u/FatherMac66

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.

Another new album to me with songs I’m sure I’ve never heard of. Instant love again. Sail On Sailor, Steamboat, The Trader- all amazing to me. I see that Elton John is a fan of this one and I can see why. Something about this one harkens to his style. Best one added to purchase on vinyl. (I just got Feel Flows in the mail yesterday!)

….so am I missing something? I felt like this was suppose to a subpar album or is not like it, but I like this one quite a bit. Not Pet Sounds, Friends, Sunflower, or Surf’s Up, but it’s just below those. It seems less dated than those. It a somber album on first listen, but still warm at times, and peaceful. I can see myself going back to listen more times.

Love love this one in first listen. The album cover is iconic and cheeky compared to the album name. Love the different styles and sounds and appreciate the group effort here with an unwell Brian around. This one is likely going top 3 for me. I heard Brian was less involved in production and I hear that specifically in the vocal arrangements. Would the able be better if he had been more involved or would it loss some of its uniqueness?

I love reading articles about the albums while listening. The pressure the band felt at this time had to have been enormous. Brian’s ever declining menti health, poor sales, awful tours, and much more. But like they say, pressure can build diamonds. Like Friends, the instantly LOVE this album. I learned today that my 1 year old pup has an inoperable tumor and some tough choices hang over my head heavily. I put on this album and I instantly felt warmth that I needed. Great effort by the whole group it seems. What are your all’s opinions on 🌻?

First of all happy Mother’s Day to the mom’s mine included. Whether she’s still here or departed. And for all fur baby moms and boss ladies and mentors…have a great one.

Yesterday was a huge win with Friends and I’m purchasing the vinyl. Today brings 20/20 and it starts strong. The back story I read about Brian around this time is extremely sad. I think the rest of the guys did well to come together. I get similar warm vibes listening to this one, but maybe no quit as much as with Friends. So I’ve only had this one listen. What are all of your thoughts on this album?

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been listening to each of the boys albums in their entirety in chronological order. I’ve heard the hits and now loving to hear all the songs. I got to Friends today and instantly loved it more than the previous. Not sure why. Just clicked with me in a strong way. Love to hear everyone’s opinions on this album.

Elvis Costello, Dylan, or Neil Young. Now, I love Dylan and like the other two, but I see everyone talk about how many these three have here.

I’ve always liked The Beach Boys. Heard all the hits for ages. Listened to Pet Sounds many times (I’m 46). But I never really gave them their due. It’s really all clicked for me lately and I go back to them regularly now. So now…after the hits and Pet Sounds and Surf’s , where should I go now.

Like the message says I am seeking advice. I want to dive into Herbie’s discography as I love all his stuff on other albums. Where should I start? Can be studio, live, compilations…anything. I am comfortable with various eras of jazz. From cool jazz to fusion. So let me know.