Brian Wilson was a true genius of writing and arranging. Unexpected chord changes, key changes, bizarre harmonies, etc., even in their oldest and simplest songs. This, of course, is really a suite, and I can never forget the impact that this song had upon its release.
I think this version is from the Smile sessions box-set rather than the released version from 66/67. There's other versions on the box-set including one with a fuzz guitar ending. Apparently took Brian Wilson six months to finalise the single version using many different studios.
This version (that every reactor seems to react to sadly) just doesnt have the impact of the original single release, too many unnecessary additions, and the dum de dum bit in the middle is criminal. It's better in mono I think too. Its still great obviously, but this version could never be considered a contender for greatest single ever released.
I'm 50 and same. We had the LP growing up and thats the only Version I've ever heard. This was new. To quote you "prefer the original, but this was interesting"
The Beach Boys are astounding. People seem to not know how deep their catalog is, and think they are only 'Fun Fun Fun Ooooh Beach Girl Sand Sun'. Brian Wilson is a genius.
Wow... I thought I had listened to every song and version of Beach Boys songs. This extended version is completely new to me. When I started listening to music and discovering my taste, Beach Boys was definitely on my list. They just capture the vibe of youth so perfectly. Of course, the music has a beauty and artistry to it. It's complex while sounding simple. Brian Wilson I consider to be a musical genius who wrote most if not all of their songs. Beach Boys are eternal. So happy you so adamantly enjoyed them.
This song is one of greatest most brilliant pop tunes ever. It makes me stop and listen and marvel every time...cello, theremin, farfisa organ, tamborine...its just brilliant.
I was in my car listening to the radio in 1966 when this song came on. It made such an impression that could show you where I was on the road when I heard it.
Beach Boys were FULL of complex, beautiful compositions like this. Even during their "Beach, surfing, girls, fun fun fun" days they had beautiful songs like "In My Room"
I'm so glad you immediately picked up my favorite thing about the Beach Boys' music: It's FUN! I'm 70, and I still love driving down a country highway in the summer, with my sunroof open, blasting the Beach Boys as loud as my Harmon Kardon car stereo can go. Well, almost as loud. After which, of course, I go home and return to my normal staid and dignified self, my secret obsession unsuspected.
Musically speaking, this song is a master piece. So many variants: Different octaves, different tempo, off beat, on beat, great orchestration...and let's not forget the lyrics
I'm so glad that you have finally returned to the Beach Boys with this song. This is the first time you have heard one of their big hits (they have several), since you had only heard a deeper cut early in the channel. They and the Beatles had a friendly rivalry and mutual admiration. The Beach Boys were the quintessential sunny Southern California beach music band. I'm really glad that you enjoyed this so much and found so many qualities to like about it. I loved all your descriptions and imagery of how you were experiencing this song. You picked up on their positive upbeat, have fun and embrace life quality. They have several more with a similar vibe that I think you will also enjoy. A really enjoyable reaction!
She is such a nice lady! Hard to believe she hasn't heard this beyond-iconic song before, but she's way too young to have been around when it was popular. And classical musicians are very absorbed in their own musical world. She has a very expressive face. The soul of an artist, I believe. Thanks for the video. I haven't heard this version of Good Vibrations before. I'm not used to it.
The Beach Boys and the Beatles had a friendly rivalry and mutual admiration. I actually saw the Beach Boys live at Wembly in 1975, I wasn't expecting much as they were supporting Elton John but they stole the show. Fantastic.
The Beach Boys were the first rock and roll group I fell in love with when I moved to the States in the early 80's. This must be the first time I've heard Good Vibrations at this length. This must be an extended version. Loved it!
As a classical musician you will appreciate the song "Surf's Up" from the "Smile" album. It was analyzed and featured by Leonard Bernstein in a TV documentary about Pop music in the 1960's. One of Brian Wilson's most sophisticated compositions.
Thank you for coming back to the Beach Boys, your first video ever was This Whole World and I for one have been waiting a long time for you to hear some more Beach Boys. Good Vibrations is in many ways the most realised Beach Boys song and huge hit at the time (1966). I will mention that the edit you listened too has an extra part of the sessions that wasn't in the 66 single mix towards the end (humm dee da section) that was released a bit over 10 years ago and an extended outro. As much as I love that bit (and I've enjoyed a fan edit XXXL 13 minute version of this song) , the original edit is slightly tighter and historically correct as 66 Brian Wilson's vision) People should understand the scale of the musical production of this song. It took mostly 4 months to create and there was supposedly 90 hours of tape recorded between multiple takes of multiple parts and sessions for the lead and backing vocals. This song was done in a modular way, with 4 different studios being used and all the pieces done separately and then spliced together on tape which was revolutionary for pop music. The cost of this song was unpreceded for the time. Brian Wilson wrote the entire melodic structure and arranged all the instruments and almost all the vocals for this song and produced on it. His voice can be prominently heard during the chorus on the high part as well as doubling the lead singer Carl Wilson's verse lead briefly in the verse. I have to say the cellos go hard in this song in the chorus and outro. Not sure if you noticed the electro-theremin going on in the chorus and in the bridge/outro but it's certainly a unique instrument. I hope you don't wait so long to do another Beach Boys song, you should definitely consider high profile hits/critical favourites like God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, I Get Around, Sloop John B, When I Grow Up (to Be a Man), Heroes and Villains (Smile edit), Don't Worry Baby, Surfer Girl, Surf's up, Don't Worry Baby, etc but you should also consider excellent deeper cuts like you did for This Whole World including, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, Cabin Essence, All I Wanna Do, Vega-Tables, The Night Was So Young, Cool, Cool Water, Please Let Me Wonder, Funky Pretty, Busy Doin' Nothin' and Time To Get Alone (for starters :P ). The Beach Boys have an impressive body of work that will reward you.
Might add the "bio pic" of Brian Wilson covering 2 periods of his life interspaced is quite excellent, here is part of the scene covering this song (I don't think it spoils anything) ua-cam.com/video/EPm4nW2ehcM/v-deo.htmlsi=Rm47DzBRfWLLiWx8
Thanks for sharing your wonderful musical journey through this Brian Wilson - Mike Love piece of work! I enjoyed your descriptive reaction. It's often difficult to hear through all the various layers built into any piece of music, and I appreciate the value of your musical experience walking us through this piece. Thank you! Lookinf forward to more of your reactions!
I am here to echo what I'm sure many others are saying, which is that you should listen to "God Only Knows". If I remember correctly, Paul McCartney said it was the greatest rock song ever.
'If you would ever leave me, though life would go on, believe me.' A beautiful couplet, summing the loss of love. This is a person who has known loneliness.
What you listened to is not the original from the 1960s! It is an alternate version with additional instrumental and vocal parts not in the original release. Compare, for example, the ending stating at appx 7:50 in your clip with the original ending from 3:14 in the official version you have in the link you provide. Did you do this consciously? Could you do a little addendum to this clip commparing, for example, the two endings? Thereis a hugely complicated history to this song and the album it was intended for, SMILE, but my point is this is not the version that had such an impact at the time and since, I'd love you take on what was originally released.
I expected the lush vocal chord after the harmonica (?) solo, not hum dee dum. Still a great song and it's wonderful to see Amy's joy at her first listen. Probably similar to people in the 60s hearing it for the first time.
There is a lack of understanding among reactors that through the 1960s AM radio and the 45 single in mono was the currency and THAT'S what they should react to. That is the version which made the impact, made #1 etc. (Also Vlad doesn't seem to research anything.)
The Electro-Theremin! That Carol Kaye's electric bass line in counterpoint with the double bass! The cello triplets! The Wrecking Crew shining with their musicianship! And of course the genius of Brian Wilson producing. This is what makes masterpieces.
No, that's not Carol Kaye. Her parts didn't make the final cut of the song. Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman and Lyle Ritz play the Fender bass on the released single. At various points in the song they switch to upright bass, joining Jimmy Bond and Arthur Wright on that instrument.
There were some amazing musicians on this recording. The soaring electronic instrument is Theremin, which is played by Paull Tanner who was for decades the Trombone Professor at U.C.L.A. and before that was the principal trombone with the Glenn Miller Orchestra during 1938 to 1942 or its entire formal run under Miller. He was a respected part of the studio trombone community in Los Angeles, and one of a very few who played Theremin. As trombonists we are a bit like cellists in the sense that we have no fret or valve reference, but have "positions" which guide us as to pitch. But we can hit infinite possible specific pitches just like with the string family. And like with cello we have a lengthy "throw" of our hand or arm to move from spot to spot on the instrument. Nonetheless, we have to get very precise as to WHERE we put our hand (with the slide; like with pressing on the string on a cello). This means playing an instrument which recognizes how close our hand is to a bar (like Theremin) will seem similar to our horn once we work with it and get used to it.
"God Only Knows" is Wilson's masterpiece (although there are definitely some others that would compete for that title, especially from the "Smile" sessions), but "God Only Knows" is the most beautiful pop song ever recorded.
Wouldn’t It Be Nice is also a great song and composition. So many of Brian Wilsons catalog are like classical compositions composed of multiple movements instead of the normal verse, and maybe a bridge, and a chorus. Also lots of use of non traditional instrumentation which I think both the Beach Boys and Beatles both were some of the original groups to do that. I am still waiting for a pop song to feature a Didgeridoo.
There has never been a day in my life I haven't known this song. Your reaction made me so happy. To grow up with this joy in my life for so many years is such a blessing! So glad you found it!
Psychedelic Love Buzz Beauty. Vibrations abound. Great commentary. I knew you’d like this one. Thanks Virgin Rock. Odd mix in this release but it’s all good. Amazing song
I'm in my 50s now, but I grew up listening to the Beach Boys (and even more Beatles) because my dad played them all the time. Of all the memories of this song, the one that stands out the most is how absolutely hilarious it was in the original Superman in 1978 when Christopher Reeve first makes his appearance as Superman, he interrupts some random bad guys stealing a boat or something, and one of the bad guys smashes a crowbar across Superman's back. The crowbar starts vibrating wildly as if he struck a brick wall, and Superman turns around and looks at the would-be attacker and simply asks "Bad Vibrations?" Eight year old me thought that was just the funniest thing such that I still remember it these many decades later.
Great review. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Love how you recognized it for the wonderful song it is right off the bat. I have to admit it was fun seeing your joy in hearing it for the first time. Some songs take time to appreciate. Others you know immediately, and this is one of those.
Not quite. While Carol Kaye is indeed a legend who played on many Beach Boys hits, she doesn't actually play bass on Good Vibrations. During the months-long recording process for that record she did play some bass guitar parts that weren't used in Brian Wilson's final edit. The hit single released in 1966 ultimately features FIVE bass players: Jimmy Bond, Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman, Lyle Ritz and Arthur Wright.
You should really check out the entire “Pet Sounds” album by The Beach Boys! Brian Wilson was a genius. You can also find instrumental & Vocal Only mixes for pretty much every song on the record, which may be an interesting way to further dissect the music. There’s so much to the vocal & musical arrangements, listening to them as a whole and then separating them make’s different things stand out, that you may not notice on first listen. I would also recommend the remastered Stereo Mix of the album. Thanks!
FINALLY, I’ve been waiting for this one for ages! Once you listen to Pet Sounds, watch the film Love & Mercy; it’s all about how Brian Wilson composed these songs and utilized the recording studio and session musicians during this era. He is truly one of the most unique and talented musicians of the 20th century and there are just so many unexpected layers to everything he creates.
What you hear is the Beach Boys on the vocals. The music is played, as so much of the music from this era was, by the incredible studio musician group called The Wrecking Crew. The Wrecking Crew played on most every hit of this time. From Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to The Monkees and Sonny and Cher. Many of the musicians from the Wrecking Crew went on to have very successful careers on their own. Glen Campbell, Leon Russell and Daryl Dragon (The Captain from Captain & Tenille) all were very successful.
I always found the Beach Boys to be an evolution of a barbershop quartet per se, with Brian Wilson taking the forefront and the addition of instrumentals to supplement their voices. The music they put together makes me think that they loved to experiment with various instruments and that they had fun with it! Good Vibrations all around.
This song has given me goosebumps every time I've heard it. And I remember where I was and what I was doing the first time - riding in my mom's '74 Chevy Vega in about 1981 or '82.
Not everyone,Carl played some guitar,& Brian played some organ & piano.But for me,it’s not only the music,that makes this,one of the greats,it’s the vocals too.
I was so happy to see this song today! The Beach Boys harmonies are incredible & Brian has so much talent & creativity. He is deaf in his right ear. I also will mention “God only knows” & “Sloop John B” I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction & information. I never thought about the organ part like you did… I love it!
Knew that. I’m deaf in my left ear and Brian was an inspiration for me to have a music career. He is my hero along with Annie Haslem of renaissance who is also severely hearing impaired.
I haven't watched your channel in forever but I always used to recommend the Beach Boys to you. I'm glad this came up in my feed, I just wish it was 13 days sooner!
Your joyful reaction was so immediate. I love it. :) I think this is one of the very best songs of this era of music. I hear it as a celebration of life, which a lot of their music was, but it's on such a large scale and with so many different sounds that it feels like they're trying to capture all of life's joy in one piece. It doesn't feel frivolous (even if it's still fun) like some of their early stuff can. It feels real. The whole Pet Sounds album is really like this too. Other commenters have recommended God Only Knows, and I do too.
I ALWAYS learn something when is watch your videos...for me the lyrics of a song are usually just voice sounds Ive know this song since I was 8 years old..always liked it but never paid atteniion to the words...it seems to be thematically simelar to the Flower Girl ( I know thats not the title) song...have a whole new apprecation for this song thanks
I LOVE this one. The song is complex and I especially adore the verses at the beginning...they give me fluffy vibes that makes me just want to take off and fly!!🤗
This brings back fond memories of listening to The Beach Boys in the family van as a kid. They were one of my mom’s favorites, along with the carpenters.
Spot on Amy. It's a dilemma showcasing new bands versus digging deeper into their output. But you are doing a great job. This in is inarguably a lasting classic. At this time The Beach Boys and The Beatles were continually being inspired by and leaf-frogging each other with each successive album.
Speaking of letting the sunshine in... how about checking out Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In by the 5th Dimension? That's certainly a classic that should provide plenty of entertainment. :)
I saw Brian Wilson play this live. I recall three hired-in Cellists (whom Brian said were from Sweden) frantically playing the chorus part with their long hair flying.
I'm glad you got to this one, because it does show the depth of what rock had to offer back in the days when there was so much musical exploration going on. I would check out their best of list and go with that for your future listens and reactions. Although, I was more of a Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones guy, to me the Beach Boys were the "wholesome" group of rock and roll. There topics were mostly light and fun to listen to. Good job. BTW, I see a lot of people are crying for God only knows, but I would go with some of their others first, like Wouldn't it be nice, Little Deuce Coupe, and Help me Rhonda. Then, you will get a good rounded view of the group.
Nice to hear a fresh take on a song I've loved for years. It's said Brian Wilson filled the living room of his Laurel Canyon home with beach sand to inspire/ influence him while writing this album.
my first exposure to the Beach Boys, oh so long ago, was a song called Little Deuce Coupe - about a 1932 Ford Model A hot rod - back in the days when the BBs were a "surf band". I never understood how Brian and the rest evolved from that to this. I'm glad to say I love them both! ps: if you don't know Little Deuce Coupe, look it up - it's great fun!
I first heard this song in 1991. I loved it right away and probably love it more now! I have never gotten tired of this song! It's catchy, yet deep and artistic!
There is a Beach Boys covers band here in Brighton called “Brighton Beach Boys” that is so authentic they actually employ a bass harmonica. They are all musicians with chops, including members of Electric Soft Parade and The Divine Comedy, and was started by Ralph Brown, who played the drug deale, Danny, in Withnail and I.
Great reaction, Amy. The Beach Boys started out as a "Surf Music" band, but grew to be so much more, but It got me thinking maybe it would be fun to do some other surf music. The Ventures "Wipe Out" with it's duelling drum solos is a fun song, for example. Loving your Channel. I take a break from work every morning, and can't wait to get home to watch that day's Virgin Rock. Keep up the great work. :D
This band has been part of My life since the early 1970's. Your characterization of how to listen to this is so spot on. There's a compilation called "Endless Summer" that has been the soundtrack to spring cleaning, road trips, beach parties, painting projects, backyard BBQs. There is so much more to discover while looking through The Beach Boys catalog. There is a very good movie called "Love & Mercy" that's about Brian Wilson's upbringing, His past battles with mental illness, and about a "supergroup" I'm sure you've heard many times without necessarily knowing it was them "The Wrecking Crew" was a collective of musicians who basically recorded with everyone from Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, and basically whenever you think to yourself who plays the cello, flute, or any other instrument that isn't in the bands line-up. The Wrecking Crew could lay down a final track faster than virtually anyone, so they would save a lot of money on studio time. There's some nice scenes about the recording of "Pet Sounds", an album that had mixed reviews at the time, but is considered a classic now.
When people ask where where you when certain events happen in your life when this record first aired on the radio i was 16 at the time and lying on the couch in mum and dad's house and listening to all the great 60s songs of the time and then this particular record came on and i jumped up from my prostate position and could not believe the sheer power of this record i bought it and played it continuously for the next seven days it is without doubt an absolute masterpiece and now at 74 each time it comes on the radio i smile and think back to that halcyon moment in my living room
Wow. This song expresses feelings that are so pure and primitive that it is hard to describe with words, but I think you managed to do it pretty well. I liked the note about going down the tone to 'dig' the good vibrations and carry them on surface. Regarding the version which is not the original one, I think this piece is so classic that all the versions are excellent. I didn't know this particular one, but I liked it!
When you're saying the sound of the "good" goes down and collects all the good feelings from the stomach- I have the same feeling when listening to heavy dub sounds but i never had this beautiful metaphor 😊
Every composer alive should listen to this album whether you’re a classical composer, a jazz composer, opera rock country you name it if you skip Brian Wilson’s smile, you’re not listening to music
I love your channel and interpretations. One thing I wish for more is hearing your uninfluenced impressions upon hearing the whole piece. I get it. It's a big ask given the format of the show. But I'd really like you to address in musicology the relationship between the part and the whole. "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys is such a good example of so many parts, and I felt your "vibrations" on all of them - right on! Well, lovely subscription. Love what you're doing!
I've loved this song all my life, yes since it was released (I just turned 70), and while this version is NOT THE ORIGINAL (there are some inserts), but all the original is still there - but this is not how it was released. You pointed out the subdued organ representing a look to the future and possibly wedding her... I may have picked up on that as a kid but maybe not. Good catch. Music from that period was quite introspective and creative, BUT you missed something about their instrumentation! The Theremin ! It had been around but they were the first to use it in pop/rock music and it was a prominent part of this song. That's worth a mention. Thank you for your great reaction! You almost made me 12 again when I discovered the beach and the girls and all that. This was a major part of the overall beach scene sound track.
The Beach Boys were my first favorite band when I found one of their albums at the library. Been listening to them since 1974, when I was 8 years old. I take the t-tops (roof) off my Firebird on bright sunny days, go cruising around playing The Beach Boys, including Good Vibrations of course.
I love your analyses, and I would like to recommend a great documentary about the Beach Boys that is available on Disney Plus. A fantastic piece. Greetings from Barcelona.
This song changed music history forever. Brian's masterful use of the studio was amazing. I'd highly recommend you watch one or more documentaries/movies about The Beach Boys... it's a truly fascinating story on so many fronts and I suspect you'd really enjoy it due to your love of music. Additionally, there are a handful of iconic songs that no one likes to perform live... two of those are Stairway to Heaven and Good Vibrations. They're complex songs and they'll never sound as good as the original. But the group Heart did BOTH live in front of Led Zep and Brian Wilson and nailed them both. Either of those versions would be a great add to your channel and are popular with first time reactors. Thanks for the great content! :)
I want you to listen to " God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys. I think it is their best ever
I opened up the comments to ask this also
Pet Sounds in its magnificient entirety
The song that Paul McCartney wishes to write.
Yes, i also think so. There are many beautiful pop songs and then "god only knows".
Agreed. Brian Wilson created a masterpiece
The Beach Boys's harmonies are so beautiful to listen to
This 3 minute track was finally completed after more than 100 working hours in the studio. Brian Wilson is a genius
pretty sure that was more than 100 hours, unless you are talking about one marathon session.
Paul McCartney said God Only Knows is the perfect song. Listen to the original version please.
paul mccartney is a cia psyop
agreed. i though exactly the same..
.... and to think its from brother to brother - very moving.
Man, no matter how much I listen to this song, it gives me goosebumps.
Brian Wilson was a true genius of writing and arranging. Unexpected chord changes, key changes, bizarre harmonies, etc., even in their oldest and simplest songs. This, of course, is really a suite, and I can never forget the impact that this song had upon its release.
What a joy to see her react with such genuine delight.
I'm nearly 60 and that's the first time I'd ever heard this version. I think I prefer the original, but this was interesting.
I think this version is from the Smile sessions box-set rather than the released version from 66/67. There's other versions on the box-set including one with a fuzz guitar ending. Apparently took Brian Wilson six months to finalise the single version using many different studios.
Agree that the original is better. Somebody vandalized the fade, adding a tasteless bit of electronic noodling that spoiled the ending.
This version (that every reactor seems to react to sadly) just doesnt have the impact of the original single release, too many unnecessary additions, and the dum de dum bit in the middle is criminal. It's better in mono I think too. Its still great obviously, but this version could never be considered a contender for greatest single ever released.
Whoa. I'm 44 and today I learned that this isn't the original version! I'll go check it out, thanks!
I'm 50 and same. We had the LP growing up and thats the only Version I've ever heard. This was new. To quote you "prefer the original, but this was interesting"
The Beach Boys are astounding. People seem to not know how deep their catalog is, and think they are only 'Fun Fun Fun Ooooh Beach Girl Sand Sun'. Brian Wilson is a genius.
100%
Wow... I thought I had listened to every song and version of Beach Boys songs. This extended version is completely new to me. When I started listening to music and discovering my taste, Beach Boys was definitely on my list. They just capture the vibe of youth so perfectly. Of course, the music has a beauty and artistry to it. It's complex while sounding simple. Brian Wilson I consider to be a musical genius who wrote most if not all of their songs.
Beach Boys are eternal. So happy you so adamantly enjoyed them.
Carol Kaye’s bass line in this song is just priceless.
She da bestest!
She is the goat in bass guitar.
Carol Kaye played some unused sessions but the actual bass parts on record were Carl Wilson, Bill Pittman, Ray Pohlman, and Lyle Ritz
You really should do the entire PET SOUNDS album. It is complete genius. It was so original it inspired the Beatles. Not many can say that
lt had 3 or 4 good songs.
I totally agree. I still listen to Pet Sounds all the time.
A perfect album, and a perfect encapsulation of Brian Wilson's genius. It's so good.
@@billythedog-309 just like sgt pepper
I was just gonna type that. It's a masterpiece.
This song is one of greatest most brilliant pop tunes ever. It makes me stop and listen and marvel every time...cello, theremin, farfisa organ, tamborine...its just brilliant.
Love the bass harmonica.
I was in my car listening to the radio in 1966 when this song came on. It made such an impression that could show you where I was on the road when I heard it.
God only knows, you need to react to God Only Knows.
Beach Boys were FULL of complex, beautiful compositions like this. Even during their "Beach, surfing, girls, fun fun fun" days they had beautiful songs like "In My Room"
I'm so glad you immediately picked up my favorite thing about the Beach Boys' music: It's FUN! I'm 70, and I still love driving down a country highway in the summer, with my sunroof open, blasting the Beach Boys as loud as my Harmon Kardon car stereo can go. Well, almost as loud. After which, of course, I go home and return to my normal staid and dignified self, my secret obsession unsuspected.
Definitely a toe-tapper!
Musically speaking, this song is a master piece. So many variants: Different octaves, different tempo, off beat, on beat, great orchestration...and let's not forget the lyrics
The Warmth of the Sun!!!! Gorgeous.
I'm so glad that you have finally returned to the Beach Boys with this song. This is the first time you have heard one of their big hits (they have several), since you had only heard a deeper cut early in the channel. They and the Beatles had a friendly rivalry and mutual admiration. The Beach Boys were the quintessential sunny Southern California beach music band. I'm really glad that you enjoyed this so much and found so many qualities to like about it. I loved all your descriptions and imagery of how you were experiencing this song. You picked up on their positive upbeat, have fun and embrace life quality. They have several more with a similar vibe that I think you will also enjoy. A really enjoyable reaction!
I was 12 when this song broke. It uplifts me every time I hear it. There's a magic in the melodies and in the sheer energy the song creates. Love it.
She is such a nice lady! Hard to believe she hasn't heard this beyond-iconic song before, but she's way too young to have been around when it was popular. And classical musicians are very absorbed in their own musical world. She has a very expressive face. The soul of an artist, I believe. Thanks for the video. I haven't heard this version of Good Vibrations before. I'm not used to it.
Please honor Til I Die. Beautiful. Makes you FEEL!!!!
YES!
The Beach Boys and the Beatles had a friendly rivalry and mutual admiration. I actually saw the Beach Boys live at Wembly in 1975, I wasn't expecting much as they were supporting Elton John but they stole the show. Fantastic.
The Beach Boys were the first rock and roll group I fell in love with when I moved to the States in the early 80's. This must be the first time I've heard Good Vibrations at this length. This must be an extended version. Loved it!
As a classical musician you will appreciate the song "Surf's Up" from the "Smile" album. It was analyzed and featured by Leonard Bernstein in a TV documentary about Pop music in the 1960's. One of Brian Wilson's most sophisticated compositions.
That show was Brilliant. It should be shown and duplicated with modern artists today.
Thank you for coming back to the Beach Boys, your first video ever was This Whole World and I for one have been waiting a long time for you to hear some more Beach Boys. Good Vibrations is in many ways the most realised Beach Boys song and huge hit at the time (1966).
I will mention that the edit you listened too has an extra part of the sessions that wasn't in the 66 single mix towards the end (humm dee da section) that was released a bit over 10 years ago and an extended outro. As much as I love that bit (and I've enjoyed a fan edit XXXL 13 minute version of this song) , the original edit is slightly tighter and historically correct as 66 Brian Wilson's vision)
People should understand the scale of the musical production of this song. It took mostly 4 months to create and there was supposedly 90 hours of tape recorded between multiple takes of multiple parts and sessions for the lead and backing vocals. This song was done in a modular way, with 4 different studios being used and all the pieces done separately and then spliced together on tape which was revolutionary for pop music. The cost of this song was unpreceded for the time.
Brian Wilson wrote the entire melodic structure and arranged all the instruments and almost all the vocals for this song and produced on it. His voice can be prominently heard during the chorus on the high part as well as doubling the lead singer Carl Wilson's verse lead briefly in the verse. I have to say the cellos go hard in this song in the chorus and outro. Not sure if you noticed the electro-theremin going on in the chorus and in the bridge/outro but it's certainly a unique instrument.
I hope you don't wait so long to do another Beach Boys song, you should definitely consider high profile hits/critical favourites like God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, I Get Around, Sloop John B, When I Grow Up (to Be a Man), Heroes and Villains (Smile edit), Don't Worry Baby, Surfer Girl, Surf's up, Don't Worry Baby, etc but you should also consider excellent deeper cuts like you did for This Whole World including, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, Cabin Essence, All I Wanna Do, Vega-Tables, The Night Was So Young, Cool, Cool Water, Please Let Me Wonder, Funky Pretty, Busy Doin' Nothin' and Time To Get Alone (for starters :P ).
The Beach Boys have an impressive body of work that will reward you.
Might add the "bio pic" of Brian Wilson covering 2 periods of his life interspaced is quite excellent, here is part of the scene covering this song (I don't think it spoils anything) ua-cam.com/video/EPm4nW2ehcM/v-deo.htmlsi=Rm47DzBRfWLLiWx8
Thanks for sharing your wonderful musical journey through this Brian Wilson - Mike Love piece of work! I enjoyed your descriptive reaction. It's often difficult to hear through all the various layers built into any piece of music, and I appreciate the value of your musical experience walking us through this piece. Thank you! Lookinf forward to more of your reactions!
Very very enjoyable. Thanks so much for all you do!
The tight harmonies and falsetto voices blend as only relatives voices can.
Grew up with The Beach Boys music. Great songs that lift your mood.
You have to give "Surf's up" by Beach Boys a listen.
Surf’s Up is probably Brian Wilson’s masterpiece. Which is not an easy choice.
from smille sessions (2011)
@@modernworldiscrapnah, 1971 version is better
Til I Die is great too....well, the whole album is great.
Yeah, absolutely love Surf's Up. Never given the appreciation that it deserved
I am here to echo what I'm sure many others are saying, which is that you should listen to "God Only Knows". If I remember correctly, Paul McCartney said it was the greatest rock song ever.
Paul said it was the greatest love song.
'If you would ever leave me,
though life would go on, believe me.'
A beautiful couplet, summing the loss of love. This is a person who has known loneliness.
What you listened to is not the original from the 1960s! It is an alternate version with additional instrumental and vocal parts not in the original release. Compare, for example, the ending stating at appx 7:50 in your clip with the original ending from 3:14 in the official version you have in the link you provide. Did you do this consciously? Could you do a little addendum to this clip commparing, for example, the two endings? Thereis a hugely complicated history to this song and the album it was intended for, SMILE, but my point is this is not the version that had such an impact at the time and since, I'd love you take on what was originally released.
The original mix is in mono, also, as are many of the Beach Boys hits.
This edit also has the hum dee dum section inserted differing from the 66 mix.
Yeah and the uneasy/unsure nature of the original at the one point in the song is kind of left behind in the new version.
I expected the lush vocal chord after the harmonica (?) solo, not hum dee dum. Still a great song and it's wonderful to see Amy's joy at her first listen. Probably similar to people in the 60s hearing it for the first time.
There is a lack of understanding among reactors that through the 1960s AM radio and the 45 single in mono was the currency and THAT'S what they should react to. That is the version which made the impact, made #1 etc. (Also Vlad doesn't seem to research anything.)
I've been listening to this song ever since it was new. You have perceived aspects I've appreciated but nobody else has ever expressed. Wow!
The Electro-Theremin! That Carol Kaye's electric bass line in counterpoint with the double bass! The cello triplets! The Wrecking Crew shining with their musicianship! And of course the genius of Brian Wilson producing. This is what makes masterpieces.
No, that's not Carol Kaye. Her parts didn't make the final cut of the song. Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman and Lyle Ritz play the Fender bass on the released single. At various points in the song they switch to upright bass, joining Jimmy Bond and Arthur Wright on that instrument.
@@EddieFunkowitz Thanks for the correction. So who came with the bassline idea then? Carol has always said it's hers.
There were some amazing musicians on this recording. The soaring electronic instrument is Theremin, which is played by Paull Tanner who was for decades the Trombone Professor at U.C.L.A. and before that was the principal trombone with the Glenn Miller Orchestra during 1938 to 1942 or its entire formal run under Miller. He was a respected part of the studio trombone community in Los Angeles, and one of a very few who played Theremin. As trombonists we are a bit like cellists in the sense that we have no fret or valve reference, but have "positions" which guide us as to pitch. But we can hit infinite possible specific pitches just like with the string family. And like with cello we have a lengthy "throw" of our hand or arm to move from spot to spot on the instrument. Nonetheless, we have to get very precise as to WHERE we put our hand (with the slide; like with pressing on the string on a cello). This means playing an instrument which recognizes how close our hand is to a bar (like Theremin) will seem similar to our horn once we work with it and get used to it.
"God Only Knows" is Wilson's masterpiece (although there are definitely some others that would compete for that title, especially from the "Smile" sessions), but "God Only Knows" is the most beautiful pop song ever recorded.
The Beatles's She's Leaving Home is on the same level. I think both songs are perfect. Brian has other contenders that's for sure.
Wouldn’t It Be Nice is also a great song and composition. So many of Brian Wilsons catalog are like classical compositions composed of multiple movements instead of the normal verse, and maybe a bridge, and a chorus. Also lots of use of non traditional instrumentation which I think both the Beach Boys and Beatles both were some of the original groups to do that. I am still waiting for a pop song to feature a Didgeridoo.
Brian Wilson says that “Darlin’” is his best song - and I’m inclined to agree. But “God Only Knows” runs it very close.
@@larrybremer4930 I believe Kate Bush did that on The Dreaming.
There has never been a day in my life I haven't known this song. Your reaction made me so happy. To grow up with this joy in my life for so many years is such a blessing! So glad you found it!
Psychedelic Love Buzz Beauty. Vibrations abound. Great commentary. I knew you’d like this one. Thanks Virgin Rock. Odd mix in this release but it’s all good. Amazing song
I'm in my 50s now, but I grew up listening to the Beach Boys (and even more Beatles) because my dad played them all the time. Of all the memories of this song, the one that stands out the most is how absolutely hilarious it was in the original Superman in 1978 when Christopher Reeve first makes his appearance as Superman, he interrupts some random bad guys stealing a boat or something, and one of the bad guys smashes a crowbar across Superman's back. The crowbar starts vibrating wildly as if he struck a brick wall, and Superman turns around and looks at the would-be attacker and simply asks "Bad Vibrations?" Eight year old me thought that was just the funniest thing such that I still remember it these many decades later.
Til I die will always be my favourite Beach Boys song.
Great review. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Love how you recognized it for the wonderful song it is right off the bat. I have to admit it was fun seeing your joy in hearing it for the first time. Some songs take time to appreciate. Others you know immediately, and this is one of those.
Legendary Carol Kaye on bass guitar ladies and gentlemen.
Not quite. While Carol Kaye is indeed a legend who played on many Beach Boys hits, she doesn't actually play bass on Good Vibrations. During the months-long recording process for that record she did play some bass guitar parts that weren't used in Brian Wilson's final edit. The hit single released in 1966 ultimately features FIVE bass players: Jimmy Bond, Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman, Lyle Ritz and Arthur Wright.
@@EddieFunkowitz Oh my! That I didn't know. Thanks for clarifying. Five bass players that's incredible.
The beach boys "surfs up"...a masterpiece
It´s been on my playlist since it was released. One of the great ones.
You should really check out the entire “Pet Sounds” album by The Beach Boys!
Brian Wilson was a genius.
You can also find instrumental & Vocal Only mixes for pretty much every song on the record, which may be an interesting way to further dissect the music.
There’s so much to the vocal & musical arrangements, listening to them as a whole and then separating them make’s different things stand out, that you may not notice on first listen.
I would also recommend the remastered Stereo Mix of the album.
Thanks!
I think I cried. Thank you for helping me relive my first time hearing this. Or first time, really, hearing it!
You should check out Heroes and Villains, and/or Surfs Up. Very creative tunes.
And 'Mrs. O'Leary's Cow' ( aka Fire)'
FINALLY, I’ve been waiting for this one for ages! Once you listen to Pet Sounds, watch the film Love & Mercy; it’s all about how Brian Wilson composed these songs and utilized the recording studio and session musicians during this era. He is truly one of the most unique and talented musicians of the 20th century and there are just so many unexpected layers to everything he creates.
What you hear is the Beach Boys on the vocals. The music is played, as so much of the music from this era was, by the incredible studio musician group called The Wrecking Crew. The Wrecking Crew played on most every hit of this time. From Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to The Monkees and Sonny and Cher. Many of the musicians from the Wrecking Crew went on to have very successful careers on their own. Glen Campbell, Leon Russell and Daryl Dragon (The Captain from Captain & Tenille) all were very successful.
The Wrecking Crew were my generation’s unsung heroes. So pleased that I finally know of them.
Come on now you can't forget Carol Kaye on BASS.
@@martyjansing2675 You are right. How could I ever forget Carol Kaye. The Beat Goes On.
I always found the Beach Boys to be an evolution of a barbershop quartet per se, with Brian Wilson taking the forefront and the addition of instrumentals to supplement their voices. The music they put together makes me think that they loved to experiment with various instruments and that they had fun with it! Good Vibrations all around.
Barbershop, absolutely. Heroes and Villains, Warmth of the Sun, Sloop John B. ...
I so love this song, and it pulls me into the feeling of it. I like it even more now that I watch your reaction to it, so priceless.
This my favorite video of yours. I feel your joy!
“Caroline, No” is sublime BEACH BOYS.
Beach Boys are a weird starting location to search for the sublime. They seem so firmly rooted on the side of beauty.
@@stefanb6539 Nice!
But the definition of “sublime” is “great excellence or beauty”.
This song has given me goosebumps every time I've heard it. And I remember where I was and what I was doing the first time - riding in my mom's '74 Chevy Vega in about 1981 or '82.
Everything the Wrecking Crew is involved with is golden!!!!
Yes-they made this possible.
I second that! The Wrecking Crew provides the backing of SO many songs that are the soundtrack of my life!
The OP obviously hasn't ever heard Sonny Bono's Inner Visions album.
Not everyone,Carl played some guitar,& Brian played some organ & piano.But for me,it’s not only the music,that makes this,one of the greats,it’s the vocals too.
Right on. The greatest group of musicians of the time
Utter masterclass
I was so happy to see this song today! The Beach Boys harmonies are incredible & Brian has so much talent & creativity. He is deaf in his right ear. I also will mention “God only knows” & “Sloop John B” I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction & information. I never thought about the organ part like you did… I love it!
Knew that. I’m deaf in my left ear and Brian was an inspiration for me to have a music career. He is my hero along with Annie Haslem of renaissance who is also severely hearing impaired.
I'm so glad you listened to this song, it's an absolute classic
I feel good every time I hear this. Loved your reaction.
If you want a happy rock song…. Mr. Blue Sky by ELO is probably the happiest song ever written.
And scientifically proven to be so too! 😁
Theres loads better.
@@paulcollins5586please tell us. we might be thinking of the same songs.
To each his own. Hearing Ozzy sing " Sweat Leaf " during his Sabbath days puts a big smile on my face. 🎸🎵🎶
Good Day Sunshine is more happy for me.
Mr blue sky is a fleeting celebration . He’s been gone, he comes back, then he has to go again.
I love the way you bring new insights into songs that I have known and loved my entire life!
I haven't watched your channel in forever but I always used to recommend the Beach Boys to you. I'm glad this came up in my feed, I just wish it was 13 days sooner!
Your joyful reaction was so immediate. I love it. :)
I think this is one of the very best songs of this era of music. I hear it as a celebration of life, which a lot of their music was, but it's on such a large scale and with so many different sounds that it feels like they're trying to capture all of life's joy in one piece. It doesn't feel frivolous (even if it's still fun) like some of their early stuff can. It feels real.
The whole Pet Sounds album is really like this too. Other commenters have recommended God Only Knows, and I do too.
I ALWAYS learn something when is watch your videos...for me the lyrics of a song are usually just voice sounds Ive know this song since I was 8 years old..always liked it but never paid atteniion to the words...it seems to be thematically simelar to the Flower Girl ( I know thats not the title) song...have a whole new apprecation for this song
thanks
So glad you found your way to Good Vibrations! It's been my all time favorite song for 50 years.
I LOVE this one. The song is complex and I especially adore the verses at the beginning...they give me fluffy vibes that makes me just want to take off and fly!!🤗
I love how into this song you were! That's why music is so amazing and impactful.
This brings back fond memories of listening to The Beach Boys in the family van as a kid. They were one of my mom’s favorites, along with the carpenters.
Spot on Amy. It's a dilemma showcasing new bands versus digging deeper into their output. But you are doing a great job. This in is inarguably a lasting classic. At this time The Beach Boys and The Beatles were continually being inspired by and leaf-frogging each other with each successive album.
I loved it! the looks on your face hearing this for the first time was priceless !
Speaking of letting the sunshine in... how about checking out Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In by the 5th Dimension? That's certainly a classic that should provide plenty of entertainment. :)
Just about every song from the musical 'Hair' was solid gold.
I saw Brian Wilson play this live. I recall three hired-in Cellists (whom Brian said were from Sweden) frantically playing the chorus part with their long hair flying.
I'm glad you got to this one, because it does show the depth of what rock had to offer back in the days when there was so much musical exploration going on. I would check out their best of list and go with that for your future listens and reactions. Although, I was more of a Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones guy, to me the Beach Boys were the "wholesome" group of rock and roll. There topics were mostly light and fun to listen to. Good job. BTW, I see a lot of people are crying for God only knows, but I would go with some of their others first, like Wouldn't it be nice, Little Deuce Coupe, and Help me Rhonda. Then, you will get a good rounded view of the group.
Nice to hear a fresh take on a song I've loved for years. It's said Brian Wilson filled the living room of his Laurel Canyon home with beach sand to inspire/ influence him while writing this album.
Loved watching you enjoy this lovin’ good group.
my first exposure to the Beach Boys, oh so long ago, was a song called Little Deuce Coupe - about a 1932 Ford Model A hot rod - back in the days when the BBs were a "surf band". I never understood how Brian and the rest evolved from that to this. I'm glad to say I love them both! ps: if you don't know Little Deuce Coupe, look it up - it's great fun!
My very 1st musical memory is hearing this on my little radio in my room.
I first heard this song in 1991. I loved it right away and probably love it more now! I have never gotten tired of this song! It's catchy, yet deep and artistic!
The quacking sound is a bass harmonica. They were used a lot in harmonica bands in the 1950s but not used a lot after that.
There is a Beach Boys covers band here in Brighton called “Brighton Beach Boys” that is so authentic they actually employ a bass harmonica.
They are all musicians with chops, including members of Electric Soft Parade and The Divine Comedy, and was started by Ralph Brown, who played the drug deale, Danny, in Withnail and I.
Also used to great effect throughout Pet Sounds. There’s even a solo on I Know There’s An Answer.
The top voice in that section is also a harmonica. I love the sound.
Great reaction, Amy. The Beach Boys started out as a "Surf Music" band, but grew to be so much more, but It got me thinking maybe it would be fun to do some other surf music. The Ventures "Wipe Out" with it's duelling drum solos is a fun song, for example.
Loving your Channel. I take a break from work every morning, and can't wait to get home to watch that day's Virgin Rock. Keep up the great work. :D
This band has been part of My life since the early 1970's. Your characterization of how to listen to this is so spot on. There's a compilation called "Endless Summer" that has been the soundtrack to spring cleaning, road trips, beach parties, painting projects, backyard BBQs.
There is so much more to discover while looking through The Beach Boys catalog. There is a very good movie called "Love & Mercy" that's about Brian Wilson's upbringing, His past battles with mental illness, and about a "supergroup" I'm sure you've heard many times without necessarily knowing it was them "The Wrecking Crew" was a collective of musicians who basically recorded with everyone from Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, and basically whenever you think to yourself who plays the cello, flute, or any other instrument that isn't in the bands line-up.
The Wrecking Crew could lay down a final track faster than virtually anyone, so they would save a lot of money on studio time. There's some nice scenes about the recording of "Pet Sounds", an album that had mixed reviews at the time, but is considered a classic now.
I never heard that version before, sounded kinda wierd.😮
You say weird like it's a bad thing.
It’s from the Smile Sessions, would’ve been included as the album version on Smile
@@stephensmith3111 Bad, no. It's not as good, that's all.
When people ask where where you when certain events happen in your life when this record first aired on the radio i was 16 at the time and lying on the couch in mum and dad's house and listening to all the great 60s songs of the time and then this particular record came on and i jumped up from my prostate position and could not believe the sheer power of this record i bought it and played it continuously for the next seven days it is without doubt an absolute masterpiece and now at 74 each time it comes on the radio i smile and think back to that halcyon moment in my living room
I had a feeling you would love this one. Don't blame you, Amy. Good vibrations, baby, lol!
Perfectly constructed and executed piece.
Please do a full Pet Sounds listen, it's a masterpiece.
How did you manage to miss this tune after all these years, unbelievable !
Wow. This song expresses feelings that are so pure and primitive that it is hard to describe with words, but I think you managed to do it pretty well. I liked the note about going down the tone to 'dig' the good vibrations and carry them on surface. Regarding the version which is not the original one, I think this piece is so classic that all the versions are excellent. I didn't know this particular one, but I liked it!
Amy, you should listen more Beach Boys songs. The song God Only Knows is the Paul Maccartney prefer one ever.
I was thinking Vivaldi, and then you said it! I feel you must be teaching me something after all these videos. Thank you.
When you're saying the sound of the "good" goes down and collects all the good feelings from the stomach- I have the same feeling when listening to heavy dub sounds but i never had this beautiful metaphor 😊
This track deserves a follow-up analysis. It takes more than one listen to digest, and needs a deeper dive!
You must listen (and see) to "Heroes and Villans" (with the introduction "Our Prayer"/"Gee" ) 2004 version from "Brian Wilson Presents Smile"!!!!!
Every composer alive should listen to this album whether you’re a classical composer, a jazz composer, opera rock country you name it if you skip Brian Wilson’s smile, you’re not listening to music
I love your channel and interpretations. One thing I wish for more is hearing your uninfluenced impressions upon hearing the whole piece. I get it. It's a big ask given the format of the show. But I'd really like you to address in musicology the relationship between the part and the whole. "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys is such a good example of so many parts, and I felt your "vibrations" on all of them - right on! Well, lovely subscription. Love what you're doing!
I've loved this song all my life, yes since it was released (I just turned 70), and while this version is NOT THE ORIGINAL (there are some inserts), but all the original is still there - but this is not how it was released. You pointed out the subdued organ representing a look to the future and possibly wedding her... I may have picked up on that as a kid but maybe not. Good catch. Music from that period was quite introspective and creative, BUT you missed something about their instrumentation! The Theremin ! It had been around but they were the first to use it in pop/rock music and it was a prominent part of this song. That's worth a mention. Thank you for your great reaction! You almost made me 12 again when I discovered the beach and the girls and all that. This was a major part of the overall beach scene sound track.
The Beach Boys were my first favorite band when I found one of their albums at the library. Been listening to them since 1974, when I was 8 years old. I take the t-tops (roof) off my Firebird on bright sunny days, go cruising around playing The Beach Boys, including Good Vibrations of course.
I love your analyses, and I would like to recommend a great documentary about the Beach Boys that is available on Disney Plus. A fantastic piece. Greetings from Barcelona.
More Beach Boys!!! Yesss!!!
I think Surf’s Up, Break Away, Heroes and Villains, or Cool Cool Water would be interesting to see Amy’s reaction to!
This song changed music history forever. Brian's masterful use of the studio was amazing. I'd highly recommend you watch one or more documentaries/movies about The Beach Boys... it's a truly fascinating story on so many fronts and I suspect you'd really enjoy it due to your love of music.
Additionally, there are a handful of iconic songs that no one likes to perform live... two of those are Stairway to Heaven and Good Vibrations. They're complex songs and they'll never sound as good as the original. But the group Heart did BOTH live in front of Led Zep and Brian Wilson and nailed them both. Either of those versions would be a great add to your channel and are popular with first time reactors.
Thanks for the great content! :)
I wish I could remember my first time hearing this! My 71 years old memory isn't what it used to be.