Originally a folk song from the Bahamas, the first time I heard the song was the Kingston Trio version from the late 50s. Al Jardine of the Beach Boys actually brought the song to Brian Wilson and gave it a new arrangement himself before Brian began producing it. The lead vocals here are Brian and Mike Love which disappointed Jardine who wanted to be the lead vocalist.
Thanks for the info, Randy! Never knew Al arranged, much less brought Brian the song! Met Al briefly around late '70s. He came into the Cactus Records store in Houston I was working at. My friend and I recognized him, and we all but fist-fought as to who would wait on him! We decided to discretely approach him together to see if we could help! Can't recall what he wanted to peruse and/or buy! Different story for Iggy Pop, whom I met around the same time at a friend's record store, a competitor. Ig was perusing the Classical cassette section! He said, "Call me Jim," and signed my RCA "The Idiot" promo poster, "To Brad, Drop dead, Iggy Pop" after drawing a Hitler mustache on his poster depiction!
I LOVE this song, those harmonies are incredible. This and 'Good Vibrations' are my 2 favorites by the Beach Boys. I think it fades slightly too early though.
As a youngster listening to this hit on the AM Radio, it was a pleasantly jarring experience to hear, in the middle of the verse of a song, a sudden halt of the instrumental backing, and, for a short time, go vocals only (a capella), before starting up the instrumentals again. It was previously unheard of to do this (except at the end of a song), and a groundbreaking moment.
The catchiest and best-sounding song on the album. If you want to be cynical, you could say that it was the "insurance song" on Pet Sounds, just in case the new music proved to be too challenging for sensitive 60's ears and an easygoing hit single was needed to put them all at ease. Actually, that's pretty much exactly what happened! Still, catchy and easygoing doesn't necessarily mean that it's not complex. The arrangement is just as intriguing as on any other song on the album, but it's perhaps less noticeable on this one. Hence, the commercial appeal. It's a great song, though, and the Beach Boys made the definitive version of it.
I remember my "first reaction" to this song vividly, at a cd listening station in Barnes and Noble, circa 1999...I'm not the biggest Beach Boys fan, but I can listen to this song over and over and over. I don't know why.
Members of "The Wrecking Crew" featured as the backing musicians; late great Hal Blaine (drums), Carol Kaye (Fender bass), Billy Strange (guitar), etc. They were featured also on "Good Vibrations" and Glen Campbell (guitar) was also a member of WC before doing his solo career.
Just to get this out of the way, when you reach the end of the album make sure you do the last 2 songs Pet sounds and Caroline No in the same video. They work very well together
Years agoI bought a small boat when I lived in Olympia,Washington. It had a sleeping cabin,and I lived in it for a while. Warm summer evenings sitting in the cabin with the doors open,I could see all the other boats in the harbor. Some of them larger ships,some small like mine.Their lights on,people laughing,etc. I could hear the water lapping against the side of my little boat. Going up onto the deck,I'd sit and just watch the sun going down some days,having a drink of one thing or another. Captain Morgan being my favorite. Around dusk. Nice to remember things,... :}
An old favourite of mine from Beach Boys. I love how the harmonies allow me to take any route I want (vocally) since I'm a mezzo soprano, so the song never gets old for me. Wishing everybody a great weekend! :)
A perfect mid point to the album, this was another perfect example of Brian Wilson’s vocal and musical arrangements of the period. Very interesting bass line and the acapella breakdown was unheard of in pop music of the day.
For those interested, here are interpretations of this song prior to the Beach Boys. 1935 Cleveland Simmons Group "Histe Up the John B. Sail" ua-cam.com/video/LwcGyvhuMQg/v-deo.html 1950 The Weavers "(The Wreck of the) John B ua-cam.com/video/wK1ET_xgjqE/v-deo.html 1957 Beacham Coakley's Emerald Beach Hotel Orchestra 'The Wreck Of The "John B."' ua-cam.com/video/FO8qYiArySo/v-deo.html 1952 Blind Blake (Blake Alphonso Higgs) "John B. Sails" ua-cam.com/video/Kk7I_KWkswQ/v-deo.html 1958 The Kingston Trio "(The Wreck of the) John B" ua-cam.com/video/Q8NVY0INJFk/v-deo.html 1959 Johnny Cash "I Want To Go Home" ua-cam.com/video/jQPyy23F1KY/v-deo.html 1960 Lonnie Donegan "I Wanna Go Home (Wreck of the John B)" ua-cam.com/video/vHgjB5CN7HA/v-deo.html 1960 Jimmie Rodgers "Wreck of the John B" ua-cam.com/video/K6tjdTy6xRU/v-deo.html 1962 Arthur Lyman "[The Wreck of The] John B" ua-cam.com/video/NEyMGGZh298/v-deo.html 1962 Dick Dale and his Del-Tones "Sloop John B" ua-cam.com/video/4osTJpi3wvU/v-deo.html 1962 Keith and Enid "Wreck of the John B." ua-cam.com/video/2Z9RMUJLJ0k/v-deo.html 1963 The Brothers Four "The John B. Sails" ua-cam.com/video/T_kot7m4qHk/v-deo.html 1965 Barry McGuire "Sloop John B." ua-cam.com/video/-46Zesj4IXw/v-deo.html
When was on a Ship. Well I was aboard the the USS Lexington CVT-16 the Japanese named my Aircraft Carrier the Blue Ghost. I will let you look up the story. We sailed in the Gulf of Mexico training pilots to launch and land on a Carrier. We sailed through Hurricane Anita in 1977 she was a 5 class Hurricane, we said a few times through the Bermuda Triangle. I have seen over a hundred foot waves for two days straight. I seen things that scare you to the core but still have to carry on with the mission. Yea I have had some worse trips ever as the song speaks of.
Last time I was on a boat was the Calais/Dover ferry back from my last trip to Amsterdam, almost five years ago now; it was a bit of a Fear and Loathing type affair. Also, I come from a long line of naval men. My father was a sailor, so was my uncle on the other side of the family, and my Canadian grandfather was a submariner in the 50s; he settled in Portsmouth during the 60s and that's how my parents, as well as my aunt and uncle, met - growing up around a sailor town, there's only so many ways to pass the time, evidently.
This song is still a Top 10 Summer Song - what a delight! Boat = able to lift out of the water, ship = not able to lift out of the water. They have another great "boat" song cover they did, Sail On, Sailor. Carry On!!
Last time on a boat: April 2007, Caribbean cruise with my co-workers on a major Canadian telecom company's dime. Awesome food, lotsa booze, banana-leaf wrapped ganga on the beach... A good time was had by all! ;-]
I've been hearing Beach Boys songs all my life and when I was a kid I found the music and the harmonies in this song so upbeat and cheerful, it wasn't until years later that I paid attention to the lyrics and discovered the contrast in mood.
Personal nomination for your next Beach Boys listen: Heroes and Villains, specifically the Smile Sessions mix, including the preceding tracks (Our Prayer, Gee). The Smiley Smile version is not terrible, but the Smile Sessions version is the preferred mix of Brian Wilson.
My last boat ride was a 24’ inboard motorboat cruising the shores of Lake Michigan going in and out of various channels and inland lakes. Paradise! Which leads me into my monthly plug for Sting. The album “The Soul Cages“ (David Sancious on keys, David Olivares) is a concept album about ships, fathers and sons, and death. The opening track “Island of Souls“ covers all of those topics in one song. I think it’s a great song but probably not known by the most viewers. For something truly unique try “Moon over Bourbon Street“ from the “Dream of the Blue Turtles“ album.
A great song - no question but it doesn't end well. To me it needed something better than that rather abrupt fade out. I guess they followed that ancient show-biz axiom - they left me wanting more. I feel so broke up - I wanted more song.
I often wondered whether "This is the worst trip I've ever been on" is a drug reference. As far as I know, nobody else sings that line in their versions. Also, the Beach Boys no longer sing that line during concerts.
Ah no, this line or a version of it is in nearly every single recording of the song of which I am aware. Caz Gerald lists some of the covers of this traditional song in a post below. I listened to 5 of them just to test your perception. Every one contained the line.
Great song I remember as a little boy back in the 1960’s and hearing it for the first time at sleep away camp. I’ve loved it ever since! Makes me want to get on a boat and just sail awY!
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. Last time I've been on a ship? Two weeks ago, on the isle of Wight ferry, which is now much busier after enduring a miserable time in lockdown (Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats). Another lovely song, with wonderful harmonies as usual, from an all-time classic album. I prefer it to the Kingston Trio's version, and your description of homage not parody is just right.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS rendition of this song... I also listen to the instrumental version of this song all the time... (from the Pet Sounds sessions) and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Both versions a pretty much perfect. Great call by Al Jardine + Brian Wilson = genius on parade.
Toward the end, the drum pattern and bass changes to a double time polka feel, which is a really cool change of style, driving the song forward. Most people don't notice because they are busy singing along. I saw all of the original Beach Boys including Brian Wilson [except David Marks] and their backup musicians, singing this in the summer of 1978. The harmonies and quality was just overwhelming on every song.
I’m glad you got to the origins of the song. Brian would have two different instruments play the same thing . He felt that combined they would sound like neither one, but something unique. My last ‘boat’ trip was on a kayak on a lake.
The Beach Boys have an alt take where the ending has additional, and punchier, vocals rather than the fade-out we hear. I always wished that was the take they used. But yeah, great song. Thanks for reviewing it.
Great review. This Beach Boys song is so famous I never really thought it through. Great to hear it through new ears. Didn't realize it was a folk song. A lot of good insights. As for boats, my brother has a sailboat, and I have been on it several times. Though it's been a long time now.
Last time on a boat? If kayaks count, yesterday. Do cruise ships count? A few years back. But an actual sailboat where a friend let me navigate it… quite some time ago but my best memory. Christopher Cross’s song Sailing was in my head and it was spectacular.
@@JustJP No motor... or sails for that matter. Stationary. No lawns to mow, just a constant bobbing. Surrounded by wildlife... Sea otters, sea lions, blue herons, Canadian geese, mergansers and plenty of fish, crustaceans and ocean flora!
If you like the Beach Boys try reacting to The Association. They were 60s band and had a few hits. "Along Comes Mary" and "Wendy " are a couple you might want to hear.
A wonderful song, with a neat little story. I was about 9 years old when this was released. The Beach Boys are America's sons. Girls, Surfing, and Hot cars, how much more Americana can you get?
I know about half the songs on this album from other albums that they've produced but I never listen to this one before. I just picked up a CD that has all of the songs first in mono and then all of the tracks are in stereo. I just listen to this song for the first time yesterday
Prior to this, the most famous version in the US would have been the Kingston Trio, but as people have noted the song was recorded numerous times before that. The original chorus says "I feel so break up..." which is a lovely bit of Bahamian creole, and the Kingston Trio left it in, but I guess the BBs weren't sure how that would go down with their galactically-bigger pop audience so they changed it to "I feel so broke up..." But the main thing is they did the song, with a beautiful arrangement. Certainly among the best BB harmony tracks.
If you listen to the vocals only track there’s one singer singing I feel so break up. This was Al Jardine who was a Kingston Trio fan and was the one who suggested the song to Brian. Strange that Al didn’t get a verse to sing.
A classic traditional song done in the Beach Boys style. Does this mean we will be hearing a cover of "Zombie Jamboree" next? I would be okay with that. In British usage, iirc, corn refers to any grain. What we call corn they would have called either Indian corn or maize.
Best song on the album. One of my favorites all time by them. Surprised it took you this long to get to them. But then again you still have NEVER DONE any Little Feat songs with the exception of one by another artist.
I think he should just go through ‘Waiting for Columbus’, maybe a couple of tracks at a time. I think their studio stuff pales against the live shows. Their songs mature as the band gets to know them better, which is true for a lot of bands, but the Feat are at another level.
@@sgtBelson I also think that if WfC is all you know of LF, then you are missing a lot of good music. Plus their studio recordings are not bad. For instance Mercenary Territory is better studio than live. But there is so much more to Little Feat than WfC. But I'm gonna keep bugging him about it till his curiosity gets him. We all should. Seems that's how he picks his songs. By concensus
@@sgtBelson there are a lot of songs that are way better live. All that you dream live is absolutely killer, but I like the funky drum intro on the studio Fat Man that they don't do live so they're good both ways to me. I'd just like to start seeing these reviewers introduce their audiences to Little Feat. That's a funky rabbit hole to go down
The instrument you heard may have been a bass saxophone. They're not very common, being so large and heavy I've been told that you have to rest them on a stand to play. Last boat trip? The Shields ferry across the Tyne, en route to a real ale pub crawl in Whitley Bay and Monkseaton.
This has gained status as a BB song, wasn’t really a favorite for quite a while. Now, I do like it for the beautiful harmonies and interesting story. Uh boy, boats… Let me preface that I have tried many ways to make a living in my chosen art field. Sometimes it got me in strange situations. I knew a friend that needed a quick replacement artist for commitment as a face painter. That was my in. We started, as a team but later I worked solo and made decent money. I was still learning when we went to bay bar to try and make some dough. We did ok but after, we got an offer to paint on a small yacht. I wasn’t sure of how my stomach was going to do and I did feel a bit questionable. So I didn’t paint, just wandered up on deck and down below. Well, down below, keeping this family friendly, got crazy. I continued to face paint on Halloweens, which are great days to face paint kids and adults. Fun times. Try Three Dog Night for more superb harmonies. Peace and painting Music
As a boy, this was my favourite Beach Boys' song (even though it was a cover) The reasons are obvious - the simple melody, the wonderful harmonies and the clever 'full' arrangement - not miles away from Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. The Beach Boys never quite managed to keep up with The Beatles after 1967 though there were still many great songs to come. Interesting that you pick up on the Bahamian origins of the song. Can I be cheeky and ask your own ethnic origins, JP? I had thought you might have South Pacific genes but you're keen on Caribbean sounds. Ignore this question if it's too personal. I do know that you're very much American.
Actually not too bad this one. Then they never wrote it, some folk song revamped. Nice, gentle melody, and the main vocal ok too. But then in come all the extraneous vocals going a little overboard. Ha, see what i did there. Was it in these guys contracts that they all had to sing on every song! Sometimes less is more. Re boats. My last trip was on Loch Ness, very pleasant, year of so ago. .
One of my preferred beach boys songs. They're a little too barbers shop for me. I also like their version of Cotton fields, and God only knows. All that california girls surfs up stuff doesn't do much for me tbough
Some people say this song detracts from the greatness of the album and would rather Good Vibrations have been on here instead, but I don’t get that at all. Good Vibrations is a stand-alone pocket symphony. Pet Sounds would not be Pet Sounds without Sloop John B. And neither would Forrest Gump.
Originally a folk song from the Bahamas, the first time I heard the song was the Kingston Trio version from the late 50s. Al Jardine of the Beach Boys actually brought the song to Brian Wilson and gave it a new arrangement himself before Brian began producing it. The lead vocals here are Brian and Mike Love which disappointed Jardine who wanted to be the lead vocalist.
Al got both Rhonda and Lady Lynda, though.
Thanks for the additional info!
Thanks for the info, Randy! Never knew Al arranged, much less brought Brian the song! Met Al briefly around late '70s. He came into the Cactus Records store in Houston I was working at. My friend and I recognized him, and we all but fist-fought as to who would wait on him! We decided to discretely approach him together to see if we could help! Can't recall what he wanted to peruse and/or buy!
Different story for Iggy Pop, whom I met around the same time at a friend's record store, a competitor. Ig was perusing the Classical cassette section! He said, "Call me Jim," and signed my RCA "The Idiot" promo poster, "To Brad, Drop dead, Iggy Pop" after drawing a Hitler mustache on his poster depiction!
@@SpaceCattttt also Then I kissed her :-)
That acapella section is simply amazing.
I LOVE this song, those harmonies are incredible. This and 'Good Vibrations' are my 2 favorites by the Beach Boys. I think it fades slightly too early though.
As a youngster listening to this hit on the AM Radio, it was a pleasantly jarring experience to hear, in the middle of the verse of a song, a sudden halt of the instrumental backing, and, for a short time, go vocals only (a capella), before starting up the instrumentals again. It was previously unheard of to do this (except at the end of a song), and a groundbreaking moment.
The catchiest and best-sounding song on the album. If you want to be cynical, you could say that it was the "insurance song" on Pet Sounds, just in case
the new music proved to be too challenging for sensitive 60's ears and an easygoing hit single was needed to put them all at ease.
Actually, that's pretty much exactly what happened! Still, catchy and easygoing doesn't necessarily mean that it's not complex. The arrangement is just as
intriguing as on any other song on the album, but it's perhaps less noticeable on this one. Hence, the commercial appeal.
It's a great song, though, and the Beach Boys made the definitive version of it.
@@alansmith1989 I never said it wasn't. Frankly, your comment has me puzzled...
A sloop is the typical smaller sailboat with 1 mast, with 2 usually triangular sails, the mainsail is the one behind the mast.
I remember my "first reaction" to this song vividly, at a cd listening station in Barnes and Noble, circa 1999...I'm not the biggest Beach Boys fan, but I can listen to this song over and over and over.
I don't know why.
Members of "The Wrecking Crew" featured as the backing musicians; late great Hal Blaine (drums), Carol Kaye (Fender bass), Billy Strange (guitar), etc. They were featured also on "Good Vibrations" and Glen Campbell (guitar) was also a member of WC before doing his solo career.
Just to get this out of the way, when you reach the end of the album make sure you do the last 2 songs Pet sounds and Caroline No in the same video. They work very well together
Brian using the bass line capturing a John Phillips Souza's Tuba vibe. So creative
Years agoI bought a small boat when I lived in Olympia,Washington. It had a sleeping cabin,and I lived in it for a while. Warm summer evenings sitting in the cabin with the doors open,I could see all the other boats in the harbor. Some of them larger ships,some small like mine.Their lights on,people laughing,etc. I could hear the water lapping against the side of my little boat. Going up onto the deck,I'd sit and just watch the sun going down some days,having a drink of one thing or another. Captain Morgan being my favorite. Around dusk. Nice to remember things,... :}
One of their best vocal arraingements / performances IMHO.
An old favourite of mine from Beach Boys. I love how the harmonies allow me to take any route I want (vocally) since I'm a mezzo soprano, so the song never gets old for me.
Wishing everybody a great weekend! :)
A perfect mid point to the album, this was another perfect example of Brian Wilson’s vocal and musical arrangements of the period. Very interesting bass line and the acapella breakdown was unheard of in pop music of the day.
For those interested, here are interpretations of this song prior to the Beach Boys.
1935 Cleveland Simmons Group "Histe Up the John B. Sail" ua-cam.com/video/LwcGyvhuMQg/v-deo.html
1950 The Weavers "(The Wreck of the) John B ua-cam.com/video/wK1ET_xgjqE/v-deo.html
1957 Beacham Coakley's Emerald Beach Hotel Orchestra 'The Wreck Of The "John B."' ua-cam.com/video/FO8qYiArySo/v-deo.html
1952 Blind Blake (Blake Alphonso Higgs) "John B. Sails" ua-cam.com/video/Kk7I_KWkswQ/v-deo.html
1958 The Kingston Trio "(The Wreck of the) John B" ua-cam.com/video/Q8NVY0INJFk/v-deo.html
1959 Johnny Cash "I Want To Go Home" ua-cam.com/video/jQPyy23F1KY/v-deo.html
1960 Lonnie Donegan "I Wanna Go Home (Wreck of the John B)" ua-cam.com/video/vHgjB5CN7HA/v-deo.html
1960 Jimmie Rodgers "Wreck of the John B" ua-cam.com/video/K6tjdTy6xRU/v-deo.html
1962 Arthur Lyman "[The Wreck of The] John B" ua-cam.com/video/NEyMGGZh298/v-deo.html
1962 Dick Dale and his Del-Tones "Sloop John B" ua-cam.com/video/4osTJpi3wvU/v-deo.html
1962 Keith and Enid "Wreck of the John B." ua-cam.com/video/2Z9RMUJLJ0k/v-deo.html
1963 The Brothers Four "The John B. Sails" ua-cam.com/video/T_kot7m4qHk/v-deo.html
1965 Barry McGuire "Sloop John B." ua-cam.com/video/-46Zesj4IXw/v-deo.html
I'm 50 years old and have known this song for what feels like my whole life & had no idea it wasn't a Beach Boys original. Thanks for all the links!
For the positive vibe of this album and the wonderful harmonies, I prefer Pet Sounds to Sergent Peppers of The Beatles.
When was on a Ship. Well I was aboard the the USS Lexington CVT-16 the Japanese named my Aircraft Carrier the Blue Ghost. I will let you look up the story. We sailed in the Gulf of Mexico training pilots to launch and land on a Carrier. We sailed through Hurricane Anita in 1977 she was a 5 class Hurricane, we said a few times through the Bermuda Triangle. I have seen over a hundred foot waves for two days straight. I seen things that scare you to the core but still have to carry on with the mission. Yea I have had some worse trips ever as the song speaks of.
Last time I was on a boat was the Calais/Dover ferry back from my last trip to Amsterdam, almost five years ago now; it was a bit of a Fear and Loathing type affair.
Also, I come from a long line of naval men. My father was a sailor, so was my uncle on the other side of the family, and my Canadian grandfather was a submariner in the 50s; he settled in Portsmouth during the 60s and that's how my parents, as well as my aunt and uncle, met - growing up around a sailor town, there's only so many ways to pass the time, evidently.
This song is still a Top 10 Summer Song - what a delight! Boat = able to lift out of the water, ship = not able to lift out of the water.
They have another great "boat" song cover they did, Sail On, Sailor.
Carry On!!
Last time on a boat: April 2007, Caribbean cruise with my co-workers on a major Canadian telecom company's dime.
Awesome food, lotsa booze, banana-leaf wrapped ganga on the beach... A good time was had by all! ;-]
Sounds fun Rob!
Ah, thank you for reminding me - the last time I was on a boat was in a gondola in Venice in October of 2019. Oh to be able to travel again...!
I've been hearing Beach Boys songs all my life and when I was a kid I found the music and the harmonies in this song so upbeat and cheerful, it wasn't until years later that I paid attention to the lyrics and discovered the contrast in mood.
This is a perfect example of hearing a song for 55 years without ever actually listening to it!
Absolutely my Favourite Songs sloop John b & Don‘t worry Baby from The Beach Boys 👌🏾
I’m not a big Beach Boys fan but this one is stuck in my head for decades.
Personal nomination for your next Beach Boys listen: Heroes and Villains, specifically the Smile Sessions mix, including the preceding tracks (Our Prayer, Gee). The Smiley Smile version is not terrible, but the Smile Sessions version is the preferred mix of Brian Wilson.
Beach Boys Smile Album aka Dumb Angel.
My last boat ride was a 24’ inboard motorboat cruising the shores of Lake Michigan going in and out of various channels and inland lakes. Paradise! Which leads me into my monthly plug for Sting. The album “The Soul Cages“ (David Sancious on keys, David Olivares) is a concept album about ships, fathers and sons, and death. The opening track “Island of Souls“ covers all of those topics in one song. I think it’s a great song but probably not known by the most viewers. For something truly unique try “Moon over Bourbon Street“ from the “Dream of the Blue Turtles“ album.
A great song - no question but it doesn't end well. To me it needed something better than that rather abrupt fade out. I guess they followed that ancient show-biz axiom - they left me wanting more. I feel so broke up - I wanted more song.
I want a soloooo…
One of my favorites by The Beach Boys. I was 7 when it came out and it became a fun one to sing along with on family road trips.
I often wondered whether "This is the worst trip I've ever been on" is a drug reference. As far as I know, nobody else sings that line in their versions. Also, the Beach Boys no longer sing that line during concerts.
Ah no, this line or a version of it is in nearly every single recording of the song of which I am aware. Caz Gerald lists some of the covers of this traditional song in a post below. I listened to 5 of them just to test your perception. Every one contained the line.
Great song I remember as a little boy back in the 1960’s and hearing it for the first time at sleep away camp. I’ve loved it ever since! Makes me want to get on a boat and just sail awY!
Thanks for reacting to this Justin! A great song and I remember having the 45 of it. Yup....I'm old :-)
Timeless classic.
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. Last time I've been on a ship? Two weeks ago, on the isle of Wight ferry, which is now much busier after enduring a miserable time in lockdown (Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats). Another lovely song, with wonderful harmonies as usual, from an all-time classic album. I prefer it to the Kingston Trio's version, and your description of homage not parody is just right.
You are correct Sir.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS rendition of this song... I also listen to the instrumental version of this song all the time... (from the Pet Sounds sessions) and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Both versions a pretty much perfect. Great call by Al Jardine + Brian Wilson = genius on parade.
Toward the end, the drum pattern and bass changes to a double time polka feel, which is a really cool change of style, driving the song forward. Most people don't notice because they are busy singing along. I saw all of the original Beach Boys including Brian Wilson [except David Marks] and their backup musicians, singing this in the summer of 1978. The harmonies and quality was just overwhelming on every song.
I’m glad you got to the origins of the song.
Brian would have two different instruments play the same thing . He felt that combined they would sound like neither one, but something unique.
My last ‘boat’ trip was on a kayak on a lake.
The Beach Boys have an alt take where the ending has additional, and punchier, vocals rather than the fade-out we hear. I always wished that was the take they used. But yeah, great song. Thanks for reviewing it.
I'm still a little mad that no one told me how GODDAMN HILARIOUS this song is.
Great review. This Beach Boys song is so famous I never really thought it through. Great to hear it through new ears. Didn't realize it was a folk song. A lot of good insights.
As for boats, my brother has a sailboat, and I have been on it several times. Though it's been a long time now.
Just a delight from beginning to end. Great reaction.
Thanks so much Artie! Glad you enjoyed it
Last time on a boat? If kayaks count, yesterday. Do cruise ships count? A few years back. But an actual sailboat where a friend let me navigate it… quite some time ago but my best memory. Christopher Cross’s song Sailing was in my head and it was spectacular.
Got to love the Beach Boys’ harmonies
On a marine vessel right now! Live on a houseboat.
Awesome! Happy sailing ⛵
@@JustJP No motor... or sails for that matter. Stationary. No lawns to mow, just a constant bobbing. Surrounded by wildlife... Sea otters, sea lions, blue herons, Canadian geese, mergansers and plenty of fish, crustaceans and ocean flora!
@@ecce_neru sounds relaxing to me Leon, hope youre having a beautiful one out there
Great song
Last time on a ship for me: 1998, a Caribbean cruise from Miami. I wouldn’t go on one ever again though…#norovirus
If you like the Beach Boys try reacting to The Association. They were 60s band and had a few hits. "Along Comes Mary" and "Wendy " are a couple you might want to hear.
A wonderful song, with a neat little story. I was about 9 years old when this was released. The Beach Boys are America's sons. Girls, Surfing, and Hot cars, how much more Americana can you get?
I know about half the songs on this album from other albums that they've produced but I never listen to this one before. I just picked up a CD that has all of the songs first in mono and then all of the tracks are in stereo. I just listen to this song for the first time yesterday
Top five favorite beach boys for me love you
I saw REM do a pretty good cover of this as an encore in 1986
Beach Boys beach songs? "Surfer Girl", "Surfing USA" off the top of my head. Great reaction.
Prior to this, the most famous version in the US would have been the Kingston Trio, but as people have noted the song was recorded numerous times before that. The original chorus says "I feel so break up..." which is a lovely bit of Bahamian creole, and the Kingston Trio left it in, but I guess the BBs weren't sure how that would go down with their galactically-bigger pop audience so they changed it to "I feel so broke up..." But the main thing is they did the song, with a beautiful arrangement. Certainly among the best BB harmony tracks.
If you listen to the vocals only track there’s one singer singing I feel so break up. This was Al Jardine who was a Kingston Trio fan and was the one who suggested the song to Brian. Strange that Al didn’t get a verse to sing.
I live on the gulf coast but I’m a land lubber. I blow chunks on any boat 10 minutes after setting off.
Ps, corn is only good as a “tracer”
Great arrangement all around -
A classic traditional song done in the Beach Boys style. Does this mean we will be hearing a cover of "Zombie Jamboree" next? I would be okay with that.
In British usage, iirc, corn refers to any grain. What we call corn they would have called either Indian corn or maize.
Love this song!
Best song on the album. One of my favorites all time by them. Surprised it took you this long to get to them. But then again you still have NEVER DONE any Little Feat songs with the exception of one by another artist.
I think he should just go through ‘Waiting for Columbus’, maybe a couple of tracks at a time.
I think their studio stuff pales against the live shows. Their songs mature as the band gets to know them better, which is true for a lot of bands, but the Feat are at another level.
@@sgtBelson I would love to see that....anywhere!
@@sgtBelson I also think that if WfC is all you know of LF, then you are missing a lot of good music. Plus their studio recordings are not bad. For instance Mercenary Territory is better studio than live. But there is so much more to Little Feat than WfC. But I'm gonna keep bugging him about it till his curiosity gets him. We all should. Seems that's how he picks his songs. By concensus
@@plantfeeder6677 I never meant to infer that their studio work was inferior, just not ‘aged’, like a fine single-malt or wine.
@@sgtBelson there are a lot of songs that are way better live. All that you dream live is absolutely killer, but I like the funky drum intro on the studio Fat Man that they don't do live so they're good both ways to me. I'd just like to start seeing these reviewers introduce their audiences to Little Feat. That's a funky rabbit hole to go down
The instrument you heard may have been a bass saxophone. They're not very common, being so large and heavy I've been told that you have to rest them on a stand to play.
Last boat trip? The Shields ferry across the Tyne, en route to a real ale pub crawl in Whitley Bay and Monkseaton.
Was there fog?
@@markspooner1224 No idea, I was nicely out of tune that day
Thanks for the perfect song to get me out of the perpetual overcast funk I've been in (Gainesville, so you know what I mean)
Go GATORS!
Hope you're night becomes better :)
This has gained status as a BB song, wasn’t really a favorite for quite a while. Now, I do like it for the beautiful harmonies and interesting story.
Uh boy, boats…
Let me preface that I have tried many ways to make a living in my chosen art field. Sometimes it got me in strange situations. I knew a friend that needed a quick replacement artist for commitment as a face painter. That was my in. We started, as a team but later I worked solo and made decent money. I was still learning when we went to bay bar to try and make some dough. We did ok but after, we got an offer to paint on a small yacht. I wasn’t sure of how my stomach was going to do and I did feel a bit questionable. So I didn’t paint, just wandered up on deck and down below. Well, down below, keeping this family friendly, got crazy.
I continued to face paint on Halloweens, which are great days to face paint kids and adults. Fun times.
Try Three Dog Night for more superb harmonies.
Peace and painting Music
Imagine these singers are Yankee Boston seamen visiting the Bahamas, they want to go home. It works.
It’s a folk song from the Bahamas
Did he do Surfs Up previously? Oh search, well…
As a boy, this was my favourite Beach Boys' song (even though it was a cover) The reasons are obvious - the simple melody, the wonderful harmonies and the clever 'full' arrangement - not miles away from Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. The Beach Boys never quite managed to keep up with The Beatles after 1967 though there were still many great songs to come. Interesting that you pick up on the Bahamian origins of the song. Can I be cheeky and ask your own ethnic origins, JP? I had thought you might have South Pacific genes but you're keen on Caribbean sounds. Ignore this question if it's too personal. I do know that you're very much American.
S M I L E
A "Sloop" is a type of Boat.
Actually not too bad this one. Then they never wrote it, some folk song revamped. Nice, gentle melody, and the main vocal ok too. But then in come all the extraneous vocals going a little overboard. Ha, see what i did there. Was it in these guys contracts that they all had to sing on every song! Sometimes less is more.
Re boats. My last trip was on Loch Ness, very pleasant, year of so ago. .
One of my preferred beach boys songs. They're a little too barbers shop for me. I also like their version of Cotton fields, and God only knows. All that california girls surfs up stuff doesn't do much for me tbough
Jag hade en gång en båt
Some people say this song detracts from the greatness of the album and would rather Good Vibrations have been on here instead, but I don’t get that at all. Good Vibrations is a stand-alone pocket symphony. Pet Sounds would not be Pet Sounds without Sloop John B. And neither would Forrest Gump.
Bad trip .
This was actually a hit-single, but it's a bit out of step with the rest of the album...