise.
And, speaking of sequencing, the vinyl version of What I Really Want For Christmas ends with "Auld Land Syne", just like The Beach Boys' Christmas Album. How weird is that? And so unnecessary. Why, just tell me why Brian felt the need to re-record "Auld Lang Syne"? He had the perfect album closer in "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Just nix "Auld Lang Syne". I do.
The CD version of What I Really Want For Christmas clocks in at 46:04. I guess they could've included the three bonus tracks on the vinyl version, but it would've been cutting it pretty close; maybe it wasn't even possible. So, wait, you said you agree with me that you're glad that the three bonus tracks were included on the CD version, but also think Silent Night should not have been released? Yes, that's what I'm saying. Sorry for beating the proverbial dead horse, but "Joy To The World" and "On Christmas Day" are necessary. Now, again, I'd rather not include or view them AS BONUS TRACKS, but fully integrate them into the album. Just count them as part of the album, regardless of when they were recorded. They sound close enough to all of the other songs anyway.
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Post by B.E. on Dec 9, 2022 15:18:37 GMT
Best - "What I Really Want For Christmas" - I think this is one of Brian's best solo tracks. "The First Noel" is close a second, though. And I might rank "Auld Lang Syne" as high as third, believe it or not. Overall, after The Beach Boys' Christmas Album, it's one of my go-to Christmas albums. It's not an all-timer, or even great, and I don't overplay it, but it's an easy, enjoyable listen for me. I'd also like to note that, of the bonus tracks, "On Christmas Day" is a favorite as well. On the same level as my favorites from the album.
Worst - "Little Saint Nick" - I think it stands out as a weaker performance. Comparisons to the original don't help either. I'm also lukewarm on "Deck the Halls", but more due to my disinterest in the song itself. Even if I were to include the bonus tracks, I'd honestly rather listen to "Silent Night". That's just a fun, quick little Christmas message from Brian. I like it.
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Post by kds on Dec 9, 2022 15:50:24 GMT
So, wait, you said you agree with me that you're glad that the three bonus tracks were included on the CD version, but also think Silent Night should not have been released? Yes, that's what I'm saying. Sorry for beating the proverbial dead horse, but "Joy To The World" and "On Christmas Day" are necessary. Now, again, I'd rather not include or view them AS BONUS TRACKS, but fully integrate them into the album. Just count them as part of the album, regardless of when they were recorded. They sound close enough to all of the other songs anyway. That just seems somewhat contradictory to see you're glad something was included, but also wish it wasn't released. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize.
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Post by kds on Dec 9, 2022 15:54:14 GMT
Best - "What I Really Want For Christmas" - I think this is one of Brian's best solo tracks. "The First Noel" is close a second, though. And I might rank "Auld Lang Syne" as high as third, believe it or not. Overall, after The Beach Boys' Christmas Album, it's one of my go-to Christmas albums. It's not an all-timer, or even great, and I don't overplay it, but it's an easy, enjoyable listen for me. I'd also like to note that, of the bonus tracks, "On Christmas Day" is a favorite as well. On the same level as my favorites from the album. Worst - "Little Saint Nick" - I think it stands out as a weaker performance. Comparisons to the original don't help either. I'm also lukewarm on "Deck the Halls", but more due to my disinterest in the song itself. Even if I were to include the bonus tracks, I'd honestly rather listen to "Silent Night". That's just a fun, quick little Christmas message from Brian. I like it. It's become one of my go-to Christmas albums since I first heard it in 2014. I honestly probably play it as much as I do The Beach Boys Christmas Album this time of year. Also, I think it's one of the best sounding Brian solo albums. The Wondermints play with a sense of looseness that's sometimes rare in Brian's solo efforts. They sound like they're having fun.
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Post by Kapitan on Dec 9, 2022 18:52:54 GMT
Yes, that's what I'm saying. Sorry for beating the proverbial dead horse, but "Joy To The World" and "On Christmas Day" are necessary. Now, again, I'd rather not include or view them AS BONUS TRACKS, but fully integrate them into the album. Just count them as part of the album, regardless of when they were recorded. They sound close enough to all of the other songs anyway. That just seems somewhat contradictory to see you're glad something was included, but also wish it wasn't released. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize. I think I get what Sheriff is saying: not that all three bonus tracks should have been integrated into the album, but also Silent Night should not have been released (which would be contradictory); but that there was no reason to consider those other tracks separately from the newly recorded ones when planning the track list for the album because they sounded of a piece with the others (but that while he likes two of the three, he'd omit the other entirely). So in other words, rather than "here's our 12-song album, and let's tack on 3 bonus tracks," it's "here are the 15 songs we have to work with for the album; let's use these 14." So that isn't really contradictory.
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Post by kds on Dec 9, 2022 19:17:10 GMT
Gotcha
I think.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Dec 9, 2022 21:13:03 GMT
That just seems somewhat contradictory to see you're glad something was included, but also wish it wasn't released. If I'm misunderstanding, I apologize. I think I get what Sheriff is saying: not that all three bonus tracks should have been integrated into the album, but also Silent Night should not have been released (which would be contradictory); but that there was no reason to consider those other tracks separately from the newly recorded ones when planning the track list for the album because they sounded of a piece with the others (but that while he likes two of the three, he'd omit the other entirely). So in other words, rather than "here's our 12-song album, and let's tack on 3 bonus tracks," it's "here are the 15 songs we have to work with for the album; let's use these 14." So that isn't really contradictory. Yes, thank you for the clarification.
Maybe because it's a Christmas album, and while I don't particularly care for it, What I Really Want For Christmas is intriguing and important. Therefore, I wanted to reiterate two quick points. First, while I don't agree with just tacking the bonus tracks at the end of the CD, I don't begrudge them for using them (even though I would not have included "Silent Night"). It's not like it was a marketing ploy, where certain bonus tracks are placed on a Walmart Edition, other bonus tracks are put on a Target Edition, and even more pop up on a Special Super Edition. These bonus tracks weren't added to entice CD sales, as probably 99% of sales would've been via CD anyway. The main reason for adding them ONLY on the CD was probably, as I mentioned above, that they didn't fit properly on two vinyl sides timewise. And, I sincerely think they also wanted to present as strong a product as possible. However, and second, again if they were going to add bonus tracks, I wish they would've taken the time and care to integrate them INTO the album. You had both "Auld Lang Syne" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" just sitting there as potential closers.
Kapitan, thanks for unintentionally opening the door for me to again post my alternate album. I think I do it with every album, especially Brian's solo albums. It's hard for me to sit through some of the What I Really Want For Christmas songs. I find myself wanting to adjust the volume. A lot of yelling on this one. Where's Joe Thomas when you need him...Anyway, here goes:
Brian Wilson - What I Really Want For Christmas (2005)
Side 1 1. Deck The Halls 2. What I Really Want For Christmas 3. Little Saint Nick 4. The Man With All The Toys 5. Joy To The World 6. The First Noel
Side 2 1. Christmasey 2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 3. O Holy Night 4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 5. On Christmas Day 6. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Deleted: - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Auld Lang Syne - Silent Night
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Post by kds on Dec 10, 2022 1:56:36 GMT
Your sequence had me until you deleted Midnight Clear.
I think "bonus tracks" are just that - bonus tracks. In general, I'd rather have them tacked onto the end of the CD. But, that's just my preference.
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Post by lonelysummer on Dec 10, 2022 2:36:49 GMT
What I Really Want for Christmas is one of the best songs/recordings of Brian's entire solo career. An easy pick for "best". Worst? Nothing stands out for me as "awful", so I'm gonna pass on voting a "least favorite". Plus it's been a long time since I listened to the entire album. Last Xmas, I gave you my heart, and I played Mike's album endlessly in my car...i'm captain of my destiny. Honestly, I don't give my Christmas records/cd's much listening time anymore. I live in the NW where it just rains from November through March, it's dark and dreary...hard to get into that holiday spirit, especially with most of my family gone now. I need some snow, anybody wanna send me some?
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Post by Kapitan on Dec 10, 2022 12:40:38 GMT
I need some snow, anybody wanna send me some? We had our first one in mid-October and aren't likely to be done with it until April. So yeah, you can have some of ours!
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Post by kds on Dec 12, 2022 13:49:53 GMT
What I Really Want for Christmas is one of the best songs/recordings of Brian's entire solo career. An easy pick for "best". Worst? Nothing stands out for me as "awful", so I'm gonna pass on voting a "least favorite". Plus it's been a long time since I listened to the entire album. Last Xmas, I gave you my heart, and I played Mike's album endlessly in my car...i'm captain of my destiny. Honestly, I don't give my Christmas records/cd's much listening time anymore. I live in the NW where it just rains from November through March, it's dark and dreary...hard to get into that holiday spirit, especially with most of my family gone now. I need some snow, anybody wanna send me some? I live in the Mid Atlantic, so snow in December is actually pretty rare. I think we've only had one White Christmas in my 42 years, and it was from a Christmas Eve night snow that was mostly slush by Christmas Day.
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