Podcast Summary: Jokermen – "The Beach Boys: BEST OF THE 70s"

Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Jokermen Podcast, hosts A and B delve deep into the vibrant and often tumultuous decade of the 1970s for The Beach Boys. While the episode begins with a brief segment on craft rum cocktails, the hosts swiftly transition to their main focus: curating the ultimate "Best of the 70s" playlist for The Beach Boys.

Choosing the Right Tracks

[00:33]
A: "Welcome back to the Club Kokomo Craft Rum Cocktail Report. This is... I just cracked a mystique."

[01:02]
B: "This is why you gotta subscribe to both our podcast, because how else are you gonna get that kind of crossover information?"

The hosts humorously navigate their dual roles in reviewing cocktails and discussing music, emphasizing the importance of their Patreon subscribers who gain access to exclusive content across both podcasts.

Understanding Listener Preferences

[01:14]
B: "Exactly. And we know from lots of comments and messages that the beverage review portion of the podcast is definitely not everyone's least favorite part of the podcast. The part that they wish we stopped doing and put timestamps in so they could immediately skip past it. It is, in fact, everyone's favorite part."

Contrary to listener expectations, the cocktail reviews are a hit, showcasing the hosts' ability to blend diverse topics seamlessly.

Diving into The Beach Boys' 70s Era

[08:07]
A: "We're on to bigger and better things, other things. We're onto other and different things."

As they transition from cocktails to music, the hosts signal a deep dive into The Beach Boys' evolution during the 1970s, a period marked by experimentation and internal changes.

Curating the 'Best of the 70s' Playlist

[09:03]
B: "Yeah, we'll do the same kind of thing we typically do. I've got a long list. You've got a long list. We'll just kind of trade back and forth and shoot for something in the 25ish songs, total range."

The goal is to compile a comprehensive playlist that not only highlights the band's hits but also delves into lesser-known tracks that encapsulate the essence of their 70s sound.

Key Song Discussions

1. "California Saga"
   [11:31]
   A: "California saga. Big, sir."
   [11:46]
   B: "It's probably one of the most interesting and exciting songs the Beach Boys ever conducted."

   The hosts praise this epic track for its ambitious scope and mature depiction of California, reflecting The Beach Boys' transition from surf music to more intricate storytelling.

2. "Disney Girls"
   [16:54]
   B: "Disney Girls, yeah. If you don't like Disney Girls, get out of here."

   Recognized as a standout Bruce Johnston contribution, "Disney Girls" is celebrated for its catchy melody and evocative lyrics, representing the whimsical side of The Beach Boys.

3. "Long Promise Road"
   [25:04]
   A: "Probably the best song of the 70s, probably."
   [25:13]
   B: "It's a perfect pop song... where there actually is a reason for this band to exist beyond, you know, Brian Wilson's recording project."

   This track is lauded as a pivotal moment for the band, showcasing their ability to produce polished pop music with genuine artistic intent.

4. "This Whole World"
   [29:59]
   B: "This Whole World is the best Brian song of the 70s."
   [32:00]
   A: "It contains the entire Earth. And all the people within it."

   Highlighted as a masterpiece, "This Whole World" exemplifies Brian Wilson's genius in creating expansive and emotionally resonant music.

5. "Constant Companion"
   [44:32]
   A: "That song, you know, I feel like there's a lot of songs like this... about matters of the soul."
   [44:38]
   B: "It’s got a little beat to it. It's a boogie type of number."

   This Dennis Wilson solo track is celebrated for its soulful and groovy essence, adding depth to the playlist.

Incorporating Solo Material and Collaborations

The hosts discuss the inclusion of solo works from band members like Dennis Wilson and Bruce Johnston to provide a holistic view of The Beach Boys' 70s era. Tracks such as Dennis's "River Song" and Bruce's contributions enrich the playlist, showcasing individual talents within the band dynamic.

Balancing Hits with Hidden Gems

[24:03]
A: "I'm just still listening to Here She Comes."

[24:08]
B: "Feels like a more difficult exercise for us because... the 70s best of has to be like that playlist."

The challenge lies in balancing widely recognized hits with lesser-known tracks that offer a deeper understanding of the band's evolution. The hosts aim to create a playlist that is both accessible to new listeners and rewarding for long-time fans.

Finalizing the Playlist

After extensive discussions and debates, A and B finalize a curated list of 25 songs that represent the pinnacle of The Beach Boys' 1970s output. The playlist features a mix of seminal tracks like "Long Promise Road" and "This Whole World," alongside essential solo pieces and collaborative works that highlight the band's versatility.

Looking Ahead

[65:29]
B: "We'll come back to all this stuff at the very end when we do our Big Master Jokerman 100 list. I'm very excited for that."

The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming content, including deeper explorations into later decades of The Beach Boys' history and a comprehensive master list of the band's top 100 songs. The hosts invite listeners to subscribe and engage with their growing collection of exclusive content.

Notable Quotes

• [11:46] B: "It's probably one of the most interesting and exciting songs the Beach Boys ever conducted."
• [16:54] B: "If you don't like Disney Girls, get out of here."
• [25:13] B: "It's a perfect pop song... where there actually is a reason for this band to exist beyond, you know, Brian Wilson's recording project."
• [29:59] B: "This Whole World is the best Brian song of the 70s."
• [44:32] A: "There's a lot of songs like this... about matters of the soul."
• [65:29] B: "We'll come back to all this stuff at the very end when we do our Big Master Jokerman 100 list. I'm very excited for that."

Conclusion

"The Beach Boys: BEST OF THE 70s" episode offers a thoughtful and comprehensive examination of a transformative decade for the iconic band. Through passionate discussions and insightful critiques, A and B provide listeners with a curated journey through The Beach Boys' rich and varied 1970s catalog, celebrating both their commercial successes and artistic endeavors.