Hey folks, Here’s a kind of disjointed dispatch from your old pal, CP. I've been hustling here and there, "runnin' to-and-fro, hard workin' at the mill” as the man said, but I still wanted to check in. And before I go any further, I should mention today is Valentine’s Day and me and the CP trio, we’ll be at the
ah, the roll 'n' rock hall of shame. doesn't that go against everything rock n roll stands for, or the rock god will tell you that until they get in to it.
This wonderful piece just sets off pleasant little memory explosions in everyone who reads it. I'm thinking of a beach in southern Massachusetts, my best ex-boyfriend, and his mini boom box (red!) with Brian's sweet voice, then sneaking into the private beach club--they have those back East--to use not only their showers but their towels.
"The intersection of Rock and Roll where life and death, restraining orders, the California Dream, schizophrenia, surfing, the Wrecking Crew, the Maharishi, Charles Manson, insanity, psychological abuse, child abuse, genius, LSD, heroin, family squabbles, accidental drownings, nervous breakdowns, paranoid psychosis, reclusiveness and resurgence." There are revered authors and journalists that couldn't get within a mile of wording so visceral, compelling,
Cheers Chuck. Always fascinating to read your take on things. I’ll look out for the Wilson doc. - and Jesse Mae Hemphill, who’s work I’m not familiar with.
Chuck, my brothers and I (Johnsons)were supremely moved by the sounds of the Wilson brothers in the days before history began - you know, before the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan. The love continues. I play some instrumental-only piano at my town’s community center once a month, and this last go round I included The Warmth of the Sun. Man, just put those miraculous changes under your fingers. 1963 - I think he was 23. And just melodically - consider any number of “album fillers” like Catch A Wave, or Noble Surfer. Then Wild Honey, Darlin’ - a privilege to grow up with this music. I am glad you enjoy it, too. Don’t you have a reference to Help Me Rhonda in one of your more celebrated tunes?
I'd recommend Al and Friends even if Modesto is where you are headed too...and I think it is quite nice of you to suggest that it might be that the music and sometimes playing it is keeping Brian alive...I will be 70 next year, and your focus narrows to the things that matter as you age...thanks for the tip on the documentary, I haven't watched it yet either, but I will. Carry on...
I was in 6th grade, walking down the alley, 9 volt battery radio firmly in hand planted close enough to my ear to leave an impression. “Wouldn’t it be nice”!
Life has never been the same and anytime I hear that song I’m back walking down that alley!
So many thoughts Chuck but my first is I'm so happy you're writing and I'll happily read anything you put here. Your mind is going to take me somewhere I'm glad to go.
I want to watch the Brian documentary, and will say an RIP here to his late wife Melinda. It makes me sad to think of him without her support. The other night we found ourselves watching a 2000 biopic/miniseries The Beach Boys: An American Family - if you haven't watched it you need to! I don't think Brian was happy in the end and the hairpieces aren't great but the music (signed off on and sounding amazing) and family dynamics had me tearing up and downright weeping a time or two.
Jessie Mae's gold tooth brings back images of my fourth-grade lunch lady. I see her now, slightly smiling, flashing her gold crescent moon tooth as she scoops an extra helping of potato salad onto my pink plastic lunch tray. She had a scar running down one arm. Kids said she was in a knife fight. I don’t know anything about that. But I do know that she was liberal with the big spoon, and I appreciated her for that.
Thanks for the good music - Looking forward to the new album.
I’m going with Johnny Winter and Steve Miller who helped this very young boy drive from LA to FLA alone in a beige Corvair (the race car looking model) with only 2 8 track tapes of Rock and Roll Hootchie Coo and #5. By the time I hit Houston I felt I had become a member of the bands hitting the notes perfectly and loudly in the 4 wheeled sound studio. I will never forget those two as my only companions. Las Cruces to Houston is grueling but with a little help from my two friends it was cake!
I’ve had about 7 opportunities to make a visit to the RnR HoF but goddamnit I simply refused to bend the knee.
My only goal in life now is to find out what sportswriter didn’t vote for Willie Mays for Baseball’s HoF and dead or alive give that fucker a piece of my mind. Ok stepping off my soapbox!
Celebrating my 50th Valentines’ Day with the beautiful and extraordinarily talented Lori Singletary today with butter and champagne poached cold water lobster tails, creamy cache de pepe with asparagus tips, raspberry coulee on crème brûlée. Yeah my wheelhouse is the kitchen where you can wend your way to your Baby’s heart and not go hungry at the same time!
Happy Valentine Day to our favorite show biz couple!! ❤️🎶💪
ah, the roll 'n' rock hall of shame. doesn't that go against everything rock n roll stands for, or the rock god will tell you that until they get in to it.
This wonderful piece just sets off pleasant little memory explosions in everyone who reads it. I'm thinking of a beach in southern Massachusetts, my best ex-boyfriend, and his mini boom box (red!) with Brian's sweet voice, then sneaking into the private beach club--they have those back East--to use not only their showers but their towels.
"The intersection of Rock and Roll where life and death, restraining orders, the California Dream, schizophrenia, surfing, the Wrecking Crew, the Maharishi, Charles Manson, insanity, psychological abuse, child abuse, genius, LSD, heroin, family squabbles, accidental drownings, nervous breakdowns, paranoid psychosis, reclusiveness and resurgence." There are revered authors and journalists that couldn't get within a mile of wording so visceral, compelling,
Cheers Chuck. Always fascinating to read your take on things. I’ll look out for the Wilson doc. - and Jesse Mae Hemphill, who’s work I’m not familiar with.
Chuck, my brothers and I (Johnsons)were supremely moved by the sounds of the Wilson brothers in the days before history began - you know, before the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan. The love continues. I play some instrumental-only piano at my town’s community center once a month, and this last go round I included The Warmth of the Sun. Man, just put those miraculous changes under your fingers. 1963 - I think he was 23. And just melodically - consider any number of “album fillers” like Catch A Wave, or Noble Surfer. Then Wild Honey, Darlin’ - a privilege to grow up with this music. I am glad you enjoy it, too. Don’t you have a reference to Help Me Rhonda in one of your more celebrated tunes?
The Beach Boys made my Sloop John B. better keep an eye on um list!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Chuck! We love you too, near and far.
I'd recommend Al and Friends even if Modesto is where you are headed too...and I think it is quite nice of you to suggest that it might be that the music and sometimes playing it is keeping Brian alive...I will be 70 next year, and your focus narrows to the things that matter as you age...thanks for the tip on the documentary, I haven't watched it yet either, but I will. Carry on...
I was in 6th grade, walking down the alley, 9 volt battery radio firmly in hand planted close enough to my ear to leave an impression. “Wouldn’t it be nice”!
Life has never been the same and anytime I hear that song I’m back walking down that alley!
So many thoughts Chuck but my first is I'm so happy you're writing and I'll happily read anything you put here. Your mind is going to take me somewhere I'm glad to go.
I want to watch the Brian documentary, and will say an RIP here to his late wife Melinda. It makes me sad to think of him without her support. The other night we found ourselves watching a 2000 biopic/miniseries The Beach Boys: An American Family - if you haven't watched it you need to! I don't think Brian was happy in the end and the hairpieces aren't great but the music (signed off on and sounding amazing) and family dynamics had me tearing up and downright weeping a time or two.
Anyways, thanks for being you Chuck!
Jessie Mae's gold tooth brings back images of my fourth-grade lunch lady. I see her now, slightly smiling, flashing her gold crescent moon tooth as she scoops an extra helping of potato salad onto my pink plastic lunch tray. She had a scar running down one arm. Kids said she was in a knife fight. I don’t know anything about that. But I do know that she was liberal with the big spoon, and I appreciated her for that.
Thanks for the good music - Looking forward to the new album.
I’m going with Johnny Winter and Steve Miller who helped this very young boy drive from LA to FLA alone in a beige Corvair (the race car looking model) with only 2 8 track tapes of Rock and Roll Hootchie Coo and #5. By the time I hit Houston I felt I had become a member of the bands hitting the notes perfectly and loudly in the 4 wheeled sound studio. I will never forget those two as my only companions. Las Cruces to Houston is grueling but with a little help from my two friends it was cake!
I’ve had about 7 opportunities to make a visit to the RnR HoF but goddamnit I simply refused to bend the knee.
My only goal in life now is to find out what sportswriter didn’t vote for Willie Mays for Baseball’s HoF and dead or alive give that fucker a piece of my mind. Ok stepping off my soapbox!
Celebrating my 50th Valentines’ Day with the beautiful and extraordinarily talented Lori Singletary today with butter and champagne poached cold water lobster tails, creamy cache de pepe with asparagus tips, raspberry coulee on crème brûlée. Yeah my wheelhouse is the kitchen where you can wend your way to your Baby’s heart and not go hungry at the same time!
Happy Valentine Day to our favorite show biz couple!! ❤️🎶💪
Paul
Always good to hear that you're inspired Chuck! Looking forward to your next songs!!