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Post by B.E. on Sept 30, 2023 20:15:03 GMT
If you want to know why Scott Totten and John Cowsill were replaced, Christian gives some...reasons (around the 19-20 minute mark): New info. Thanks for sharing.
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Emdeeh
Pacific Coast Highway
Posts: 520
Likes: 532
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Post by Emdeeh on Sept 30, 2023 20:31:54 GMT
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 1, 2023 1:23:41 GMT
That was interesting. I won't say Christian is the best interviewee out there, but he did provide some information. Not just about the Totten-Cowsill changes, but his relationships with the other Beach Boys, his relationships with their kids, what he likes (and knows, and doesn't know) about the Beach Boys' music, some thoughts about the possibility of a future Beach Boys once the principals are gone, and more.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Oct 1, 2023 12:56:06 GMT
That was interesting. I won't say Christian is the best interviewee out there, but he did provide some information. Not just about the Totten-Cowsill changes, but his relationships with the other Beach Boys, his relationships with their kids, what he likes (and knows, and doesn't know) about the Beach Boys' music, some thoughts about the possibility of a future Beach Boys once the principals are gone, and more. Yes, Christian certainly opened the proverbial door about continuing on in some "Beach Boys" fashion after Mike & Bruce hang it up - which, according to Christian doesn't appear to be in the near future. So, you would have Christian Love, Matt Jardine, and (cough) John Stamos as a start. How about Rob and Carnie Bonfiglio joining up?
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 1, 2023 13:05:37 GMT
That was interesting. I won't say Christian is the best interviewee out there, but he did provide some information. Not just about the Totten-Cowsill changes, but his relationships with the other Beach Boys, his relationships with their kids, what he likes (and knows, and doesn't know) about the Beach Boys' music, some thoughts about the possibility of a future Beach Boys once the principals are gone, and more. Yes, Christian certainly opened the proverbial door about continuing on in some "Beach Boys" fashion after Mike & Bruce hang it up - which, according to Christian doesn't appear to be in the near future. So, you would have Christian Love, Matt Jardine, and (cough) John Stamos as a start. How about Rob and Carnie Bonfiglio joining up?
I'm actually in the minority (I think?) who doesn't really care about it being in the family. I'd rather have the best people--yes, ideally with some association with the group's principals, but not necessarily blood (or marital) relations. Honestly, I'm not even sure I'd choose Christian...
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Emdeeh
Pacific Coast Highway
Posts: 520
Likes: 532
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Post by Emdeeh on Oct 1, 2023 13:14:54 GMT
I'd prefer that the name be retired, or at least modified.
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 1, 2023 13:25:39 GMT
I'd prefer that the name be retired, or at least modified. I've gone back and forth on it through the years. In favor of it continuing, I think of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, or the (Charles) Mingus Big Band, all of which continue performing regularly long after their namesakes' deaths. From this perspective I see it as a quality-controlled way of keeping the music alive and in the public beyond the recordings. Sure, there are a billion tribute bands out there, but official the stamp of authenticity--and the resources behind that brand (OK, I made it three sentences without bringing the dreaded B-word into it)--could only help in terms of recruiting high-level talent and of course working with the business side. (You could still do album-themed tours in conjunction with reissue packages, etc.) In opposition to it continuing, you could differentiate between a living, creative band and a band that is just performing back catalogues. (The response here might be that the Beach Boys themselves have basically been a band just performing their back catalogue for 40 years, give or take.) You could of course mention the legitimate and possibly foremost argument, which is just that there is something important, almost sacred, about the members themselves being present. (The response here might be that the band themselves don't seem to think so, having done long stretches without any of the Wilsons, without Jardine, without Johnston, without Marks, without Chaplin, without Fataar; and if I'm not mistaken, even occasionally, though much more rarely, performed without Love.) At the end of the day, I honestly don't care much which route it takes. I could see it going very well it a version of the band continued, and I could see it going horribly.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Oct 1, 2023 14:04:06 GMT
I suppose I'm in favor of some configuration continuing on, but, frankly, I'll probably be an old geezer by the time that happens and gets going, and I don't know how passionate I'll be at that time. I don't even know if I'd attend a show like that. I probably would (out of curiosity and for a night out of live music), but I'm already getting a little "tribute band" feeling with Mike & Bruce's Beach Boys, and that would be another step - a big step - away from the authenticity/emotional/real thing factor.
That being said, if I had a preference, I think I would like to see "the band" continue on with as many Beach Boys' family members and associates as possible. Kapitan's point is well-taken about employing "the best" musicians/artists, but I do think there are several(?) Beach Boys' family members/associates who are talented enough to do the band justice in some specific or particular role. Also - and this definitely applies to me personally - having Beach Boys' family members in the band would entice me more to buy a ticket than going to see Joe Anybody on guitar or keyboards.
Oh, and I think it would be a huge mistake, bordering on sacrilegious, to keep the name "The Beach Boys" when Mike & Bruce move on. It's OK to incorporate it into the new name, just don't use the old name. Retire it.
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Post by lonelysummer on Oct 1, 2023 20:02:44 GMT
I'd prefer that the name be retired, or at least modified. Beach Boys Family and Friends?
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nater414
Denny's Drums
Posts: 30
Likes: 53
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Post by nater414 on Oct 1, 2023 23:29:44 GMT
Wow, that was definitely a very interesting and revealing interview!
- I can recall hearing Scott's voice sounding like what Christian describes. It wasn't hard to tell that he's been struggling to hit and sustain notes he used to effortlessly. Makes sense he'd give it a break and rest his voice after all of these years. He probably wants to keep his singing voice in tact for the rest of his career, given how helpful it can be being a singing guitarist in the touring musician industry. Happy to hear Christian say that his dad loves Scott.
- It's definitely interesting to hear Cowsill described as "nice individual and challenging individual as well". I guess I'll reserve getting into that since I'm sure there are many people on this board that call him a friend. Seems like Scott's leaving wasn't personal, but maybe Cowsill's was.
- I loved hearing about Christian's journey as a musician. From playing bass, to Randell teaching him how to play guitar, and him joining The Beach Boys, to the present day where he's producing and arranging his own material. He seems extremely passionate about music. Perhaps even more so than you'd notice from observing his stage presence.
- Not gonna lie, I feel very vindicated and correct now, hearing Christian confirm that he's thought about leading the/a Beach Boys band when his father retires, and that there was some acknowledgment of Matt Jardine and Stamos playing with the group if I recall correctly. I would be very happy to continue to see a Christian Love led Beach Boys for as long as he'd continue the legacy his father helped create.
- This stood out to me more than anything: his extremely brief answers reminded me SO MUCH of Brian, and his soft spoken, polite nature, of not wanting to say anything bad about anyone, and his insistence on 'not picking sides' and not letting his Dad's issues be his issues. When he said that, in that voice that sounds so similar to Carl, it makes it seem like he not only inherited Carl's vocal parts, but perhaps his kind and peace keeping nature. And like I said, the brief and sometimes deadpan responses remind me so much of Brian. And that also makes me think about his stage presence. A lot of people say he looks bored or disinterested- the same accusations Brian Wilson has gotten for decades. And we know how passionate Brian is about music. Sometimes that passion just doesn't translate to someone's facial expression or body language. I think Christian inherited BW's 'stoic vibe' if that makes sense.
- Makes sense, but was sad to hear he's never had a conversation with Brian. Also makes sense that as a young boy he was afraid of Dennis, who by this point was likely often intoxicated or lashing out around family. I'm happy to hear he has a friendly relationship with Al, and a fruitful working relationship with Bruce. And it sounds like playing in the band has made him closer to his dad than ever.
Oddly enough, despite some of his answers leaving me wanting more detail, I have to say that this was one of the most moving and insightful interviews I've heard in a long, long time. Chritian's love for his dad and for music really shined through. The interview was an hour, but flew by for me. The hosts did a terrific job asking the right questions while letting Christian speak for himself. I'm sure I'll give this another listen because I learned a lot!
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 2, 2023 12:53:50 GMT
- Not gonna lie, I feel very vindicated and correct now, hearing Christian confirm that he's thought about leading the/a Beach Boys band when his father retires, and that there was some acknowledgment of Matt Jardine and Stamos playing with the group if I recall correctly. I would be very happy to continue to see a Christian Love led Beach Boys for as long as he'd continue the legacy his father helped create. I don't think any of that is worth taking too seriously, either in him doing it or in those guys being part of some hypothetical future band. It was nice to hear him talk about it, but it struck me as mostly speculation. He said he'd thought about it, he said he holds no grudges, he mentioned liking to perform with those guys, he said he'd welcome any of the kids ... but definitely did not say this was going to happen. Another interesting thing is, he seems very much opposite of Mike's approach: what was the number of shows he said he'd want to do a year, 50? What is that, a third of what they do now? It actually begs the question, what would be the expectations (or contractual requirements) of an officially licensed Beach Boys group? They're not just going to sign the brand over to someone with free reign, whether it's Mike's or Al's kid or Stamos or anyone else. What might be some of those terms? Number of shows a year? Types or locations of shows? Set lists?
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 5, 2023 12:51:55 GMT
You know what's another thing from that Christian Love interview that I thought was interesting and worth mentioning before we forget about it entirely?
He seems to pretty definitively say that John Stamos is good for business. Yes, he has a laugh about the audience being more women, but he also talks about drawing more fans generally.
I mention this because we've debated every so often (or at least it is debated every so often on boards...I can't recall whether we here specifically have debated it) whether or how much of an impact Stamos has for anyone. You know, "does anybody really care whether Uncle Jesse is appearing with the Beach Boys enough to make a difference of whether to go?" According to Christian Love, the answer seems to be a definitive yes.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Oct 5, 2023 16:57:39 GMT
I also was contemplating Christian Love's interview and something has been making me think, something that's a little surprising but not earth-shattering. Christian mentioned that his father is making no plans for retirement at this time, but when he does, Christian himself (possibly with Matt Jardine) is interested, in some way, in carrying on the Beach Boys' name and/or legacy (he was not specific nor was he even close to how he would accomplish that). I believe Christian did mention that he wouldn't be interested in the amount of dates that the Beach Boys' band is currently performing, which is 100+ per year. I think he threw out a figure of around 50. And that got me to thinking...
Christian Love is 55 years old. Matt Jardine is 57 years old. I mentioned Carnie Wilson Bonfiglio as a possible member; she's 55 years old. I won't go over the ages of the various members of Mike & Bruce's Beach Boys or Brian Wilson's band, but they are roughly the same age, give or take a few years. Oh, and John Stamos, I can't forget him. He's 60 years old. My point? Not really a point, but it made me think. For the sake of conversation, let's say that Mike Love (with or without Bruce Johnston) lasts another five years. Maybe more. Personally, I think Mike will be performing at age 90, but let's say he lasts another five years. When Mike does decide to hang up the microphone - and if Christian Love and Matt Jardine and various members of the current band(s) continue on as a band - they'll be in their mid to late 60s! Think about that. Those guys would not be "wet behind the ears" just starting out like they used to be. They will be older, veteran musicians who have been performing professionally for almost 45-50 years. Now, we know, thanks to groups like The Beach Boys, that musicians in their 60s and 70s have several years left for recording and performing. But, it is kind of...unique...that in this case, the potential replacements, the new configuration, the musicians who are the next generation, who might be carrying on the legacy...will be eligible for Social Security by then.
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 5, 2023 19:11:38 GMT
Along that line of thinking, I remember when I first learned the ages of Brian Wilson's "young new band," probably around the time of BWPS. They were mostly in their mid-to-late 40s, as I recall, by that time (which felt old to me even though I was approaching 30 already). They're in their 60s now, for the most part.
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Post by Kapitan on Oct 6, 2023 13:02:38 GMT
We're far into speculation now (about the idea of a future Christian Love-led Beach Boys band), but so be it. May as well go a little further.
I don't think Christian Love is the person to lead that future band.
In his favor would be these things: he is a Love; and he sings beautifully, sometimes like Carl Wilson.
And weighing in against him?
- He doesn't seem to be a charismatic frontman type, meaning he might not be the best emcee for shows. (That is just one kind of "band leader," of course. But...)
- He, by his own admission, isn't all that into the Beach Boys music. When asked his favorite album in that interview, he basically pleads ignorance. (He does name Surf's Up, which is a dark horse selection, though.) He admits he isn't really all that into the whole catalogue. At least that's my recollection of that answer.
- I'm not convinced of his instrumental chops, though my mind could be changed. But every video I've seen of him playing with the Beach Boys, he's pretty clearly either not playing, or barely playing. He talks about how he didn't want to play bass in the Beach Boys because it's too hard to play and sing at the same time. He talks about the challenges of being taught the songs. Now, I'm not saying the guy is useless: that's obviously not true. But I don't think he seems like he's at the level of a lot of Beach Boys-affiliated musicians.
- I'm not convinced of his work ethic, at least as relates to the Beach Boys. He said he'd want to tour much less, maybe just around 50 dates a year. He certainly hasn't been dedicated to the band through the years, going off to do his own thing (whether his own band(s?) or volleyball). And that's fine, no crime in that. But is it the right mentality for the guy leading the Beach Boys? Is it the right business decision for the Beach Boys?
- I'm not sold on his personal musical tastes. He talks about growing up mostly on New Wave and '80s pop and rock, and then some pretty mediocre-to-bad 90s rock (naming the Police, U2, Gin Blossoms, Sugar F#@kin' Ray in particular as favorites); his own band(s?) have never gotten anywhere despite him obviously having financial resources and as big a name as there is in rock; and what I heard of his solo material in that podcast was competent but uninspiring at best. Granted, we're not asking the new Beach Boys to create new music ... but arrangements and presentation matter, even when dealing with a legacy catalogue. Think of the breath of fresh air the Brian Wilson Band was after the lower points of the live Beach Boys. Decisions like song selection, instrumentation (including synths versus natural instruments) vocal arrangements, etc., all matter. A lot.
So if we have--and I am going to exaggerate for effect, here, which is admittedly unfair!--a somewhat disinterested, mediocre instrumentally, casual Beach Boys fan who lacks charisma but can sing well and is from one of the First Families. Is that the best thing for a leader of the future Beach Boys?
Not that he has been mentioned as potentially interested or available or anything like that, but I'd gladly choose someone like Darian Sahanaja for having the advantage on every single point above, except family lineage (and arguably quality of voice, though I think that's debatable...call it a draw).
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