The BEACH BOYS History Part Six |

[@ricjan58]

I added it up and for 3 hours, 15 minutes and 2 seconds you thoroughly entertained me and left me sorry to see it end and wanting more. Thank you Matt for an amazing piece of work.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Ric, I do have a guest writer scheduled to talk about the Band as kind of a recap and to get another perspective from a bigger Beach Boy fan than I am. Look for that in about 2 weeks. I also plan to review Pet Sounds and Smile in more detail in the future so stay tuned!

[@ricjan58]

Thanks for the heads up, my friend. I'll be looking forward to it.@@popgoesthe60s52

[@BIPPP1]

Excellent series. Your comments regarding Mike Love always being portrayed as the villain by Beach Boys fans were spot on. The unsung hero of the Beach boys from 1982 onward was the late Jeffrey Foskett, who added much to their live performances and to their "That's Why God Made The Radio" album. He deserves acknowledgement in any Beach Boys retrospective.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for mentioning Foskett. I do have a wrap up video planned with writer Glenn Greenberg to touch on some the many things I couldn't cover in the series.

[@BIPPP1]

Thanks, Matt,for your hard work and thorough research.@@popgoesthe60s52

[@TonysMusic1974]

Well . . . . mike Love IS the villain of the Beach Boys. One of the biggest D-bags in the history of rock.

[@peterlange4397]

Yes, I get Mike is tough to get along with (and the hats don't fool anyone). But he had to put up with Murray, too. And Murray sold the song rights without any discussion or payment to Mike so he kind of had to watch out for himself and for the BB brand.

[@Chrisdrumz]

I consider "All This Is That" to be one of the finest Beach Boys songs ever.

[@halwiseman9420]

That's my favorite Beach Boys song

[@danielfleming9630]

The vocals are some of the best in their career

[@tonyr1950]

There is a fast alternative version of All This is That and it is very good as well.

[@lordofthemound3890]

The Beach Boys Love You was hardly for “completists only.” It was very popular and influential with various punk, new wave, and alternative artists. People like Patti Smith and Peter Buck (to name just two) loved it!

[@nathanbyrn2710]

Yeah every video he has made has 1 bad take on it.. That's it for this.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It seems to be for completists nowadays, despite the sales in the day (which had the momentum of the huge tours they were doing on the back of their oldies). Like much of the Beach Boys work, it has a very niche following which I plan to go more into in future videos. Thanks for the comment.

[@president-electfreddy-krue3866]

I loved The Beach Boys Love You album. Nearly every song had pop potential. However ultimately, the album was kinda "over the top". SO, although I've called it the best, I can't overlook that aspect. I could measure this against another BB album: The Beach Boys 85. I've called that one of the best Albums of the 1980's. It wasn't flawed or over-the-top. Although most people don't think it sounds enough like the Beach Boys.

[@GilbertNeal]

It is the ramblings of a deluded adult in a diaper. These are songs that could only come from a 5-year old in an adult body with withering expectations and profound ADHD.

[@acerjackson4579]

Who could forget the thrill of the PDo pop masterpiece Roller skating child. 😡

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Trader is one of my favorite Beach Boys songs.

[@robertbrown7408]

Trader is absolutely sublime. I love how it switches half way through into that dreamy groove right up to the end.

[@Chiggerticky]

Matt, I enthusiastically agree with you about the quality of "Sail On, Sailor." Many years ago, I was half-listening to a feed from Pandora and the song came on. I was smitten by it. I thought, "Who the hell is that?" I was stunned to see "Beach Boys" on the display. At first, I thought it might be an error, but as I listened to the backing harmonies, I knew it was them. Thanks for noting the song. It has to be in BB's top 5 as far as I'm concerned.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the comment. That song showed a lot of promise but they were incapable of capitalizing on it, unfortunately.

[@Mr.-J-2024]

Matt, this series was probably the best I've heard on their career. Very well done. Succinct and packed with all the pertinent info, all put together very well considering the complicated subject. Kudo's and thanks.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Mr J!

[@juliatutor8099]

Love this! Carl and the Passions? The name the Beach Boys went under when they played the high school while Carl was still attending....A cool thing to make Carl the hero at his high school (as if he wasn't already).....Peace and Love, Terry and Julia Tutor

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Terry!

[@bahopp9872]

Well done, Matt. Thanks for all of the hard work.

[@TheBitterSweetgr]

...And your 2 year effort clearly paid off...I had a great time watching your Beach Boys' tribute, Matt. Keep up the good work.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@jjs2351]

Fantastic series - I think this is the Beach Boys history that all others need to be measured by. You really covered everything so well.. Thanks.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That is high praise. I really appreciate it.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

When I was in 8th Grade I raced home from school every day to put on 'I Get Around.' I was always into them. Then in the 70s I lived in Hawthorne, on 120th St for a while, and etched in the sidewalk was "Rhonda." Thanks a lot for this series, man, you did a ripping good job here.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Dr.

[@marcb1779]

Thanks Matt, love your show, and the work that you are doing. I actually toured with the Beach Boys in 1988, John Stamos was with them on percussions, and we were with Roy Orbison, (who would pass away that December) and Jonh Cafferty, and the Beaver Brown Band. I think having Roy Orbison on the billing made everyone act so professional, it was so special, and honor to be on tour with him. The fans were so in awe and so enthusiastic to see these legends. Great, great show at Tangle Wood in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Th The Beach Boys had a very large production, sets, bikini girls, and lots of theatrics to pump up that Beach Boy, surfer image, but all and all it was great to see them as I had never seen them in concert before.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

What a great story and that Orbison put everyone "on their metal". Thanks Marc!

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

This six part series was amazing. If anyone I know wants an in depth look at the Beach Boys I'll send them this way! Congrats and Thank you!!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate that, Mike!

[@Borella309]

Congratulations and a big thanks Matt on completing this fantastic essay on the Beach Boys career - enjoyed every minute of it! Great work mate, regards, Terry, Australia.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Terry - thank you so much for sticking with this very long series. More to come!

[@genebrenner855]

Holy cow! Dennis Wilson's "Only With You" is a sensation ballad on "Holland.'

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I only said it was "sappy". 🙂 I appreciate the comment, Gene.

[@charlesbronson4282]

A very cool song

[@ms8596]

I always loved "Steamboat".

[@denisrodrigues1455]

Congratulations, Matt, for this marvelous research and videos about the Beach Boys.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Denis!

[@marktrimnell8245]

I'll enjoy watching this later (I'm in the UK). Watched all the previous episodes, learned a hell of a lot and thoroughly enjoyed them. Thanks for posting, Matt.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Mark!

[@augustusbetucius2931]

Two years!!?? Wow. Now I understand the level of detail found within this (and other) series. Kudos!

[@thomosburn8740]

I'm a big defender of 'Sunflower', 'So Tough' & 'Holland'. 'So Tough' is one of my favorite seventies albums ever. The recording technique on these three releases is innovative - a lot of the parts are recorded and mixed binaurally, not mono instruments panned left-or-right, so on a good stereo system the different elements will move forward or backward in 3D space within the whole stereo picture. "Marcella" is terrific on headphones.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Thomas! Thank you for watching. While doing this series, I developed a greater appreciation for So Tough and Holland.

[@thomosburn8740]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I am a regular watcher of the show - we seem to disagree about 25% of the time, but what fun is there in always agreeing?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@thomosburn8740 That means we agree about 75% of the time - a passing grade!

[@syater]

I'm with you regarding the three LPs you list, although Holland is my favorite of the bunch. I didn't notice if Matt ever mentions it, he seems more focused on chart-positions this time around, but "The Trader" is my favorite song by Carl, it fits with the California central coast theme that peppers the album. And even though it interferes with the album flow, even the recitation of Robinson Jeffers' 'Beaks of Eagles' works for me sometimes.

[@dougprice8121]

Thanks for the series, Matt. Great job and detail on the music. Having grown up in the era, The Beach Boys just sort of became increasingly uncool. The pop culture kept chasing that next new shiny act. By 1974 I was playing Endless Summer endlessly in my bedroom but telling nobody at HS that I was a fan. Their band name worked against them, too, almost as bad as calling themselves the Smiling Clowns. Inevitably, they went commercial with it all. The bummer about their legacy is that they made a lot of great songs that were overlooked in the latter stage of their recording heyday.

[@georgemixis2172]

Ricky Fataar a.k.a. “Stig O’Hara of the Rutles.

[@DavidHeafield]

And also John Halsey aka Barry Wom plays drums on a few tracks on Lou Reeds “Transformer” album , albeit his surname is spelt slightly wrong in the credits. John was always pleasantly surprised and happy to sign any copies of Transformer at a Rutles show getting recognition in his own right rather than just as Neil’s sidekick …..

[@denisrodrigues1455]

In the end credits of "American Graffitti" movie, we can hear a Beach Boys' song called "All summer long". I always think of it like a special moment in this wonderful George Lucas' work.

[@G-MAN1958]

Great series, Matt! So many interesting tidbits to ponder. It's truly a miracle that Brian survived and actually thrived into the early 2000s. The final album from The BB, "That's Why God Made The Radio", was released in 2012 and I think it holds up pretty well against some of their earlier work. Thanks much for the series!☮

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, GMan!

[@sweetbass3360]

Just binged the entire series in a single day. This is some really amazingly put together and informative stuff! I feel like each episode really captured the essence of the band throughout their many different periods. At the end of the day, what a journey and an incredible story!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Sweetbass!

[@jameswatson5370]

You didn't discuss their wonderful 90's album Summer In Paradise! Kidding. Excellent series, thank you for your hard work.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Wow of all people to claim that “We Got Love” is a good song I didn’t think it’d be you. Everyone that talks about it slags it so I’m glad you highlighted it ❤

[@ms8596]

I like the live version on the concert album. It took forever to hear the for years unreleased studio version.

[@lincoslam]

Thank you for putting an understanding and touching spotlight to the Beach Boys story. I, like so many young music fans coming up in the mid 70's, dismissed the Beach Boys as uncool and unhip. With prog and AOR, Southern bands and David Bowie, who had time for those "has beens" from the 60's. Around 1974 a local, low power AM radio station (I'm pretty sure it was WGNY) began doing "oldies" weekends. It was there I had my first exposure to the Beach Boys, plus many other artists and styles of rock and roll. Though it would be another 13 years before I would pick up "Endless Summer"in 1987...and a chance hearing of "Sail On Sailor" on well missed WNEW FM out of NYC one night got me started on mining the albums. Your documentary just reinforces the fact they were way better than I was led to believe, and how "snobbish" FM radio was in the seventies. Funny how I had ABBA 45's before any Beach Boys music in my collection....no prejudices to either. Brian Wilson's releases in the 90's are interesting, as is "Brian Wilson presents Smile". Nice work, Matt.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the comments, linco!

[@57Banjoman]

Well done as always Matt! I wore out my "Endless Summer"8-track in"74-a very interesting year for me-thanks again!

[@a2z60s]

Hats off to you Sir..absolute magnificent in depth History

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you!

[@jeffthewhiff]

Matt, you always do such a stellar job with your 60s rock documentaries and I really enjoyed this series on the Beach Boys! Looking forward to more interesting documentaries from you in 2024.👍

[@popgoesthe60s52]

More to come, Jeff. I'm already working on the next videos so stay tuned!

[@jeffthewhiff]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Okay, that sounds good, Matt!👍

[@augustusbetucius2931]

You had me laughing at the Beach Boys as Leave It To Beaver. Thanks for the laugh. I'd love to see/hear more humor in all your series in the future. Anyway, very excellent job, as usual, Matt. Well done, great attention to detail, and I *greatly* appreciate that you aren't afraid to make full length series that refuse to cater to those who have destroyed their ability to pay attention due to overuse of social media. Thank you!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks! I'm not afraid of giving people more than they can chew! I appreciate the comments Augustus.

[@DwellerHollowMusic]

An insight into how dark "Sail On, Sailor" was as originally envisioned can be heard on KGB's version of the song (a mid 70's supergroup featuring Carmine Appice, Mike Bloomfield, Ric Grech and others). Ray Kennedy was lead vocalist--and (presumably) it's his version of the lyrics he sings Also--kinda surprised you skipped the 1985 album, as it was their last gasp at relevance, and the 2013's That's Why God Made The Radio, which was a nice return to form for Brian and the band Great stuff as always, Matt!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you! I really didn't want to get into the music post 1980 for the sake of time and relevance but I am having a follow up discussion with a writer on this whole series which will give me the opportunity to go over some things I glossed over.

[@dr.fritzfassbender]

I've spent most of this July 4th watching every episode of The Beach Boys. Well done Matt! And thank you! Enjoyable and informative. Bravo, Mr. Williamson! 😎👍🏾

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you. That was a very satisfying series to do.

[@nickwebb9290]

What an amazing body of work you’ve produced here Matt. Definitely worth all your time and trouble as it stands as a superb history of the Beach Boys that I think would be hard to better. Am sure I’m not alone in learning more about them than I previously knew. They’re one of my all time favourite and inspirational bands and your documentary followed their tipsy turvy career so sensitively. Many many thanks 🙏

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hello, Nick. Thank you for the kind words and following the series. I learned an awful lot when putting this together and it was really satisfying.

[@royzug2847]

Very informative and interesting. What a troubled group and yet very creative and productive. Thanks for putting all of this together.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Roy.

[@thomasrobinson182]

I like the songs Carl wrote with Randy Bachman for 'Keeping The Summer Alive'. Maybe if they'd written a few more...

[@Arjeebee]

I watched every episode... GREAT JOB!! Thanks.

[@stevescott2903]

That was fabulous Matt! Entire series.... My personal favorite album has always been Holland though I agree with your critique that its a bit off/rough in spots. Had no idea as to the backstory so that was interesting, edifying. The rest of their catalog of course up to & including Holland, fabulous stuff, some real gems that really take one back to times, places, people. Post Holland, agree again, not so much..... Thanks a million, time well spent.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate that Scott, thank you.

[@ventues9751]

This great stuff !! I really liked the " LA Light " & " Keeping The Summer Alive " albums. They had some great songs on them !!

[@kz.m4251]

What a fantastic ride this Beach Boys series has been! Thank you for the massive amount of time and dedication you put into this, Matt.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It was my pleasure though it was a difficult story to weave.

[@RonnysMusic]

I saw the Boys in Pittsburgh in 1981 at the Stanley Theatre and it was the craziest show I ever saw. Brian sat at the piano not really playing it.He looked like the guy on the subway you don't want to sit next to. He was severely overweight, hair greasy and matted and staring away from the entire band and audience. After a few classic songs sung by Mike he announces " We are so proud to have Brian with us tonight. You all love Brian right? He's gonna sing a song Carl usually sings its called God Only Knows- you wanna hear him right? Here he is Mr. Brian Wilson." Brian looking very uncomfortable sings " I may not always love you but long as there are."...and freezes. Stops cold. Mike SLAMS his microphone down and storms off stage. Bruce Johnston comes out after a group backstage meeting and sits at the piano and says" This is a song I wrote about Brian,- Barry Manilow made it popular" and does a beautiful rendition of I Write the Songs. More dead air on stage and Dennis comes out and sings You Are So Beautiful and that was the end. The whole show was about 40 minutes long. I guess I witnessed Brian at his lowest as you state about 1980-82. I am a tremendous fan and have actually met Mike Love and Bruce Johnston in 2014. I told Mike they should do The Warmth of the Sun given the JFK association and I notice they now do it. Fantastic job as always Matt. I love what you do. Thanks, Ron

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Great stories, Ron. Thank you for sharing them and for watching this series. 🙂

[@ShelleeGraham]

That is a very interesting story about the 1982 concert you witnessed. Strange but a rarity. Thanks for sharing your concert experience.

[@brewstergallery]

Thanks for all your hard work. For me the Beach Boys story is truly a tragedy.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yeah, it was hard to do this series because of the tragic tone from 1967 on. Very few bright spots despite some very good music.

[@brewstergallery]

I agree, the band had those endless conflicts over who the boss was, plus substances and mental problems plus a svengali or 2. When they all pulled in the same direction they were kings. I saw Blondie Chaplin play " Sail On sailor " with Richard Manuel and Rick Danko around 1980 or 81 at the old Lone Star Cafe in NYC. I know you were focused on the BB's but Fataar and Chaplin were from S Africa and their band Flame was on Brother records. I@@popgoesthe60s52

[@nicknikipediacaulkin5943]

I've really enjoyed this fabulous series on the Beach Boys, Matt! It is evident through these six videos that you have devoted a lot of time to this project since your meticulous research, attention to detail and great presentation skills shine through, accompanied by some great images. It is also evident that you are a great fan of the band as I am! Thank you once again.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Nick, yes, this series was a learning experience for me and made me even a bigger fan. I appreciate the feedback and support!

[@timholman7433]

Excellent as ever, Matt. The Beach Boys' story easily deserves 6 episodes, maybe more! One thing to add is that finally we did get to hear 'Smile', first of all Brian's solo version in 2004 and then in 2011 an album compiled from the Beach Boys' original music. Of course we'll never know for sure what form the album would have taken if completed in '67, but given the high quality of these recordings it's perhaps surprising that Brian and the boys couldn't finish it back then. On the other hand, given the shambolic lifestyles that you describe so well, maybe it's not surprising after all!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hi Tim! Thank you for commenting and for the support. I will have a guest on to basically recap the 6-part series. This will be Beach Boy affectionado and writer Glenn Greenberg who will tie up some loose ends with me. I do plan on a couple more Beach Boys videos pertaining to Pet Sounds and Smile so stay tuned!

[@jonvought700]

I've never laughed so much--or nearly wept--during one of your videos. A lot of this is hilarious the way you tell it. And a lot of it very sad. I got to see the Beach Boys in the summer of '80 or so. The Beach Boys were never my thing, but what a repertoire by this time. Who doesn't enjoy those songs and that sound whether they care to admit it or not? So much fun. It was the National Mall, July 4th, for free. And of course I had no idea what was going on with the band at the time until now. Anyway, I enjoyed the hell out of this video, thank you. One minor thing: You mentioned the band Chicago and I was kind of hoping you'd mention their song Wishing You Were Here, recorded with the Beach Boys, and that great nationally televised Christmas extravaganza with both bands, which I think is an interesting, um, footnote in the history of both bands.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Jon, thank you for hanging in there with this series. It was a difficult one to tell but very satisfying. I left lots of anecdotal info out like Wishing You Were Here but I will be doing a recap with a writer on this series so stay tuned for more!

[@Neal_Schier]

Great work as always Matt. One small point. Wasn't it Dennis Wilson that took a serious beating from Stan Love and not Carl for suppling drugs to Brian?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

There were actually 2 incidents. One with Carl, one with Dennis. Fun family!

[@dadaveda]

This was a very sad period for The Beach Boys but thanks for doing the review.

[@robbieburns8746]

Good series, Matt! As much as my sister loved The Beach Boys, I didn't know about most any of this background. I guess I should be amazed that Brian is the surviving brother and still going strong.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It's quite ironic that Brian is the last brother.

[@l7casanova336]

Matt I swear, I was just watching part 5 an hour ago just as a recap, not knowing this was gonna be uploaded almost immediately after I finished! I look forward to this next instalment!

[@Nazz1967]

This has been fantastic ,thank you so much for doing this .

[@jeanpepin6497]

I just watched the recent Disney documentary and it was lacking in so much. Thanks for doing this series. It was so informative

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for watching it. I have sympathy for anyone trying to fit their history into 2 hours!

[@zachparade2791]

Very well done! As a Beach Boys fan, I loved every installment! Thanks for your hard work. 🌞🙏✌️💛

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Zach!

[@captainape6807]

The way you described Wilson, during his bath robe party period, reminded me of The Big Lebowski.

[@OperationPhantom]

Dude...

[@beatlesfan1964]

Just imagining future youth discovering the great music from the 1960's and referencing your well presented videos from today. I was 6 when 'Good Vibrations' played on my pocket transistor radio... it's truly a gift to have a boatload of memories after so many years of awesome music... songs we've heard a million times yet we still love them. Two years? Thanks for a great look back at The Beach Boys, Matt!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you.

[@kevinbarrett9615]

One summer evening in the summer of 76 I was driving around a rural area I was living in at the time in my 68 Camaro convertible. I stopped into a general store and found this 8 track double album of Carl and the Passions and Pet Sounds. I played that 8 track over and over as I had broken up with my girlfriend of 2 years, l love these albums and Surfs up and Holland .These are pretty much my favourite albums by the Beach Boys.

[@Skip44]

Hi Matt- The Beach Boys are my favorite band and am a confirmed "Wisonite" as mentioned in other comments. I want to commend you on your really balanced take to the group. I think too often commentary on the Beach Boys skews heavily Wilson or Love (honestly mostly the former). Your series was about as objective as it can be, and I think serves as a great overview of the group. Loved it as I do all your projects.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Skip. The 'Brian is a genius' vs Love has reached comical proportions and I find the story so much more satisfying if one takes a balanced approach. More to come!

[@greg19561]

Another interesting and informative series, Matt. Well done. In 1988, around the time that “Kokomo” was on the charts, I read a biography of the band called “Heroes and Villains”, much of which is devoted to the band’s formative years in the early ‘60s when Murray Wilson was still producing them. The book details how Brian became virtually deaf in one ear because Murray punched him in the side of his head when Brian was a child. The book also details how the band had to fire Murray because he told Brian to stick to lyrics about cars and surfing, and how opposed he was to Brian writing more introspective songs like “In My Room”. A documentary I’m sure you’ve seen is “The Wrecking Crew”, in which LA’s top session musicians recount how much they enjoyed working with Brian on “Pet Sounds” because he was breaking new ground, creating unusual harmonies for the album’s bed tracks. In the end, though, it’s obvious that central to Brian’s philosophy was to try and out-do the writing partnership of Lennon-McCartney, which was ambitious, but which eventually led Brian down a self-destructive path. Anyway, thanks for another fascinating edition of Pop Goes the Sixties!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Greg!

[@bigyawnhippo]

Beach Boys band history was fascinating and well researched. Keep up the great work.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you! Will do!

[@president-electfreddy-krue3866]

I feel that every music documentary should be measured by this one. This truly is the standard. The most complete, comprehensive rockumentary ever. IT was already nearing the most thorough documentary ever after volume 3. This tells everything someone would need to know about a band. Including that part where Mike Love always gets blamed. (lol). It doesn't surprise me that it would take years to create this one.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I really appreciate the feedback. It was a wonderful learning experience for me to do this series. I'm so glad it is finding an audience that appreciates their music! Thank you so much Pres. More to come.

[@frugalseverin2282]

Thanks so much for completing this series, I've enjoyed every segment. This one had me laughing a few times. They made some real boneheaded decisions. I first heard of Ricky Fataar when he played Stig O'Hara in The Rutles, the Beatles parody band. I really liked Brian's self-titled first solo album. Still a highlight for me.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for sticking with me, Frugal!

[@EricSchultz-zs8hz]

You are really doing some fine work here, and I am glad to have watched your videos.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Eric. Much appreciated.

[@Kulturkriget]

Man, they are all over the place when it comes to the musical direction. I had no idea they were so... random.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

They were a hard band for me to follow post 1971 because of what you state. But still some gems in there!

[@JAB00777]

Just like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin , the Beach boys should of packed it in after their peak and obvious decline

[@burlingtonbill1]

@@JAB00777 And what WAS their "peak" ? Good Vibrations? Surf's Up album? Holland album? Endless Summer? Kokomo? Who or what defines "peak" ? Record sales? The problem is, Brian LOVES creating music. As long as he's alive, the music won't die.

[@Kulturkriget]

@@JAB00777 I agree with Led Zep and Beach Boys, but Beatles ended at the right time imo. They could probably even had some more good albums. Don't know what could have been their peak. Maybe White Album, but at times it feels like their whole existence was a peak. :D

[@Kulturkriget]

@@world964 I kinda lost it when they went disco. :D

[@daddybog5499]

Nicely put together ,,,, continued success.

[@scottbettencourt6658]

That was an awesome series, thanks Matt. I was genuinely excited every time I saw a new part came out 👍

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Scott. Thank you.

[@buzzawuzza3743]

An excellent look at one of my all time favorite bands. Maybe the fans rag on Mike Love because it's so easy to do? We used to say that "Breakaway" was the last great 45 but maybe it was "Sail On Sailor". I saw them live twice back in the day and both times they put on killer shows. The only thing I think you might have mentioned was when Brian FINALLY got it together enough to finish Smile and it was a really good listen. Rock on, Matt!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Buzz, thank you for the comments. Yes Mike is an easy target, some of which he brought on himself. However, there is a nasty attitude that emanates from the "Brian is a genius" crowd that is so over the top that discredits their telling of the Beach Boys story. I may cover more of this topic, which is really about the fans, not the band. I will also apply this to Mr. McCartney in 2024 as well so stay tuned!

[@Doctor_Robert]

Brilliant series! I binged the whole thing! I think you've definitely straightened out quite a few things I'd thought about them (mostly about Mike Love). I'm coming into a Beach Boys renaissance, diving into their entire discography and not just Pet Sounds/SMiLE in earnest and your summary of most of their career is a fantastic start!

[@thomasrobinson182]

'The Trader' is awesome, too.

[@hmao4466]

Love your work...

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate that, thank you.

[@eltronics]

Thank you Matt for another thorough history of a band that despite itself, still managed to annoy, nearly disappear from extinction, yet made an impression in music history. I saw them live at Radio City Music Hall in NYC I believe sometime in the late eighties or early to mid nineties? A good time was had by all. That's rock and roll, I like it! I appreciate all your work for the last 2 years on this project.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate that - thank you!

[@jwjeffrey]

Thanks for posting this, explains a lot. I often wonder what happen to Bruce Johnston, why he wasn't with them for a period and how Mike ended up with the majority. I'll have to go back and listen to the beginning.

[@ChadMasonFilms]

Amazing stuff- I’ve looked forward to each part and learned new things every time 👍🏻

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for watching, Chad!

[@listerineclean9258]

This was an amazing video about an amazing band thank you for this great series I will definitely be watching more of your videos

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, plenty more to come!

[@listerineclean9258]

@@popgoesthe60s52 that's good to hear I'm keen to see what other great videos you release in the future

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@listerineclean9258 I've done about 30 band so far and there are many on my very long list!

[@listerineclean9258]

@@popgoesthe60s52 awesome I'm slowly making my way through them at the moment

[@listerineclean9258]

@@popgoesthe60s52 awesome I'm slowly making my way through them at the moment

[@Bliggick]

Matt, as with all your overview histories of the great 60s bands, I thoroughly enjoyed your Beach Boys series. Because they were the start of my Beach Boys collection I would like to hear your take on Capitol's Beach Boys Best of albums, what was included, dubious choices like Louie Louie and Long Tall Texan, and what was missed, and what are the best compilations today.

[@graymarkets1957]

Enjoyed the series very much. Only one true disagreement, The Beach Boys Love You is a terrific LP. A miracle from the wreckage. Thanks as always for your hard work.

[@strose2002]

Underrated American Icons. They are the 60's. Thanks for an awesome 6 part series Matt. Enjoyed learning more about the Beach Boys. My favorite song by them is "Do You Wanna Dance", sung by my least favorite Beach Boy, Dennis Wilson. It was a cover. Many more great songs though. #1 channel Matt!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the continued support St. Rose!

[@erniericardo8140]

Leave it To Beaver LOL!!! 😂😅😅 I Love it Matt 👍 -What a fenomenal series of The Beach Boys, I really want to commend you for creating this Epic documentary,-if KZbin had an Award show Matt you would be sweeping many categories, This is one best videos Ive ever seen on the Beach Boys 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Ernie! I appreciate your long term support.

[@erniericardo8140]

@@popgoesthe60s52 👍✌️

[@VVellieMan]

Hey Matt, great series, superbly researched. Some notable UK success not mentioned here... Their 20 Golden Greats compilation package made No.1 for 10 weeks in summer 76, their biggest UK album by some distance. And the 7" single Lady Lynda made No.6 in summer 79.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for those additions - much appreciated.

[@MiguelRiscado]

Brilliant, Matt. Cheers!

[@BrixtonTone]

Already responded on your Patreon channel Matt but will just add that despite not being a fan of the Beach Boys this was an illuminating series and I can only applaud the work you put into it

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It was illuminating for me as well. Not an easy story to tell, but a fascinating one!

[@BrixtonTone]

@@popgoesthe60s52 OK Matt, I hounded you for a Jefferson Airplane review , which credit to to you , you finally delivered . Now I'm gonna ask you again to look at CS&N ! . In a previous conversation your view seemed to be that they were not really a '60's band BUT ! their roots were sprouted from "The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, & The Hollies" ! Mid to late sixties monsters ! Given that their debut album was released in May 1969 and marked a seminal change in the music that was to come surely they deserve a place in your "Pop goes the '60's "retrospective ? .

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@BrixtonTone I do plan an overview of their work through the end of the 70s but I will take a different path than my normal band histories. I may have to complete my Hollies retrospective first however. 🙂

[@jonvought700]

A lot of bands that kind of started in the '60's but were really seventies bands--CSN&Y, Led Zeppelin, and CTA to name three. The Ultimate Spinach, for its connection with Steely Dan, might make for an interesting episode as well. @@BrixtonTone

[@BrixtonTone]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Re the Hollies , great shout out for them Matt. Not sure why they never featured as one of my favourites when they put out some really banging "pop" tunes . Maybe it was because at that time I was looking and listening to something more inventive. Having said that , they were a great band from the '60s and well worth of recognition.

[@justinguadagno7656]

Been anxiously waiting for this one!! Thanks Matt!! Absolutely love these!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

You are welcome! I'm glad to have completed it. I do have a wrap up discussion coming soon with writer Glenn Greenberg, so stay tuned!

[@waziammm]

Great long form series on a band that really deserved it, well done!!

[@lyndarosborough869]

Wow … huge work done here and on this great series Matt … it’s amazing how much background you gather and how well you present ! Always my top podcast series … thank you again ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Much thanks Lynda. Plenty more to come!

[@johnyarusso4953]

I really enjoyed your Beach Boys series Matt! Excellent job. I was a BB fan since I was 5, mostly singles, but I fully discovered Pet Sounds on Carl and the Passions lp and although I enjoyed it, it also sounded very old to me with that Phil Spector sound but I loved Holland.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Johny - thank you for the kind comment. Holland has grown on me over the years.

[@tinydancer62]

Best Beach Boys documentary series! Thank you for all of your hard work . Entertaining and meticulously detailed. I would very much like to purchase Pop Goes the 60s merchandise but I didn't see it on your website, is it still available?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, that is high praise! I DO have merch available but that web page is down at the moment. Not good when you have customers that want to buy! I have a call in to my web company, so please check back soon as it is probably a broken link. I appreciate the feedback, TinyDancer!

[@tinydancer62]

@popgoesthe60s52 Thank you ! I will check the website again soon. Happy New Year to you and your family, wishing all the best. Hope you are able to connect with Richie Unterberger someday if you have not already. I emailed him to recommend that he check out your excellent You Tube page. Susan

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@tinydancer62 Thank you for emailing him. I will follow up and contact him this week. I think he could really add to my content. He actually has already! Also, my merch issue on the website has been fixed 🙂. Much thanks, Susan!

[@MichaelEBrown-wo4zb]

I watched the whole beach boys series of videos yesterday and today & thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of very good info that I haven't heard in some other retrospective histories Ive seen on the Beach Boys, and some very good commentary. You went thru their whole career objectively. Only thing missing was you didn't mention the 2012 album That's why God made the radio.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Michael - thank you for watching them all! I originally intended to end it at about 1975 but several loose ends needed tying up. I do have a wrap up of sorts in an upcoming video with Glenn Greenberg so stay tuned!

[@danielfleming9630]

Amazing series of videos… thank you!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Daniel!

[@john_milner]

Enlightening & impeccable research Matt ... 🤩 It's always a case of missed opportunities, excesses, eccentricities, bad decisions with the Beach Boy's with me ... YET ... despite this there are moments of shear musical brilliance in some cases rivilling The Beatles ... Pet Sounds immediately comes to mind ... I always feel the Beach Boy's were of a time much like many great 60s Bands ... that were out of place in the coming decade(s) ...

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you NewJack!

[@boellinger]

Another excellent episode of these Beach Boys series.

[@joeshmoe7789]

Excellent series, Thank You. The Beach Boys weren't a top group for my generation in HS in the early to mid 70's other than Endless Summer. Even after that, they didn't do much. Rock & Roll Music is the only top 40 song I can think of. I don't remember many of the album covers you showed from the late 70's to early 80's. Endless Summer was big at parties. I felt Spirit of America was a relative unknown, maybe it was more for the generation that grew up with the surf songs. Your series showed me what they were putting out in my HS years and beyond. Not the stuff we listened to, Wings, Eagles, Skynyrd, Led Zep, etc. I knew Dennis had a drug problem, he died after I saw them in the early 80's. Shocking how bad Brian was. Overall, a very sad R & R story. Thanks Again

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for watching Joe!

[@IozziEric]

Thank you so much, Matt! What a great work, specially this final part.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Eric!

[@dousethemouse]

I really like your content alot. You are very scholary Keep up the good work!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank Douse - more to come!

[@kevinkamphaus6567]

LOVE your band profile vids!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Kevin. I just started working on my next one, which will be a 1-parter 🙂

[@GregAase]

Matt- excellent work as always! Your band histories are my favorite part of your channel. I have never had the desire to see the Mike Love led Beach Boys, but did see Brian Wilson & Co during the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary tour. Al had apparently jumped the Mike Love ship and was touring with Brian. Along with the excellent band and the chance to see Brian in a half-decent place, one of the highlights was hearing Blonde Chaplin sing Sail On Sailor. I concur - that is one of the better (and overlooked) songs in the catalog. Thanks again for all your work!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Greg, thank you for supporting the Band Histories. I am working on some others right now. I wishi they didn't take so long to create! Stay tuned.

[@MrKaywyn]

A wonderful episode of an excellent series.

[@false_binary]

For real Matt, this was a huge undertaking, the research and visuals are spot on, and the entire series maintained the quality content level that we subscribers of PGT60s are constantly spoiled by! 👋 (sidenote: this channel always helps me one up my '72 yr old Dad who put me on the path of 60s-70s music 😜) It is an extremely sad story of an individual struggling with their mental health and it would seem like much of his life Brian struggled with it. My instinct is to say that today we would look at a character like Landry and call him out for malpractice...however it might be naive to think there a notable percentage of mental health professionals who unfortunately abuse their clients (I used to be related to one by marriage).

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I really appreciate the comments. This was a challenging series to do - glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasguild8675]

Matt. You just did a phenomenal cover of the Beach Boys! You deserve a break....for a little while. LOL! I have always been a fan up to 1967 after that their music is very spotty. The production always sounded cheap. Like comparing their late 70's albums to Boston first album production which was great. I digress. Thank you for a excellent series!

[@Neal_Schier]

Very much agree with that sentiment.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate the feedback, Thomas! I would like a break but I have some other things in the cue already so stay tuned!

[@jimjackson665]

Great series! I had ignored their work after Smiley Smile, but there are a lot of gems there. Hope you do a band overview on Love soon.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I will most likely be doing Love this year so stay tuned!

[@ChromeDestiny]

The 1993 Beach Boys box set Thirty Years of Good Vibrations has Fairy Tale Music which is a medley of the backing tracks for the Mount Vernon story EP without the narration.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Ooo, thank you for that. I will search those tracks out.

[@clarkrobertson7982]

Well done! Enlightening!