The Beatles vs The Beach Boys

neardeathexperience · 06-14-2013, 06:15 AM

The Beach Boys musically were as advanced as what the Beatles did by the end of their career they just were not appreciated to the same extent. Sunflower, Holland and Surf's Up all represent light years away from the Beach Boys original surfing tunes. The general music listening public just didn't get it.

Surell · 06-17-2013, 11:23 AM

Til I Die is such a dense composition, it feels like drowning in music to me. just saying.

nirishan · 07-06-2013, 12:27 PM

[QUOTE=Necromancer;865556]Here is another opinion that suggest the Beach Boys are better also, (I stole the post from the Beach Boys thread, thats not cheating is it)?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Listening to Pet Sounds now for the first time. I'm getting the same reaction that I think anyone my age who only new them as "Surfin USA" and their other beach surf songs, which is "Wow these guys are not **** like I had previously thought they were, in fact, they are pretty damn good".

As for Pet Sounds vs Sgt Peppers, I would go with Pet Sounds. However, Sgt Peppers imo is The Beatles weakest work, post Hard Days Night.
__________________

wait...you're saying Sgt Peppers is worse than Beatles for Sale?

Alice in Chains · 07-07-2013, 02:39 AM

The Beatles. Not biased because they're my favorite band. They're my favorite band because they're as great as they are.

I dig The Beach Boys even though, admittedly, I haven't listened to as much of their songs as I have The Beatles because the didn't interest me as much. Honestly, those four dudes (Beatles) together was just genius. It's like some sort of connection just pulled them together because it knew the insane talent they had.

Anyway. Mostly meaningful lyrics (Though some are hard to understand for the narrow-minded), well played instruments, magnificently executed emotion, perfect live performances and just untouchable quality of music. It's my personal opinion, of course, and I'm not attacking anyone else for their opinion but TBB just can't compare to the Beatles.

memycelfandeye · 07-07-2013, 03:09 AM

Early works: The Beach Boys
"Good" period: The Beatles
"Magnum opus's" (Pet Sounds vs Sgt Pepper according the media): Pet Sounds
Careers after bands fell apart: The Beatles
Music talent and ability overall: The Beatles (I believe that Brian Wilson and McCartney are equals but without Wilson The Beach Boys would've been nothing. While The Beatles' quality on many songs come directly from either Paul's pen or input I have faith that John and George would've had wonderful careers on their own)
Overall: The Beatles.

If SMiLE came out as it was supposed to when it was supposed this may be an entirely different argument though.

Lizzilee · 07-07-2013, 05:10 AM

As above........

The Beatles......

nirishan · 07-07-2013, 11:03 AM

I also grew up since I could listen to music, listening to the Beatles. And since then, they've been my favorite band. Then, Like you, unbeknownst to me, the Beach Boys made music outside, their fun and sun catalog. After hearing Pet Sounds was the record and so on like you I also discovered the magic wonder of Brian Wilson. I was ready to combat any who said the Beatles were better than the Beach Boys. But then after several repeat listens of Shut Down Volume 2, Pet Sounds, Summer Days, Smiley Smile, Surf's Up, Wild Honey and so on, and after firmly believing the Beach Boys were either on par with the Beatles or better every step of the way, I again decided to listen to the whole Beatles catalog. As a whole, I think it's obvious that the Beatles have a MUCH more consistent catalog due to late 70s and on Beach Boys (outside Love You) that don't come close to matching any Beatles album. The Beach Boys albums are obviously brilliant, but just as brilliant as the Beatles. Whilst there is something instiled in all of us to defy the norm and be contrarion and root for the underappreciated, that doesn't make the Beatles any less good. Brian Wilson was a brilliant, talented man, but I'd say no more than John Lennon or Paul McCartney. They were all on about the same level. Imagine, Let It Be, God Only Knows are all masterpieces. The Beatles are considered number 1 for a reason. And a damn good one. Their early records are impeccable all the way to the end. A Hard Day's Night and With The Beatles are two incredible albums and underrated compared to the rest of the Beatles catalog. The Beatles didn't just have 2 master songwriters. But 3. George Harrison composed some of the Beatles greatest songs (Something, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes the Sun), and was the one of the best guitarists there was. Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Peppers, White Album, Abbey Road, Let It Be, Magical Mystery Tour, Help!. All magically perfect albums. Their Past Masters can't be overlooked as well. All the non-album singles that were damn good. Hey Jude, Inner Light, Day Tripper. Not only that, but the range of different genres and styles the Beatles wrote under was incredible. They even did the Beach Boys as good as the Beach Boys (Back in the USSR). Brian Wilson's talent was on par with any 1 of the Beatles yes. But how could he stand up against 3 fantastic writers on one team? The Beatles won't and shouldn't settle for number 2. Ever.

~~Lord Larehip~~ · 07-07-2013, 08:57 PM

The problem with the Beach Boys is that the vast majority of the time, they are not playing on the studio tracks, it's all session musicians--Carol Kaye, Rikki Fataar, Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, Earl Palmer, Hal Blaine. Did you know that there are virtually no Beach Boys on "Sail On Sailor"? I've always liked the song but it really isn't the Beach Boys not even the singers. The Beatles, otoh, always played their own instruments although they had guest and studio musicians help out. I've always respected the DIY approach.

nirishan · 07-07-2013, 11:30 PM

Okay, after listening to Today! Summer Days, and Pet Sounds. I've realized I tend to defend whichever artist I most recently REALLY listened to. Sooo. I'd have to say a tie. Maybe. Depends. Damn, they're both so good, why must we compare them?!

Alice in Chains · 07-08-2013, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nirishan

Okay, after listening to Today! Summer Days, and Pet Sounds. I've realized I tend to defend whichever artist I most recently REALLY listened to. Sooo. I'd have to say a tie. Maybe. Depends. Damn, they're both so good, why must we compare them?!

Because the OP wants to kill us.

07-07-2013, 11:03 AM	#677 (permalink)
nirishan Groupie Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 10	I also grew up since I could listen to music, listening to the Beatles. And since then, they've been my favorite band. Then, Like you, unbeknownst to me, the Beach Boys made music outside, their fun and sun catalog. After hearing Pet Sounds was the record and so on like you I also discovered the magic wonder of Brian Wilson. I was ready to combat any who said the Beatles were better than the Beach Boys. But then after several repeat listens of Shut Down Volume 2, Pet Sounds, Summer Days, Smiley Smile, Surf's Up, Wild Honey and so on, and after firmly believing the Beach Boys were either on par with the Beatles or better every step of the way, I again decided to listen to the whole Beatles catalog. As a whole, I think it's obvious that the Beatles have a MUCH more consistent catalog due to late 70s and on Beach Boys (outside Love You) that don't come close to matching any Beatles album. The Beach Boys albums are obviously brilliant, but just as brilliant as the Beatles. Whilst there is something instiled in all of us to defy the norm and be contrarion and root for the underappreciated, that doesn't make the Beatles any less good. Brian Wilson was a brilliant, talented man, but I'd say no more than John Lennon or Paul McCartney. They were all on about the same level. Imagine, Let It Be, God Only Knows are all masterpieces. The Beatles are considered number 1 for a reason. And a damn good one. Their early records are impeccable all the way to the end. A Hard Day's Night and With The Beatles are two incredible albums and underrated compared to the rest of the Beatles catalog. The Beatles didn't just have 2 master songwriters. But 3. George Harrison composed some of the Beatles greatest songs (Something, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes the Sun), and was the one of the best guitarists there was. Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Peppers, White Album, Abbey Road, Let It Be, Magical Mystery Tour, Help!. All magically perfect albums. Their Past Masters can't be overlooked as well. All the non-album singles that were damn good. Hey Jude, Inner Light, Day Tripper. Not only that, but the range of different genres and styles the Beatles wrote under was incredible. They even did the Beach Boys as good as the Beach Boys (Back in the USSR). Brian Wilson's talent was on par with any 1 of the Beatles yes. But how could he stand up against 3 fantastic writers on one team? The Beatles won't and shouldn't settle for number 2. Ever. Last edited by nirishan; 07-07-2013 at 11:49 AM.

06-14-2013, 06:15 AM	#671 (permalink)
neardeathexperience Music Addict Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 531	The Beach Boys musically were as advanced as what the Beatles did by the end of their career they just were not appreciated to the same extent. Sunflower, Holland and Surf's Up all represent light years away from the Beach Boys original surfing tunes. The general music listening public just didn't get it.

07-06-2013, 12:27 PM	#673 (permalink)
nirishan Groupie Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 10	[QUOTE=Necromancer;865556]Here is another opinion that suggest the Beach Boys are better also, (I stole the post from the Beach Boys thread, thats not cheating is it)?-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listening to Pet Sounds now for the first time. I'm getting the same reaction that I think anyone my age who only new them as "Surfin USA" and their other beach surf songs, which is "Wow these guys are not **** like I had previously thought they were, in fact, they are pretty damn good". As for Pet Sounds vs Sgt Peppers, I would go with Pet Sounds. However, Sgt Peppers imo is The Beatles weakest work, post Hard Days Night. __________________ wait...you're saying Sgt Peppers is worse than Beatles for Sale?

07-07-2013, 03:09 AM	#675 (permalink)
memycelfandeye Groupie Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Bay Area Posts: 6	Early works: The Beach Boys "Good" period: The Beatles "Magnum opus's" (Pet Sounds vs Sgt Pepper according the media): Pet Sounds Careers after bands fell apart: The Beatles Music talent and ability overall: The Beatles (I believe that Brian Wilson and McCartney are equals but without Wilson The Beach Boys would've been nothing. While The Beatles' quality on many songs come directly from either Paul's pen or input I have faith that John and George would've had wonderful careers on their own) Overall: The Beatles. If SMiLE came out as it was supposed to when it was supposed this may be an entirely different argument though.

07-07-2013, 05:10 AM	#676 (permalink)
Lizzilee Groupie Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 30	As above........ The Beatles......

07-07-2013, 08:57 PM	#678 (permalink)
~~Lord Larehip~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 899	The problem with the Beach Boys is that the vast majority of the time, they are not playing on the studio tracks, it's all session musicians--Carol Kaye, Rikki Fataar, Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, Earl Palmer, Hal Blaine. Did you know that there are virtually no Beach Boys on "Sail On Sailor"? I've always liked the song but it really isn't the Beach Boys not even the singers. The Beatles, otoh, always played their own instruments although they had guest and studio musicians help out. I've always respected the DIY approach.

07-07-2013, 11:30 PM	#679 (permalink)
nirishan Groupie Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 10	Okay, after listening to Today! Summer Days, and Pet Sounds. I've realized I tend to defend whichever artist I most recently REALLY listened to. Sooo. I'd have to say a tie. Maybe. Depends. Damn, they're both so good, why must we compare them?!