I agree. I think he's one of the best interviews of anyone associated with the group; I admire his candor, willingness to look below the surface, talk about successes and admit mistakes. Thanks, Finn!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I've always felt the same way. Bruce gives the point of view of a hired gun. Always a member of the band, but mostly without the inner-band psychodrama that the Wilson's, their cousin, and Jardine have been in for 40+ years.
@@fshoaps I sure wish he'd reconsider his proclaimed decision to never write a memoir! He's witnessed and participated in so much musical history, it'll really be a shame if he never puts it down on paper. Thanks, Finn!
I heard Bruce's solo version of Dierdre for the first time a couple of month's ago, and really liked it, I've seen mostly negative commments about it though online.
I wouldn't choose it over the "Sunflower" version by any means, but I'm glad he tried to do something a little different with it for his solo album. Definitely an enjoyable track! Thanks, James!
Ironically, that was the first song I really latched on to, back in 1970, when I first played Sunflower. But now, 50 years down the road, there are so many other tracks I'd rather hear first!
Hi Steve, i am very familiar with Going Public as Diedre was played exrensively here in Uk, although i dont think it made the charts. I eventually purchased the album andas you say, its not a bad album, apart fom that dreadful " Wont somebody dance with me " which i always felt should have been deposited in the dustbin of history . I think " i write the songs " is a great track whoever sings it and my first outing was David Cassidy and i loved the fact that both Bruce and Carl were on the recording. And Disney Girls.....well, what can i say ? Art Garfunkel nailed this one on his wonderful " Breakaway " album . All in All Bruce had put out a fairly good album here and yes you are right, most people assume Barry Manilow wrote " i write the songs " ....i suppose because it was such a big hit but anyway, i like Bruces work whether as a Beach Boy or Solo and at the time, he was very contempory as he was experimenting with Disco as were most producers back then, most with mixed results but i think Bruces offerings were very good, but maybe i`m biased., but he did give David Cassidy and Barry Manilow " i write the songs " which were huge hits for both at that time. He also improved the Beach Boys sound in my opinion, when he returned to the group in 1979 when his contribution could be heard. ..Best Regards.
Cool to know that "Diedre" got extensive play in the UK! I'd say I prefer the David Cassidy "I Write The Songs" to the Manilow version (though, having Bruce and Carl on it are probably what give it "the edge" for me.) Interesting, too, that the David Cassidy version was a hit there! It went completely unnoticed here. I definitely agree that Art Garfunkel nailed "Disney Girls" on "Breakaway!" Great album! It was great to see Bruce re-join The Beach Boys. I think his production skills, songwriting, musicianship and, of course, voice have become integral to the group! Thanks, as always, chris, for the comments and insight!
Enjoy your comments, Chris! I always preferred solo Garfunkel music to solo Simon music; I know I'm probably in the minority with that. No cuteness, just great singing.
@@burlingtonbill1 I totally agree with you and Garfunkels Breakaway album is a masterpiece and he has had a couple of No1 singles here " i only have Eyes " and " Bright Eyes " and i think a lot of us prefer him to Simon.
Fun fact: "Won't Somebody Dance With Me" was written by Lynsey de Paul, a British singer - songwriter. She won the Ivor Novello songwriting award for it in 1974......the first woman to do so. th-cam.com/video/8Tep8dnLggo/w-d-xo.html
Your assessment of "Won't Somebody Dance With Me" is both spot on and hilarious!! I laughed out loud several times! I always thought that song was so unbelievably cheesy!! Never knew it was a cover until now.
The Guess Who cut "Don't Be Scared" in their early days when they were still called Chad Allan and the Expressions. Three of the original members of The Guess Who that made the big hits were in the band at the time.
Thanks for the clarification, Mikey! And sorry it took me so long to respond! Somehow, I missed your comment earlier and just saw it this morning! I really appreciate the feedback and, again, sorry for the delay in getting back to you!
Hi Steve Just had to tell you my copy of the Beach Boy box set "Feel Flows" has arrived after what seems like forever waiting for it. I had a phone call from my mate who owns a cd/dvd shop to tell me it had arrived and I immediately dropped all my plans for today to go over and pick it up. It's sitting beside me as I write this and it's still in the plastic copy but in ten minutes time the first cd will be playing in my stereo.
Hi peter! Just saw your message which, it says, was posted three hours ago. I'm guessing you're well into it by now! Glad you're finally getting to check it out and please let me know what you think! (I'm planning to do a little "follow up" episode week after next and would love to know your impressions.) Happy listening!
EXCELLENT, Kev! I'm sure you're right! I'm doing one of my "catching up" episodes in a couple of weeks and will be sure to mention that, with "props" to you, of course! Thanks for solving the mystery!
Thanks Steve...my pleasure. I really enjoy all your wonderful videos. Re: Bruce Johnston...have you read the book "Hollywood Eden" by Joel Selvin? Excellent book on the late 50s/early 60s LA music recording scene. Bruce features heavily in those early years.
@@kevsaebald3502 I don't know the book. It sounds like something I'd love! I'll track it down! Thanks for mentioning it and for the kind words about the channel, Kev!
Time to dig this out for a listen today. I have to admit this is probably bringing up the rear in BB related releases I’m motivated to listen to. I like Bruce Johnston in small doses but an album of it is a bit too saccharine and cloying for my tastes. I assume ‘Going Public’ relates to his perceived role as a behind the scenes song writer taking centre stage. I assume they just forgot he was an integral part of one of the world’s biggest bands for best part of ten years previous to this…
Good point, Dino, and I agree that Bruce seems to work best in small doses and can definitely tend toward saccahrine and cloying. I think you're right about the title too. That definitely makes sense! Though I agree it's a little weird because I'd have thought he was better known as a performer (with The Beach Boys) than as a songwriter at that point. (Maybe they thought those "Beach Boys days" were long forgotten in 1977 and he was now "the guy who wrote the hit for Barry Manilow"?) Thanks for the thoughts and comments, Dino!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Al Jardine goes out of his way to describe Bruce that way to Dick Clark in an interview from 1979 on American Bandstand. I'm sorry but I really believe the Beatles AND Monkees, spoiled the press to where every band then had to up their "charisma" game. Some like the Beach Boys we're just too sincere for their image sake imo.
@@marcofalzone6469 Good points, Marco! I especially agree about bands having to up the "charisma" in the wake of the Beatles and the Monkees. It's only tangentially related, but one of the things that intrigues me about the Beach Boys is that, for all their considerable talent, even "genius," they still seem like guys who might live up the street. Thanks, Marco!
Cool! I got mine in 1980. (It's a cutout. Don't know if you noticed the drill hole in the lower corner.) Did you pick yours up back in '77? Thanks for the comment, Derek!
I like his version of "I Write The Songs" too and I'm happy to have a version of the song by its author...especially given the song's lyrics! Thanks, Michael!
Interesting that Terry Melcher kept working behind the scene with Bruce all these years. As far as the connection between the Beach Boys and Captain and Tennille, I saw Daryl Dragon playing keyboards for the Beach Boys before he teamed up with his soon to be wife Toni Tennille. At one point they both played with the group and Toni became known as the "Beach Girl". Stories say that Daryl always wore a captains hat on stage so he was called captain but not true. In introducing their backup band the BBs used to introduce him as Captain Keyboard so he started wearing the captain hat to fill the look. I met Daryl and Toni when they drove their car out to Utah one summer for a show. They brought their two dogs with them and had a great time touring our national parks and shopping at Park City.
SO cool that you got to meet Daryl, Toni...and their famous dogs! (I'd almost forgotten how popular the dogs were with Captain & Tennille fans!) I read Toni Tennille's autobiography a while back. She gives a pretty interesting account of the time Daryl and she spent with The Beach Boys, and also of their many interactions with Bruce Johnston. (She seemed to find him both insultingly blunt and extremely supportive.) Thanks for the comments and great to hear from you, wa7zbo!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Personally, I was never a fan of the Capt. & T. music, but I liked them as people and that book sounds intriguing. I think I'll get it. Also, in mentioning Art Garfunkel's "Breakaway" song later on in the comments, here's something interesting I did not know: "Apparently Toni Tennille is the primary female backing vocalist. She has such a big voice, it's interesting to hear her rein it in so much here." -- Dennis Harvey
Apparently Bruce himself doesn't like this album. I think he once told a fan it belonged in the trash. And while I'm not really a huge fan of the album either, I do kinda like Pipeline, weirdly enough
i really don't mind this album. there are certainly some stinkers, but I feel disney girls, deirdre, i write the songs, thank you baby, and don't be scared make it well worth the price of admission. i once saw the pipeline single sleeve in an antique store w/ the sticker still on it, but no record inside of it - looking back I wish I had bought it anyway
Thanks for the feedback and perspective, James! Also, I really want to apologize for not getting back to you earlier! I just realized this morning that I somehow missed several of the comments on this episode. Sadly, yours was among them! Sorry about that and, again, thanks for the comments!
I believe it's all available on youtube. I'm sure actual copies can be picked up via discogs or eBay very inexpensively too. If you give it a listen, I hope you'll follow-up with your thoughts! Thanks, ahrry!
Steve, I can appreciate your kindness toward Bruce on the Going Public album, and can agree with your opinion on his voice, piano playing, etc. BUT. . . I think this album was made "on the cheap". It's mostly covers of Bruce covering himself (with the Beach Boys) or songs he wrote for other people, with those other people usually having bigger hits with his songs then he himself did. Example, Barry Manilow's version of "I Write The Songs", which Bruce has told different stories about over the years concerning the song's meaning. In one interview, he said he was thinking of Brian Wilson, and what would Brian say if he wrote a song about his own songwriting ability. Agree that the cover photo could have been better then a seven year old inner sleeve photo from the Beach Boys Sunflower album. Bruce in my opinion, likes bringing up in interviews that he once won a Grammy for writing "I Write The Songs" ("only" about 45 years ago), which Mike Love also likes talking about. I've always thought that Bruce has a talent for writing good ballads, but rockers, I don't think he could or even wants to. I'd call Going Public one of the worst Beach Boys solo albums (although in 1977, Bruce was an ex-Beach Boy), when compared to what the other Beach Boys put out as solo albums over the years. Bruce's career, to me, in many ways reminds me of the Paul Simon movie One-Trick Pony. While I think he has talent, he's never achieved big stardom on his own. That may be mean to say, but Bruce has "shot his mouth off" over the years on various things.
Thanks for the perspective, Robert! It does seem like the album was made "on the cheap" and I was surprised, once I started looking into it, that only two of the tracks seem to be "new" to the album (and I'm not even 100% sure about those.) It's a little hard to know exactly what they expected out of this album. Did they think it might actually be a break-through hit after Bruce's Grammy win? Was it meant as a "sampler" for other artists that might want to cover a Bruce tune and, maybe, hit "pay dirt" like Barry Manilow? Was it really meant to launch a Bruce solo career? I hadn't heard Bruce's comment about "I Write The Songs" being about Brian Wilson (which, actually, makes me like the song less...and, I suspect, Brian would find the concept embarrassing. I don't know the context, of course, but it sounds like Bruce "greasing" somebody who wanted to talk Beach Boys, which is off-putting.) The "One-Trick Pony" comparison is very apt! (I think Bruce has been wise not to even attempt writing a "rocker." I can't foresee any outcome that wouldn't be either terrible, unintentionally hilarious, or both!) I agree that it's one of the worst Beach Boy solo albums. It is a unique "curio" to have a chance to hear what Bruce brings to the Beach Boys mix (and he's MUCH better as a part of the mix! I mean, I like sweet, but I'm not going to pound down a five pound bag of sugar!) Always great to hear from you, Robert, and your comments and insights are much appreciated!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 There used to be a TH-cam clip of Bruce appearing, I think, on the Merv Griffin Show, sometime in the mid 1970s (possibly 1975). Bruce and Merv were talking about "I Write The Songs". I forget what Bruce had to say about it in this clip, but Merv asked Bruce if he would perform it. Bruce then went over to a piano and played and sang it. After Bruce finished, Merv looked at Bruce and said something along the lines like, "Boy, that's sure to become a 'standard' ". I don't think that's really happened. Can see how you think Bruce's "Disney Girls" could be his best song (did you mean of all time, or just with the Beach Boys?). For me, I'd say "Tears In The Morning" off the Beach Boys Sunflower album would be his best song. His worst I would say would be "Endless Harmony" off the Beach Boys Keeping The Summer Alive album. He's singing about the Beach Boys as a group, with (to me) overly cliched, sappy lyrics. Bruce does have some interesting stories about the Beach Boys. I like hearing him talk about when he went over to Britain with a promo copy of Pet Sounds, met up with Keith Moon (I'd love to see film footage of Bruce and Keith together, and how they interacted!). Keith took Bruce to meet John and Paul, where Bruce played them Pet Sounds (the album). In David Leaf's book about the Beach Boys, there's a Bruce story, where he claimed the Beach Boys and the Who were in talks to record an album together. Wonder if that's true?
@@robertzastrow4648 Thanks for the info on the Merv Griffin appearance! I didn't know about that and I'll keep an eye out for it. (I suspect "I Write The Songs" was probably very much to Merv's tastes, though I also suspect, and if I remember correctly, that Merv also probably told every songwriting guest that their new one would "become a standard.") "Tears In The Morning" is definitely a great Bruce tune! I absolutely agree that "Endless Harmony" is the worst of his work with The Beach Boys for exactly the reasons you mentioned. The earlier version with California Music, "Ten Years Harmony" is slightly better...At least it doesn't have the "And we sang "God Bless America'" verse and it's a little easier to take Bruce signing about The Beach Boys with California Music than it is to have The Beach Boys singing it about themselves. (It's still sappy and cornball and I'm not recommending it, but it is a little better.) I'd heard some vague stories of talk about The Beach Boys and The Who recording together. (Of course, Keith was a huge Beach Boys fan and was in a surf band prior to joining The Who.) I always figured it was some late night talk over drinks..."Yer great man! We oughta make a record together!" (I understand Keith and John Entwistle once had a drunken talk with Jimmy Page about forming a group, with John suggesting a good name would be "Led Zeppelin.") It would be interesting to know if there was more too it than that. I'd sure love to know what that collaboration would have sounded like! Thanks again for the info and comments, Robert! Much appreciated as always!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I've read that it was Keith Moon, rather then John Entwhistle, who suggested the name "Led Zeppelin" to Jimmy Page. The basic premise of the story was that Jimmy was talking about putting a new band together at a party, which Keith Moon was also at. After Jimmy explained what type of band he wanted to form, and the type of people/musicians he wanted in such a group, Keith laughingly replied that he thought such a group would go over about as well as a "Lead Zeppelin". Jimmy remembered this, and decided to drop the "a" from "lead" when spelling the word for the new band name. The first few performances Led Zeppelin gave, I think they were billed as "The New Yardbirds". Another story of Bruce's, which I may have already mentioned to you, is that Bruce claims Keith Moon wrote to the Beach Boys in 1970, asking to join the group as their drummer. Bruce says they answered him back, saying "Thanks, but no thanks, we've already got a drummer." If this happened, I wonder if the Keith letter is still around, and who has it. I think it should go to the R.N.R. Hall Of Fame museum. Probably wouldn't make either Roger or Pete happy, but, who cares, Pete has slagged Keith off in interviews before. I see it as just more preservation of some unknown (or little known) music history.
@@robertzastrow4648 Thanks for the info, Robert! Interesting about Keith's letter! That'd be a real piece of history, for sure! Wonder what The Beach Boys would have sounded like with Moon on drums? Louder probably! Thanks again, Robert!
I personally love this album! The version of "Disney Girls" is gorgeous. I will agree that "Won't Somebody Dance With Me" is not the best though. Do we know who the female voice is?
That's an excellent question, Scott! I wish I knew the answer. Information on the album is really difficult to come by. (I think I might have mentioned in the episode that it's one of the very few albums I've come across where I couldn't find lyrics to all the songs with a google search.) As I'm researching, I'll keep an eye out for any information on who the female vocalist is and follow up if I find anything. If you come across the information yourself, I hope you'll pass it along! Thanks for the perspective, and for posing the interesting question, Scott!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Thanks for your response. I will certainly let you know if I find out who she is. I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot. I was not aware of the Papa Doo Run Run 45 of Disney Girls. I have already found and ordered it. Thanks for the heads up!
@@scottwikle7531 Between the research for putting these episodes together and the great viewer feedback, I keep finding out new stuff all the time too. If you have a chance, I hope you'll follow-up with your thoughts on the Papa Doo Run Run version of "Disney Girls" when it arrives. Happy listening, Scott!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Got the 45. That version of Disney Girls is great. I think I still prefer the version of the album, but I am happy to have this in the collection! Thanks again for the info.
It's funny to me how much better disco sounds now than it did "in the day." I suppose it's because we're not hearing it coming out of every speaker everywhere 24/7 any more...and, over time, a lot of the worst disco records have been forgotten while the better ones have stayed around. (There may be something to that "time healing" axiom!) Great to hear from you, Willy!
Was there really enough time for them to put the album together as a cash grab, based on his Grammy win ? Seems like a short window, but it also makes the most sense, kinda.
I hadn't thought about that, but you're right! It is a pretty short window. The album sounds like it was done "quick and cheap" but that's still a pretty tight timeline. Maybe some of it was already "in the can?" Maybe they were already putting an album together based on the success of "I Write The Songs?" Maybe some of the tracks were dressed-up versions of demos for other artists' "consideration" to cover? (From the sound of some of the tracks, that last part seems possible.) From other records, I know that timeline isn't impossible, but it is definitely tight! You raise an excellent point! Thanks for the comments, Matt, and great to hear from you!
@@stuntmatt7124 Seems like a distinct possibility. I looked around to see if I could find any recording dates listed any place. No luck so far! Thanks, Matt!
Bruce Johnston is not --------not at all-------a rocker. Like Al Jardine, he's never been a rocker. His talent is best done with his ballads, & I always thought he should have been writing music for Broadway Musicals. He is incredibly talented, & his voice was / is, a perfect fit into Beach Boy harmonies. ----------------MJL, 76 y/o
Now that you've mentioned it, I agree, it seems like Bruce would be perfectly suited to writing music for Broadway! Thanks for the comments and insights, Michael!
I was curious about this album so it was cool to watch this video! But to my horror, the description of the songs made me physically sick to my stomach. I couldn't imagine something worse played for someone in hell. Now I realize how unfortunate it was for the Beach Boys to find Bruce Johnston.
From what I've heard, Bruce would concur with your reaction! He's apparently embarrassed by and completely dismissive of the album. (Bruce seems to be a harsh critic, especially of his own work, though I can't say I would entirely disagree!) Thanks for the feedback, JDD!
I remember my first finding it in a cut out bin in the 90s. Im expecting Deirdre, the Nearest Faraway Place, Disney Girls. OMG, was i shocked and disappointed. Just poor. Sounded like a hurriedly recorded and poorly produced by the staff producer du jour at some fly by night recording studio. I've never played it since.
I completely agree that it sounds hurriedly recorded and poorly produced...like a quick "cash in" to capitalize on Bruce having won the Grammy for "I Write The Songs" rather than "the launch of a solo career." Now that you mention it, I hadn't played it myself more than once or twice between the time I bought it in 1980 and when I pulled it out to review for this episode. Thanks for the comments and perspective, MS!
Wow, what was Bruce THINKING? This version of the hauntingly gorgeous "Deirdre" from "Sunflower" has been trashed for a "danceable" but rougher, cruder mix with a very thin-sounding vocal. NOT the killer track it once was, that's for sure. His voice NEEDS doubling, at the minimum.
I Honestly find the Sunflower Deirdre way too druggy sounding and I don’t like it. I heard Bruce’s version first and loved the song so much! But when I heard the BB’s version I didn’t like it at all. I could tell that the other BB’s probably wanted to add alot of that Pink Floyd druggy kind of sound to the song, so that’s why it sounded that way in Sunflower. But when Bruce released it he was able to release it in an even better way! And he made the song really good by redoing it! And the song is more sweet and makes a person happy instead of depressed and weirded out.
I have not enjoyed any of Bruce's solo albums. I find them schmaltzy, cheesy, and nothing I would ever listen to. Even Bruce admits his style of music never fit in with the Beach Boys style.
I definitely won't argue with that assessment! His work is best taken in small doses...otherwise, it's definitely "too much sugar." (THERE's a Brian Wilson line I never thought I'd quote!) Thanks for the comment, wcassady! Great to hear from you!
For some reason I was able to avoid buying this album, had I purchased it I could see it being at the bottom of my pile with Mike's solo album (Looking back with Love). Nice coverage Steve, you did your best to give this a passing grade.
Was there a struggle in the 70s for earnest heartfulness or something? "Won't someone Dance with me" totally creeps me out and makes me wonder about Bruce. So many 70s songs were just too corny imo.
Hi, Marco! Sorry it took me so long to respond on this! I've just discovered that I somehow missed a bunch of comments on this episode. I totally agree with your assessment of "Won't Somebody Dance With Me!" At the very least, it's an extremely odd choice of material to cover. I'd LOVE to know the thought process behind selecting it! Thanks, Marco!
I was literally just checking for uploads - I love Bruce, such a interesting person in Beach Boys history, and important too.
I agree. I think he's one of the best interviews of anyone associated with the group; I admire his candor, willingness to look below the surface, talk about successes and admit mistakes. Thanks, Finn!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I've always felt the same way. Bruce gives the point of view of a hired gun. Always a member of the band, but mostly without the inner-band psychodrama that the Wilson's, their cousin, and Jardine have been in for 40+ years.
@@fshoaps I sure wish he'd reconsider his proclaimed decision to never write a memoir! He's witnessed and participated in so much musical history, it'll really be a shame if he never puts it down on paper. Thanks, Finn!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Maybe he will, if Mike Love precedes him in death. He might be afraid of a lawsuit!
I need to give another listen .
I REALLY love his version of Pipeline. I wanna play it out next time I DJ.
:-)
I heard Bruce's solo version of Dierdre for the first time a couple of month's ago, and really liked it, I've seen mostly negative commments about it though online.
I wouldn't choose it over the "Sunflower" version by any means, but I'm glad he tried to do something a little different with it for his solo album. Definitely an enjoyable track! Thanks, James!
Ironically, that was the first song I really latched on to, back in 1970, when I first played Sunflower. But now, 50 years down the road, there are so many other tracks I'd rather hear first!
Hi Steve, i am very familiar with Going Public as Diedre was played exrensively here in Uk, although i dont think it made the charts.
I eventually purchased the album andas you say, its not a bad album, apart fom that dreadful " Wont somebody dance with me " which i always felt should have been deposited in the dustbin of history .
I think " i write the songs " is a great track whoever sings it and my first outing was David Cassidy and i loved the fact that both Bruce and Carl were on the recording.
And Disney Girls.....well, what can i say ?
Art Garfunkel nailed this one on his wonderful " Breakaway " album .
All in All Bruce had put out a fairly good album here and yes you are right, most people assume Barry Manilow wrote " i write the songs " ....i suppose because it was such a big hit but anyway, i like Bruces work whether as a Beach Boy or Solo and at the time, he was very contempory as he was experimenting with Disco as were most producers back then, most with mixed results but i think Bruces offerings were very good, but maybe i`m biased., but he did give David Cassidy and Barry Manilow " i write the songs " which were huge hits for both at that time. He also improved the Beach Boys sound in my opinion, when he returned to the group in 1979 when his contribution could be heard. ..Best Regards.
Cool to know that "Diedre" got extensive play in the UK! I'd say I prefer the David Cassidy "I Write The Songs" to the Manilow version (though, having Bruce and Carl on it are probably what give it "the edge" for me.) Interesting, too, that the David Cassidy version was a hit there! It went completely unnoticed here.
I definitely agree that Art Garfunkel nailed "Disney Girls" on "Breakaway!" Great album!
It was great to see Bruce re-join The Beach Boys. I think his production skills, songwriting, musicianship and, of course, voice have become integral to the group!
Thanks, as always, chris, for the comments and insight!
Enjoy your comments, Chris! I always preferred solo Garfunkel music to solo Simon music; I know I'm probably in the minority with that. No cuteness, just great singing.
@@burlingtonbill1 I totally agree with you and Garfunkels Breakaway album is a masterpiece and he has had a couple of No1 singles here " i only have Eyes " and " Bright Eyes " and i think a lot of us prefer him to Simon.
Fun fact: "Won't Somebody Dance With Me" was written by Lynsey de Paul, a British singer - songwriter. She won the Ivor Novello songwriting award for it in 1974......the first woman to do so.
th-cam.com/video/8Tep8dnLggo/w-d-xo.html
Those are some interesting (and fun) facts! Thanks for passing that along, rejection!
Your assessment of "Won't Somebody Dance With Me" is both spot on and hilarious!! I laughed out loud several times! I always thought that song was so unbelievably cheesy!! Never knew it was a cover until now.
I would love to know why/how Bruce came up that that, of all songs, to cover. Thanks, friendly!
The Guess Who cut "Don't Be Scared" in their early days when they were still called Chad Allan and the Expressions. Three of the original members of The Guess Who that made the big hits were in the band at the time.
Thanks for the clarification, Mikey! And sorry it took me so long to respond! Somehow, I missed your comment earlier and just saw it this morning! I really appreciate the feedback and, again, sorry for the delay in getting back to you!
Hi Steve Just had to tell you my copy of the Beach Boy box set "Feel Flows" has arrived after what seems like forever waiting for it. I had a phone call from my mate who owns a cd/dvd shop to tell me it had arrived and I immediately dropped all my plans for today to go over and pick it up. It's sitting beside me as I write this and it's still in the plastic copy but in ten minutes time the first cd will be playing in my stereo.
Hi peter! Just saw your message which, it says, was posted three hours ago. I'm guessing you're well into it by now! Glad you're finally getting to check it out and please let me know what you think! (I'm planning to do a little "follow up" episode week after next and would love to know your impressions.) Happy listening!
The Rock & Roll Survivor lyric I think is "schooner made of wood"...as in sailing boat.
EXCELLENT, Kev! I'm sure you're right! I'm doing one of my "catching up" episodes in a couple of weeks and will be sure to mention that, with "props" to you, of course! Thanks for solving the mystery!
Thanks Steve...my pleasure. I really enjoy all your wonderful videos.
Re: Bruce Johnston...have you read the book "Hollywood Eden" by Joel Selvin? Excellent book on the late 50s/early 60s LA music recording scene. Bruce features heavily in those early years.
@@kevsaebald3502 I don't know the book. It sounds like something I'd love! I'll track it down! Thanks for mentioning it and for the kind words about the channel, Kev!
There's an interesting chat between Joel Selvin and Barney Hoskyns on the book and that LA scene on Rocksbackpages podcast - episode 97
@@kevsaebald3502 I'll check that out too. Thanks, Kev!
Time to dig this out for a listen today. I have to admit this is probably bringing up the rear in BB related releases I’m motivated to listen to. I like Bruce Johnston in small doses but an album of it is a bit too saccharine and cloying for my tastes. I assume ‘Going Public’ relates to his perceived role as a behind the scenes song writer taking centre stage. I assume they just forgot he was an integral part of one of the world’s biggest bands for best part of ten years previous to this…
Good point, Dino, and I agree that Bruce seems to work best in small doses and can definitely tend toward saccahrine and cloying. I think you're right about the title too. That definitely makes sense! Though I agree it's a little weird because I'd have thought he was better known as a performer (with The Beach Boys) than as a songwriter at that point. (Maybe they thought those "Beach Boys days" were long forgotten in 1977 and he was now "the guy who wrote the hit for Barry Manilow"?) Thanks for the thoughts and comments, Dino!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Al Jardine goes out of his way to describe Bruce that way to Dick Clark in an interview from 1979 on American Bandstand.
I'm sorry but I really believe the Beatles AND Monkees, spoiled the press to where every band then had to up their "charisma" game. Some like the Beach Boys we're just too sincere for their image sake imo.
@@marcofalzone6469 Good points, Marco! I especially agree about bands having to up the "charisma" in the wake of the Beatles and the Monkees. It's only tangentially related, but one of the things that intrigues me about the Beach Boys is that, for all their considerable talent, even "genius," they still seem like guys who might live up the street. Thanks, Marco!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 ^^ I meant "were" not the contraction "We're" 😄😄
@@marcofalzone6469 Understood! (I shudder to think how many of my typos are getting by me here!) Thanks, Marco!
I adore this album. I like this Deirdre more than the original.
There's a nice simplicity to Bruce's version. Certainly some nice moments there! Thanks for the feedback, Nansi!
Still have my copy..
Cool! I got mine in 1980. (It's a cutout. Don't know if you noticed the drill hole in the lower corner.) Did you pick yours up back in '77? Thanks for the comment, Derek!
I have this album, & as I listened, I was disappointed, but I did like his version of " I Write The Songs ". --------------------MJL, 76 y/o
I like his version of "I Write The Songs" too and I'm happy to have a version of the song by its author...especially given the song's lyrics! Thanks, Michael!
Interesting that Terry Melcher kept working behind the scene with Bruce all these years.
As far as the connection between the Beach Boys and Captain and Tennille, I saw Daryl Dragon playing keyboards for the Beach Boys before he teamed up with his soon to be wife Toni Tennille. At one point they both played with the group and Toni became known as the "Beach Girl".
Stories say that Daryl always wore a captains hat on stage so he was called captain but not true. In introducing their backup band the BBs used to introduce him as Captain Keyboard so he started wearing the captain hat to fill the look.
I met Daryl and Toni when they drove their car out to Utah one summer for a show. They brought their two dogs with them and had a great time touring our national parks and shopping at Park City.
SO cool that you got to meet Daryl, Toni...and their famous dogs! (I'd almost forgotten how popular the dogs were with Captain & Tennille fans!) I read Toni Tennille's autobiography a while back. She gives a pretty interesting account of the time Daryl and she spent with The Beach Boys, and also of their many interactions with Bruce Johnston. (She seemed to find him both insultingly blunt and extremely supportive.) Thanks for the comments and great to hear from you, wa7zbo!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Personally, I was never a fan of the Capt. & T. music, but I liked them as people and that book sounds intriguing. I think I'll get it. Also, in mentioning Art Garfunkel's "Breakaway" song later on in the comments, here's something interesting I did not know: "Apparently Toni Tennille is the primary female backing vocalist. She has such a big voice, it's interesting to hear her rein it in so much here." -- Dennis Harvey
Apparently Bruce himself doesn't like this album. I think he once told a fan it belonged in the trash. And while I'm not really a huge fan of the album either, I do kinda like Pipeline, weirdly enough
He also said something to that effect on the Steve Hoffman Forum years ago.
i really don't mind this album. there are certainly some stinkers, but I feel disney girls, deirdre, i write the songs, thank you baby, and don't be scared make it well worth the price of admission. i once saw the pipeline single sleeve in an antique store w/ the sticker still on it, but no record inside of it - looking back I wish I had bought it anyway
Thanks for the feedback and perspective, James! Also, I really want to apologize for not getting back to you earlier! I just realized this morning that I somehow missed several of the comments on this episode. Sadly, yours was among them! Sorry about that and, again, thanks for the comments!
Do u have any idea where I can listen to this?
I believe it's all available on youtube. I'm sure actual copies can be picked up via discogs or eBay very inexpensively too. If you give it a listen, I hope you'll follow-up with your thoughts! Thanks, ahrry!
Steve, I can appreciate your kindness toward Bruce on the Going Public album, and can agree with your opinion on his voice, piano playing, etc. BUT. . . I think this album was made "on the cheap". It's mostly covers of Bruce covering himself (with the Beach Boys) or songs he wrote for other people, with those other people usually having bigger hits with his songs then he himself did. Example, Barry Manilow's version of "I Write The Songs", which Bruce has told different stories about over the years concerning the song's meaning. In one interview, he said he was thinking of Brian Wilson, and what would Brian say if he wrote a song about his own songwriting ability. Agree that the cover photo could have been better then a seven year old inner sleeve photo from the Beach Boys Sunflower album. Bruce in my opinion, likes bringing up in interviews that he once won a Grammy for writing "I Write The Songs" ("only" about 45 years ago), which Mike Love also likes talking about. I've always thought that Bruce has a talent for writing good ballads, but rockers, I don't think he could or even wants to. I'd call Going Public one of the worst Beach Boys solo albums (although in 1977, Bruce was an ex-Beach Boy), when compared to what the other Beach Boys put out as solo albums over the years. Bruce's career, to me, in many ways reminds me of the Paul Simon movie One-Trick Pony. While I think he has talent, he's never achieved big stardom on his own. That may be mean to say, but Bruce has "shot his mouth off" over the years on various things.
Thanks for the perspective, Robert! It does seem like the album was made "on the cheap" and I was surprised, once I started looking into it, that only two of the tracks seem to be "new" to the album (and I'm not even 100% sure about those.) It's a little hard to know exactly what they expected out of this album. Did they think it might actually be a break-through hit after Bruce's Grammy win? Was it meant as a "sampler" for other artists that might want to cover a Bruce tune and, maybe, hit "pay dirt" like Barry Manilow? Was it really meant to launch a Bruce solo career?
I hadn't heard Bruce's comment about "I Write The Songs" being about Brian Wilson (which, actually, makes me like the song less...and, I suspect, Brian would find the concept embarrassing. I don't know the context, of course, but it sounds like Bruce "greasing" somebody who wanted to talk Beach Boys, which is off-putting.)
The "One-Trick Pony" comparison is very apt! (I think Bruce has been wise not to even attempt writing a "rocker." I can't foresee any outcome that wouldn't be either terrible, unintentionally hilarious, or both!) I agree that it's one of the worst Beach Boy solo albums. It is a unique "curio" to have a chance to hear what Bruce brings to the Beach Boys mix (and he's MUCH better as a part of the mix! I mean, I like sweet, but I'm not going to pound down a five pound bag of sugar!)
Always great to hear from you, Robert, and your comments and insights are much appreciated!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 There used to be a TH-cam clip of Bruce appearing, I think, on the Merv Griffin Show, sometime in the mid 1970s (possibly 1975). Bruce and Merv were talking about "I Write The Songs". I forget what Bruce had to say about it in this clip, but Merv asked Bruce if he would perform it. Bruce then went over to a piano and played and sang it. After Bruce finished, Merv looked at Bruce and said something along the lines like, "Boy, that's sure to become a 'standard' ". I don't think that's really happened. Can see how you think Bruce's "Disney Girls" could be his best song (did you mean of all time, or just with the Beach Boys?). For me, I'd say "Tears In The Morning" off the Beach Boys Sunflower album would be his best song. His worst I would say would be "Endless Harmony" off the Beach Boys Keeping The Summer Alive album. He's singing about the Beach Boys as a group, with (to me) overly cliched, sappy lyrics. Bruce does have some interesting stories about the Beach Boys. I like hearing him talk about when he went over to Britain with a promo copy of Pet Sounds, met up with Keith Moon (I'd love to see film footage of Bruce and Keith together, and how they interacted!). Keith took Bruce to meet John and Paul, where Bruce played them Pet Sounds (the album). In David Leaf's book about the Beach Boys, there's a Bruce story, where he claimed the Beach Boys and the Who were in talks to record an album together. Wonder if that's true?
@@robertzastrow4648 Thanks for the info on the Merv Griffin appearance! I didn't know about that and I'll keep an eye out for it. (I suspect "I Write The Songs" was probably very much to Merv's tastes, though I also suspect, and if I remember correctly, that Merv also probably told every songwriting guest that their new one would "become a standard.")
"Tears In The Morning" is definitely a great Bruce tune! I absolutely agree that "Endless Harmony" is the worst of his work with The Beach Boys for exactly the reasons you mentioned. The earlier version with California Music, "Ten Years Harmony" is slightly better...At least it doesn't have the "And we sang "God Bless America'" verse and it's a little easier to take Bruce signing about The Beach Boys with California Music than it is to have The Beach Boys singing it about themselves. (It's still sappy and cornball and I'm not recommending it, but it is a little better.)
I'd heard some vague stories of talk about The Beach Boys and The Who recording together. (Of course, Keith was a huge Beach Boys fan and was in a surf band prior to joining The Who.) I always figured it was some late night talk over drinks..."Yer great man! We oughta make a record together!" (I understand Keith and John Entwistle once had a drunken talk with Jimmy Page about forming a group, with John suggesting a good name would be "Led Zeppelin.") It would be interesting to know if there was more too it than that. I'd sure love to know what that collaboration would have sounded like!
Thanks again for the info and comments, Robert! Much appreciated as always!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I've read that it was Keith Moon, rather then John Entwhistle, who suggested the name "Led Zeppelin" to Jimmy Page. The basic premise of the story was that Jimmy was talking about putting a new band together at a party, which Keith Moon was also at. After Jimmy explained what type of band he wanted to form, and the type of people/musicians he wanted in such a group, Keith laughingly replied that he thought such a group would go over about as well as a "Lead Zeppelin". Jimmy remembered this, and decided to drop the "a" from "lead" when spelling the word for the new band name. The first few performances Led Zeppelin gave, I think they were billed as "The New Yardbirds". Another story of Bruce's, which I may have already mentioned to you, is that Bruce claims Keith Moon wrote to the Beach Boys in 1970, asking to join the group as their drummer. Bruce says they answered him back, saying "Thanks, but no thanks, we've already got a drummer." If this happened, I wonder if the Keith letter is still around, and who has it. I think it should go to the R.N.R. Hall Of Fame museum. Probably wouldn't make either Roger or Pete happy, but, who cares, Pete has slagged Keith off in interviews before. I see it as just more preservation of some unknown (or little known) music history.
@@robertzastrow4648 Thanks for the info, Robert! Interesting about Keith's letter! That'd be a real piece of history, for sure! Wonder what The Beach Boys would have sounded like with Moon on drums? Louder probably! Thanks again, Robert!
I personally love this album! The version of "Disney Girls" is gorgeous. I will agree that "Won't Somebody Dance With Me" is not the best though. Do we know who the female voice is?
That's an excellent question, Scott! I wish I knew the answer. Information on the album is really difficult to come by. (I think I might have mentioned in the episode that it's one of the very few albums I've come across where I couldn't find lyrics to all the songs with a google search.) As I'm researching, I'll keep an eye out for any information on who the female vocalist is and follow up if I find anything. If you come across the information yourself, I hope you'll pass it along! Thanks for the perspective, and for posing the interesting question, Scott!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Thanks for your response. I will certainly let you know if I find out who she is. I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot. I was not aware of the Papa Doo Run Run 45 of Disney Girls. I have already found and ordered it. Thanks for the heads up!
@@scottwikle7531 Between the research for putting these episodes together and the great viewer feedback, I keep finding out new stuff all the time too. If you have a chance, I hope you'll follow-up with your thoughts on the Papa Doo Run Run version of "Disney Girls" when it arrives. Happy listening, Scott!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I will, thanks!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Got the 45. That version of Disney Girls is great. I think I still prefer the version of the album, but I am happy to have this in the collection! Thanks again for the info.
Maybe Scooner. Like his own persona; yacht.
I don’t agree with historical revisionism, however I would make an exception if we could all just pretend disco never existed.
It's funny to me how much better disco sounds now than it did "in the day." I suppose it's because we're not hearing it coming out of every speaker everywhere 24/7 any more...and, over time, a lot of the worst disco records have been forgotten while the better ones have stayed around. (There may be something to that "time healing" axiom!) Great to hear from you, Willy!
ROFL !
Was there really enough time for them to put the album together as a cash grab, based on his Grammy win ?
Seems like a short window, but it also makes the most sense, kinda.
I hadn't thought about that, but you're right! It is a pretty short window. The album sounds like it was done "quick and cheap" but that's still a pretty tight timeline. Maybe some of it was already "in the can?" Maybe they were already putting an album together based on the success of "I Write The Songs?" Maybe some of the tracks were dressed-up versions of demos for other artists' "consideration" to cover? (From the sound of some of the tracks, that last part seems possible.) From other records, I know that timeline isn't impossible, but it is definitely tight! You raise an excellent point! Thanks for the comments, Matt, and great to hear from you!
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Maybe the Grammy nomination was enough to get the ball rolling, with the hope of a win?
@@stuntmatt7124 Seems like a distinct possibility. I looked around to see if I could find any recording dates listed any place. No luck so far! Thanks, Matt!
Bruce Johnston is not --------not at all-------a rocker. Like Al Jardine, he's never been a rocker. His talent is best done with his ballads, & I always thought he should have been writing music for Broadway Musicals. He is incredibly talented, & his voice was / is, a perfect fit into Beach Boy harmonies. ----------------MJL, 76 y/o
Now that you've mentioned it, I agree, it seems like Bruce would be perfectly suited to writing music for Broadway! Thanks for the comments and insights, Michael!
I was curious about this album so it was cool to watch this video! But to my horror, the description of the songs made me physically sick to my stomach. I couldn't imagine something worse played for someone in hell. Now I realize how unfortunate it was for the Beach Boys to find Bruce Johnston.
From what I've heard, Bruce would concur with your reaction! He's apparently embarrassed by and completely dismissive of the album. (Bruce seems to be a harsh critic, especially of his own work, though I can't say I would entirely disagree!) Thanks for the feedback, JDD!
I remember my first finding it in a cut out bin in the 90s. Im expecting Deirdre, the Nearest Faraway Place, Disney Girls. OMG, was i shocked and disappointed. Just poor. Sounded like a hurriedly recorded and poorly produced by the staff producer du jour at some fly by night recording studio. I've never played it since.
I completely agree that it sounds hurriedly recorded and poorly produced...like a quick "cash in" to capitalize on Bruce having won the Grammy for "I Write The Songs" rather than "the launch of a solo career." Now that you mention it, I hadn't played it myself more than once or twice between the time I bought it in 1980 and when I pulled it out to review for this episode. Thanks for the comments and perspective, MS!
Wow, what was Bruce THINKING? This version of the hauntingly gorgeous "Deirdre" from "Sunflower" has been trashed for a "danceable" but rougher, cruder mix with a very thin-sounding vocal. NOT the killer track it once was, that's for sure. His voice NEEDS doubling, at the minimum.
No contest that the "Sunflower" version is definitive! Good point about Bruce's voice too! Thanks, bill!
I Honestly find the Sunflower Deirdre way too druggy sounding and I don’t like it. I heard Bruce’s version first and loved the song so much! But when I heard the BB’s version I didn’t like it at all. I could tell that the other BB’s probably wanted to add alot of that Pink Floyd druggy kind of sound to the song, so that’s why it sounded that way in Sunflower. But when Bruce released it he was able to release it in an even better way! And he made the song really good by redoing it! And the song is more sweet and makes a person happy instead of depressed and weirded out.
Too .short.not enough new songs.good but disappointing.
Thanks, Trevor!
I have not enjoyed any of Bruce's solo albums. I find them schmaltzy, cheesy, and nothing I would ever listen to. Even Bruce admits his style of music never fit in with the Beach Boys style.
I definitely won't argue with that assessment! His work is best taken in small doses...otherwise, it's definitely "too much sugar." (THERE's a Brian Wilson line I never thought I'd quote!) Thanks for the comment, wcassady! Great to hear from you!
For some reason I was able to avoid buying this album, had I purchased it I could see it being at the bottom of my pile with Mike's solo album (Looking back with Love). Nice coverage Steve, you did your best to give this a passing grade.
Thanks! I'd put it on top of the Mike love album...but that's going to still be pretty deep in the pile! Good to hear from you DaddyBog!
So, it's downhill after you get past the great (Sunflower) pic on the cover, eh?
Was there a struggle in the 70s for earnest heartfulness or something? "Won't someone Dance with me" totally creeps me out and makes me wonder about Bruce. So many 70s songs were just too corny imo.
Hi, Marco! Sorry it took me so long to respond on this! I've just discovered that I somehow missed a bunch of comments on this episode. I totally agree with your assessment of "Won't Somebody Dance With Me!" At the very least, it's an extremely odd choice of material to cover. I'd LOVE to know the thought process behind selecting it! Thanks, Marco!