Last week the internet was in a tizzy when a few unscrupulous websites that cared more about driving traffic than getting the story right claimed Mike Love “fired” his Beach Boys band mates Al Jardine, Brian Wilson and David Marks. As much as it pained me to defend Love, I did it for the sake of the truth. I’ve since received a few notes, most telling me Love’s an asshole and that I should chill out on the defending him bit – fair enough. The Beach Boys went on to close out their 50th Anniversary Tour last week and today the L.A. Times has published an interesting letter by Love about the reunion and the issues brought up last week that discusses a few points I mentioned.

Mike Love did his best to keep it positive while still giving his side of the story. He makes it clear he didn’t “fire” anybody and responds to allegations that the press release he issued causing the ruckus was a shock to Brian Wilson and Al Jardine. In fact, Love claims Brian’s representative asked him to issue the press release last month to make sure there was no confusion about which version of the Beach Boys would be performing at this month’s shows.

Initially, there was to be plenty of space between the two tours, but then we added 25 more dates and the two tours bumped up against each other. To avoid public confusion, and at the request of Brian’s representative, we had a press release sent out detailing the differences between the two Beach Boys tours and its varying lineups. I was surprised that Brian and Al said they were surprised by this announcement. Some media outlets interpreted all of this as me firing the band.

Mike also brings up a point that we made, that the small markets to which Love’s version of The Beach Boys were booked couldn’t exactly handle the reunited bands “logistically and economically.”

Like any good party, no one wanted it to end. However, that was impossible, given that we had already set up shows in smaller cities with a different configuration of the band — the configuration that had been touring together every year for the last 13 years. Brian and Al would not be joining for these small market dates, as was long agreed upon.

It is not feasible, both logistically and economically, for the 50th anniversary tour to play these markets. It’s vitally important for the smaller markets to experience our live shows, as this is how we’ve maintained a loyal fan base for 50 years. You can’t sustain a fan base on a great catalog alone. You must take your music directly to the people.

Love’s letter is a fascinating read and whether you believe everything he says or not is up to you.

[Hat Tip - Julie Blore-Bizot]

Last week we reported on the fracture that developed between Beach Boys Mike Love and his longtime band mates Al Jardine and Brian Wilson. We were surprised the story didn’t blow up more considering the drama involved, but after the U.K.’s Telegraph posted an article with the inflammatory headline “Beach Boys founders sacked in middle of the reunion tour” dozens of outlets picked up the item complete with “Beach Boys Fired” headlines. The articles claim Wilson and Jardine were “blindsided,” yet that’s bullshit and we’ll explain why.

Let’s step back for a second and think about the recent history of Beach Boys tours. Ever since 1998 Mike Love has licensed the “Beach Boys” name and has played hundreds of shows under the moniker. Love agreed to do the reunion tour but as he says, it was intended to have a start and a finish. Mike continued to book shows for his version of the Beach Boys and since back in June has been making it clear which version of the band would play the shows booked in October – his.

For instance, Mike Love’s Beach Boys are set to perform in Waco, Texas next week at the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. Press releases for the event have included word that Love and Bruce Johnston’s Beach Boys will appear NOT Jardine, Wilson and David Marks. We don’t have the figures, but you’ve got to expect that the event’s promoters paid way less to get Love’s version of the band than the reunited Beach Boys that played theaters and large amphitheaters this year. Jardine, Wilson and Marks were never set to perform at the upcoming Beach Boys shows. To say they were “fired” or “sacked” just isn’t accurate.

Some would ask why wouldn’t Love want to keep the reunion going? Let’s remember he’s been involved with dozens of lawsuits with Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, he signed up for a plan in which they’d record an album and tour together for about six months. For over a decade Love hasn’t had anyone to answer to and was the guy everyone came to see at pre-reunion Beach Boys shows. With the reunited band he’s got to make sure Wilson and Jardine are onboard musically and is supported by a backing band that is mostly filled with musicians from Brian Wilson’s band. For his own Beach Boys gigs, Love only performs with six other musicians who were picked by him and include his son Christian.

READ ON

Considering the long history of drama and turmoil that has enraptured the Beach Boys over the past few decades, we had a feeling the group’s latest reunion wouldn’t end with handshakes and slaps on the back. A few days ago, Mike Love, who tours with his own version of the band under the Beach Boys banner, issued a press release declaring the end of the reunion after two shows in London later this month. “The 50th Reunion tour was designed to be a set tour with a beginning and an end to mark a special 50-year milestone for the band. As we move on, Bruce (Johnston) and I look forward to performing live for Beach Boys fans everywhere,” the statement from Love declared. However OG Beach Boys members Brian Wilson and Al Jardine aren’t ready for the “fun” to stop.

Jardine and Wilson both told Billboard that they’d like to continue on…

(Brian) Wilson made known his desire for the band’s future in no uncertain terms: “I wouldn’t mind getting together and recording an exciting rock ‘n’ roll album. By early next year, we’ll be ready to rock.” (Al) Jardine added: “Why stop now?,” a question that apparently only Love can answer.

The reunited group was “all smiles” on Tuesday as they received a triple-platinum plaque for a Greatest Hits compilation, but will the lawsuits start flying again? Stay tuned!

On Sunday we got our first look at the reunited Beach Boys as part of the Grammys telecast and their performance didn’t impress. The harmonies were there, but Mike Love freaked us out with his finger wagging and Brian Wilson didn’t seem enthused (not that he has even seemed excited in the last 20 years). However the non senior citizens of the group, members of Brian Wilson’s solo band, were in fine form and we’re hopeful with more rehearsal the Beach Boys will be able to put on a good show.

We’ll find out just what the Beach Boys have in store come April 24, when the group kicks off a lengthy tour in Tucson, Ariz. High profile dates include New Orleans Jazz Fest and Bonnaroo appearances, two nights at NYC’ Beacon Theatre in May and a run of sheds this summer. John Stamos will be a part of this tour according to Love, though we’re bummed not to see Jesse & The Rippers listed as support.

Here’s the full list of tour dates…

April 24 Tucson, AZ Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater , On Sale: February 25
April 26 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre, On Sale: February 25
April 27 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, On Sale Now
April 28 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheater, On Sale: March 11
April 29 Raleigh, NCRaleigh Amphitheater, On Sale: February 25
May 2 St Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheater, On Sale: February 24
May 4 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, On Sale: TBD
May 5 Tampa, FL Stratz Center For The Performing Arts, On Sale: February 25
May 8 New York, NY Beacon Theater , On Sale: February 21
May 9 New York , NY Beacon Theater , On Sale: February 21
May 11 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Hall , On Sale: February 27
May 12 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena Sold Out
May 13 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena , On Sale: February 24
May 15 White Plains, NY Westchester County Center , On Sale: February 25
May 17 Bethlehem PA Sands Bethlehem Events Center, On Sale: February 24
May 19 Atlantic City, NJ The Borgata Hotel Casino, On Sale: February 24
May 21 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre , On Sale: February 20
May 27 Las Vegas, NV Red Rock Casino, On Sale: February 25
June 1 Berkeley, CA The Greek Theatre, On Sale: March 4
June 2 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl, On Sale: February 26
June 8 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, On Sale: February 24
June 10 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, On Sale: February 18
June 13 Cuyahoga Falls, OHBlossom Music Center, On Sale: February 25
June 15 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion, On Sale: February 25
June 16 Camden, NJ Susquahanna Bank Center, On Sale: February 25
June 17 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, On Sale: February 25
June 19 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre, On Sale: February 25
June 20 Montreal, QC Bell Centre, On Sale: February 25
June 22 Bangor, ME Waterfront Park, On Sale: February 24
June 23 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center, On Sale: February 25
June 26 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion, On Sale: February 25
June 29 Darien Lakes, NY Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center, On Sale: February 25
June 30 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre, On Sale: February 25
July 1 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheater, On Sale: February 25
July 3 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live At Virginia Beach, On Sale: February 24
July 10 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre, On Sale: February 25
July 13 Woodinville, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, On Sale: February 25
July 14 Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheater, On Sale: March 2
July 15 Stateline, NV Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Amphitheater , On Sale: March 9
July 26 Rome, ITCapannelle, On Sale: February 17
July 27 Milan, ITCivic Arena, On Sale: February 17
July 29 Gothenburg, SWETradgaardsforeningen, On Sale: February 21
July 31 Oslo, NWSpektrum, On Sale: February 16
August 1 Aarhus, DKAmfiscenen, On Sale: February 20
August 3 Berlin, DE02 Arena, On Sale Now
August 4 Stuttgart, DESchleyerhalle, On Sale Now
August 5 Monchengladbach, DEHockey Park, On Sale: February 15
August 7 Lokeren, BELLokerse Festival, On Sale: February 15

Do you have any interest in seeing a Beach Boys show?

Earlier this year Beach Boys fans rejoiced, when a “complete” version of the band’s lost masterpiece SMiLE was finally officially released. Now comes some even bigger news as the surviving members of the iconic and influential surf-pop act, who have repeatedly feuded over the years, announced that they will reunite in 2012 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks (who played on the Beach Boys’ first four albums), convened in a recording studio earlier this year to re-record their 1968 classic Do It Again to give things a test run, will celebrate this major milestone with a new studio album, their first together since 1995′s Stars And Stripes, Vol. 1, commemorative catalog releases, as well as a 50-date world tour, that will kick off with an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 27.

The band, who were supposed to make this announcement at the Grammy nominations special (which was also to feature a reunited Van Halen), will make their official reemergence together with an appearance at the award show’s telecast on February 12th, with Jardine telling Rolling Stone, “There will be a surprise at the Grammys. We’ll do something really exciting. There’s a lot of interest in it, which is nice. It’s going to be a very big operation.” The guitarist also stated that the band will present diverse setlists for their upcoming tour, “The fans are going to want to hear the hits. But there should also be lesser-known ones that are so important.”

In the pantheon on great “lost” albums, the Beach Boys‘ Smile, may be the one that has been the most sought after by fans. The album was intended be the follow up to the band’s seminal release Pet Sounds, and was described by Brian Wilson in an October 1966 interview as “a teenage symphony to God.” Rumors have swirled for years about the recording sessions for the album, which included a lot of turmoil from within the band, a decent amount of drug use and a healthy dose of bizarre behavior from Brian Wilson, who as the story goes pulled his car over to the side of the road when he heard The Beatles’ Strawberry Fields Forever on the radio, and commented to his friend in the passenger seat that the Fab Four had “got there first.”

All of this eventually led to the album to be officially being shelved, with songs from the sessions re-purposed and in some cases dramatically re-arranged and re-recorded for the Beach Boys‘ Smiley Smile album, which was hastily put together since they owed Capital Records an album after nearly two years in the studio that they spent recording.

After years of bootlegged versions and bits and pieces of the songs from these famed sessions making their way into fans hands via box sets and bonus tracks, the “complete” album was finally released last Tuesday as The Smile Sessions. The release features not only what the original version of SMiLE would have potentially sounded like, but also Frank Holmes’ original album artwork, as well as with a slew of alternate versions of the songs. Last week the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame act released this psychedelic animated video for the track Heroes & Villains. Let’s check it out…

After a brutal winter of blizzards and mounds of snow, and what has turned out to be quite the rainy spring, we’ve finally reached the official kick off summer as Memorial Day weekend is here. With thoughts of warm days, bbqs and drinking your favorite frosty beverage outside, who better to turn to then the unofficial band of the season – the Beach Boys. Let’s check out this live version of arguably their signature song, Good Vibrations…

Beach Boys – Good Vibrations

Despite all the bad blood between the surviving members of the Beach Boys over the years, Al Jardine managed to recruit Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston to all contribute vocals to a new vinyl single of the Jardine tune Don’t Fight The Sea in support of Japan relief efforts. The first 1,000 copies, which came out this past Tuesday and features an archived vocal from the late Carl Wilson, were pressed on white vinyl with a red label to represent the Japanese flag, with the remaining copies on standard black. 100% of the proceeds from the single will go to the Red Cross to aid Japan.

• List Time: 25 Band Names Taken From Song Titles
• Pitchfork chronicles San Francisco’s thriving garage rock scene
• Cover Alert: Taylor Swift tackles Mumford & Sons
• Jeff Bridges’ Blue Note debut will be produced by T. Bone Burnett
• Download This: The Strokes – Demos, Covers & B-Sides
• Digital Music News calls Couch Tour an essential for music fests

Finally, for those of us that call New York City home you can often take it for granted that on any give day you might walk by an important rock landmark and not even realize the significance of a specific street corner or building (which has probably been turned into a condo or trendy boutique). Well the folks at Rocks Off are looking to change that as they’ve launched a series of rock and roll themed walking tours through Manhattan’s East Village and Lower East Side. Rocks Off is currently offering two different tours – The Past, Present, & Future Of Rock N Roll In NYC hosted by Jake Szufnarowski, and The History Of Art, Crime, Drugs & Punk Rock On The LES hosted by John Joseph. Tickets for both tours are currently available for just $25.

In the pantheon on great “lost” albums, the Beach Boys‘ Smile, may be the most sought after by fans. The album was intended be the follow up to the band’s seminal 1966 release Pet Sounds. Rumors have swirled for years about the recording sessions for the album, which included a lot of turmoil from within the band and a healthy dose of bizarre behavior from Brian Wilson, eventually leading the album to be officially being scrapped. While songs from the Smile sessions – like Good Vibrations, Surf’s Up and Heroes & Villains – would later appear on future Beach Boys albums, fans will finally be hear the album almost as it was intended to be.

Capitol Records has announced that after a 44-year wait, Smile will finally be released as a two-CD set and as a deluxe box set that includes four CDs, two vinyl LPs, two vinyl singles and a 60-page hardbound book penned by Beach Boys historian Domenic Priore.

• List Time: 10 Beers And 10 Songs That Go With Them
• MTV attempts to be relevant again with their new music site Hive
• Vintage Cover Alert: The Chocolate Watchband tackle Bob Dylan
• Microsoft’s Zune music player joins Zima & Crystal Clear Pepsi in the failed product graveyard
• Download This: Jeff Tweedy – Collected 1997-2003
• Vulture asks – When Did You Stop Loving Your Favorite Band?

Finally, on Wednesday, April 20, your local cineplexes may smell a bit like Otto’s jacket as The Grateful Dead Movie movie will be screened at select movie theaters around the country for the first time since it’s original 1977 theatrical run, as part of a one-night only event. The movie, which features performances filmed during The Dead’s 1974 Winterland run, will also include rare footage of Jerry Garcia. You can grab you tickets to see Jerry & Co. on the big screen starting tomorrow.

The ownership of band names is a tricky subject, which has filled the wallets of many lawyers thanks to the dozens of lawsuits filed over the years. As the groups of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s start to age, many acts have had to figure out who has the right to tour under the original name. This week’s B List looks at 11 groups with only one original member left in the band as of 2011.

There’s a variety of reasons why there’s only one member left in these bands. Some of the groups are a band in name only and are really a solo vehicle, some have lost members due to death and illness, while others splintered due to lawsuits and bad business decisions. Here’s our list…

11. Iron Maiden

Steve Harris – Bass

The leader of Iron Maiden started the band in 1975 as a 19-year-old in London. Over the past 35+ years, Maiden has gone through a number of lineup changes with Harris left as the only person who has been a member of Iron Maiden since the group’s inception. Guitarist Dave Murray, who remains with the band, joined Maiden just just two months after they formed.

READ ON for 10 more bands with only one original member left…

We’re closing in on My Morning Jacket’s five-night stand at NYC’s Terminal 5 in which the group will perform each of its studio albums in their entirety. Jarrod Dicker spoke with MMJ co-founder and bassist Tom “Two-Tone Tommy” Blankenship about the dates for an interesting Relix.com feature. Among the nuggets of info Dicker extracts from Two-Tone Tommy is that ex-MMJer Danny Cash might join the band for the first two shows.

Speaking of shows in New York City, last Wednesday we shared the news that Arcade Fire would webcast its August 5th performance at Madison Square Garden. At the time there were rumors that Spike Jonze would be directing the broadcast, but it turns out the directing gig went to Monty Python vet Terry Gilliam. Tune in to YouTube’s Arcade Fire – Unstaged channel at 10PM EDT on the 5th to watch all the action from MSG.

Following up on another story we covered, it turns out all the chatter of a Beach Boys reunion may have been a bit premature. Beach Boy Mike Love tells Billboard.com that “there have been a lot of ideas floated, but nothing decided. So far it’s just conversation. There are no big plans yet — although there’s a lot of interest from a lot of people to see what would happen if we got together and did some new music and maybe did some shows. But so far nothing’s firm.”  We think there’s too much money on the table for the band to pass up a lucrative reunion tour in 2011.

Mike Love mentions the Beach Boys having jammed with the Grateful Dead on this Merle Haggard tune before going into it…

The Beach Boys – Okie From Muskogee

Weezer have always embraced the art of the music video, producing a number of innovative and clever clips over the years. For the video for Troublemaker off their latest self-titled released (otherwise known as the Red Album) Rivers Cuomo and Co. set out to break some Guinness Word Records during its filming. The pop-rockers were able to set five new Guinness records for Largest Game of Dodgeball, Most People in a Custard Pie Fight, Most People Riding on a Skateboard, Largest Air Guitar Ensemble, and Longest Guitar Hero World Tour Marathon. The band is also lobbying for an additional record by playing the World’s Smallest Drum Kit.

• Muzzle Of Bees caught Ryan Adams & The Cardinals in Madison, WI
• List Time: Top 5 Up And Coming Montreal Band
• GD Listening Guide extols the virtues of Watkins Glen ’73
• Download Z-Trip’s 54 minute Obama Mix
• Popdose features Taj Mahal’s latest release in the Listening Booth
• AD kicks down some amazing Beach Boys rehearsals from 1967

Finally, the residents of Silver Spring, Maryland and the greater D.C.-area will be enjoying a brand new venue – set to open in ’11 – thanks to the approval of the Montgomery County Council. The council voted to approve the land-use for a 2,000p. capacity venue that will be leased to Live Nation. The concert promoter will slap the Fillmore tag on the new hall in their continuing effort to build out the brand to other cities around the country.

After attacking the crappy music played at stadiums and arenas last week, I figured this would be a good time to talk about some music that brings joy instead of cringes. So as you crank up the BBQ and break out the Roman Candles for the Fourth of July, here are five albums that are bound to make you smile:

1. Juno Soundtrack

I defy anyone to listen to the Moldy Peaches’ Anyone Else But You (which is also covered by the stars of the movie – Michael Cera and Ellen Page) or Barry Louis Polisar’s All I Want is You and not feel good. Throw in classic rock gems such as Velvet Underground’s I’m Sticking With You, the Kinks rocking Well Respected Man and Mott the Hoople’s cover of All the Young Dudes and you’re bound to be smiling. Good movie taboot. READ ON for more of Luke’s list of smile-inducing albums…