Here's my take on why they never crushed it as a live band:
Their original recording contract in the 60s required them to produce 3 new albums a year, which ate up a bunch of time the band could have spent rehearsing for live performances. Necessary for heavy harmonizing vocal type stuff. It's tough getting everyone's part nailed down.
Brian Wilson's deafness in one ear likely made it more challenging to hear himself singing. Then he quit touring altogether in 1964 (occasionally would join) which is a major loss. Then he got into drugs and fucked up his voice in the 70s. So did Dennis.
Much like The Beatles, The Beach Boys were starting to write and record a lot of songs that were difficult to perform outside the studio, due to the instruments and recording techniques used. For example, California Girls was recorded with drums, piano, vibes, assorted percussion, three guitars, both an electric and a double bass, three saxophones, a trumpet, and an organ, not to mention six-part harmony vocals (according to Google). That's just too much to translate to a live performance. And on some songs, they had a session drummer contribute to the recording because Dennis wasn't familiar with certain techniques and patterns. While touring, it was just Dennis. So certain songs (Hawaii, for example) didn't translate well for live performances.
The Beach Boys also weren't especially talented instrumentalists. Best in the business for vocals and Brian was a genius. But Hal Blaine and Carol Kaye weren't going on the road to back them.
Here's my take on why they never crushed it as a live band:
Their original recording contract in the 60s required them to produce 3 new albums a year, which ate up a bunch of time the band could have spent rehearsing for live performances. Necessary for heavy harmonizing vocal type stuff. It's tough getting everyone's part nailed down.
Brian Wilson's deafness in one ear likely made it more challenging to hear himself singing. Then he quit touring altogether in 1964 (occasionally would join) which is a major loss. Then he got into drugs and fucked up his voice in the 70s. So did Dennis.
Much like The Beatles, The Beach Boys were starting to write and record a lot of songs that were difficult to perform outside the studio, due to the instruments and recording techniques used. For example, California Girls was recorded with drums, piano, vibes, assorted percussion, three guitars, both an electric and a double bass, three saxophones, a trumpet, and an organ, not to mention six-part harmony vocals (according to Google). That's just too much to translate to a live performance. And on some songs, they had a session drummer contribute to the recording because Dennis wasn't familiar with certain techniques and patterns. While touring, it was just Dennis. So certain songs (Hawaii, for example) didn't translate well for live performances.
The Beach Boys also weren't especially talented instrumentalists. Best in the business for vocals and Brian was a genius. But Hal Blaine and Carol Kaye weren't going on the road to back them.
Disagree. Mike Love is the best tambourine player on the planet, and is even better when he does his faggy “Mike Love Dance” while playing…
Here's my take on why they never crushed it as a live band:
Their original recording contract in the 60s required them to produce 3 new albums a year, which ate up a bunch of time the band could have spent rehearsing for live performances. Necessary for heavy harmonizing vocal type stuff. It's tough getting everyone's part nailed down.
Brian Wilson's deafness in one ear likely made it more challenging to hear himself singing. Then he quit touring altogether in 1964 (occasionally would join) which is a major loss. Then he got into drugs and fucked up his voice in the 70s. So did Dennis.
Much like The Beatles, The Beach Boys were starting to write and record a lot of songs that were difficult to perform outside the studio, due to the instruments and recording techniques used. For example, California Girls was recorded with drums, piano, vibes, assorted percussion, three guitars, both an electric and a double bass, three saxophones, a trumpet, and an organ, not to mention six-part harmony vocals (according to Google). That's just too much to translate to a live performance. And on some songs, they had a session drummer contribute to the recording because Dennis wasn't familiar with certain techniques and patterns. While touring, it was just Dennis. So certain songs (Hawaii, for example) didn't translate well for live performances.
The Beach Boys also weren't especially talented instrumentalists. Best in the business for vocals and Brian was a genius. But Hal Blaine and Carol Kaye weren't going on the road to back them.
Disagree. Mike Love is the best tambourine player on the planet, and is even better when he does his faggy “Mike Love Dance” while playing…
Comments
Best tambourine player?
Mike Love?
Liam Gallagher?
Stevie Nicks?
Ian Astubury?
The guys from BrianJonestown Massacre?
Fuck off it is this person
My nominee:
I want my rock plugged the fuck in.