the AMP Issue 51

"I think I'm a vocal genius, not a musical genius. I like background vocals. I consider myself a voice, not a singer. A voice is a sound, and singing is what you do with that sound."
— Brian Wilson

In This Issue... 17 pages [about 24 minutes to read] You'll Get...

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• Recommends—  The Beach Boys Movie

• the Biz—  WTF? The Real Reason Why Music Is Getting Worse. Act Two: Music is Too Easy to Consume from Rick Beato

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys

• the Greatest Lyrics of All Time— Three classics from the Beach Boys

• Backstage Pass—Pop Music: the TV dinner of our cultural diet from Adam Singer

• PS from PS— Singer Songwriters WANTED! Desperately...

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends—The Beach Boys documentary on Disney+ 

Disney+ has unveiled a captivating new documentary, The Beach Boys— a must-watch for anyone enamored with the evolution of pop music and the quintessential California sound of the 60s. This film provides an in-depth look at the legendary band that not only defined an era but also revolutionized the music industry with their innovative approaches and unparalleled lyrics and harmonies and innovative recording production.

A Tribute to Innovation and Harmony

The documentary masterfully showcases how The Beach Boys, led by the visionary Brian Wilson, crafted a sound that was both unique and timeless. Wilson's genius in the recording studio is a focal point, illustrating how his groundbreaking techniques and relentless pursuit of perfection pushed the boundaries of what pop music could achieve. His ability to blend complex harmonies with innovative recording practices is highlighted throughout the film, offering a deep appreciation for his contributions to the music world.

The Highs and Lows of their Musical Journey

The narrative does not shy away from the band's tumultuous journey. From their meteoric rise to fame to the challenges that nearly led to their downfall, the documentary captures the emotional roller-coaster that The Beach Boys experienced. It's a poignant reminder of the fragility of success and the resilience required to overcome adversity. The film also details their unexpected comeback, shedding light on how they managed to reclaim their place in music history after being nearly forgotten. The title of the Beach Boys' 'comeback' album, celebrating their 50th anniversary, was That's Why God Made the Radio. It was released on June 5, 2012.

A Celebration of the California Dream

Beyond the technical aspects and personal struggles, The Beach Boys is a celebration of the California Dream that the band personified. Their music became synonymous with the sun-soaked, carefree lifestyle that many young and old aspired to during the 1960s. The documentary beautifully ties this cultural phenomenon to the band's legacy, emphasizing how their music became a soundtrack for an entire generation.

Why You Should Watch

For Singer Songwriters, this documentary is an especially invaluable source of inspiration. It's a testament to the power of innovation, the importance of harmony, and the impact of resilience in the face of setbacks. Brian Wilson's story, in particular, offers profound insights into the creative process and the relentless drive required to achieve greatness.

Whether you're a long-time fan of The Beach Boys or new to their music, The Beach Boys is a compelling watch that provides a rich tapestry of musical history, innovation, and the enduring spirit of one of America's most iconic bands. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the story of how The Beach Boys not only shaped the sound of a generation but also left an indelible mark on the world of music.

On Disney+ 01:53 mins.

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• the Biz—  WTF? The Real Reason Why Music Is Getting Worse from Rick Beato. Act Two: Music is too Easy to Consume

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We say again... This is Brilliant!

In his latest video, "Why the Music Business is Getting Worse," Rick Beato delves into the challenges and pitfalls of the contemporary music industry. With his characteristic blend of candor and expertise, Beato explores the factors contributing to the industry's 'decline', offering a thought-provoking perspective that will resonate with both seasoned professionals and casual listeners.

In Act Two Rick discusses the crisis in music: Music is too Easy to Consume... and it's artistic and commercial negative effect. 

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Act Two; Music is too easy to consume.

So this [Rick shows on the video] is the water faucet in my kitchen. But imagine this is streaming on Spotify or Apple Music. You can turn it on. You can turn it off. But what's going on in the stream of water is all of the music that's on these platforms.

Now imagine this is one artist's entire output. Their entire catalog. Might be The Police. Could be Billie Eilish. Led Zeppelin. The Beatles. Then this dropper is each of their songs: One, two, three, four. Oh, I just did a whole record there. And eventually, you exhaust their whole catalog.

If you think about it this way, when I I start the stream the music has very little importance. It goes from the faucet down the drain out to the sewer where it's recycled again. Except in this case, the music is not recycled like it is through the sewer system.

There were 100,000 new songs added every day in 2023 to streaming platforms. That's more than one song per second for the entire year. By comparison, when I was a kid, if I wanted to buy this Led Zeppelin II record, I had to get a job or borrow money from my parents to buy it. Because... I wanted to own it.

I wanted it to be in my collection. This album here, Pat Metheny, New Chautauqua, I paid eight bucks for it brand new with the money that I made by bagging groceries at Top's Grocery Store in Fairport, New York. You actually had to expend energy riding your bike or walking to your job. Working your shift. Getting your paycheck at the end of the week. Depositing it in the bank. Getting the money out. Going to the record store. Buying the record. Bringing it home. Playing it. Listening to it a bunch of times. Going over to your friend's house. Sharing it with them.

When a kid opens Spotify and clicks on a song, they can just skip to the next one if they don't like it. Think about this: 

All of the music that exists, or at least it's been uploaded to Spotify or Apple Music, is available for 10.99 a month.

I'm talking about all of Michael Jackson's music. All of ACDC. Pink Floyd. Whitney Houston. Tupac. Kendrick Lamar. Juice WRLD. Eminem. Dr. Dre. All the works of Beethoven, of Bach, of Mozart, of Stravinsky, of Shostakovich, of Charlie Parker, of John Coltrane, of Miles Davis, Brad Meldo, of Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett... All of that, 10.99 a month— the price of what we used to pay for one album. It's all available on these streaming platforms. 

Which is why music is not as valued by young people. 

There is no sweat equity put into obtaining it. Having it be part of your collection. Having it be part of your identity. Of who you are.

These are the bands I believe in. These are the artists that I love, and I'm gonna share it with my friends. I'm gonna bring that record to school.

I'm gonna play it for my friends after school. We're all hanging out, reading the back cover of and seeing who played on it. These things meant something.

What was on there meant something. Produced by John Burns and Genesis. It was important.

What I'm saying is that music has basically become valueless. 

If you only have to pay 10.99 a month to have access to anything, what is one song worth? 

You know, people tell me that they want me to make certain kinds of videos. They have these aspirational ideas— as my friend Todd calls them— but then they ultimately vote with their attention.

'Rick, make more What Makes This Song Great videos. Make this kind of video.' Or 'I wish that people would write songs in odd meters or use these more complex chord changes,' but you know, ultimately, people will do that and then they don't listen to them because you vote with your attention.

So try this: Sit down just a couple of times a week. Play just a few songs. Don't look at your phone— or as I call it, the thought deletion device because it empties your mind out.

Don't look at TikTok. Don't look at YouTube or Twitter. Don't look at Instagram.

Just listen to the music. Let it flow over you. Think about the lyrics.

Think about the melody. Experience music like you used to. Or if you're young, try to experience music in the way that we used to. 

Love to know your thoughts.

Hit the subscribe button below, leave a comment. Thanks for watching.

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NOTE: This article is edited by John Fogg from a transcript by TurboScribe.ai— of Rick's 12:41 minute video. Tap the link to view the Video on YouTubeand subscribe to Rick's channel. 

To learn more about Rick Beato, read the In Partnership with... right below. 

in partnership with Rick Beato

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time—  Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys

"The Beach Boys embodied the sun-kissed dream of California, courtesy of their buoyant surf-rock vibe and heavenly harmonies. Thanks to the imagination, vision and production gifts of Brian Wilson, however, the group also reinvented what pop music could sound like."
— Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1988)

Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys stand as iconic pillars in the history of music, their harmonious tunes and innovative production techniques defining the sound of the 1960s and beyond. The band's unique blend of rock and roll with intricate vocal harmonies set them apart, making their mark not just on the charts but also on the evolution of popular music.

The Music: Production, Sales, and Hits

"Brian Wilson's ability to create complex, layered harmonies and intricate musical compositions is unmatched. Pet Sounds is a masterpiece that continues to inspire musicians across generations."
— Eric Clapton

Brian Wilson, the mastermind behind The Beach Boys' sound, revolutionized music production with his meticulous approach. Albums like Pet Sounds showcased his innovative use of layered harmonies, unconventional instruments, and complex arrangements. This album, although initially receiving mixed reviews, grew to be considered one of the greatest records of all time. The 1966 hit Good Vibrations, often dubbed a "pocket symphony," exemplified Wilson's genius, blending rock with elements of classical music.

The Beach Boys' discography is rich with hits, including Surfin' U.S.A., California Girls, Help Me, Rhonda, I Get Around, and Wouldn't It Be Nice. These songs not only dominated the charts but also encapsulated the carefree spirit of California, becoming anthems for the surf culture of the era. The band's success translated into impressive sales, with over 100 million records sold worldwide, earning them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

"When I first heard Good Vibrations, it changed everything. It was a stunning piece of work that had a profound impact on me as a songwriter and performer. Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys raised the bar for everyone."
— Bruce Springsteen

Popular Records and Albums

The Beach Boys' catalog is extensive, but certain albums stand out for their impact and popularity. Surfer Girl (1963) solidified their image as the quintessential California band. Today! (1965) marked a shift towards more sophisticated and introspective songwriting, setting the stage for Pet Sounds (1966). The latter is often cited as Brian Wilson's magnum opus, influencing countless artists and earning accolades such as a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

"The album Pet Sounds inspired me to make Sgt. Pepper. Pet Sounds is by far one of my favorite albums of all time. Brian Wilson is a genius."
— Paul McCartney

Concerts and Awards

The Beach Boys were renowned for their energetic and harmonious live performances. Their concerts drew massive crowds, cementing their status as one of the premier live acts of the 60s and 70s. They continued to tour successfully into the new millennium, with their 50th-anniversary tour in 2012 receiving widespread acclaim.

Awards and honors for The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson are numerous. In addition to their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Brian Wilson himself was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2007, acknowledging his immense contribution to American music.

Inspirations and Personal Struggles

Brian Wilson's genius was not without its struggles. His early inspirations included the Four Freshmen, Chuck Berry, and Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound." These influences helped shape his vision for The Beach Boys. However, Wilson's career was marked by significant personal challenges, including battles with mental illness and substance abuse. His struggle with schizoaffective disorder and subsequent retreat from the public eye in the late 60s added a layer of tragedy to his story. Despite these challenges, Wilson's resilience and return to music in the late 80s demonstrated his enduring spirit.

"Brian Wilson is without a doubt one of the most gifted musicians ever to have lived. His music has brought so much joy and inspiration to millions of people around the world, including me."
— Elton John

Political and Social Activism

While The Beach Boys were not overtly political, Brian Wilson's music often reflected a desire for peace and harmony. The band's involvement in events like the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and the Washington D.C. Fourth of July concert in 1980 underscored their influence on the cultural landscape. Wilson's more recent solo work has included themes of social consciousness, further highlighting his evolution as an artist.

Impact on Singer-Songwriters and the Music Business

The influence of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys on subsequent generations of musicians is immeasurable. Their innovative techniques in the studio, particularly the use of multi-track recording and elaborate vocal arrangements, set new standards for production. Artists from The Beatles to Elton John have cited Wilson's work as a significant influence.

Paul McCartney once stated, "Pet Sounds blew me out of the water... I love the album so much. I've just bought my kids each a copy of it for their education in life— I figure no one is educated musically 'til they've heard that album." Elton John echoed this sentiment, saying, "Brian Wilson is one of the few true geniuses in pop music. He is a major inspiration."

Other artists have similarly praised Wilson and The Beach Boys. Tom Petty noted, "I think I would put him up there with any composer— especially Pet Sounds. I don't think there is anything better than that, necessarily. It goes beyond rock. It's a pop masterpiece." Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham called Wilson "the greatest American composer in popular music," while Bob Dylan remarked, "That ear— I mean, Jesus, he's got to will that to the Smithsonian." Bruce Springsteen added, "Brian Wilson is the greatest living American songwriter."

"The Beach Boys' music, especially the work of Brian Wilson, was a huge influence on me. The way they combined beautiful melodies with rich, sophisticated arrangements was revolutionary. Brian Wilson's creativity and vision are truly extraordinary."
— Tom Petty

Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys' legacy is a testament to the power of innovation, harmony, and resilience. Their music not only defined an era but also set new standards for what pop music could achieve. Through their highs and lows, they have continued to inspire countless artists and remain a cornerstone in the annals of music history. As we celebrate their contributions, we are reminded of the timeless appeal of their sound and the enduring genius of Brian Wilson.

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• the Greatest Lyrics of All Time— Three Classics from The Beach Boys

God Only Knows

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me
Well, life would still go on, believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me?

Don't worry Baby

Well it's been building up inside of me
For oh I don't know how long
I don't know why
But I keep thinking
Something's bound to go wrong

But she looks in my eyes
And makes me realize
And she says "don't worry, baby”

Don't worry, baby
Don't worry, baby
Everything will turn out alright

Good Vibrations

Close my eyes, she's somehow closer now
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When I look in her eyes
She goes with me to a blossom world

I'm pickin' up good vibrations
She's giving me excitations (oom bop bop)
I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations, oom bop bop)
She's giving me excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)
Good, good, good, good vibrations (oom bop bop)
She's giving me excitations (excitations)

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So... Wha'daya' think? Hope you enjoyed that and those. Let us know if you want more AND we'd LOVE to include YOUR favorite lyrics. 

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• Backstage Pass—Pop Music: the TV dinner of our cultural diet
In a world of infinite choice, why destroy your soul with factory-manufactured poison?

"Pop music today is like a candy store where everything tastes the same, all sugar and no substance."
— Thom Yorke, Radiohead

Pop music is significantly worse now, but the reality is it's been throwaway music for decades. It's essentially the frozen TV dinner of genres, and depressingly enough, some are indeed fine with eating metaphoric frozen food forever. But once you discover fresh-made cuisine, you likely can't go back. It doesn't just taste better, you physically feel better after consuming it. Your world is richer, horizons larger, consciousness broadly more present and alive.

Some even decide they care enough to cook their own, and with modern software giving everyone a pro-quality studio right on their laptop, this is now easily possible (for those with ambition, I know asking a lot here). Anyway, the TV dinner comparison, while simple, touches on a modern cultural truth: people choose paths of easy satisfaction/convenience versus the deeper fulfillment of real nourishment.

This Tweet from François on the Deep Learning team at Google from 2014 stuck with me and is poignant: in a world where creativity and uniqueness is what we're really after, why program yourself with slop literally created for algos and social media apps?

Replace 'food' with 'music' below... 

So what does this say about us as a culture? Are we simply the passive consumers of aural fast food, or is there something deeper at play? Plato, in his Republic, warned about the dangers of art that appeals to baser instincts, arguing that it can corrupt the soul. Depressingly, here we are, spooning up daily helpings of childish lyrics, predictable chord progressions (if they exist at all), and autotuned vocals, seemingly indifferent to the impoverishment of our musical diet and slowly decaying souls. And even if you'd like to avoid it, it's nearly impossible as it's quite literally piped in most places outside against our will.

Recent Tweet from me on this…
The very nature of pop music is its ephemerality. It's designed to be consumed quickly, enjoyed superficially, and discarded without much thought. Theodor Adorno, a critical theorist of the Frankfurt School, posited that the culture industry churns out these products to keep us docile, distracted, and perpetually unsatisfied, much like the TV dinner analogy. The more we consume, the less we think; the less we think, the easier we are to control. Pop music, then, becomes not just a reflection of our times, but an instrument of our oppression.

Why do we tolerate this? Jean-Paul Sartre might argue that we are in "bad faith"— we deceive ourselves into believing that this is the music we want because the alternative, embracing the "fresh-made cuisine," requires effort, discernment, and, most disturbingly for many, the confrontation of our own freedom. It's far easier to surrender to the repetitive, empty charms of pop streaming algos serve than to engage in the existential project of finding something authentic, that awakens our spirit and rouses us to action to improve ourselves and our surroundings.

"Modern pop music feels like it's been focus-grouped to death. There's no heart, no real passion."
— Beck Hansen

Those who turn away from pop, who "care enough to cook their own," are engaging in an act of rebellion against this cultural malaise. Nietzsche, with his concept of the Übermensch, might see these individuals as those who have transcended the herd mentality, who have chosen to forge their own path in the face of nihilism. They reject the prefab for the handcrafted, the empty for the genuine, and the easy for the meaningful.

To cook your own, metaphorically speaking, is to invite both the possibility of failure and the burden of responsibility. It's a daunting task that requires a degree of bravery, creativity, and, above all, a willingness to endure the solitude that accompanies those who swim against the current. As someone who personally attempts this, not for fame or attention just as a personal mission, I know intimately the journey required. But isn't this why we're here? To find real meaning, not simply exist as passive consumers?

And here lies the crux of the matter: in a world where pop music reigns supreme, those who dare to seek out or create something more substantial (or at the very least different/unique) must do so with the knowledge that their efforts will likely be unrecognized, their tastes misunderstood, their creations overlooked. It's a leap of faith, an act of individual defiance against the mass-produced simulacra of modernity. I would still rather exist here alone, or at least (thanks to the internet) with a small group that won't submit to dystopian, vapid aesthetics. Degeneracy will kill a civilization but doesn't have to kill your soul personally if you can minimize exposure to it.

Wrapping up…

Of all our cultural institution decay, I still think music is suffering the most. Degradation of pop is not just a commentary on the state of an industry but a reflection of our collective psyche. I am hoping the culinary metaphor works for some of you to put away the TV dinner pop, seek out something different, and even embrace the challenge of cooking your own. The satisfaction is similar in both cases, too.

Learn more about Adam Singer right below...

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In partnership with Adam Singer and Hot Takes on Substack

• PS from PS— Singer Songwriters WANTED! Desperately...

This issue of the AMP features one of the Greatest Singer Songwriters of all time, Brian Wilson. And yes, he wrote POP songs. Too often POP is dismissed. The whole genre. Not taken seriously. That’s way inaccurate, unfair, and… Dumb. Brian’s songs were, literally, a vibrate genre when he wrote Good Vibrations or Caroline No or all the other classic Beach Boys hits. 

So… What’s happened to POP?

It's right to say that POP has become a TV Dinner. Which I think is sad. After all POP music for many decades defined popular culture— as much as it grew out of it. Right now it seems not to matter to us that much. Back in the day, there was the Top 40 and now there are so many charts you can almost have one chart for each song. We've watered down genuine POPularity to the point where we take little or no notice. 

We've so much available now, but we notice so little.

Think for a moment— the Springsteen line, "57 Channels and nothing on." I think it's worse than that. It's becoming 1,570 channels and who really cares about any of them? I don't.

This is one BIG reason New Music Lives™ is doing what we do. We want Singer Songwriters to matter. We want your songs to be heard because they matter— and touch people. I bet you can immediately name the titles of at least 5 songs that have significant memory and meaning in your life. And I bet none of them were written in the last couple few years. 

Which song in any ‘microwave’ chart can you think of right now that you'll remember 5 years from now? Or more sadly 5 days or even 5 minutes from now?

Singer Songwriters WANTED! Desperately...

Until we speak again. 

Help Us Create More Success For 
More Singer Songwriters Than Ever Before!

It's Time... For a Change. Big Time. Past Time.

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