Interview with author of "The Beach Boys: America's Band

Pray For Surf ~ Johnny, please introduce yourself 

JOHNNY ~ I'm British, was a music journalist and now write books about music and popular culture.

Pray For Surf ~ What circumstances led you to write a book about the Beach Boys?

JOHNNY ~ I was asked by the British packagers of the book, Essential Works, for who I've previously written books on the history of Disco and The Art of the LP.

Pray For Surf ~ identify your audience(s); who are you trying to reach or influence?

JOHNNY ~ Not trying to influence anyone; the book's aimed at the casual Beach Boys fan who likes photographic books – there's nothing in it that superfans won't know or have seen before (although there are a few things that they'll spot as mistakes, I'm sorry to say).

Pray For Surf ~Your  book is a creative combination of history, discography, and photography. What does that tell us about how you approached telling the Beach Boys story?

JOHNNY ~ Everything you need to know!

Pray For Surf ~How is  America's Band viewed differently in Britain than the United States (take us through different periods of time if/as opinion shifted)?

JOHNNY ~ The UK seems to have always viewed the BBs as a surf band and representative of American culture, specifically of West Coast/SoCal culture, which was the stuff that dreams (and Hollywood) were made of back in the early 1960s. America likewise discovered the surf and custom car culture through the Beach Boys, but didn't view it as being as unattainable perhaps whereas the cold, clammy, Brits did. Brits fetishised the band as a particular kind of unique entertainment in the way that they did wrestlers, perhaps, or American comedians like Jack Benny and Western stars like John Wayne: real but unreal and great fun because of that. 

There's little doubt that after 1966 and Good Vibrations in the UK the BBs were always known for the pre-Smile music, and it's only ever been their Greatest Hits compilations that sold well. In the US the band were afforded more consideration for their albums after the rise of pop music magazines like Rolling Stone and Creem—not that they were ever critically acclaimed for much especially Surf's Up or Holland, of course. But in the UK the post-PS albums meant little and sold less than Greatest Hits and Endless Summer ever did.

It was the Brits, and in 1976 the NME particularly, who began the great re-appreciation of Pet Sounds as a 'great, concept' album I think. Since then a score of BB fans who also happen to be writers have repositioned it as a concept album (it isn't, as Brian has always said) and as something new and unique–but rarely if ever mentioning Brian's reasons for dong what he did with it, which was to out-Spector Phil. I think we Brits 'got' that faster and appreciate it more than US-based critics for whom PS is their Sgt Pepper moment. 

But there's no doubt that for every BB fan the live shows—for which they have to thank Mike Love, without whom the band would have ceased to exist in 1967—and the greatest pre-1970 hits are what have sustained their interest in the band.

Pray For Surf ~ You book takes us on an album-by-album excursion. 

What is the most misunderstood album released by the boys? ... 

JOHNNY ~ See above answer - Pet Sounds. I'd love to have heard the Ronettes singing vocals on the album

Historically, most important? ... 

JOHNNY ~ At the moment it's Pet Sounds and Smile, but that might change as critics rediscover another album that's 'misunderstood' or 'forgotten' – I've recently noticed nonsense being written about The Beach Boys Love You being a groundbreaking work of Krautrock significance, for instance (it isn't)

Most embarrassing? ... 

JOHNNY ~ Not counting Mike Love's solo album (Looking Back With Love) with its execrable version of Be My Baby produced by Brian? Has to be Summer In Paradise (there's a reason it's long been deleted)

Best album to discover the band? ... 

JOHNNY ~ Hawthorn CA

Any other "most" or "best" category? ... 

JOHNNY ~ Best post-1970 album Carl & The Passions So Tough; Best change of direction album: Wild Honey

Pray For Surf ~ What was the most surprising piece of history your research revealed? 

JOHNNY ~ That Mike Love attempted to trademark 'America's Band' and failed.

               

Pray For Surf ~ You analyze their single releases but (one of my favorites) Little Girl I Once Knew was missing. What was your reasoning ... And please give us your exclusive analysis here

JOHNNY ~ There was not enough room in the book to include analysis of every BB single, so we had to go with the hits and the important singles. Little Girl was their worst-selling A side in four years, and came in the middle of a run of great hits. In that year of 1965 they'd scored with Do You Wanna Dance (#12), Help Me Rhonda (#1) and California Girls (#3) before Little Girl, which only made #20, and was immediately followed by Barbara Ann (#2) and then in 1966 they had Sloop John B (#3), Wouldn't It Be Nice (#8) and Good Vibrations (#1).

Rather than my analysis of Little Girl I Once Knew, have Brian's, from 1995: "It was a fine song, except the intro is the only good part of it, and the rest didn't sound so good. I thought the song in itself sucked. I didn't like the harmonies, I thought they were sour and off-key."

Pray For Surf ~ Thank you Johnny ... What did I miss that would help us better understand your book (or point of view)?

JOHNNY ~ Only that if people really want to understand what Brian was doing all that time he was in the studio in the mid-1960s, believe him when he said that he was trying to emulate Phil Spector. So many so-called Beach Boys experts patronise Brian by insisting that their theories about his work are more important and meaningful than anything he has said —especially when it disagrees with what they want to hear. 

The 1976 NME re-appreciation of Pet Sounds begins by pointing out that we can't listen to anything by the Beach Boys now without hearing and viewing it through the lens of his tragedy; that tragedy (his mental illness) seems to be reason for others to ignore statements made by him about his work. Go back to the source and read contemporary interviews with Brian about his work.

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The Other Brilliant Beach Boy ~ The Story of Carl Wilson's Role With America's Greatest Band

Phil Miglioratti of Pray For Surf talks with the author of Long Promised Road: Carl Wilson, Soul of the Beach Boys about the critical role Carl played (pun intended) in the success and brilliance of the Beach Boys. Meet Carl, artistic guitarist, creative arranger, underrated producer. An in depth look at his psychological-sociological-spiritual dimensions. 

Listen here>>>


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The Pray For Surf Interview with Jim Murphy, author of Becoming the Beach Boys 1961 - 1963

Click here for >>>Phil Miglioratti talks with Jim Murphy, author of Becoming the Beach Boys 1961 - 1963. Together, they explore his process of researching what is sure to become a core book on the history of the Beach Boys.

Amazon ~ description and reviews

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Original (1966) Capitol Records SMiLE Promotional Album Cover

• Begged this from a neighborhood record store owner in 1967 (it was in the store earlier).
• Official album slick for promotional purposes only
• Reverse side is NOT the intended back cover - front cover only afixed to cardboard

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Exclusive Pray For Surf Interview ~ James B. Murphy, author of "Becoming the Beach Boys

Exclusive Pray For Surf Interview ~

James B. Murphy, author of "Becoming the Beach Boys

The Book  ~  They were almost The Pendletones—after the Pendleton wool shirts favored on chilly nights at the beach—then The Surfers, before being named The Beach Boys. But what separated them from every other teenage garage band with no musical training? They had raw talent, persistence and a wellspring of creativity that launched them on a legendary career now in its sixth decade.

Following the musical vision of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys blended ethereal vocal harmonies, searing electric guitars and lush arrangements into one of the most distinctive sounds in the history of popular music. Drawing on original interviews and newly uncovered documents, this book untangles the band’s convoluted early history and tells the story of how five boys from California formed America’s greatest rock ’n’ roll band.

The Author ~ James B. Murphy is a companion animal veterinarian in Washington, D.C. He lives in Bowie, Maryland.  

Exclusive live interview with James B. Murphy <<click

Phil Miglioratti and Jim Murphy discuss his lifelong love of the Beach Boys and his almost decade long research and writing that have resulted in one of the most thoroughly documented books on the critical people, places, and events in the launching and stardom of American's favorite band.

Sample question  ~  Twenty-four chronological chapters, a nineteen page Coda devoted to examining the Hite Morgan Tapes, a dozen Appendices (including the floor plan of CANDIX Enterprises!), twenty-one pages of chapter footnotes (a whopping total of 1005 to be exact) five pages of bibliography (including Hawthorne High yearbooks plus audio-radio-video programs) and an exhaustive Index, all adding up to 422 pages of bordering on fine print sized font lettering! ...   Jim, describe your process of finding source material, identifying eye-witness or real-time persons to interview and how you found them. It looks to me that this back-story may be almost as interesting as the insights you gleaned from the people and the archival material.

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Rock Star Priest

"During the 60s, he became a founding member of a Rock n Roll band called ‘The Flies’ gaining intense popularity in Australia." click here for more Rock star turned priest, faces new challenge after dealing with the deadly Ebola crisis By John Tsambazis, ASSIST News Service • FREETOWN Sierra Leon August 4, 210 The Rev. Themi Adams, a former rock star, who found Christ and is now a Greek Orthodox missionary in Ebola-hit Sierra Leone, is now facing a new challenge. Themi was formerly a member of Australian rock group, The Flies, and once shared the stage with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, became a missionary after a dramatic conversion, has been facing the greatest challenge of his life – Ebola — which is killed at least 3,900 people in Sierra Leone. Until recently, he has bravely refused to leave The Holy Orthodox Mission in his adopted country, preferring to stay at his post to help his people protect themselves from Ebola, rather than take a break in Australia. Following this calamitous event in his life, Fr. Themi has taken on a new challenge by offering support to “White African” Albinos, who many believe are the outcasts of African society. He is taking care of group of Albinos at his mission, who are demanding equal rights and asking the government for jobs and scholarships to help them fight marginalization, as on Friday, the Sierra Leone Albino Association was launched to help them fight marginalization and defend their rights. Albinism is a congenital lack of the melanin pigment in the skin, eyes and hair which protects from the sun’s ultraviolet. Albinos are vulnerable to medical complications as well as social discrimination across Africa. At an inaugural meeting attended by more than 300 people, the Sierra Leone Albino Association (SLAA) said Albinos in the West African country were “facing stigmatization, marginalization and harassment.” Since late 2007, more than 60 Albinos, including many children, have been killed, their limbs hacked off and sold to witch doctors who concoct charms their clients believe will make them rich and powerful. The government in Sierra Leone has no records indicating how many Albinos live in the country. Amnesty International’s Solomon Sogbandi said the rights group was ready to “provide an enabling environment for their cause and act as a pressure group on government to ensure their social and human rights are enhanced.” When he heard of their plight, Brother Themi Adams said that he could not help but recognize the need to help on this occasion. His peaceful activism and quiet humanitarian spirit could not get the better of him and he offered support. Rev Themi said: “No they are not Europeans visiting our Mission in Sierra Leone (West Africa). They are indigenous Sierra Leoneans who happen to be Albinos (white skinned Africans). He added: “Albinos not only suffer severe social isolation, discrimination and provocations but also experience associated physical ailments - extreme skin sensitivity to sunrays leading to infections and even cancer. They may also be afflicted with low vision or blindness. In Tanzania they are actually hunted and killed for witchcraft purposes.” Albinos live with the risk of being killed, their body parts fetching high prices for witchcraft - but hope that change is coming. The Rev Themi's has been featuring their sad situation on his Facebook page, which has received many comments. They have included: Vicki Christofi, who said; “As if life is not difficult enough, it is shocking to read of what added suffrage these individuals endure on account of discrimination. I had no idea, and pray that mindsets shift”. And Nadine Abwi said; “Lord have mercy on them! God bless you Father”. Last year, Mr. Peter Tayoung, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Business Communications Advisory Services and Training [IBCAST], maintained that the sufferings that Albinos are undergoing in Sierra Leone are common to Albinos all over the world. He therefore urged Sierra Leoneans to intensify the fight against discrimination of Albinos, and he described Sierra Leone as a “jewel” when he heard that the country has gained liberty. Themi Adams also said: “Our Orthodox Mission here will seek to assist them in some basic ways through the blessings of Christ. I ask that you pray for their welfare and protection”. Brother Themi is finally on his way back to Australia for the first time in nearly 3 years. He spent these past few years protecting his mission from the Ebola crisis. He has since set up Clinics and Orphanages to accommodate the families that were affected by the crisis, luckily they all have survived with God’s help. Ebola Vaccine at Last! It was announced recently that Ebola vaccine tests conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in West Africa (Guinea) have proven to be 100% effective against the deadly virus. “If that is truly the case then this will come as a great relief for us living in Ebola ground zero,” said Fr. Themi. “Thanks be to God!” Fr. Themi has been working with Paradise 4 Kids (http://paradise4kids.org/) and if log on you can be kept up to date with his movements and itinerary of when and where he will be near you. P4K are planning a number of functions and fundraiser in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Photo captions: 1) Albino children visit the mission. 2) Fr. Themi has been involved in a healing ministry. 3) Fr. Themi with gloves for his staff. 4) John Tsambazis. About the writer: John Tsambazis is an award winning editor/producer with numerous credits underneath his belt in feature films, documentaries, TV shows and news and current affairs, both in Australia and abroad. John is a professional member of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, and sits on the jury. He is executive of his production company “Clapstick Pictures” and is currently overseeing a couple of high profile projects in pre-production. He can be contacted by e-mail at jtsambazis@yahoo.com.  ** You may republish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) Read more

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Bono: Who Is Jesus? "Charlie Manson-type delirious."

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"I just believe in Jesus Christ." Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson has stated

“I am proud to share with you my music, because I believe music is God’s voice.” 

In a recent Goldmine magazine article Brian was asked if he was a religious person.

He response; “No, not really.

I just believe in Jesus Christ, but I don’t know what religion I am.??”

Wilson’s music reveals a world far more positive than what he’s had to endure.

“When you believe in something you reflect it in your songs.

You can say how you feel, and songs don’t lie.

Songs are the most honest form of human expression there is-there’s nothing that lies about a song.”

Book info>>>

s

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Brian Wilson album: "It opens with a prayer and closes with a prayer."

This record is about love and understanding. 

It opens with a prayer, “This Beautiful Day,”

and closes with a prayer, “The Last Song.” 

I start out by praying that this beautiful day,

with sunshine melodies and heavenly harmonies, lasts forever. 

The final tune prays that if we hold on tight, it will all be all right —

all the anxieties eased, all the fears erased. It ends in hope.

“Thank you, God, for another day.” 

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Is Alice Cooper a Jesus Freak?

√ Is Alice Cooper a Jesus Freak?

• • •

The Prodigal Son on God and the Devil and Rock Music

Published by FreePatriotPost.com

Alice Cooper says he loves God but doesn’t want to become a ‘celebrity’ believer.

The father of shock rock whose music and stage antics have outraged parents for more than 30 years told how the fear of hell turned him to God.

Although he became a Christian in the 1980s, apart from brief comments in some interviews the 66-year-old singer has always been guarded about his faith – until now. But in a frank interview with a Christian music magazine, he spoke at length publicly for the first time about his love for God and reluctance to become a “Christian celebrity.”Alice Cooper, who sang about necrophilia and chopped up baby dolls during his concerts, said that although he continues to record and tour with a theatrical horror-style show, “My life is dedicated to follow Christ.”

A chart-topper with the teen anthem “School’s Out,” Cooper – who legally changed his name from Vince Furnier – has been credited with paving the way for performers such as Marilyn Manson.

That changed when alcoholism threatened his marriage. He and his wife, Sheryl, attended a church with a “hellfire pastor.” Cooper said he became a Christian “initially more out of the fear of God, rather than the love of God … I did not want to go to hell.” Interviewed for HM’s March/April issue, Cooper views his faith as “an ongoing thing.”But he maintains that his act was never political or religious and always had “a sense of humor.” He told HM: The Hard Music Magazine that he was always insulted whenever he was accused of being satanic. Raised in a Christian home, he still believed in God, although he was not committed.

He has avoided “celebrity Christianity,” because “it’s really easy to focus on Alice Cooper and not on Christ. I’m a rock singer. I’m nothing more than that. I’m not a philosopher. I consider myself low on the totem pole of knowledgeable Christians. So, don’t look for answers from me.”“Being a Christian is something you just progress in. You learn. You go to your Bible studies. You pray,” he said.

Yet he has been able to speak to others in the music scene about his faith.

“I’ve had a couple of people that were friends of mine that I’ve talked to that have vocally said they have [accepted Christ]. I have talked to some big stars about this, some really horrific characters … and you’d be surprised. The ones that you would think are the furthest gone are the ones that are more apt to listen.”

Songs on Cooper’s more recent recordings have hinted at his change of heart. He sees his stage persona now as “the prophet of doom,” telling people: “‘Be careful! Satan is not a myth. Don’t sit around pretending like Satan is just a joke.’ I think my job is to warn about Satan.”

He no longer performs some of his older repertoire. Any song promoting promiscuous sex and drinking “gets the axe,” he said. “I’m very careful about what the lyrics are. I tried to write songs that were equally as good, only with a better message.”

Cooper told HM he answers his critics: “‘I was one thing at one time, and I’m something new. I’m a new creature now. Don’t judge Alice by what he used to be. Praise God for what I am now.’”

Read more: https://www.reallifestories.org/stories/alice-cooper-the-prodigal-returns/


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Andrae Crouch: from Elvis, to Michael; Gospel Music Hall of Famer

ANDRAÉ CROUCH DEAD AT 72 

Written by  Dan Wooding

Andraé Crouch

By Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST and ASSIST News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Music legend Andraé Crouch has passed away. Interview Clip >>>

According to the Nashville Publicity Group, the Grammy and Dove Award winner passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at approximately 4:30pm PST at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area.

Andraé, 72, was hospitalized on January 3rd.

Andraé's family requests privacy at this time. 

About Andraé Crouch:

Andraé's accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for "The Color Purple," induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music's top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others.

Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson's hit singles "Man in the Mirror," "Keep the Faith,? "Will You Be There" and "Earth Song."

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