Wavves/Strokes/Beach Boys

Ok, really quick...I was just reading a few sites this morning and was pleased to see the real demo versions of the Beach Boys long lost Smile lp, the intended follow up to ultimate classic Pet Sounds, will be released in their entirety as originally intended(along with a massive amount of outtakes etc.). The project was eventually scrapped after being derailed by Brian Wilson's advancing mental illness.
These are the sessions that spawned "Good Vibrations". If you don't think that's a big deal, listen to the intro or verse 2 and forget the chorus. This is rock and roll poetry delivered with a grace that is unimaginable for mere mortals. Oh, and not to mention, one of the most sublime bridges in music history...

While Brian Wilson's re-imagining of the material was gorgeous and a wonderful gift back in 2004, this will be infinitely more revealing and rewarding. One of the few, 'could have been's' that will actually come to be; remarkably so, over 40 years later.

On a more contemporary note, I was also struck by the demo versions of 3 Wavves songs that have bubbled up from a 2009 session. These are songs that weren't finished and have never, and, presumably, will never, appear on record.
They are simply better than most anything that will ever be put out by the bands peers.

Listen Here

How the fuzzed up Cheap Trick/Descendants crossbreed baby "Hula Hoop" didn't make the last album I don't know and while Pitchfork's description of 'punky' is a bit off, the 3rd track, "Glued", is a mid-tempo swinging, harmony saturated number. Only Nathan Williams can write a song this pretty and have you not realize that, in the midst of what is really a love song, the best offer he can make is that he will "melt in to my shoes for you."
Speaking of Williams and his love, Best Coast auteur Bethany Cosentino, I think I would rather they break up.
I like Williams better when he is unhappy and I think I hear her influence rounding his corners a bit after listening to "King of the Beach" for all of these months.
I do dig her contribution on the Go!Team record though..check out "Buy Nothing Day" here:


And, finally, the Strokes new album Angles was delivered Tuesday. I have been through it 8 to 10 times so far and will give a complete rundown as soon as I have digested completely.

So far I do love "Gratisication"


and for reminiscence, "Under Control", the Strokes at their very best: