The Big Beat 1963
The Big Beat 1963 is a compilation album released on December 17, 2013, exclusively through digital distribution. It features selections of early demos and recordings made by Brian Wilson in the early 1960s with such acts as the Beach Boys and the Honeys.[1][2]
The Big Beat 1963 | ||||
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Compilation album by various artists | ||||
Released | December 17, 2013 | |||
Recorded | 1963 | |||
Genre | Rock, surf rock, rock and roll | |||
Length | 49:02 | |||
Label | Capitol | |||
Producer |
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Brian Wilson chronology | ||||
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The Beach Boys chronology | ||||
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The compilation's release came as a result of revised European copyright laws, forcing some labels to publish unreleased archival material so that they will not lose their copyright.[1][3][4]
About the music
Up until the time of the album's release, none of the tracks contained within had been commercially released. However many of them had appeared on bootlegs over the years.[5]
"Summer Moon"
The song "Summer Moon" started out as a different title, "Surfer Moon" which was previously recorded by Bob Norberg & Sheri Pomeroy. In May 1963, Brian Wilson got together with some top Los Angeles session musicians who would later become The Wrecking Crew. This time Norberg recorded it with a local singer and future actress Victoria Hale, the song was recorded at United Recorders. Jan Berry took care of the string arrangements.[6][7][8] Victoria Hale was known as Vickie Kocher back then. Having already rehearsed their vocals at Norberg's Crenshaw Park apartment, they recorded the song at the Western Studio. Brian Wilson's vocals were also added to the recording. A three track recording was done and Wilson had made a rough dub was made. Wilson also gave Kocher an acetate to have as a keepsake.[9] According to the Friday Night Boys blog, Victoria Hale who possessed the only known acetate of "The Summer Moon" was contacted by David Beard of examiner.com. He put Alan Boyd and Mark Linett in touch with her. It was arranged for her to hand-carry her acetate to a professional mastering studio to make a digital transfer from it.[10]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Brian Wilson except where indicated.
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Performer(s) | Length |
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1. | "The Big Beat" | Bob & Sheri | ||
2. | "First Rock and Roll Dance" (Instrumental) | Brian Wilson | ||
3. | "Gonna Hustle You" (Demo) | Wilson, Bob Norberg | Brian Wilson | |
4. | "Ride Away" | Wilson, Norberg | Bob & Sheri | |
5. | "Funny Boy" | The Honeys | ||
6. | "Marie" | Bob Norberg & Brian Wilson, with The Honeys | ||
7. | "Mother May I" | The Beach Boys | ||
8. | "I Do" (Demo) | Wilson, Roger Christian | The Beach Boys | |
9. | "Bobby Left Me" (Backing track) | Brian Wilson | ||
10. | "If It Can't Be You" (a.k.a. I'll Never Love Again) | Gary Usher | ||
11. | "You Brought It All on Yourself" | The Honeys | ||
12. | "Make the Night a Little Longer" | Carole King, Gerry Goffin | The Honeys | |
13. | "Rabbit's Foot" (Unfinished track with backing vocals) | The Honeys | ||
14. | "Summer Moon" | Vicki Kocher and Bob Norberg | ||
15. | "Side Two" (Instrumental) | The Beach Boys | ||
16. | "Ballad of Ole Betsy" (Demo) | Wilson, Christian | The Beach Boys | |
17. | "Thank Him" (Demo) | Brian Wilson | ||
18. | "Once You've Got Him" | Ginger Blake, Dianne Rovell | The Honeys | |
19. | "For Always and Forever" (Demo) | Blake, Rovell | The Honeys | |
20. | "Little Dirt Bike" (Demo) | Blake, Rovell | The Honeys | |
21. | "Darling I'm Not Stepping Out On You" (Demo) | Blake, Rovell | The Honeys | |
22. | "When I Think About You" (Demo) | Blake, Rovell | The Honeys | |
Total length: | 49:02 |
References
- Gnerre, Sam (December 20, 2013). "Brian Wilson's early days chronicled on download-only 'The Big Beat 1963'". Daily Breeze.
- "Early Brian Wilson recordings set for digital release". Uncut.
- Mason, Stewart (January 2, 2014). "CELEBRITY NEWS The Beatles, Brian Wilson, Motown and Copyright Law". Hollywood.
- Kozinn, Allan (December 5, 2014). "Rare Dylan Recordings Set for Release in Copyright-Extension Bid". New York: ArtsBeat.
- Uncut, 12th December 2013 - News, Early Brian Wilson recordings set for digital release
- The Second Disc, December 17, 2013 - NEWS, The Beatles and The Beach Boys Beat The Boots On “The Big Beat 1963” and “Bootleg Recordings” By Joe Marchese
- Casting Networks Inc. - VICTORIA HALE
- The Words and Music of Brian Wilson, By Christian Matijas-Mecca - ISBN 1440838984 - Pages 6 - 7 Hits
- Becoming the Beach Boys, 1961-1963, By James B. Murphy - Page 289 21. Making Waves in the Midwest (April - June 1963)
- Friday Night Boys, Saturday, 14 December 2013 - Brian Wilson and The Big Beat 1963