u/FatherMac66

Born July 18, 1979. What other info would be helpful?

Happy Sunday. I hope everyone is enjoying. I’ve reached the end of the journey and going out with a W. I was not sure what to expect after the last two efforts, but this was a great surprise. A nice little throwback sound to celebrate a milestone anniversary. They seemed to work well together. Heck I got sad thinking about this being the last album and thinking about all the highs and lows these guys experienced. I’ve downloaded this to my library and will revisit again next week. What a fun ride for me too. What do you all think of this one? And…what should I listen to next?

By some divine intervention I got to this album on Memorial Day weekend. I pulled it up with no context and the saw lots of country singers listed. Let me be clear… I’m from Tennessee and hate modern radio country. Pretty much hated from Garth Brooks forward. Willie Nelson was a nice name to see. Toby Keith not so much. This is the first album I’ll not actively search to listen to again there are a few nice songs and the guys sound great on background. I just prefer they take the lead or, better yet, leave these classics alone. Poor Carl had to go out like this. Anyways. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Listening now, so I’ll have an answer soon. It’s been awhile.

Yeah. First one that I’m not really feeling at all. I’ll give it more spins. Opening track is good. Cool to see Ringo and Stevie. But this borders on elevator music on first listen. I love the synths on Love You. They sounds fresh and cool. These synths and the production is totally 80s in a not so amazing way. And the first album after Dennis passed. RIP Dennis! How do you experts feel about this one?

Well it certainly lives up to its name. Seems like an attempt to recapture the glory days. Starts off strong with 2 songs I’m enjoying g a lot. Ends with Endless Harmony and that’s great. And the voices? Carl sounds GREAT to me. The harmonies sound good too. Especially following a few albums prior when the voices weren’t quite superb. I like it ok. It’s like cotton candy. Tasty every once in a while, but can’t sustain me and too much could make me sick. Thoughts?

I listen to a new album each day but always go back and relisten to previous ones. Every time I’ve heard this song I actually like it a lot. I appreciate the risks they took and the groove too. But it’s universally despised here. Why is that? The message? (Surf’s Up is incredible regardless.)

Ok now. Starting off strong. Definitely heard the opening track. Pretty classic sound for the band. It’s like an easy listening album- hence the name? Where’s Brian? It’s fair. Not an instant love, but I don’t dislike it either. It certainly lives up to its name. After listening and then reading the back story it seems to be a white album situation where then just compiled their individual songs. Very interesting. Also, I’ve been to Balboa Park where Brian was found after missing.

As I say, I listen to the whole album first and then read about the album. When listening I, maybe surprisingly, loved this one. 🤷‍♂️. I now understand the controversy behind it with label obligations, Dennis and Carl, and even Brian be blacked out and not remembering a thing. First track was just so happy I felt great (mind you the first album I listened to this morning was by Silver Jews, so I was seeking some ☀️). Is it a top 5 for me? No. But as a non-expert, but serious studied of The Boys, I’ll come back to this. Iowa, huh?

Definitely never heard any of those songs before and I’m sad it took this long. Loved this one. 15 Big Ones must have knocked the rust off. We have synthesizers now too. I felt happy listening. I can’t pick out specific songs but, but nothing seemed a total miss (maybe a few cringey lyrics about young roller skater), but I like this one a whole lot and am on my second listen. Something about the cover i love too. Like an inviting quilt at grandma’s house (and that’s a good thing, not a bad thing). Should I keep going? Is there more essential listening left? I do have a question. When my parents bought me my first cd player in the 80s the first album they bought me was called “Still Cruisin”. I don’t see it anywhere on streaming though?

I took a pause yesterday to celebrate the holy day that was Pet Sounds 60th. If I read correctly, PS was the last Brian produced album prior to 15 Big Ones. So my stage was set…

Not sure what to make of this one after one listen. My first impression is it’s subpar. Covers of rock standards that seem neutered. Their voices are not 100% either- reminded me a little of George Harrison’s singing on Dark Horse.

I kept waiting for something to really grab me. Is it true that Brian said this and Love You were his favorite BB albums?

My next thought was maybe I’m jaded. This world kinda (see definitely) sucks and I’m looking for some weight in the music. BUT- maybe occasionally we need a little lightness and playfulness of 15 Big Ones? Next up tomorrow- Love You. Never heard it before either and see it pop up a lot, so I’m excited.