'60s Bands In America Pt. II
October 5th 2008 18:30
Many have said they were the only true American band.
But one thing is absolutely certain: The Beach Boys were vanguards of the most exciting sounds to ever come out of the states: surf music. And, while their harmony wasn't original (their slower numbers were, at first, confused with The Lettemen), its richness, coupled with the guitar-driven rhythms, tight vocals and the members' innocent, high-school looks made them the most popular and durable bands in rock-and-roll history!
Yes, their harmonies were reminiscent of the pop-iconic Lettermen, but they were natural for Brian Wilson, his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike and friend David Marks. And, whether it was their first simple hit Surfin' or (later with Al Jardine), the intricate anthem Good Vibrations, they always shone through as their "trademark'.
And, though we all know the story of the band (from "firing" their own father, Marks' leavin' the quintet and Dennis' untimely death to their bitter internal battles, Brian's collapse, and Carl's passing, to name a few), we also realize that no other band in American rock history has been so in-demand as the legendary surf-rockers.
THE BEACH BOYS TODAY (the photo shows a gig they did just a coupla months ago): At present, Mike and Bruce (Johnston, who took over for Brian after his misfortune. BTW, didja know that, between David Marks' departure and Jardine's hire, the vacancy was filled by a young pro named Glen Campbell? Yep ... same one!) are still performing (though as The Beach Boy Band, for legal reasons).
But, with negotiations still bein' worked out between them, Al and Brian, it's possible we could see a permanent reunion of the survivors. Already, David Marks (who's beaten his hepatitis C!) has joined the current lineup for various shows!
Whatever the future holds for this band, one thing's for sure: If there were ever a designation given for National Musical Treasure, these guys would've already had it! Their sounds are universal ... timeless ... and totally AMERICAN!
See ya on the flip side ...
But one thing is absolutely certain: The Beach Boys were vanguards of the most exciting sounds to ever come out of the states: surf music. And, while their harmony wasn't original (their slower numbers were, at first, confused with The Lettemen), its richness, coupled with the guitar-driven rhythms, tight vocals and the members' innocent, high-school looks made them the most popular and durable bands in rock-and-roll history!
Yes, their harmonies were reminiscent of the pop-iconic Lettermen, but they were natural for Brian Wilson, his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike and friend David Marks. And, whether it was their first simple hit Surfin' or (later with Al Jardine), the intricate anthem Good Vibrations, they always shone through as their "trademark'.
And, though we all know the story of the band (from "firing" their own father, Marks' leavin' the quintet and Dennis' untimely death to their bitter internal battles, Brian's collapse, and Carl's passing, to name a few), we also realize that no other band in American rock history has been so in-demand as the legendary surf-rockers.
THE BEACH BOYS TODAY (the photo shows a gig they did just a coupla months ago): At present, Mike and Bruce (Johnston, who took over for Brian after his misfortune. BTW, didja know that, between David Marks' departure and Jardine's hire, the vacancy was filled by a young pro named Glen Campbell? Yep ... same one!) are still performing (though as The Beach Boy Band, for legal reasons).
Whatever the future holds for this band, one thing's for sure: If there were ever a designation given for National Musical Treasure, these guys would've already had it! Their sounds are universal ... timeless ... and totally AMERICAN!
See ya on the flip side ...
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