The Warmth Of The Sun

Summer is here! No need to wait for June. Time to wax down your surfboards, stand by the ocean’s roar, smell the warm and salty air, have fun, fun, fun, and brag about having the fastest set of wheels in town! Of course, knowing the British weather it won’t be long till summer time is through. But as I type, the sun is out, and the temperatures are creeping up. I’ve resorted to wearing shorts most of the time and, so far at least, my pale legs have not scared the sun away!

In this edition of Mark My Words I’ve chosen to touch on the recent passing of a musical genius, a throwaway comment that has prompted the annual look at my diet, and, well that’s probably enough, right?

In My Room, Remembering A Genius

As I sit here in my home-office at my keyboard and think about Brian Wilson, picturing him sat at his piano in a sandpit in his living room, I can’t help but inwardly smile. I have some music by The Beach Boys playing in the background, and the jangly guitars of the early surfing and car themed albums lift the spirit. I thought this article may be melancholy given the recent passing of one of my musical idols, but the legacy of Brian Wilson’s long life in music is so wonderful it helps remind us how lucky we all were to here during his time.

I plan to play all of The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson CDs that I own as I work over the next few weeks – I’ve got a lot! Not everything, but enough to fill plenty of shelf space. There are certain albums that get played regularly and others when the mood takes me. For example, the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson Christmas Albums are a staple of the festive season in my house, and Brian Wilson Live at the Roxy has been in my car for long summer road trips ever since its release in 2000. Road trip music can bring on memories. Indeed, the Beach Boys have been part of my family rad trip music as far back as I can remember. Way back in the 70s and 80s as we jumped in the my dad’s latest car (Morris Marinas and Ford Cortinas had to suffice as our 409 or Deuce Coupe) my mum would offer my and my brother a travel sweet from a tin, and then my dad would tell us what tape cassettes were in the car. The Beach Boys 20 Golden Greats never left the car and I don’t recall asking for anything else on a long trip, though I was happy enough when I got overruled occasionally and Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochrane were played. The tapes would loop and loop, dad would sing and tap along and we’d join in. So, my love of the Beach Boys and timeless music of this era stems from my parents and that connection will be with me forever.

Of course, living in Norfolk, we’re spoiled for beaches. Although I don’t surf (tried it once as a teen), if I did I’d pack my board and head to the coast to do what a beach boy should – surf. Famously, only Brian’s brother Dennis actually surfed. Apparently, the beaches between Sheringham and Great Yarmouth are the places to head, with Cromer being the best for surfing. Or head to Hunstanton for  kite surfing, windsurfing. Is it time to load up the Woody with your boards inside and wear your baggies. Huarache sandals are optional.

I was fortunate enough to see Brian Wilson perform a couple of times. Once at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich to see Brian Wilson presents Smile (the ‘lost’ Beach Boys album) in 2004,  and then again in 2011 at the Southbank Centre in London to enjoy Brian Wilson reimagines Gershwin. Both shows were fantastic. I would’ve loved to have seen The Beach Boys play too, however, only if Brian was playing. I turned down the chance to see Mike Love’s The Beach Boys play a few years back because it didn’t seem right without the main man.

The Beach Boys have been a big part of my soundtrack for most of my life. When I got married and was told I had to do that first dance nonsense, I decided that I’d only do it if I could choose the song. After much deliberation I chose a joyous song for the occasion and one I felt comfortable with: I can hear music. Sing it Carl, sing it!

Whilst listening to the catalogue of hits over the past few days, I foolishly contemplated the difficult task of naming my favourite 20 songs by The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, however, I soon realised I don’t think I could limit it to even my top 100, so I contemplated other ways of listing some tracks. In the end, I decided to list a handful of tracks that “get me” the most. “Get me” can be taken a couple of ways and they’d both be right.

I just wasn’t made for these times, In my room, Til I die, The warmth of the sun, God only knows, I know there’s an answer (“Hang on to your ego” is an alternative version, which I prefer), Don’t worry baby, Caroline No, That’s not me, Long promised road, Darlin’, Wild honey, Good vibrations, Add some music to your day.

Although the last 5 are up-tempo they hit my soul right, whether it’s in the lyrics or the music.  Here’s a handful of songs from Brian’s solo work that “get me” too.

Love and Mercy, Melt Away, Still I dream of it , Lay down burden, Happy days*, The last song.

*This is an unusual one, but I think it’s a song where Brian is really laying his story on the line, starting off so dark (from the time of his deep depression) and ending overtly cheery, emphasising his sheer joy at finding happiness once more.

Being a 50+ year old male, I’m not exactly one for talking about feelings and all that jazz, and think in part that’s why I connect with Brian Wilson’s songs. They emote for me, help me feel the lows and conversely release dopamine to give me a boost too. There are very few artists that do that on the level of Brian Wilson and his band. Although I’m sure he had regrets and might’ve changed one or two things, Brian Wilson undoubtedly lived a wonderful life, despite obstacles in his way, and his was a life worth living. We only get one go at life and that’s it, so accept the hand you’ve been dealt and live your best life. Be good, be compassionate, try to be rational and reasonable, and add The Beach Boys music to your day will always make life so much more bearable.

I’ll leave the final words to The Beach Boys, and some lyric from The Warmth Of The Sun. 

What good is the dawn, That grows into day, The sunset at night, Or living this way, For I have the warmth of the sun, Within me at night.

What Not To Wear

A few days ago I popped over to help my dad with something. Unusually it wasn’t I.T. support for once. No, this was gardening related.

It was a lovely sunny day, so I popped on my dark prescription sunglasses and grey cap and didn’t think anything of it. Why would I? Well, it turns out I was wearing a plain black t-shirt and am currently rocking a bit of a dad-bod paunch. My dad humorously points out that I looked like Elon Musk! That’s just his way of saying I need to lose a few pounds. At least I think it is as I’m pretty sure I don’t keep company with anyone hellbent on destroying democracy and ending all life on earth! I am also as far removed as possible from multi-billionaire status, though I do punt £2.50 every time the Euro Lottery goes over £100 million, so one of these days..!

Anyway, the black t-shirt is now at the back of the drawer and the diet starts on Monday.

Summer Break

I’m taking a couple of months off from this column, but hopefully Mark My Words will return in September. I hope you all have a lovely summer. I’ve been told to remind you to get out and explore Norfolk, but I’m sure you were already planning to do that. Don’t forget to explore NorfolkPlaces for events, places to visit, walks etc.

If you run a business in Norfolk (or even just over the border in Suffolk or Cambridgeshire) why not join the NorfolkPlaces directory? There are some discounts available including, at the time of writing, 100% discount (i.e. free!) on our Bronze listing option.