A Beautiful song. I was lucky enough to see it performed Live by Van Dyke Parks in his only Australian Performance at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday 12th September 2009, He is a lovely guy to talk to as well, I will cherish the memories of that night forever !!
I prefer this to the recorded version. Van Dyke's great - a truly honourable man. I enjoy hearing him pontificate almost as much as I enjoy hearing Brian Wilson make music.
I urge people to please live with the album Orange Crate Art for a while. It receives almost no attention, and it isn't instantly accessible - but it will start to grow on you if you spend enough time with it. It's a great LP, really. - Jay
Superb! Van Dyke and Brian. Two superb composers. So high class. Thank you for what you have given us. I am greedy and want more, but I have to be realistic. You have provided so much uplifting enjoyment.
When I purchased the CD of Orange Crate Art I had no idea of what the content would be. This song opens it up and it grows on you. It grew on me, anyway. These two men have their talents magnified when they work together.
I just wish all of those Orange Crate Art songs were caught on film in this very cool format. These two years that Brian spent working on this project with Van Dyke Parks, sometimes only recording a line or two as a day's work, was what Brian needed to clear his head and to gradually build up the strength and confidence he needed to move on and to prepare for the stage again. This album is a gem.
Would love to see it performed in its entire form on stage. Every song from that album. But I definitely think that a few of the songs on that album wouldn't fit a stripped down format. Songs like San Francisco for instance and maybe Wings of a dove. But it would be magical to hear it all on stage. Sadly the album didn't do well sales-wise and from what I've gathered Van Dyke felt hurt by it and rightly so, it wasn't promoted hardly at all which was unfair of the record label he was signed to which is/was a disgrace, they spent 3 years making the album and they both deserved a little respect for this masterpiece of an album.
@@bigk3991 I agree. Van Dyke Parks put his heart and soul into that masterpiece, and he gave Brian Wilson the best spotlight that his post-Beach Boys- vocals ever had. I also think it is shameful that Brain did not see fit to ever include even one song from "Orange Crate Art" on any of his tours in all these years that have followed. Brian had a day on Facebook where he was "live" and was answering the questions of fans. My question, posted on the page, was the last one he answered in a final post. As the above was an issue with me, I asked Brian, "Aren''t you ever going to include a song from 'Orange Crate Art' in any of your future gigs?" His response in all caps was, "NO! NO 'ORANGE CRATE ART'!" To be honest, I think he felt sucked into that project and was annoyed by it. I think Melinda and Van Dyke, in part, meant those sessions to be therapy for Brian. I asked Van Dyke, in a 'fan' email, (pre- "Your Imagination") if such was the case, and he replied that it was a labor of love partially designed to help get Brian's wheels turning again and that he actually hoped that Brian would perform the entire album "live". I agree with you that Van Dyke would have felt hurt that "Orange Crate Art" was not promoted as it should have been. He told me that he was hoping that "Orange Crate Art" would reach a "pre-Elvis" era audience, as it was written with a pre-Elvis vibe. So he told me how delighted he was when I shared with him that my father, up in years, was a huge fan of the album. But for Brian, I think it was just a thorn in his side that he couldn't wait to be done with.
Yeah that may very well be, strangely from hearing Brian talk about this project several times he seemed to be happy doing the album with Parks but perhaps that wasn't the case, Brian has his issues and seems sort of unstable naturally Because of it and he has often said contradicting things numerous times in interviews. I heard on you tube can't remember what it was called but it was like a promo radio special for the album with interviews and Brian seemed so proud of having his voice on this album
@@bigk3991 Yes, Brian goes back and forth betwen Van Dyke Parks and Mike Love when he names his favorite co-writer. How could he not have been proud of what he accomplished on Orange Crate Art? He has layers upon layers of harmionies that he added to his lead vocal on many of those songs that he added by himself. I don't think he ever matched the greatness of those vocal parts that Van Dyke arranged for him. I remember Brian had said there was one particular song on the album that he simply could not connect with and that he was whining to Van Dyke that he couldn't relate to it, and couldn't do it. Van Dyke had pretty much tricked Brian into doing the project, because initially, Brian was made to understand that he was oinly going to work on the title song. So Brian started to melt down a bit as Van Dyke kept adding songs for Brian to sing, and Brian kept asking what was going on, while Van Dyke gradually kept getting Brian closer to the finish. And as you said, that took three years. That's why I tend to think that the plan from the start was meant as much as therapy for Brian, than the album itself, to help get Brian back in gear after his 2nd solo album failed... Brian had thrown a fit and junked his second solo album when there were too many cooks in the kitchen and everyones' ideas but Brian's (Dr. Landy, the dude from ELO, the usual crowd) were pouring their ideas into that planned 2nd solo album and Brian had had enough of it. It was after that disaster that work got started on Orange Crate Art. And maybe Brian was refusing to work with anyone BUT Van Dyke Parks, whom Brian knew was on his side. Brian just didn't kniw that he WOULD be... for the following three years. lol
Honestly, most of VDP's compositions sound better stripped down. The OCA material included on his Moonlighting live album are the definitive versions of those songs to me
Yeah, that's classic stuff!!! I think OCA is the best thing VDP ever did, and it will be looked back on as a masterpiece! Why hell, it kinda is already.....
Brian Wilson is an amazing writer. Carl Wilson is criminally underrated though. Especially as a singer. Songs like God Only Knows wouldn't be half as good if Carl wasn't singing the lead.
I like that lyric of the hobo hop passage too. I watched the documentary and loved this snippet, was actually disappointed when the Orange Crate Art album came out and had the "falsetto" vocal that sounded rather artificial and passionless. I referred this vocal. Nearly 20 years later, as I listen to this excerpt, I think I was right!!
I like both. Full production and stark simple. For example, I love the John Lennon at home development of songs on guitar and piano. I also enjoy the full studio productions. Same with Gene Clark. I love his full studio productions, but often prefer just his voice and guitar on a demo. So, enjoy both.
The renditions of OCA with just VDP at the piano are gorgeous. If we're ever lucky enough to get a re-release of OCA (highly unlikely) that includes just the basic tracks like this, I think people will come around and realize what a phenomenal album it really is.
They really should do another album, and sorry- without the Brian band. I love them, but it's time for a change. When I hear a Brian album i want to hear BRIAN'S background vocals, not others.
Gotta agree with everyone else. This song did nothing for me until I watched this video. They play it simple, heartfelt, and unpretentious. I wish it was a full performance,
Van Dyke has that “favorite uncle you always look forward to seeing” quality about him
I adore Orange Crate Art. It's one of my favorite albums of all time. So underrated and unknown, it's criminal.
It's like seeing and hearing the very top end of the music spectrum.
What a beautiful touch VanDyke has on the piano! Love the subtlety of those chords. A very nice, but melancholy song.
That's far better than the album version, and one of Brian's sweetest vocal performances .. gets me in the throat every time.
Agreed. Parks is such a talented, sweet man. He and Brian make beautiful music together.
I have always thought this was one of Brian's most touching performances. God bless them both ...BW and DVP
John Hunter Phillips
This is the most beautiful rendition of this song, love em' both
A Beautiful song. I was lucky enough to see it performed Live by Van Dyke Parks in his only Australian Performance at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday 12th September 2009, He is a lovely guy to talk to as well, I will cherish the memories of that night forever !!
Hear the lonesome locomotion roar//hobo hop on if you dare...THAT piano chord change is f---in' awesome!
I prefer this to the recorded version.
Van Dyke's great - a truly honourable man. I enjoy hearing him pontificate almost as much as I enjoy hearing Brian Wilson make music.
I urge people to please live with the album Orange Crate Art for a while. It receives almost no attention, and it isn't instantly accessible - but it will start to grow on you if you spend enough time with it. It's a great LP, really.
- Jay
Superb! Van Dyke and Brian. Two superb composers. So high class. Thank you for what you have given us. I am greedy and want more, but I have to be realistic. You have provided so much uplifting enjoyment.
When I purchased the CD of Orange Crate Art I had no idea of what the content would be. This song opens it up and it grows on you. It grew on me, anyway. These two men have their talents magnified when they work together.
Both of them have great hair for old guys.
They were in their 50s here, my god is that considered old these days? 😅
I love hearing Brian sing this.
I just wish all of those Orange Crate Art songs were caught on film in this very cool format. These two years that Brian spent working on this project with Van Dyke Parks, sometimes only recording a line or two as a day's work, was what Brian needed to clear his head and to gradually build up the strength and confidence he needed to move on and to prepare for the stage again. This album is a gem.
Would love to see it performed in its entire form on stage. Every song from that album. But I definitely think that a few of the songs on that album wouldn't fit a stripped down format. Songs like San Francisco for instance and maybe Wings of a dove. But it would be magical to hear it all on stage. Sadly the album didn't do well sales-wise and from what I've gathered Van Dyke felt hurt by it and rightly so, it wasn't promoted hardly at all which was unfair of the record label he was signed to which is/was a disgrace, they spent 3 years making the album and they both deserved a little respect for this masterpiece of an album.
@@bigk3991 I agree. Van Dyke Parks put his heart and soul into that masterpiece, and he gave Brian Wilson the best spotlight that his post-Beach Boys- vocals ever had. I also think it is shameful that Brain did not see fit to ever include even one song from "Orange Crate Art" on any of his tours in all these years that have followed. Brian had a day on Facebook where he was "live" and was answering the questions of fans. My question, posted on the page, was the last one he answered in a final post. As the above was an issue with me, I asked Brian, "Aren''t you ever going to include a song from 'Orange Crate Art' in any of your future gigs?" His response in all caps was, "NO! NO 'ORANGE CRATE ART'!" To be honest, I think he felt sucked into that project and was annoyed by it. I think Melinda and Van Dyke, in part, meant those sessions to be therapy for Brian. I asked Van Dyke, in a 'fan' email, (pre- "Your Imagination") if such was the case, and he replied that it was a labor of love partially designed to help get Brian's wheels turning again and that he actually hoped that Brian would perform the entire album "live". I agree with you that Van Dyke would have felt hurt that "Orange Crate Art" was not promoted as it should have been. He told me that he was hoping that "Orange Crate Art" would reach a "pre-Elvis" era audience, as it was written with a pre-Elvis vibe. So he told me how delighted he was when I shared with him that my father, up in years, was a huge fan of the album. But for Brian, I think it was just a thorn in his side that he couldn't wait to be done with.
Yeah that may very well be, strangely from hearing Brian talk about this project several times he seemed to be happy doing the album with Parks but perhaps that wasn't the case, Brian has his issues and seems sort of unstable naturally Because of it and he has often said contradicting things numerous times in interviews. I heard on you tube can't remember what it was called but it was like a promo radio special for the album with interviews and Brian seemed so proud of having his voice on this album
@@bigk3991 Yes, Brian goes back and forth betwen Van Dyke Parks and Mike Love when he names his favorite co-writer. How could he not have been proud of what he accomplished on Orange Crate Art? He has layers upon layers of harmionies that he added to his lead vocal on many of those songs that he added by himself. I don't think he ever matched the greatness of those vocal parts that Van Dyke arranged for him. I remember Brian had said there was one particular song on the album that he simply could not connect with and that he was whining to Van Dyke that he couldn't relate to it, and couldn't do it. Van Dyke had pretty much tricked Brian into doing the project, because initially, Brian was made to understand that he was oinly going to work on the title song. So Brian started to melt down a bit as Van Dyke kept adding songs for Brian to sing, and Brian kept asking what was going on, while Van Dyke gradually kept getting Brian closer to the finish. And as you said, that took three years. That's why I tend to think that the plan from the start was meant as much as therapy for Brian, than the album itself, to help get Brian back in gear after his 2nd solo album failed... Brian had thrown a fit and junked his second solo album when there were too many cooks in the kitchen and everyones' ideas but Brian's (Dr. Landy, the dude from ELO, the usual crowd) were pouring their ideas into that planned 2nd solo album and Brian had had enough of it. It was after that disaster that work got started on Orange Crate Art. And maybe Brian was refusing to work with anyone BUT Van Dyke Parks, whom Brian knew was on his side. Brian just didn't kniw that he WOULD be... for the following three years. lol
I'm in tears. So beautiful and a blessing.
Played OCA on a trip across the US in 95, it will always take me back to that time. Magical.
A chapter that brought Brian Wilson growth. Thank you,
VDP! AND BW!❤
super post!🎉
Love this song, melody and chords almost sounds like a battle hymn or anthem…so beautiful
Happy Birthday, Brian. Thanks for it all.
thank you Brian -
for explaining to others about the fact that
Tranquility is conducive to creativity -
termoil does not inspire art
Honestly, most of VDP's compositions sound better stripped down. The OCA material included on his Moonlighting live album are the definitive versions of those songs to me
I don't think Song Cycle or Discover America would be the same without the instrumentation.
Wow. Never saw this till now. How wonderful. Yes Orange crate art us a rare find. Hobo heart is so wonderful
The song is "Orange Crate Art"
The title song of an album they made together.
Great song, this is my favorite version :-)
Yeah, that's classic stuff!!! I think OCA is the best thing VDP ever did, and it will be looked back on as a masterpiece! Why hell, it kinda is already.....
Brian Wilson is an amazing writer. Carl Wilson is criminally underrated though. Especially as a singer. Songs like God Only Knows wouldn't be half as good if Carl wasn't singing the lead.
this is a treasure
I like that lyric of the hobo hop passage too. I watched the documentary and loved this snippet, was actually disappointed when the Orange Crate Art album came out and had the "falsetto" vocal that sounded rather artificial and passionless. I referred this vocal.
Nearly 20 years later, as I listen to this excerpt, I think I was right!!
The lyrics are pure distilled poetry
THANK YOU ! 😘 (from France)
Thanks for this.
great
Jaja, you bet. These two little persons are just a miracle in music.
Would have enjoyed the Orange Crate Album more as these piano demos than the odd produced production of the studio release.
i wish the full version of their rough piano duet featured here was released as a track. the slow tempo and brian's voice make it so striking
I like both. Full production and stark simple. For example, I love the John Lennon at home development of songs on guitar and piano. I also enjoy the full studio productions. Same with Gene Clark. I love his full studio productions, but often prefer just his voice and guitar on a demo. So, enjoy both.
The renditions of OCA with just VDP at the piano are gorgeous. If we're ever lucky enough to get a re-release of OCA (highly unlikely) that includes just the basic tracks like this, I think people will come around and realize what a phenomenal album it really is.
to fair the production of orange crate art kind of makes sense when you look at how Brians 80s and early 90s stuff was produced.
@peytonlaw except its just Parks and in name (and voice) only Wilson :O
@peytonlaw that's a bit silly to say now isnt it.
@peytonlaw equal, In my eyes :)
@mugwamp4 I think Randy Newman would have been a great Lennon to Van Dyke Parks's MacCartney
@peytonlaw no...
They really should do another album, and sorry- without the Brian band. I love them, but it's time for a change. When I hear a Brian album i want to hear BRIAN'S background vocals, not others.
Gotta agree with everyone else. This song did nothing for me until I watched this video. They play it simple, heartfelt, and unpretentious. I wish it was a full performance,
hobo hop on if you dare
@peytonlaw what is this a support group of 37 people for the disillusioned? Lennon and McCartney don't have to envy any musicians.
Neither do Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks.