Linear Zap's Blog - The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, and more!

Smile (JMZ mix) and we're back! (sort of)

2011-10-03T09:54:00.003+02:00

Hello everybody! It's been a long time... But hopefully this new post will make the wait worthwhile. If any of you are still reading, that is.

I've recently been in touch with a fellow Frenchman who goes by the name of JMZ, and what I'm offering you today is his brand new Smile mix!

Obviously, you all know there are LOTS of Smile fan mixes floating around, but I have to say this is one of the very best I've ever heard. Here are a few notes about this release:

- it doesn't follow the BWPS template. Yet, it flows wonderfully.
- this uses music recorded in 66/67 only, no "BWPS bastardization" here.
- some of the "enhancements" are similar to those that will be featured on the upcoming "Smile Sessions" releases...
- ...but it doesn't use any of the new mixes.
- everything's in stereo, so use headphones. Seriously. You don't want to miss anything.

JMZ & I are offering you this mix in three different formats, so just choose the one you prefer.

- MP3: click here (Megaupload) /

- FLAC: click here (Megaupload) /

- ISO image: click here (Megaupload) /

Comments are more than welcome, as I'm sure JMZ will appreciate any feedback.

=========================

NEWS!

Yes, this is the first post in more than a year. But for the first time, I'm seriously considering reactivating this blog. I started yesterday by "cleaning" the comments, and wiping a truckload of spam comments. I think "650" can be referred to as a truckload. Especially when you have to delete them manually, in order to avoid deleting relevant comments. So, dear reader, sorry if one of your comments isn't here anymore, but in that case it's just a mistake.

This gave me an opportunity to look at the most recent comments. Many of you are asking for reuploads (Smiley Smile Maximus mix, UM 13 & 14, among others). I might just start by making all the links work again. Actually that might be the only thing I do, but it'll still be a lot of work, and hopefully worth it.

Some of you are complaining about the sound quality or asking for lossless versions. So I'll be clear on this issue: I'll always upload the best sounding version I have. I may also upload an mp3 version for "ease of download" purposes. But if the only version available to you is an mp3, it's because I don't have anything better. Some others asked for live shows. I'm not that much into live boots, as a result I don't have many.

Finally, I will never share official stuff that can still be bought new. Same goes for things that are about to be released - even if the Smile Sessions were leaked, you wouldn't find them here. You would probably find a "spoiler" review though :D

Anyway. Don't check this page on a daily basis, but you might want to check it once in a while.

AND BUY THE SMILE SESSIONS! We've been waiting for them for so long, the right thing to do is to send a message to Capitol saying you're happy. And to a record company, nothing says "I'm happy" like some of your hard-earned money. You don't steal a good product. And it may lead to more archival releases!

BW - The Like In I Love You

2010-06-29T11:41:00.003+02:00

Here's the first excerpt from Brian's forthcoming "Reimagines Gershwin" album, a song called "The Like In I Love You" (based on the yet-unreleased 1924 composition "Will You Remember Me"). You can definitely tell Brian's added his own twist to Gershwin's tune, but in my opinion, the most remarkable thing is Brian's voice, which seems to be in top shape!

Here's the song as a 160k mp3, directly ripped from Brian's website. Buy the album when it comes out!

Megaupload: click here

Rapidshare: click here

Time To Get Alone

2009-12-05T12:11:00.012+01:00

As promised, here's another fulfilled request: "Time To Get Alone"!

This 2-CD set contains quite a lot of different and interesting things. For instance, disc 1 features the infamous "Murry" Help Me, Rhonda sessions, along with some outtakes from the "Party!" album.

Disc 2 is filled with studio outtakes from 1965-1968, alternate mixes, stereo mixes, the Redwood version of Time To Get Alone and - I wonder what it's doing here - Dennis' Holy, Holy (which, oddly enough, is credited to Brian and referred to as a 1965 demo in the liner notes!)

All tracks are encoded in 192k mp3. Thanks again to Frank for sending it to me! I had lost it because of a hard drive failure, and it's nice to have it again!

DISC 1, main link: #1 (click here)

DISC 2, main link: #1 (click here)

Artwork: front / back

For The First Time

2009-12-03T09:58:00.005+01:00

Here's an uncommon collection of songs called "For The First Time, Vol.1". Thanks to Frank for sending this one to me!

This disc contains lots of different things (Jingles, alternate mixes, quite a few 80s/90s songs, and some Celebration songs). I think all the tracks can be found on other CDs, but it might contain a few things that you don't have yet.

Click here to read the tracklist: Tracklist

The songs are encoded in 128k mp3, and the artwork is included. Enjoy! (coming next: the "Time To Get Alone" 2-CD set that was requested and that I didn't have anymore!)

Main link: #1, click here

Alternate links: #2 / #3 / #4 / #5 / #6

Request #3 - Deep Sea Treasures 1&2

2009-11-05T21:28:00.007+01:00

As promised, here are Deep Sea Treasures, volumes 1 and 2!

The first volume contains rare studio stuff, from 1963 to 1973. Quite a few tracks from this first CD were released on the excellent Hawthorne, CA 2-CD set, but a few others are still officially unreleased.

The second volume contains live recordings, from 1961 to 1974. There are some gems on this CD!

Both CDs are encoded in 320 kbps mp3.

Volume 1, main link: #1, click here

Volume 1, alternate links: #2 / #3 / #4 / #5 / #6

Volume 2, main link: #1, click here

Volume 2, alternate links: #2 / #3 / #4 / #5 / #6

Enjoy these CDs, and have a great weekend!

Oh, by the way, don't expect new posts until December! I'm quite busy right now - I'll repost the RTL Saga tomorrow (edit: it's up!), and I might post a couple of things before Christmas, but as of now it's unlikely.

Request #2 - BWPS at the RFH (1st show)

2009-10-10T14:39:00.007+02:00

Request #2: first live show of "Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE": Royal Festival Hall, London, Feb. 20th, 2004

"Legendary" seems to be an appropriate word to describe this particular show. I don't usually collect live shows, but as a BB/BW fan, I just had to have this one!

While listening to the show, you'll notice that Brian wasn't exactly "into it" - but I guess we can all understand why, and he seems to become more relaxed near the end of the concert anyway.

The show is divided into 3 mp3s (one for each section: americana, childhood, the elements). The quality is good enough (128 kbps), considering it's not a soundboard recording. Oh, and the artwork is included!

So, whether you were there or not on that evening (I certainly wish I had been there!), enjoy this one!

Main link: #1, click here

Alternate links: #2 / #3 / #4 / #5 / #6

Request #1 - Smiley Smile (Sortastereo)

2009-10-10T12:16:00.009+02:00

Request #1: Smiley Smile in stereo (256 kbps)

Now, it's impossible to do a "true stereo" mix of Smiley Smile. So this is some kind of "fake stereo" version... Hence its name, "sortastereo"!

These mixes are really good, and you'll be able to fully enjoy them as the files are 256 kbps mp3s.

I don't remember where/who I got this from, so if you'd like to be credited, just drop your name in the comments!

Main link: #1, click here

Alternate links: #2 / #3 / #4 / #5 / #6

EDIT

It seems there actually is a true stereo mix of Smiley Smile, called the "Maximus Mix". Someone kindly gave me a link to it in the comments, and I'm putting it here for you. Enjoy!

Maximus Mix, true stereo: click here

NEWS - REQUESTS

2009-10-03T12:59:00.005+02:00

NOTE: requests are closed for the time being as I'm going to upload the following items. I'll eventually make a new "requests" post!

Here's what I'm going to post:

- First SMiLE show
- Deep Sea Treasures Vol. 1&2
- Stereo Smiley Smile (I'll have to check if the version I have is more than 128 kbps, though)

While you're at it, check the Legendary Masked Surfers board for new "compilation boots" made by DJole. I recommend them for completists (they might contain stuff you haven't heard yet) and for those who want to start collecting unreleased music!

Hello again! No, I haven't forgotten about my promise - I intend to begin posting stuff again. The problem is, I don't know what to post! So I'm asking for your ideas, or even better, your requests. The rules are simple:

1) Post your request in the comments, just under this message;
2) No reuploads! (if you see it in the list on the right of your screen, I won't reupload it, at least not right now);
3) Keep the requests BB/BW-related (the Honeys are ok, the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother, less so!)
4) No stuff that can easily be bought new in stores.

If I have it, I'll post it!

Brian At The Sage Gateshead - 12-07-09

2009-08-01T13:10:00.017+02:00

Here's a 3-CD set of a very recent recording: Brian Wilson at The Sage Gateshead, Newcastle, July 12th 2009. The performance itself is quite good, and even though the recording could be clearer at times, you're in for a very enjoyable listen.

Listening to these CDs, it sounds like Brian was in a really good mood as he doesn't stop talking and joking around!

Noteworthy is the presence of quite a few "recent" songs from Brian's solo career: Your Imagination, Soul Searchin', Desert Drive, three songs from TLOS...

Enjoy this one! (and thanks again to the friend who gave me these CDs, you know who you are!)

CD 1: Rapidshare / Badongo /

CD 2: Rapidshare /

CD 3: Rapidshare / Megaupload /

(192kbps mp3, cover art included)

News!

2009-07-17T12:25:00.006+02:00

Hello!

I don't know if some of you still check this blog for updates from time to time... Yes, I know I haven't posted anything on this blog for a long time, and no, I'm not proudly telling you that I'm going to post stuff right now :(

BUT! I should have more time in August, and I think I'll have more time next year than I've had this year. I still have loads of rare files that I'd like to share with you, so I'll post them some day (the sooner, the better!)

Some people keep asking me for reuploads and I'd like to say a couple of things about that:

1) Most of the time, the files are still downloadable! When you see some links like "1 / 2 / 3 / 4...", it doesn't mean you have to download all four of them. One is enough! So if "1" doesn't work, try "2", or "3", or... And so on. I haven't checked all the files, but from what I've seen there seems to be at least one link that's still working.

2) Some files aren't downloadable anymore indeed, like for instance that "RTL Saga" about the Beach Boys. I know I said I'd try to post it as soon as possible. But I've not been able to yet. Please try to understand that, even though sharing rare Beach Boys stuff is a pleasure, I have other things to do with my life and updating this blog regularly is not exactly my #1 priority. What's more, this "RTL Saga" is a large file. I actually tried to reupload it three times last March, but the servers were in a bad mood and decided I wouldn't get a download link, which was a bit disheartening. Since then I haven't tried again, but I'll try soon, so please be patient!

In the time being, check the various links on the right - you'll undoubtedly find interesting things you don't have yet (not necessarily Beach Boys-related, but good music isn't limited to them!)

Have a great summer!

~LZ

BW - The Christmas Song

2008-12-18T21:00:00.004+01:00

Sorry for the lack of updates - my studies just don't leave me enough time. But I'll be back some day to share the rest of my collection with you, I promise! ;)

Anyway, here's "The Christmas Song" from BW's website, so you don't need to record it.

Before you start complaining about the "crappy" (128k) quality, let me say that I didn't record it - I grabbed it directly from BW's website. The thing you hear on his site is a 128k mp3!

Here's the link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/xxgy2a

Enjoy, and merry Christmas to you and your families! :D

The Cocaine Sessions

2008-05-19T17:37:00.007+02:00

Here are the infamous "Cocaine Sessions" that involved Brian Wilson and, supposedly, his brother Dennis around 1981/1982. The voices are rough and Brian is totally stoned, yet you can't help feeling the emotions that emerge from these songs. This boot is mostly known for "Oh, Lord", an organ-led song in which you can feel Brian's sadness and pain. It's sometimes hard to listen to, but it is a fascinating document of what Brian's life was like in the early 80's.

The .rar file contains two versions: the "original" bootleg, and a "cleaned-up", "re-eq'ed" version. Enjoy! ;)

Links: 1 / 2 / 3

The 5 entire TLOS shows that I have have been reuploaded - get 'em while you can!

That Lucky Old Sun (September 16th)

2008-04-18T12:51:00.008+02:00

Finally, here's the Sept. 16th, 2007 TLOS show! I don't know why I hadn't posted this one before (I probably didn't have enough free time when I got this one, and forgot about it afterwards), but this is one of the best TLOS shows available! I hope you'll enjoy this one if you still haven't heard it!

Part 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Part 2 (TLOS + encores): 1 / 2 / 3

P.S. I'll repost the other complete TLOS shows soon, this time as separarate mp3s! ;)

SOT Guide

2008-04-18T12:38:00.002+02:00

Rockin'_DJole sent me this guide in .pdf format that covers the SOT/UM releases. It contains tracklists, artwork, reviews and info for each volume.

Links: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 1 - Surfin' Safari

2008-04-13T22:41:00.005+02:00

...And finally, volume 1 of the Unsurpassed Masters series! This one covers the "Surfin' Safari" album, that is to say tracks such as "Summertime Blues", "Heads You Win, Tails I Lose", "County Fair" or "The Surfer Moon".

Obviously not the best of the SOTs, but it was one of my first boots, so it holds a special place in my heart! I hope you'll enjoy it as well! (artwork is included)

Links: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 2 - Surfin' U.S.A.

2008-04-13T22:07:00.007+02:00

Here's volume two of the great Unsurpassed Masters series, dedicated to the "Surfin' U.S.A." sessions.

As usual, artwork is included! Enjoy!

Links: 1 / 2 / 3

Carl Wilson - 2 Albums

2008-02-06T19:45:00.002+01:00

Carl Dean Wilson left us on February 6th, 1998. It's hard to believe it was already 10 years ago. I wasn't even that much of a Beach Boys fan at that time (I was 10 and only knew the hits), and I didn't know who he was. But now I know he was a wonderful person who struggled all his life to be a peacemaker while staying "professional". A hard task when you're a member of the Beach Boys...

I thought today was the right day to post his two solo albums: Carl Wilson (1981) and Youngblood (1983). These are unfortunately out of print nowadays, but I hope they'll be reissued soon. For the time being, enjoy those two! There are a few good "rockers" of course, but also a couple of heartfelt and beautiful songs such as Heaven or If I Could Talk To Love. "The heart and voice of an angel..."

Links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

P.S. Watch out for more reuploads - for instance, I've just reuploaded SOT Vol.17, but keep checking the links on the right side under "available stuff", as I won't post a new message each time I reupload something! ;)

Rarities (1983)

2008-01-23T21:11:00.000+01:00

By request, here is the rare and now out-of-print 1983 Rarities album. CD copies in good condition often sell for around $50, so here's your chance to get it for free! All songs are interesting, and even if some of them are available elsewhere, it's still a must-have. And, um, the cover is quite nice. ;)

By the way, this is the Japanese version, with the 3 "medleys" as additional tracks.

Enjoy this one!

Links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

I Was Made To Love Her (Extended Version)

2008-01-21T18:24:00.000+01:00

I don't know if you're aware of the "long version" of "I Was Made To Love Her" (the one featured in the "Rarities" album, amongst other boots)... Basically, it's the LP version with an acapella tag at the end. When you listen to it, the "tag" sounds out of place. And that's because it is out of place!

I was listening to the Stevie Wonder version this morning, and I noticed that this "tag" was present somewhere in the middle of the song. So I just tried to do a similar mix with the Beach Boys version!

There are 10 different links, so if one of them doesn't work, try another one.

Here you go: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Enjoy!

More reuploads are on their way!

Brian Wilson - Heaven

2007-12-22T17:37:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, December 21st 2007, Carl Wilson would have been 61. In order to both honor his memory and offer to his fans a "Christmas present", Brian Wilson decided to record a version of Carl's "Heaven". According to the great mixer/engineer Mark Linett, Brian got in the studio the day before yesterday and, during that single day, he produced the track and sung each and every part that you can hear! And you'll realize how amazing this is when you hear the falsetto harmonies.

Enjoy this beautiful and heartfelt tribute. AND MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!

"Heaven": 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

"Heaven", with spoken intro: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 3 - Surfer Girl

2007-11-03T16:11:00.002+01:00

This SOT set covers a few tracks from the "Surfer Girl" era, including "Surfers Rule", "Catch A Wave", "Run-Around Lover" (a Sharon Marie tune, produced by Brian as usual), and many more!

My favourite cuts are the sessions for "Boogie Woodie", especially the overdubs, where you can clearly hear these fantastic organ and piano parts! This reminds me that I have to do a remix of "Boogie Woodie" with a louder organ part...

Anyway, enjoy this set! (160 kbps, artwork included)

Links: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 4 - Miscellaneous Trax 1

2007-10-30T17:45:00.004+01:00

Here's volume 4 of the SOT series - "Misc Trax 1". It includes sessions for "Pamela Jean" (cut by the "Survivors" another band Brian produced and sang with), "I Do" (a fantastic Spector-ish production - two different sessions are available on this set: one with vocals done by the "Castells" and the other one by the BBs), some Honeys songs, and more. A must-have!

Artwork is included. Enjoy!

Disc 1 + artwork: 1 / 2 / 3

Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3

September 24th, Birmingham

2007-10-22T18:15:00.000+02:00

Here's another September show. This one took place on Monday 24th in the Birmingham Symphony Hall, a venue that is recognized worldwide for its unbelievable acoustics.

Predictably, the sound quality is very good. Each instrument can be heard with great clarity, but unfortunately though, this seems to be at the expense of the backing vocals. Brian's leads are very clear, but where is the rest of the band? (I'm exaggerating a bit here)

Anyway, this show is another great one and is worth downloading. Enjoy!

Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Disc 2 (TLOS + encores): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

That Lucky Old Sun (September 15th)

2007-10-07T21:36:00.003+02:00

Another TLOS show recorded at the Royal Festival Hall! This one is the Saturday 15th show.

Performance-wise, it is very good and enjoyable, and the sound quality is very good as well.

Enjoy this one! ;)

Part 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Part 2 (TLOS + encores): 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 5 - Miscellaneous Trax 2

2007-09-22T15:43:00.001+02:00

This "miscellaneous tracks" set includes sessions for "Fun, Fun, Fun", "Ganz Allein" (literally "All Alone" - the gorgeous german version of "In My Room"), "He's A Doll" (a Honeys track), and for "Thinkin' 'Bout You Baby" (a great song by Sharon Marie).

While it may not be the most interesting and essential of all SOTs, this one is really enjoyable, especially if, like me, you're a fan of the Honeys and of everything Sharon Marie did (not much, sadly)!

Complete artwork is included. Enjoy!

Link: 1 / 2 / 3

That Lucky Old Sun (September 12th)

2007-09-21T09:46:00.003+02:00

I've had a few requests for the Wednesday 12th show, so here it is. Each of the shows has its good and bad sides. Some think that most songs are better sung by Brian on this one, and that the sound is a bit clearer. Yet, there's a guy that whistles now and then troughout the show, and there are some "clicks". But these are details, and both of these shows are really good and enjoyable!

Part 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Part 2 (TLOS + encores): 1 / 2 / 3

That Lucky Old Sun (September 10th)

2007-09-15T17:04:00.002+02:00

There you go! I've had quite a few requests for a recording of TLOS... I wanted to record Tuesday's show myself, but the concert was a bit too loud for my microphone. All you can hear on the recording is a somewhat unpleasant and disappointing "brzzzzttttt" that actually blew up one of my earphones when I was trying to listen to the recording. Oh well...

Thanks to some friends, I've been able to locate a complete recording of TLOS (from the first show, Monday 10th) in "listenable" quality, that I'm happy to share with you!

Part 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Part 2 (TLOS + encores): 1 / 2 / 3

Brian Wilson - Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl

2007-09-08T01:06:00.002+02:00

After "Midnight's Another Day", here's a second preview of Brian's new solo work, "That Lucky Old Sun (A Narrative)".

Although not as good as "MAD", "Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl" is a cute piece of nostalgia with typical Brian-esque changes! And the song actually manages to be nostalgic without being cheesy... Not an easy thing to do.

This was recorded directly from Brian's website and is available as a 256k mp3! Enjoy ;)

Links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

American Spring - Spring (Plus)

2007-08-18T11:53:00.001+02:00

I'm going to be offline for awhile (about a week), so I thought I'd give you a "bonus" for the following week!

Here's the "Spring" album that most BB fans must have heard of. American Spring, a group formed by two of the Rovell sisters (Diane and Marilyn, Brian Wilson's then-wife), made this Brian Wilson-produced LP in '72. Some may argue that Brian Wilson didn't exactly "produce" the whole album, but his mark is undoubtedly present on most songs. This album is a real "hidden gem", featuring fantastic songs such as the Spring versions of "This Whole World" and "Good Time", or the unique "Sweet Mountain". Enjoy this one! Complete artwork included.

(note: this is the "Plus" edition, that features some bonus cuts like the great "Fallin' In Love" (penned by Dennis Wilson and originally titled "Lady") or "It's Like Heaven")

Links: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 6 - All Summer Long

2007-08-18T11:35:00.000+02:00

Vol. 6 is a 3-CD boxset (again) dedicated to one of my favourites pre-1966 albums, "All Summer Long". Artwork is included in the third zip file!

Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 21 - Stereo Today! & Summer Days

2007-08-11T16:41:00.003+02:00

After the SOTs dedicated to Today! and Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), here's Vol. 21 - the two aforementioned albums, in stereo!

Well, not exactly. On certain songs, parts are missing, and some other songs don't even have vocals... But the instrumental track for these is in stereo, though.

There are some bonus cuts, including Three Blind Mice, Sandy, the backing track for Guess I'm Dumb (fantastic), and many more!

Artwork is included in each zip file. Enjoy this one and have a nice weekend ;)

Part 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Part 2: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 7 & 8 - Today!

2007-08-08T17:12:00.009+02:00

"Today!" deserved no less than two 4-CD boxsets containing outtakes and studio excerpts! The two boxsets are Vol. 7 and 8 of the Unsurpassed Masters series and, as usual, the quality of the tracks is really good.

Enjoy ;)

Vol. 7 - Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3
Vol. 7 - Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3
Vol. 7 - Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3
Vol. 7 - Disc 4: 1 / 2 / 3

Vol. 8 - Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3
Vol. 8 - Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3
Vol. 8 - Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3
Vol. 8 - Disc 4: 1 / 2 / 3

Brian Wilson - Midnight's Another Day

2007-08-06T23:56:00.001+02:00

Here's a preview of Brian's forthcoming work, "That Lucky Old Sun (A Narrative)" (that I'm going to see at the London RFH in September! Yay!).

This song is called "Midnight's Another Day" - music by Brian, words by Scott Bennett. I like this song a lot... At first listen I didn't "get" it, but after listening to it three or four times "I saw the light"! Definitely one of Brian's best post-1988 songs (not counting BWPS, obviously). Brian said this version was just a demo... Can't wait for the definitive studio version if that's the case!

Links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 9 - Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)

2007-07-27T18:12:00.005+02:00

UM Vol.9 is a boxset (again) containing 4 CDs of outtakes and session excerpts from the "Summer Days..." era. To me, it's one of the best sets in the UM "catalog", I hope you'll agree!

As usual, artwork is included in each rar file...

Oh yeah, I'd like you to visit the blogs in my links! Especially the "Beach Boys" ones, as they might not be here much longer... So pay 'em a visit and download their stuff as soon as you can! Of course you should also visit the other, "non-BB" blogs... They're in the links for a reason! ;)

And a last thing: I just wanted to tell you that I have no intention of ever closing this blog, so if you try to reach it some day and it looks like it doesn't exist anymore, it will be the "authorities'" fault... :(

But for now, back to the music!

Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3

Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3

Disc 4: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 10 - Party!

2007-07-19T21:40:00.006+02:00

Vol. 10 is dedicated to the "Party!" album. If you don't know the story behind this album, it's worth telling you that the songs were recorded in a studio, and then a special "party" was held to overdub "partying sounds" over the studio recordings...

Anyway, back to Vol. 10. Like most UM sets, this 4-CD set contains outtakes and session excerpts. The real bonus here is the fourth disc, basically "Party!", but in stereo! Enjoy these! (artwork included)

Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3

Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Disc 4: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 11 - Misc Tracks, 3

2007-07-17T22:31:00.002+02:00

Here's Vol. 11, a 2-CD set that contains "Miscellaneous Tracks". Indeed. You get an unknown instrumental, sessions for "The Little Girl I Once Knew", "Let's Live Before We Die" and "Three Blind Mice", and sessions for two BW-produced songs sung by Dick Reynolds, "How Deep Is The Ocean" and "Stella By Starlight".

The most interesting tracks are the sessions for "The Little Girl..." (what a song!) and for "Three Blind Mice" (listen to the arrangement and you'll know why - it's even been mistaken for a SMiLE-era track!).

Enjoy!

Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 12 - Sloop John B. & Radio Spots

2007-07-13T18:07:00.003+02:00

As promised, here's Volume 12 - the first disc is dedicated to the Sloop John B. sessions, and the other one contains sessions for various radio spots. The radio spots are not that interesting (although there are some funny moments during the sessions), but the Sloop John B. sessions are really great. Enjoy this one!

Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Beach Boys - Purple Chick in FLAC

2007-07-11T17:29:00.001+02:00

Okay, so by request here's Purple Chick SMiLE in FLAC (a lossless audio format). The files have been divided into 5 uploads, because I was asked to upload them via Rapidshare and there's a 100 mb limit on this site. The complete artwork is included in the fifth upload, enjoy this great mix! ;) (UM Volume 12 is coming Thursday or Friday!)

Part 1: http://rapidshare.com/files/42336207/Purple_Chick_SMiLE_-_FLAC_-_1_-_LZ.rar.html

Part 2: http://rapidshare.com/files/42343790/Purple_Chick_SMiLE_-_FLAC_-_2_-_LZ.rar.html

Part 3: http://rapidshare.com/files/42349602/Purple_Chick_SMiLE_-_FLAC_-_3_-_LZ.rar.html

Part 4: http://rapidshare.com/files/42356477/Purple_Chick_SMiLE_-_FLAC_-_4_-_LZ.rar.html

Part 5: http://rapidshare.com/files/42358209/Purple_Chick_SMiLE_-_FLAC_-_5_-_LZ.rar.html

Beach Boys - U.M. Vol. 15 - Good Vibrations

2007-07-09T10:07:00.000+02:00

"Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys deserved a special boxset - and here it is: U.M. Vol. 15! Considered by many to be one of the best songs (if not the best one) of the 20th century, "Good Vibrations" was recorded over a period of 6 months, in 4 different studios. What you'll hear on this 3-CD set are outtakes, alternate sections, and a few vocal takes. This set is interesting to hear at least once, and it's nice to have it around if you want to make your own "(insert 2-digit value) minute Good Vibrations mix". Artwork is included in each .rar file!

CD1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

CD2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

CD3: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Beach Boys - U.M. Vol. 16 - SMiLE

2007-07-07T12:42:00.001+02:00

Volume 16 of the Unsurpassed Masters series is intended to be a "complete" album, not a succession of outtakes and unreleased tracks like the other volumes. Of course, when talking about "SMiLE", a "complete" album *is* a succession of outtakes and unreleased tracks... But you catch my drift.

Artwork is included in the .rar file!

Links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Enjoy this music and have a nice weekend! ;)

Beach Boys - U.M. Vol. 17 - SMiLE Sessions

2007-07-07T11:47:00.001+02:00

Vol. 17 of the Unsurpassed Masters set is dedicated to what is probably the most famous unreleased album of all time: "SMiLE", by Brian Wilson and his Beach Boys! This might not be the best "SMiLE" boot out there (this is debatable) but still, it's a must-have! As usual, artwork is included in the .rar files.

CD1: 1 / 2 / 3

CD2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

CD3: 1 / 2 / 3

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 18 - Smiley Smile

2007-07-05T21:23:00.000+02:00

Here's vol. 18 of the Unsurpassed Masters series! This volume focuses exclusively on the "Smiley Smile" album. Songs covered on this one are Wonderful, Wind Chimes, Vegetables, She's Goin' Bald, Gettin' Hungry, and With Me Tonight. This CD is a personal favourite, I hope you'll dig the tracks as much as I do! Artwork is included in the .zip file.

Link: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 13 & 14 - Pet Sounds

2007-07-03T19:27:00.008+02:00

Hmm, you might have noticed that this isn't Vol. 18 as expected, but rather Vol. 13 and Vol.14 - I'm making an exception because someone requested this particular boot, so I'm happy to fulfill his request promptly! This 8-CD (!) set focuses on the"Pet Sounds" album - kind of a "Pet Sounds Sessions Deluxe".

It's worth noting that Sloop John B. isn't covered by this release, as it was already covered in Vol. 12.

Specific artwork is included in each .rar file!

Vol. 13 - Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 13 - Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 13 - Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 13 - Disc 4: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 14 - Disc 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 14 - Disc 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 14 - Disc 3: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Vol. 14 - Disc 4: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

RTL France - Saga Beach Boys par Georges Lang

2007-07-02T18:36:00.007+02:00

This is a recording of a radio show dedicated to the Beach Boys that aired two days ago (June 30th) on France's #1 radio station, RTL! "Saga" is a regular program hosted by famous DJ Georges Lang (who also hosts country and rock shows), that focuses on a particular artist during two hours.

As the show is in French and only features "released" songs, this upload is mostly destined to French-speaking fans or collectors. The show is quite good, apart from a few odd choices in the track selection (Still Cruisin'? They could at least have played Somewhere Near Japan instead!) and a few mistakes in the biography, only noticeable by real fans.

This 160k MP3 comes from a WAV file that I recorded myself, and the sound quality is surprisingly good! I was expecting worse, considering the fact that I recorded it with my MP3 player (on radio recording mode). Anyway, if anybody's interested in this one, enjoy! ;)

Main link: #1, click here

November 6th, 2009 - Reuploaded by request!

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 19 - Wild Honey

2007-07-02T16:24:00.000+02:00

Unsurpassed Masters vol.19 focuses on session excerpts and outtakes from the Wild Honey era: Cool, Cool Water; Can't Wait Too Long; I Was Made To Love Her; Here Comes The Night; A Thing Or Two; The Letter; Darlin'; and Wild Honey. Artwork is included in the .zip file!

Links to part 1: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Links to part 2: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Purple Chick SMiLE Mix

2007-06-30T13:11:00.000+02:00

So here it is, the "Cadillac" of SMiLEs... And it is very good indeed. I only have one regret: on some tracks, they've used excerpts from BWPS 2004... Listening to this today made me want to do a better SMiLE mix than the first one I made. I'll try to complete it during July and August, stay tuned! But for now, enjoy this SMiLE mix.

In order to be downloaded (and uploaded!!!) easily, the tracks are "only" high-quality 160 kbps MP3s, converted from FLAC files. Complete artwork is included in high resolution!

Links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Reupload note: I'll be reuploading the FLAC version as well, so if you're into lossless stuff, you might as well wait for that one.

Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 20 - 20/20, Friends, Misc

2007-06-29T13:16:00.000+02:00

I'm going to start posting the Unsurpassed Masters sets, starting from n°20 and then finishing with n°1 and the other UM sets (Live Box, Christmas Album, Stereo Today & Summer Days...)

So here is vol. 20, that contains session excerpts and outtakes from the 20/20 and Friends sessions, along with some miscellaneous stuff. Artwork is included!

Part 1 links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Part 2 links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Brian Loves You

2007-06-27T14:07:00.000+02:00

This boot is one of my favourites. It contains songs recorded by Brian with or without the presence of other Beach Boys, around 1976 and 1977. Amongst the tracks, there's a yet-unreleased song titled "That Special Feeling"; "They're Marching Along", the "prototype" for "Little Children" (on Brian's 1988 solo album); an alternate version of "My Diane"; two takes of "I'm Bugged At My Old Man", recorded for a TV special and featuring Dennis and Carl, and finally demos for many "Adult Child" (unreleased album) and "Love You" songs.

My favourite on this release: the "I'll Bet He's Nice" demo. It showcases Brian's famous "piano-banging" style, and you can hear Mike Love near the end of the song, singing along with Brian!

This upload actually comes from a friend of mine, who ripped his vinyl into 192k mp3s. Thanks to him for allowing me to post it here!

Links (artwork included): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Tracklist:

Side A:
01. That Special Feeling (demo)
02. It's Over Now (demo)
03. It's Over Now (demo)
04. They're Marching Along (aka Little Children, demo)
05. Still I Dream Of It (demo)
06. My Diane (alternate version)

Side B:
01. Love Is A Woman (demo)
02. Mona (demo)
03. Airplane (demo)
04. Let's Put Our Hearts Together (demo)
05. I'll Bet He's Nice (demo)
06. I'm Bugged At My Old Man (TV special rehearsal)
07. I'm Bugged At My Old Man (TV special version)

P.S. There might be some people here that haven't listened to the 1977 "Love You" album yet. I advise them to listen to it - at first listen it might sound a bit weird, but if you take the time to "absorb" the music you'll find yourself thinking that it's one of the best Beach Boys albums. *I* certainly do. ;)

Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) Alternate Mix

2007-06-26T13:10:00.000+02:00

Okay, this first upload is an alternate mix of Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) from the Pet Sounds album, featuring the "Vocal Snippet". I had been looking for a similar version, but couldn't find it... So I decided to do it myself.

It might sound surprising, but this actually required a bit of work. The vocal snippet is way faster than the song, so I've had to slow down the vocal snippet... But then, the parts wouldn't match! In fact, after dividing the snippet in 7 or 8 parts, I had to slow down some parts of the snippet more than others, to make the whole thing listenable. It took me about an hour, but I'm quite satisfied with the result. The surprise comes at around 00:53!

Enjoy and please let me know what you think!

Links: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Welcome!

2007-06-26T10:03:00.000+02:00

Hello and welcome! On this blog, you'll find rare music by the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, as well as good music by other artists. I hope you'll dig the sounds as much as I do! I'll be happy to fulfill any request, provided I have the material you're asking for. :)

~Linear Zap