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RAP'S BLOG: BACKSTAGE ACCESS

Beach Boys-GREAT VIBRATIONS!

During this great summer month of August, we are giving away the new Beach Boys CD “That’s Why God Made The Radio”!

Judy and I were both lucky enough to see the 50th Anniversary Tour and I must say I’d put it my top 5 concerts of all time!

I was so overtaken by the harmonies and the breadth of material that it felt like I was witnessing some great classical music performance by a world-class orchestra. And, if you think about it, I was.

When you see musicianship of this caliber and voices to match—fourteen people on stage (not to mention the historic song catalogue—3 hours of non stop hits of which everyone is buried deep in your DNA), you are reminded of what TRUE TALENT really is.

The messages of the songs are like a movie soundtrack to your life, the live vocals with the guys sometimes even harmonizing without instruments, just flow into your soul in the most wondrous of ways. It is truly a euphoric experience, and if you can get tickets (even if they’re expensive) GO TO THIS SHOW!

Yes, the Beach Boys troubled lives are well documented, but through all the trials and hurdles their work ethic has never been compromised—and that’s how you achieve greatness—through hard work and dedication.

We don’t see too much of that in today’s music business. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, just making the point that too many artists seem to want the fame, the glory, the money, and the bling as fast as they can get it and they emphasize all of that over really offering something worthwhile to the planet—some musical art so good that it might have staying power for years to come.

That’s what we need to get back to in my opinion. People who want to make music with the idea of GIVING something to their fellow man, instead of TAKING things from us—like demanding our interest via silly tricks and costumes, or selling us a fragrance.

Brian Wilson has been giving all of this life. When you give, good things come back in return—just naturally and organically.

The Beach Boys poured their hearts out for over three hours to a packed house at Jones Beach. Their natural reward was standing ovation after standing ovation, a never ending cheering love fest from the audience—a true shared experience between artists and their fans. And it took everyone to a higher place, healed everyone for that magic bit of time, and everyone left with such big smiles on their faces.

That’s the power music can have when it comes from the heart.

“Good Vibrations” to all,

Rap


Paul Rappaport

Paul Rappaport was Senior VP at Columbia Records where he enjoyed a 33 year career in radio promotion and marketing. He is recognized as being instrumental in the careers of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Journey, Elvis Costello, Judas Priest, Alice in Chains, and many more. He is also noted as the Co-Creator...

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