So I'm in a band called the Fantastic Flying Frogs, and one of the things that I learned when we were first recording, is if you really want a "Beach Boy" sound, you have to figure out how to imitate Carl to some extent or it really won't sound "Beach Boy-ish". He was the central part of the whole sound that really made it all come together.
This is a great video on Carl. I got to meet Carl during the recording of Like a brother album. My very good friend, Stephen Benben who is an engineer on that record, knew that I was a Beach Boys fan, and so he invited me down to the studio and I got to shake hands with the great one. That record was released years after it was actually recorded. I was a fly on the wall as they were setting up the mix for "I wish for you." Everything you've heard about Carl is spot on and then some. One of the nicest rock stars that I had the pleasure of meeting. I used to be the on call guy for the record industry listening rooms in New York for Clive Davis and Don Ienner as we;ll as Capitol EMI, Columbia, and the Warner group, and I got to meet lots of musicians, but Carl had them all beat in terms of being a true gentleman. I also got to see one of the last shows that Carl played with the Beach Boys. I remember him wearing a wig and being sat on a stool for a few songs at a time. BTW, he must have had an endorsement deal with Rickenbacker because he was playing a blond 360-12 throughout the entire show. Gone were the big body Epiphones and Gibsons. Also, despite his ailment, he never missed a note. His voice was spot on throughout that entire performance.
I didn’t think I’d ever find someone who loves the boys as much as me but I was wrong! Carl was my favorite. This was very touching. I wish I could’ve met him too but I had a very real dream about him many years after he died that was so vivid I remember it to this day, where I got to meet and hang out with him and he was so kind and sweet. I couldn’t help but fall in love!
Ironically, I think Carl's best guitar playing was when he was using the Rickenbacker---as if the Rickenbacker was made for him---back in 1964-66. At least those are my favourite licks of his---songs like "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Dance, Dance, Dance". Pete Townshend was playing a Rick at the same time, and you compare his playing on "Can't Explain" up against Carl on "Dance, Dance, Dance"---which came out at the same time--and Carl outshines Pete on the comparative solos! As a person, I had a "man crush" on him since I was 9 years old. I remember idolising Carl--wanting to be like him when I grew up
I had to look up: “Spade” Cooley was a virtuoso fiddler and Roy Rogers’ movie stand-in, who had six consecutive Top 10 hits and was considered Hollywood’s King of Western Swing. He was also a mean, jealous, paranoid, violent, alcoholic man who brutally murdered his wife in front of their daughter." Wow!
I just stumbled upon your series and I really like your approach and the history and knowledge you share in a calm, sincere manner. It’s also interesting hearing it through the perspective of a guitarist. I’ve been a Beach Boys fan since 1964…
Never even knew who sang those mid late 60’s leads but I felt a spiritual connection to the musical voice of Carl wayback when. It just gave me care free freedom at such a young age.
Loved listening and watching this episode about Carl Wilson. I knew Carl was special but it was very much reinforced in a great way. Thank you very much.
I have to mention one of my favorite Carl vocals on a song called Today, which is the first track on the Beckley, Lamm, Wilson cd Like a Brother. I really enjoyed the podcast.
Love hearing you guys talking about the band. I always felt like Carl would have developed more as a guitar player if their music hadn't veered more into pop territory later.
In my (never to be) humble opinion, Carl Dean had the best high tenor voice, EVER! And, since God Only Knows is his favourite song, Sir John agrees. For MANY decades, my favorite band, was Brian's Beach Boys. Now, the beach boys band, is a third-rate Beach Boys cover/ tribute band. Jan and Dean were better. Papa Doo Run Run are STILL better! I saw (You tube linked it to me) your hour long piece on Hateful Mikey. Well, I started to watch, but then, let's see what these guys say about the REAL Beach Boys. My favorite (well second) Carl Dean song, Heaven. His voice and vocal talents REALLY stand out. (Yes, God Only Knows is first.) steve
Thank you so much for this - I have rediscovered my love For the beach boys And soaking in so much information. Carl seemed Such a beautiful human - I’m in awe of you and others that got to meet him. All this information stands up to all that’s been said about him from most interviews. Wonderful caring and lovely person. Does anyone know what Gina Martin wilson is up to now? It looked like he adored her. I’ll be checking your other posts now I’ve found you on you tube. Good vibrations to you from Australia. 😊
Carl and Dennis should have had solo careers or combined their talents together. Both were repressed by Mike Loves control of the group and the stagnation of playing oldies.
I met Carl several times. He never rushed you and always made you feel like it was his pleasure to meet you rather than the other way around.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Beach Boys in concert in 1995, and you could see that Carl was the quiet one who held everything together.
So I'm in a band called the Fantastic Flying Frogs, and one of the things that I learned when we were first recording, is if you really want a "Beach Boy" sound, you have to figure out how to imitate Carl to some extent or it really won't sound "Beach Boy-ish". He was the central part of the whole sound that really made it all come together.
This is a great video on Carl. I got to meet Carl during the recording of Like a brother album. My very good friend, Stephen Benben who is an engineer on that record, knew that I was a Beach Boys fan, and so he invited me down to the studio and I got to shake hands with the great one. That record was released years after it was actually recorded. I was a fly on the wall as they were setting up the mix for "I wish for you." Everything you've heard about Carl is spot on and then some. One of the nicest rock stars that I had the pleasure of meeting. I used to be the on call guy for the record industry listening rooms in New York for Clive Davis and Don Ienner as we;ll as Capitol EMI, Columbia, and the Warner group, and I got to meet lots of musicians, but Carl had them all beat in terms of being a true gentleman. I also got to see one of the last shows that Carl played with the Beach Boys. I remember him wearing a wig and being sat on a stool for a few songs at a time. BTW, he must have had an endorsement deal with Rickenbacker because he was playing a blond 360-12 throughout the entire show. Gone were the big body Epiphones and Gibsons. Also, despite his ailment, he never missed a note. His voice was spot on throughout that entire performance.
Wow - thanks for all the great comments :)
How amazing!!! Gone way to soon and what a voice he had. I Can Hear Music is absolutely incredible and is one of my favourite songs he did.
I didn’t think I’d ever find someone who loves the boys as much as me but I was wrong! Carl was my favorite. This was very touching. I wish I could’ve met him too but I had a very real dream about him many years after he died that was so vivid I remember it to this day, where I got to meet and hang out with him and he was so kind and sweet. I couldn’t help but fall in love!
He's my favorite too! My favorite song is "Darlin'" and Brian said that Carl was meant to sing "Darlin" or words to that effect!
The One and Only The Very Best Carl Wilson
Ironically, I think Carl's best guitar playing was when he was using the Rickenbacker---as if the Rickenbacker was made for him---back in 1964-66. At least those are my favourite licks of his---songs like "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Dance, Dance, Dance". Pete Townshend was playing a Rick at the same time, and you compare his playing on "Can't Explain" up against Carl on "Dance, Dance, Dance"---which came out at the same time--and Carl outshines Pete on the comparative solos! As a person, I had a "man crush" on him since I was 9 years old. I remember idolising Carl--wanting to be like him when I grew up
love your insight and couldn't agree more!
Nice information about Carl....he was a beautiful individual. I am glad I stumbled upon this. Thanks
thank you so much!!
Brian's the brain, Carl is the heart and soul, and the rest were the limbs lol
:)
I had to look up: “Spade” Cooley was a virtuoso fiddler and Roy Rogers’ movie stand-in, who had six consecutive Top 10 hits and was considered Hollywood’s King of Western Swing. He was also a mean, jealous, paranoid, violent, alcoholic man who brutally murdered his wife in front of their daughter." Wow!
I know, Cheryl, it's a pretty rotten story about Mr. Cooley :(
I just stumbled upon your series and I really like your approach and the history and knowledge you share in a calm, sincere manner. It’s also interesting hearing it through the perspective of a guitarist. I’ve been a Beach Boys fan since 1964…
that really means a lot - thank you!!
David says one of the keys to his rhythm tone was using flatwound strings. Usually combined with (?tack) piano.
Never even knew who sang those mid late 60’s leads but I felt a spiritual connection to the musical voice of Carl wayback when. It just gave me care free freedom at such a young age.
Loved listening and watching this episode about Carl Wilson. I knew Carl was special but it was very much reinforced in a great way. Thank you very much.
thank you so much! and thank you for engaging with us and being part of it :)
Excellent Trader intro..
thank you!!
I have to mention one of my favorite Carl vocals on a song called Today, which is the first track on the Beckley, Lamm, Wilson cd Like a Brother. I really enjoyed the podcast.
that is a great tune! thank you for tuning in :)
Love hearing you guys talking about the band. I always felt like Carl would have developed more as a guitar player if their music hadn't veered more into pop territory later.
thank you, Jason - always love hearing from you :)
Great series guys!!
thanks again!!
In my (never to be) humble opinion,
Carl Dean had the best high tenor voice,
EVER! And, since God Only Knows is his
favourite song, Sir John agrees.
For MANY decades, my favorite band,
was Brian's Beach Boys. Now, the beach
boys band, is a third-rate Beach Boys cover/
tribute band. Jan and Dean were better.
Papa Doo Run Run are STILL better!
I saw (You tube linked it to me) your hour
long piece on Hateful Mikey. Well, I started
to watch, but then, let's see what these guys
say about the REAL Beach Boys.
My favorite (well second) Carl Dean song,
Heaven. His voice and vocal talents REALLY
stand out. (Yes, God Only Knows is first.)
steve
Thank you so much for this - I have rediscovered my love
For the beach boys And soaking in so much information. Carl seemed
Such a beautiful human - I’m in awe of you and others that got to meet him. All this information stands up to all that’s been said about him from most interviews.
Wonderful caring and lovely person. Does anyone know what Gina Martin wilson is up to now? It looked like he adored her.
I’ll be checking your other posts now I’ve found you on you tube. Good vibrations to you from Australia. 😊
thank you so much Rhonda :)))
Carl and Dennis should have had solo careers or combined their talents together. Both were repressed by Mike Loves control of the group and the stagnation of playing oldies.