074 The Beach Boys 1985

This time, we do a "deep dive," track-by-track into The Beach Boys self-titled 1985 opus. Strangely forgotten and often casually dismissed, the album has a lot to offer!

[MatthewChristianMurray]

This is one of my favorite albums - a guilty favorite, perhaps. “Where I Belong” is my favorite on this album and, in my opinion, one of the best Beach Boys songs ever.

[joelgoldenberg]

There's also the story of Steve Levine being depressed after a conflict with Al, and Brian seeing him crying or at least looking sad as he pulled into the studio parking lot. Brian sympathized with Steve, saying the guys used to do that to him as well all the time. And there's the other story where Brian laid down a weak vocal, the guys were telling him he did great, Levine said Brian needed singing lessons and Brian stormed out of the studio. Levine thought his time as a producer was over, but then Levine got a call, saying Brian was indeed taking singing lessons and that he was thankful for Levine's honesty. Levine was also told by Carl that he was not just dealing with the Beach Boys, but their entourages as well.

[johnobrien]

You mentioned Brian's singing and how decent it was for the first time in years. This is thanks to Steve... while recording tracks, Steve confronted Brian and said "It wasnt very good was it?"... followed by a collective gasp from everyone. Brian stormed out . Next day Brian got voacal coaching.

Thanks for the review.

[DwellerHollowMusic]

If memory serves, Bruce re-submitted "She Believes In Love Again" for the 50th Anniversary album, but it didn't make the cut. Perhaps he had the same feeling you did--it was a deserve that needed to be "rescued" from that 80's sheen

[TheRhettler]

Male Ego should have made it on the vinyl. Despite corny lyrics, the vocals sound awesome!

[KRAZEEIZATION]

This album is a strange one, well, more intriguing than strange. Firstly it was recorded digitally mainly in 1984 and also used Fairlight CMI and all the popular synths of the era. Steve Levine, Culture Club’s producer was at the helm. The production is click clack and the drum beats stiff and cold for most of the part. It’s ironic that the vocals are exceptionally good and crystal clear but they blend into the background of synths and modular elements too. There’s lots of older Beach Boy albums that sound muddy but have superior songs to this one. It’s predictably 80s and the worst track is Passing Friend a Culture Club offering. Guitar virtuoso Gary Moore appears on two cuts while Ringo Starr appears on the excellent 60s throwback California Calling while Stevie Wonder appears on his own offering I Do Love You, a great standout. At times it doesn’t seem like a Beach Boys at all with tracks being stylistically at odds with each other. But all in all it’s a part of the band’s fascinating history and it’s still better than no mid 80s Beach Boys album!
Approach with an open mind!

[tomjones]

85 Great album, tours and summer. July 4th, a million in attendance and Half a million in Philly and D.C.11 days later great short set @ Live Aid in Philly.

[gxios]

I keep a log of my music purchases, and I usually got Beach Boys releases on the first day they were available (my room mate worked for the local wholesaler). I show the 1985 lp as being purchased on June 3. The cd was not released until March 2, 1986. Al Jardine said in an interview that the cd would sound even better than the album, but the cd sounded like it was cut the same as the album- I couldn't tell the difference- except for "Male Ego", which sounds amazing on that first cd. I do not have any subsequent cd releases, so I cannot compare. I played "It's Just a Matter of Time" a lot back then.

[bretvyon]

I remember hating this album a few years ago when I first heard it but now it's grown on me and I actually think the 80s production works well to bring out their voices and harmonies.

[marcofalzone]

Steve imo. The Getcha Back video is the best thing about this album! Concept, acting, humor, pathos camera edits, everything about the video is wonderful. It follows the lyrics with ease and is sooo 80s without being unrelatable or timely

[tonys]

There was a radio special (or something of the sort) on this album in June, 1985. Bruce Johnston was quoted as saying he found the title "Crack At Your Love" amusing and indicative of Brian's sense of humor. On another note, I totally agree that "Maybe I Don't Know" is the standout track here. Should have been the second single -- it totally rocks in an '80s way!

[sapporowill]

I like the hype sticker idea. Sounds fun!

[jameswatson]

I've always enjoyed this album, The guys sound good and the songs are pleasant. It was good that they have a document out for this era.

[petestaint]

This is one their best albums! Loved it.

[nickycheese]

Love that the Stevie Wonder song was part of your wedding mix. I have always thought that song was a standout/underrated.

[joelgoldenberg]

For me, the Carl Wilson tracks sounded like they belonged on a Carl solo album. For me, the most Beach Boys-like tracks are Getcha Back, California Calling and Male Ego (via Beach Boys Love You). My reason for California Calling-I was once half listening to the song, and for a couple of seconds I thought it was a 1960s BB track.

[sugarcookie]

I honestly love this album, I see it as a quality release even if it isn’t among their best

[jimhoelscher]

Great review and I think it was a very fair account of the album. I have always enjoyed listening to this album and especially like the Carl Wilson tracks. My top 2 cuts on the album are Where I Belong and Maybe I Don't Know followed by Getcha Back. I would have rather had Al sing lead on Getcha Back and thought Mike's lead was too nasally.

[iainlee]

I really love this album. I bought it on cassette maybe 1989 or 90. It is maybe a little bland and I'm probably unusual but, I play this and KTSA more than Love You and MIU. Love California Calling, my fave song on there (but then Spies Like Us is one of my fave McCartney songs, so what do I know?)

I was VERY surprised they played Getcha Back on the 50th anniversary your, especially in the UK where it wasn't a hit. They sometimes tinker with the setlist in the UK, certainly in recent years, and play Cotton Fields which was a sizeable hit here (as you know, obvs)

[burlingtonbill]

"Lonely nights, lonely days" -- (flip 'em & the Bee Gees sue?)