Ann Wilson has got it right on this one.....there are songs that can and SHOULD BE covered.....but, that cover should always do justice to the original. Ann has covered a good few songs over the years and I think she has ALWAYS got it just right.......and Ann is, in and of herself, a legend in music.....ALL music. She is an icon, and anybody who says anything different is a clot.
I have worshipped at the altar of Music for 60 years…. Next to puppies…. Nature, good food and falling in Love…. Nothing gets us up close and personal to G_D than a holy Song!!!❤️💫🌹🙏
I’m 41 and have seen them in concert over 70 times. Not always the same and original group, obviously, but my parents are both teachers and old school hippies and they traveled around the country every summer (with me and my two siblings) and we traveled from town to town across the US and went to every concert, field festival, or music festival they could find. I had the best childhood EVER!!!
You never forget the first time you heard this song. I was single digits but I was like, "whoa what was that?" The cello, therimin, baritone-bass vocals. They all dug in and got behind Brians vision and created a masterpiece. Everybody on this planet loves this song.
Consider that Brian has experienced hallucinations and other symptoms of schizophrenia and still created one of the greatest albums of all time. Damn!!! Mad respect for this man.
"my brother Carl's idea" He never fails to mention that Carl is first and foremost his brother. He sounds so proud to be related to Carl, which is beautiful in my opinion. If I could meet one person, it would be Brian Wilson. Everything I do musically is a tribute to him.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 meet and greet tickets at his concerts run for roughly $500. that's if they're still doing them during covid anyway. You don't really get to have much of an interaction with him, but you do get to take a picture with him and get two autographs. It was well worth the $500 I spent on it.
I would absolutely love to meet Brian Wilson. I've loved the Beach Boys since I first heard their music and I knew I knew that music even though I was in middle school and had never heard their music in this lifetime. It started me as a fan and once I grew older I learned about the members and became a big fan of Brian's.
My favourite part in Good Vibrations happened when near the end, the song went into a crescendo and then just stopped... and... started up again. It was and still is Genius.
Pet Sounds is one of the greatest albums ever from one of the greatest bands ever. It not only inspired the Beatles on Lonely Hearts but influenced the tracks on Revolver as well. Brian Wilson is the epitome of a creative genius. They were great artists and musical innovators.
I always remember the comment made by Eric Clapton regarding "Pet Sounds". He said that, back in the day, the members of Cream would come off stage and go and listen to Pet Sounds. Eric said that the album became their 'muse'. What a tribute, coming from Eric.
Eric Clapton is how I got into Brian Wilson. I was a blues nut since seeing BB King on television in the late 60s, then becoming a huge Cream fan (along with Yardbirds and John Mayall w/Clapton). I was listening to an interview with Clapton when I was 14 (1976). Hearing Eric talk about how Cream would get their heads ready to perform while listening to Pet Sounds backstage was what made me say to myself "Who is this Wilson guy, and what is up with Pet Sounds?" I mean up to that point, I'd hear the occasional play of the old surf/car/girl songs or Good Vibrations and think they were okay, but I never really took notice. Also, Jack Bruce called Wilson, "the New Bach". When you tear apart Brian's arrangements and productions, you realize how mature he was even in their earlier stuff. You definitely see the progression as well. He had everyone taking notice, then he withdrew. It has to be the singular biggest "What If?" in rock history. Everybody who was anybody at the time was taking notice of what Brian was up to. While recording in LA (August '66), the Stones invited Brian over to the studio. I believe it was during the sessions for My Obsession. Oh, to be a fly on the wall that day! As my fellow musician buddies would say in the mid/late 70s, Brian and Syd Barrett should have done an album together. two brilliant recluses exploring the avantgarde. I was hoping the Brian Wilson-Jeff Beck collaborations in 2013 would inspire and produce "Surf's Up" like magic, but none of that has seen the light of day.
@@ms8596 Thanks for your well structured comment. Yes it's difficult to associate many of the 60's legends with the enigmatic genius of Brian. I've watched and read so many accolades coming from hard core rock stars over the years, all praising the brilliant but emotionally damaged Californian genius. His admirers are too numerous to mention; a star among stars, whether Clapton, Wood, the Beatles, Stones, Dylan or Simon and Garfunkel. All bow down to Brian's unparalleled musical ability. "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" was a fabulous documentary about Brian.
I saw Brian and Jeff Beck in Houston, 2013....strange concert but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Billy Gibbons strolled on stage as Jeff was reaching the crescendo of "A Day In The Life". Jeff "thanked" him after he finished the song.
@@kpoleary1 Quite an eclectic mix when you think about it. I remember seeing a video of Clapton and Beck playing Moon River on stage, both giving tribute to Henry Mancini of course. Rod Stewart is another guy who obviously feels totally at home singing the songbooks from yesteryear. He said that he was brought up/raised on that stuff. Jagger also made mention of listening to Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball and his Jazz Band when younger. So was equally true of Brian Wilson. They ALL seem to appreciate a good, conventional melody or sound when they hear it.
@@ms8596 it just goes to show, the whole world can dig what you do, but if those closest to you don't get it, it crushes you as if you've wasted your whole life.
“I believe God is music. When you make music, that’s God talking to you.” What a stunning quote, and a perfect summation of the power of Brian’s vision.
God is music???? Really??? So, God is the lyrics of what comes from the minds and mouths of rap artists??? The profanity? The Misogyny?? The violence???? The comment "God is music" is trite, banal, and meaningless. Music is nothing more than an art form. It can be simple, complex, wonderful, sad, uplifting, depressing, revealing, etc. It is a mode of expression and communication. It is not GOD.
@@jake5811 I'm not sold on that theory. McCartney had Yesterday given to him in a dream he says. Of course he put the words to it and added his creativeness. Good Vibrations is a song so ingenious it's staggering, Stairway and so on. Now the devil has a hand in his share of songs. That would be Charlie Daniels ..the devil went down to Georgia.
@@jake5811 And God was a creation of simple people thousands of years ago who could not explain the world around them we know now it's complete nonsense
Did the sky fairy 🧚♀️ tell you that religion and GOD has caused more death and destruction to the human race than anything else only for the simple minded now
The story of SMILE is one of the most fascinating in the history of music. I've followed it since 1967 and never get tired exploring it. The highs and lows from those sessions are legendary. I would love it P O R if you choose to do an episode on SMILE. Warmest regards, RNB
@Awesome Wrench I believe history proves you are correct A W. But any sessions that can produce 'Surfs Up', 'Cabin Essence', 'Heroes And Villains', 'Wind Chimes' and 'Fire' had many musical highs. My personal favorite from these sessions is the exquisitely beautiful 'Wonderful'. Cheers, RNB
God Only Knows is one of Paul McCartney's all time favorites. He and Brian sang this song together at the 2002 Adopt-A-Minefield-Gala-Benefit in Los Angeles. You can google it and find it on UA-cam, I am sure.
The friendly competition between Brian Wilson & Lennon/McCartney is essential to the explosive growth & impeccable artistry of music that occurred during the 60’s. A video covering both sides of that competition goes without saying. Please honor that competition with your incredible videos, Professor of Rock!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌎
I'm 76, so my life has been right there with the Beach Boys and their sounds . . . i saw them in concert in 1964, and as it turned out, they were the only band I ever saw in concert. Pet Sounds I did not like when it first hit the streets... but time has taught me a lesson and to hear Brian say that music is God, how amazing, how amazing.
A lady in my neighborhood asked me if I would like to look through a box of records that belonged to her husband. Their kids went through it first, so I wasn't sure what would be in there. Lots of 45s and a few albums. I couldn't believe it when I saw Pet Sounds in the box! The cover was a bit worn, but the record inside was dusty, but OK. Cleaned it up and one skip on the B side. I never thought I would own this classic record. It's my favorite because, God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice. Thanks for covering the Beach Boys.
@@ProfessorofRock What a great Video..Thank You !! You're absolutely right, living in New York as a teenager in the 60's and listening to the Beach Boys who were inspirational to us at that time. It was our escape, dreaming of life in California through the lyrics of these great songs. I sure miss those days ......
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes. Pet Sounds is my favorite favorite Beach Boys album. It showed they could write more songs than songs about surfing 🏄♂️.
I have been a serious Beach Boy fan since 1962. When Brian came out with Pet Sounds I thought it was the greatest album I had ever heard. I have seen them twice in concert. I had the privilege of meeting Mike Love and Bruce Johnson back stage. In my personal opinion Brian Wilson is an absolute musical genius.
You are so lucky to have experienced them like that. I’m a millennial, but wish I lived in the 60s so I could have experienced The Beach Boys in their prime.
The Beach Boys are my absolute favorite. I always loved the ballads such as “Don’t Worry Baby”, “Surfer Girl”, and “In My Room”. From the time I was a little boy, the harmonies registered in the deepest areas of my soul. It was like someone was out there that completely understood me in ways I couldn’t express.
It would never have occurred to me that Good Vibrations was a hymn. But now, I listen to it with my spirit instead of my ears. Thank-you Professor of Rock. Sometimes, a different perspective provides a different meaning.
I grew up on The Beach Boys. In elementary school, when other kids brought in Michael Jackson and Madonna to music class, I brought in The Beach Boys. And while I enjoy the pop music of my childhood, Brian Wilson produced music that is special to me and so many others. And his falsetto is such a beautiful sound!
The father of my childhood friend played pet sounds all the time during my youth, i remember hearing beach boys through the speakers and I was hooked. Nowdays i play pet sounds a couple of Times every year, ive lost time of how much ive listened to that album. But when I do it always take me to a special place. That record is outworldly 🙌
Born in LA, grew up in Hawthorne during this exciting time in musical history. Never liked ML in the group. Cruised the ‘A’ on Hawthorne Blvd. South Bay was the best area, ever. Manhattan Beach was our playground, my sister and I actually spent an afternoon with Dennis, after we played in the waves all day, so embarrassing. I spent 2 summer schools at HHS for my history credits, went to their rival high school, LHS, if you know, you know. Thank you for interviewing Brian and others. Please do SMILES, looking forward to another chapter about the best band in history. Now a happy resident of LG Wisconsin. So Cal, (home) just not what it used to be.
First of all, THANK YOU for doing this video! Great job! I’m 70 yrs young, and have been blessed to live through what I consider to be the best era of music, the 60’s. So many great bands and yes, the battle for the top spot between the Beatles and Beach Boys! I remember first hearing The Beach Boys when I was a kid in Alberta, Canada. Surfin’ USA was the song, and I was hooked! When we moved to SoCal in ‘66, we’d been here for only 4 mos. when “Good Vibrations” hit radio. I was a sophomore in HS, and remember hearing it played in the cafeteria. It’s been my favorite song since then! They influenced my life in a big way. I surfed for many years, and am still into hot rods! lol Thanks again Adam for the great video, and I hope you do one on the competition between The Beach Boys and the Beatles in the 60’s!
Apparently, my all-time favorite Beach Boys song is from "Pet Sounds." My favorite is "Sloop John B." which I sang karaoke on a casino boat, after I'd lost for the evening, and the boat was stuck out there for some time because the anchor was wedged between some rocks. That feeling of wanting to go home, and the line "This is the worst trip I've ever been on" was what stuck in my mind at that point.
I can’t tell you how envious I am. Brian Wilson is an absolute genius. Pet Sounds - particularly, God Only Knows, turned me from someone who loves music to someone who wanted to make music. My parents weren’t fans; I grew up on Punk, which is my first love. I taught myself to play every song from London Calling on guitar by the time I was ten. It was Joe Strummer’s interest in so many different types of music that aided in my broadened exposure, thus hearing Pet Sounds for the first time. My dad gave me all of his old albums, his 1978 Technics SL-1200 (which I still have and is in near-mint condition), receivers, speakers, instruments, etc., when he tired of something and wanted a more expensive model. We were lower middle class, but my dad grew up with greater privilege so he’d buy things way above our means, even if it meant no heat for a few weeks and various other overdue bills. I’m grateful for what I have (particularly since my dad died and we had very little else in common other than obsessive love for music and resentment of our fathers), but not having heat in the Northeast during February for extended periods was NOT fun. When I got my hands on Pet Sounds, boy did I try to replicate… something. I can play God Only Knows on guitar and violin, but again, that was my obsessive nature and love for that song in particular. I tried to use saws to replicate the theremin and other weird things, but after 20 years, I faced reality; a genius I am not. I don’t throw the word “genius” around frivolously, but my god, if ever there were a musical genius in the last 100 years, it’s Brian Wilson. Also, perhaps the best biopic (at least based on a musician / band), is “Love and Mercy”. Congratulations on phenomenal interviews. Also, that six LP set is on my Christmas list for sure.
Pet Sounds is spiritual music for me. I have had out of body experiences listening to this record. Brian is known for saying "I want to make music that people will eventually pray to." That is what Pet Sounds is. Congrats, Brian.
I think this is the best video you've made yet. The way you were able to weave in all those different interviews from all those different great legendary artists really shows how much impact this song this song had. When I heard the song on a plane ride in 2013, I became entranced and have been obsessed with Brian Wilson's music ever since.
I’m just now getting around to watching Ron Howard’s doc of the Beatles touring days. So crazy! I hadn’t really appreciated just what a seismic event it was when their music took over the US. That The Beach Boys could compete with that is really a huge achievement indeed!
Strange how a Group with such incredible harmony in their music has had such a lack of it in their own lives. When they get it right, the sound truly is god like & touches your soul, Thank you for giving me the shivers so many times.
Growing up in L.A. in the 60s and 70s, I had plenty of chances to see the Beach Boys in concert. Sadly, I never took advantage of that. Loved their music, went to lots of other concerts in the 70s as a teenager and young adult. But the only time I (finally!) saw them live was during the 50th Anniversary tour. There are other bands I missed too, even though I had chances, or likewise saw only decades after they had become successful. So I would tell everyone to see as many concerts as you can when you are young. I have many great memories of some great artists and bands I saw live back in those days, but there are just as many I didn't make the effort to see when I could have. Brian Wilson is an amazing talent, and its sad he had so many demons to deal with. But he, his brothers, cousin and friends that were the Beach Boys in the 60s and beyond gave us some of the most important and brilliant music of the 20th century. Their like is not found anywhere today.
I feel truly blessed to have shared the same time on earth as Brian and the Boys. I hope Heaven will be filled with new, even more genius Brian Wilson music.
Good Vibrations maybe the greatest pop single ever to be released, I never get tired of hearing it. It is so complex and beautiful, it takes you to another place immediately. I don't know where but they send my there. Great interviews with so many involved especially Brian. Definitely do Smile professor! It would be a fantastic episode to be sure
Thanks for putting this together. The snippets of interviews so expertly woven together is like your own "pocket episode." I would have never suspected Reflections was an effort to one up GV's. Classic! Love your show and love the truth vs. spin you provide. Brian Wilson is rock and Rolls very best! No question. After we are all dead and gone, the music he made will still be "it" to our future generations. His arranging and production is superior. A one man do it all. Who can compare? A true original! As some of your greats included in this episode have alluded to, He is the best. Long live great Rock and Roll. It's eerie to live in a day that we are seeing these great ones depart from us. As Stevie Nicks sang "and I'm gettin' older too." But today, while the sun shines, I'm pickin' up Good Vibrations!
My best memories of The Beach Boys is when they toured with Chicago in the Summer of ‘75. Several of my best friends from high school and college drove from up and down the East Coast to spend a few days at my house in Woodbridge, Va. My parents were so cool with it. “The more the merrier” was their mantra when it came to visitors. The BeachBoys/Chicago tour played two or three concerts at the old Capitol Centre in Maryland. We all piled into my mom’s ‘66 Corvair with no A/C and just an AM radio, but we cranked it up as much as that little car speaker could handle. We found a station that was only playing Beach Boys and Chicago songs in honor of their visit. The line of cars filled with fans extended well past the exit ramp, backing up at least a mile on I-95, but we didn’t care. We finally got inside the gate, found a place to park and made our way into the stadium with throngs of people on every side. I’m pretty sure Chicago played first. One of the band members, Robert Lamm I think, had broken his leg playing basketball or something, so he got a big round of applause - on top of the roar that went up when the lights came up and the band hit the stage - when he hobbled out and lifted the leg up for the crowd to see. Of course both bands got tons of applause, but the highlight for us was when the came out together and played a rousing version of The Beatles “Got To Get You Into My Life,” a song tailor made for Chicago‘s great horn section. Everyone was on their feet clapping and singing and cheering and screaming. It was a memorable time I’ll never forget. If I’m not mistaken, that concert at the Capitol Centre was recorded and released as a boxed CD set. Thanks, Professor, for another memorable edition of POR!
Yep, saw Chicago and the Beach Boys on their summer of 1975 tour at the old Chicago Stadium. I was an Andy Frain usher so I saw the show for free. Audience was great and easy to work with. 😎
That would've been awesome to see those two legendary American bands. I'm a huge Chicago fan, but I also love the Beach Boys. I was listening to them both in the 1980s and still am.
This was a great one. Thanks! I'm from the Monterey area and have gotten to know Al Jardine a tiny bit through friends, and he even came to see my vocal group back in the day. It was an honor having a Beach Boy as we launched into our rendition of Surfer Girl. Many thanks to him and his wife for such a cool memory. And thanks to Brian, and all the original and current members for all the beautiful music. Again, great episode!!
The Brian Wilson presents Smile dvd is absolute perfection. I think I bought it around 2007 and have played it countless times over the years since then. The singers and musicians who worked with him on that tour are amazing. The story of Smile documentary and of course the concert is a must have dvd for any Brian Wilson/ Beach Boys fan. Actually it's a must have for any music fan in general.
What serendipity! Woke up, not even out of bed yet and *Good Vibrations* tune is in my head. Don't know why because I hadn't listened to the song in quite some time. When I clicked on this video I thought *Professor of Rock* was going to tell me a story about a *Beatles* song but instead..... *Wallah!!*
I LOVE "Pet Sounds." Probably because it is the "least Beach Boys sounding album" they made. "Caroline, No" is the most heartbreaking song to end an album with, and a song anyone who's ever been in love can likely identify with. Juxtaposed with the hopeful, opening blast of "Wouldn't It Be Nice," it hits so much harder. I love to pour a glass of bourbon, put "Pet Sounds" on the turntable, and just listen...But life is chaos (good) and I don't get many of those moments. I had the good fortune of seeing Brian Wilson in Boise. They played "Pet Sounds" straight through, breaking to "turn the album over." Brian talked about behind the scenes, his writing style, among other things. A tremendous night. One I won't soon forget. Shoot, the 60s were just one helluva decade for music. I love your channel, man.
Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney's birthdays are 2 days apart. They're friendly with each other and admire each other. Both composers, multi-instrumentalists, singers, even visionaries. They'll both tell you the accomplishments of the other provokes creative juices so to speak energizing the composition of new material. It's a driving force that everybody benefits from. Friendly rivalry promotes trying something new, different, experimental, or innovative. The world is a better place because of those 2. Thanks Professor.
The parallels between Brian and Paul are extraordinary, even apart from the fact that they were born at almost the same time. They were each born on the west coast of their respective countries, both played bass in their bands although they were also very skilled multi-instrumentalists, both had an outstanding gift for composing wonderful melodies, they both developed into great producers and pioneered new approaches to recording, and each of them had exceptional vocal range and harmonic insight. I've always thought of them as cosmic twins!
Had Pet Sounds been held up a few weeks for Good Vibrations to have been on that record, Capitol Records would’ve had a #1 bestselling album on their hands, and their executives would’ve had to “eat crow.” Such a tragedy that Brian went into such a deeply profound depression after Capitol execs expressed disappointment with Pet Sounds, and rushed out their Greatest Hits records as a sure sign of non-confidence in that OPUS… Pet Sounds ranks up there as their BEST record, after all…
Not "a few weeks" but 5 months, as Pet Sounds was released in May 16, 1966, and Good Vibrations was released in Oct 10, 1966. As it was, Capitol was already crying about the length of time taken for Pet Sounds, which is why Beach Boys Party was done to fill the gap (and unfortunately had the hit with Barbara Ann, taking the audience view from the gains Brian made in quality from songs on "Summer Days (and Summer Nights)" back to another throwaway hit. In the early days Brian would crank out 3 albums a year.
Similar in a way to how the record company decided not to include Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane on Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart's Club Band . Can you imagine those 2 epic songs on that iconic album?! Crazy
it's not really true he was in a profound depression at this point - he did give up smile because of some paranoid ideations, but he was very in charge at least until 1970 or so, up through friends, and somewhat during sunflower. perhaps he was depressed, but his faculties were very much in tact. he didnt really become dysfunctional until around 1972 or 73 or so
I absolutely LOVE the beach boys, and especially Pet Sounds. The Beach Boys was the very first live concert I ever attended. I was in Middle School and my parents brought me with them. Ever since I listen to their songs regularly. And every now and then I'll just put on Pet Sounds and listen to it straight through. I will always maintain that everyone needs to experience Pet Sounds as a whole, not just individual songs and tracks, at least once in their life to understand the depth of emotion that each song is meant to invoke.
First album my parents ever gave me was Beach Boys Endless Summer. I listened to that one over and over and over and over and.... over... and ... over.... Poster on my wall, had to replace a needle on the hand-me-down record player I had.
Brian was driving his car in '67 and 'Strawberry Fields' came on the radio. That's the ultimate song he wanted to make and 'The Beatles' had done it. This led him to give up on making songs and he retired to bed for two years. It would be great if you could do a video about the album 'Smile'. Your channel is truly great.
he didnt retire to bed for two years! he was very active in the late 60s. The bedroom period happened around 72 or 73. . . there's a lot of myth and cliche out there.
I saw the Beach Boys in Toronto at Exhibition Stadium during the CNE back in the late 70's/early 80's! It was amazing!! It was like being at a massive beach party!! There were beach balls everywhere! A beautiful breeze coming off Lake Ontario added to the beach-like ambience!! It was awesome! Once the Beach Boys started singing young and old were up dancing and stayed that way til the end! I remember when it came time to leave, everyone just started belting out Beach Boy songs not wanting the music or the party to end!! Simply magical!!!
I always felt so bad for Brian Wilson, he is truly a gifted musician but he was on his own with the Beach Boys, none of the others could really help him and support him. The Beatles were all four amazing and at the top of their games and they also had George Martin who was an amazing musical producer. Brian was alone and was just lacking the support, we can only imagine some of the music he could have made with more support from his band mates
He was exploited. His mental condition was exploited by those that didn't care about his mental well being. He was a cash register that many pushed the button to generate wealth for themselves.
I don't completely agree, Carl was an amazing singer and good guitar player and contributed a lot to the band. Dennis became an incredible songwriter later in their career. I almost hate to admit it but the band wouldn't have been what it was without Mike, he came up with some of their most memorable hooks and lyrics. I do see your point though, it wasn't the same as the Beatles where 3-4 of them were geniuses individually, and they all worked together to shape the band's sound.
My favorite memory of "Good Vibrations" from my youth is hearing Julian Lennon perform a vignette version of it during the Disneyland 30th Anniversary Special from 1985. It was part of a larger medley where other celebrity performers from that celebration did vignettes of other works. Since I was only 5 years old and we didn't routinely listen to the music of the Beach Boys in my house, I was largely out of touch. Didn't know the song or its history almost at all. In some of the previous bands that I've performed with, the Beach Boys catalog was part of our repertoire. Since those outfits were ordinarily guitar heavy, I most frequently played these songs on the synthesizer. One of them was "Good Vibrations". It was always such a thrilling challenge approximating the piano, organ and Theremin sounds on the synthesizer. Another classic that we sort of moonlighted was "God Only Knows". Other tunes that we covered included "California Girls" and I Get Around". The creature of Hope in me has always pointed to one song as my bona fide favorite Beach Boys classic, "Don't Worry Baby". I always adored playing that song, even when I was not the one singing the lead vocal.
The Beach Boys were the sound of my youth, being born in 59, you couldn’t turn on a radio w/o hearing them. But it was Pet Sounds that really hooked me into them. It was just so much more than AM radio fan fare and I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chances to see them live in the late 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s… Great video, thanks.
In a philosophy class in college, we were discussing aesthetics. The prof said you could have an aesthetic experience with anything. Even with "Little Deuce Coupe, you don't know what I got." Which immediately made me think of driving around at night in the summertime with the windows down, eating french fries and singing along with the Beach Boys. Pure happiness. I've never forgotten that and still can access the feeling just thinking about it.
The Beach Boys' music has brought me so much joy in my life that it is hard to describe in a few sentences. It is simple yet profound and complex through the multi-layered harmonies and clever use of the studio as an instrument. I feel that Brian and the boys should have included Good Vibrations in the release of Pet Sounds. The theme of young love gotten and lost and its lush orchestrations would have been a better fit on that album. It would have also pushed the album to much higher chart success and more than likely a sustained #1 position. I think Capitol pushed Brian to release Pet Sounds before Good Vibrations was finished and in the end, it cost them. Regardless, their music has stood the test of time and is probably second to only the Beatles in the impact that it has had on the world. It is truly amazing the amount of beautiful music that was released in a 5-year timespan, however, the music that came after '67 is probably underappreciated for its quality and diversity of sound and style. I will forever love their music and it will last for many more generations to come much like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart.
The Beach Boys are one of my favourite 60's bands. I love the biopic "Love and Mercy", which depicts Brian Wilson in the 60's and the 80's, and I'd definitely recommend watching it if you haven't already.
That was an amazing film I thought both Paul Dano and John Cusack did a great job portraying Brian- the viewer really gets a treat of the production of Good Vibrations, the studio sessions with the Wrecking Crew and the controversy behind the scenes with the band. It is almost a documentary. Lends new appreciation to the song and to Brian's genius :)
I heard a similar Beatles/Beach Boys story, but the other way around.. iirc Paul and even moreso, John was very impressed with _Pet Sounds_ and became furious with their own engineers at EMI after hearing Brian Wilson’s work on the new BB LP. Paul was impressed with the incredible bass response on the new record and instructed the EMI people to find out how that was done and fast. That’s why when you hear Paperback Writer you can finally (and for the first time) actually hear Paul’s bass.
Agree ... and God Only Knows was #39 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK it reached #2 and went platinum so the Brits were definitely into it. I think Capitol execs torpedoed it but I'm not sure why. They released the Beach Boys' Greatest Hits at the same time Pet Sounds was released. If they had some patience and waited for Good Vibrations to be completed and included on Pet Sounds the album's record sales and chart position would have been drastically different.
Grew up in Syracuse, NY (about as far from surfing as you can get) and I can't remember a time when I didn't love The Beach Boys. They were the first group I ever saw in concert, they were wearing the red and white striped shirts and my image of them on stage is indelibly etched into my memory. Listening to Pet Sounds is an emotional experience, from the first time I heard it till now. All I can say is thank you Brian, Dennis, Carl, Mike, David and Bruce and all the other musicians who contributed to the band that says America better than anyone.
This was your best video yet. Pet Sounds is close to perfect. Like Rubber Soul with the Beatles, the Beach Boys still had one foot in the past of hooky hit songs and one foot in the artistic experimental future so that it is at once accessible and sophisticated. Above all it is just heartbreakingly beautiful to listen to. I don't think it will ever be surpassed.
@@michaeldillon1027 It's a matter of opinion of course. I think Pet Sounds as a whole is better than anything the Beatles ever did. It is Brian Wilson's masterpiece. But to each his own, which is not to knock the fab four who changed pop music forever and were a world wide phenomena..
My very first concert was a Beach Boys concert in September, 1964. My older sister and her girlfriend wanted to go but my parents would only allow it if I chaperoned them. I was 12 yrs old at the time. I was already a huge BB fan but that concert cemented it for me. One of the most iconic bands to ever lay down music. The genius of Brian Wilson is undeniable. Good times!
Back in 1976, when I was a junior in high school, I wrote my English class term paper on the influence of The Beach Boys on music and popular culture. I also did an oral presentation complete with cassette recordings of Beach Boy songs including "She's Goin" Bald," which no one at my school besides me had ever heard. There was very little source material for me. No internet, but I did use the card catalog. I carried the book "Beach Boys Complete" - which included music and song lyrics as well as a Rolling Stone Magazine article from 1972 by writer Ken Barnes - to school everyday with me. I even formed a singing group called "The Bleach Boys" and we sang at the school talent show where we were mobbed by girls. 15 minutes of fame. The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson have remained an important part of my life. Please do a segment on "Smile" and keep up the great work. Good Vibrations is Number One!
Man, thanks for doing this. I'm quite moved by all the legends talking about how much they love the Beach Boys, and by seeing the band themselves (especially Brian) talking about it. I'd love to see a video about "Smile" and their rivalry with the Beatles. (You oughta see if you could get Paul or Ringo (or both) to comment.)
Ahh, Endless Summer. That was one of my first 8-tracks I purchased as a newly married man of 19 in in 1974. I literally wore that tape out until it locked up and wouldn’t play. The tape is long gone, but those memories live on. Thanks Prof for reminding us of great music by timeless artists
I remember hearing SMiLE live when Brian Wilson toured the release of the album. And it is the only album that I believe must be heard live to do it justice. Even playing a CD on high end audio doesn’t compare. The effect of the music and vocals of the “who ran the iron horse” refrain is something I’ll never forget. I’d love a SMiLE episode.
Thanks so much for your video about the history of The Beach Boys. I was 14 in 1964 when I get Around as the A side of the 45 rpm record and and Don't Worry Baby on the B side were released. For about one dollar, I got both of those awesome songs. in 1964, I was growing up in St. Louis, Missouri far from the blue waters of the Pacific. Surfing was fun to listen to, but there wasn't much of that happening in either the Mississippi or the Missouri Rivers that were near my home. But cars and drag racing WERE going on in STL, and I was a drag racing fan and car guy then, and still am. The Beach Boys music sang to my young psyche in a way no other group did. As a teenager during their heyday, I understood cars, drag racing, and girls but had not a clue what Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds meant. For example, in their song Shut Down, I knew what the term ram induction meant, but not some of the words in the Beatles songs. I was fortunate to get to meet Brian Wilson in a concert back in 2016 and was able to thank him and Al Jardine in person for the unmitigated joy they brought to my life.
So many greats from this wonderful band, but I think In My Room is my favorite with Good Vibes a close 2nd. I'll never forget the made-for-tv story of the Beach Boys, when Surfer Girl played, and the girls literally swooned. One of the best ever moments I've ever seen on television.
Pet Sounds is my favorite album of all time. For two songs. My freshman year in high school, I fell in love with the most wonderful and beautiful girl in the world. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" was our song. We couldn't wait to be married after college. But, during the summer session before our junior year at Missouri University, she fell in love with another boy. I was devastated. They were to be married just the following summer. They were moving fast. A few days before their big wedding, he dumped her. He just walked away. He never truly loved her. Two years after her failed wedding day, I'm at my Mom's house in our small Missouri town. Im home for Christmas. Phone rings. Mom answers it. Mom says it’s her. I ask her to say I'm not here. I don't want to talk to her. Mom says, "Take the call." We chat. I don't want to talk with her. I go to end the call, but as I say goodbye, she asks me to accompany her to Midnight Mass the next evening. I'm dumbfounded. I freeze. I can't answer. She asks again. Then again. Finally, I said yes. When I arrived at her parent's house, I saw the beautiful girl that I once loved so very much. I then realized that I was still in love with her. Even after three years of pain. Two years later, we're married. Married for 42 years. One fantastic son. He's on the team designing the new stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. Lost her in 2019 after her four year fight with breast cancer. I had the song, "God Only Knows," played at her funeral. This magical album had the two songs that were the 'bookends' to our lives. Our hope to be together someday. And, my sorrow that our time together was over. What wonderful songs. I cry everytime I hear these two songs. What a wonderful album. Thank you, Brian Wilson.
Thanks for this treasury of Brian Wilson and Beach Boys information. You can dig deeper any time to share more about these great musical heroes. Adam, I've been totally hooked on your show since discovering it over two years ago.
I've seen the Beach Boys a few times, including the original lineup with Carl and Dennis. They've been my favorite American band since the '60s! I never went to the beach without their music.
I saw them in Tampa with (almost) the original lineup, as well, but Glen Campbell was on bass for that tour I remember Carl's Rickenbacker 360/12 on the intro to Sloop John B--good times, brother!
Good Vibrations was featured on NPR when it was on the list of top 100 songs of the 20th century. This led to a run on the Pet Sounds album, pushing it over the top to go gold...then platinum.
Please do a video covering the story of the Smile album. It would be great. If it had come out at the same time as sgt. pepper, it would've completely changed music!
My mom ordered a Warner Brothers sampler album which contained a beach boys song. It has been one of the most impactful songs on me and I think it is a hidden masterpiece. This Whole World. Part of me still grieves when I hear the song end, I want it to go on.
Brian Wilson is such a gentle soul! When listening to him speak of his music and inspiration it becomes apparent that perhaps for one so introspective as he, this world becomes a weight that is often times too heavy a burden to carry. Professor, another masterful interview!
I think one of the Beach Boys secrets to success for these last 60 years is that they know their audience. They stuck with the sound that got them to where they are now and have kept their squeaky clean image, for the most part. My first concert was going to see them at what was advertised as a family friendly afternoon concert, and we had a blast. My dad even bought us, my sisters and I, all Beach Boy Tees, which got my ass kicked at school, and a bunch of their albums. Yeah, I think my dad paid for a new T-Bird and maybe even a new Sloop. Over the years I’ve heard people call the Beach Boys a lot of things and I’m sure the Boys felt real bad every time they cashed the cheque from their royalties every month. People forget that music is a business, this is how they pay the bills. Ever wonder why every artist makes a Christmas album, even the Jewish ones. It’s because they know that those songs will be played for one month out of every year, even after they retire. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister brags that Celine Dion paid for his house when she covered one of his songs, “The Magic of Christmas Day”. Check out this interview, it’s really funny. How the hell did I get from The Beach Boys to Twisted Sister. 🤷♂️ ultimateclassicrock.com/dee-snider-celine-dion-christmas-song/
Great segment, Adam! Loved that cross-Atlantic rivalry between the Beatles and the Beach Boys. They really made each other better. The unsung heroes in Brian's masterpieces were the talented Wrecking Crew session musicians who laid down all the tracks as per his instructions. And yes, please do the full piece on Smile!
The Wrecking Crew were almost Brian Wilson-level genius. Brian had a tough time fighting the animosity, jealousy, negativity and actual physical abuse of his father. The Beach Boys and the Four Seasons were the bands that carried me through adolescence into adulthood. Brian is a genius. "God Only Knows" is probably my favourite, but I am transported to the 60's by most of them. Amazing talent.
@@Andie1951 "God Only Knows" is my favorite as well. "All Summer Long" would probably be next. I've seen them twice, 2011 and 2017 The Lancaster Festival-Lancaster, OH.
As a kid, the early Beach Boys were the kind of "oldies" my parents liked, so I knew all their old stuff growing up. I think all kids in the 80/90s had a healthy dose of Beach Boys, with Van Halen covering California Girls, and Flight of the Navigator featuring, "I Get Around," and of course, Kokomo and the tie in to Full House's John Stamos, it was hard not to have had healthy exposure to the Beach Boys growing up. In my teens and 20s, I was all about alternative rock. I loved BNL's song, Brian Wilson, Rock Spectacle version, but my favorite musician for a long time was Ben Folds... the Beach Boys were just no longer on my radar. In my 30s, though, I started listening to documentaries on the musical genius of Brian Wilson, and since then I have come to determine he is one of America's most important contributions to music. He famously told people during the smile sessions that he was making music that people would someday pray to, and when to hear "Our Prayer," it is hard not to agree. Had he only completed the Smile Sessions earlier, the way he wanted it done... it is crazy to think how much more he would have influenced the way albums are put together. The way he melded and interspersed chorus, bridges, and melodies from of one song to another, making all of the songs interrelated... He was composing rock symphonies in a way that would have made classical composers jealous, and he had these extraordinary complex sounds in his head, that he was able to recreate with a studio full of musicians... listing to the session recordings will make you understand just how good Brian Wilson was... hearing the Wrecking Crew play something he wrote, and Brian just tearing into them, No, No, like this... and then hearing them get it the way he wanted it, and hearing how much better it was when they played the way he envisioned it... Brian Wilson is and was amazing.
Wonderful show professor. I'm so glad you put Lamont dozer in here. He is every bit as talented as the Beatles and Brian Wilson. Great linking Reflections to Good Vibrations I've always felt the same thing. God I love the Holland Dozier team because the Supremes and Four Tops were in no way inferior to Beatles or Beach Boys... in many ways sexier
the beach boys to me were at their best in the late 60s and early 70s albums such as friends, sunflower, Holland and surf's up showed the band and the genius that is Brian Wilson that they could take the 3 minute pop song and transform it into mini masterpieces and with these albums it showed that the Wilson brothers and company were masters of their craft
@@johnbernstein7887 yes I love Kokomo to in fact it's the song that made me a fan at 10 years old from the cocktail soundtrack which is one of my favorite movie soundtracks of the 80s
that's a great era, really they have gems scattered all through the 70s until dennis died. with the possible exceptions of MIU and keeping the summer alive (ick)
@@JustinEdwords even Dennis Wilson's 1977 solo masterpiece pacific ocean blue is fantastic and it definitely was a huge loss when Dennis died and also when Carl passed away as well and they haven't been the same since
I saw the Beach Boys in Atlantic City New Jersey on the beach as a young teenager with my mom. I won't lie I didn't want to go at first because I thought the Beach Boys were square. By concerts end I was an official Beach Boys fan. It has been one of my most favorite concerts that I was ever fortunate to attend. Well worth the sun poisoning and severe sun burn that I got because mom wanted to be there at 5am for best seats on our beach blanket , despite the band not taking to the stage until I think 7pm. Simply an awesome fun time had by all that day. Thank You Beach Boys for that great unmistakable sound and enormous catalogue.
When it comes to great albums, I actually hold their 1971 album “surfs Up” almost as good as “pet sounds.” The problem I always had with Pet Sounds is although the music was great, the Beach boys were secondary to the wrecking crew and Brian Wilson. It’s a Brian Wilson solo album that basically contains the voices of The Beach Boys
Thank you for this!! When I was growing up in the 70s, it was such a legend with my fellow musician buddies. We could tell just by the music that did filter out on albums in the late 60s/early 70s (Cabin essence, Surf's Up, Heroes and Villains, Wonderful), that looking at it within the context of '66/'67, if Brian had finished it, it would have blown minds. He was already blowing minds with what he did on Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations, and was held in such high regard by his peers. (The key with Brian, even with the early stuff he wrote, arranged and produced, is peel back the layers and it blows your mind all that he has in there, besides all of the chords, key changes, and changes he does throughout.) The Leonard Bernstein special on rock was initially to be about him and the new direction in popular music. He was on the board for the Monterrey Pop Festival, and the band was supposed to headline one of the nights. He was creating their own record label, Brother Records (long before Apple Records) to give them the freedom to create, plus sign other acts. At 24, he was The Master...but then all of that pressure, all of that push back (the legendary "Don't F*ck With the Formula" history) from not only his bandmates (who, being his brothers, cousin, and a high school buddy, he had become benefactor to), but the record company Capitol (who he also was suing for back royalties during this period as well}, beside the paranoia from the drug use and underlying psychological issues, caused one of the, if not the biggest withdrawals in rock history. The only other one as notable was Syd Barrett. (Back in the 70s, my fellow musicians would say they wished Brian and Syd would get together and do an album together.) After the non-release of SMiLe, Brian's withdrawal, the pullout from Monterey, they were looked upon as passe. Rock had moved on from sunshine harmonies and striped shirts. It wasn't cool to like them. Then nostalgia started to become in vogue around '73 with Happy Days and then the movie American Graffiti, then Capitol releases Endless Summer, and they're back, only this time as the world's biggest oldies band. Sure they had the occasional hit with Rock and Roll Music, It's OK (off of the album 15 Big Ones), and Kokomo (ugh!), but their albums were still languishing. It wasn't until the 50th, with the release of That's Why God Made the Radio, album and single that they reached a top 3 selling album in the US again. One of the other legendary stories of the time was that while Brian was creating SMiLE and the Beatles were creating Sgt Pepper, besides the real happening of Lennon and McCartney coming to visit him in the studio (McCartney is in the mix of a session for Vege-Tables), Lou Adler, famous Brian friend and 60's producer, of many top groups and hits, was sending acetates of Brian's sessions back to Lennon and McCartney. I had seen this purported in the 80's, even as late as the 00's, but cannot find anything to cite recently. Yes, please do a session on SMiLe. I don't know if you can cover is in one show though. Thank you again!!
The thing is, Brian kept writing amazing music throughout the seventies, nineties, oughts, etc. Brian is probably the only American musical genius we've had in the last 60 years. "From There to Back Again" and his music for the album THAT LUCKY OLD SUN and NO PIER PRESSURE are as good as his earlier acknowledged classics.
When I was 10 my dad took my sisters and I to an afternoon “family” concert with the Beach Boys. It was our first concert and we had a blast. Unfortunately my dad bought a bunch of their albums, he could never say no to my sisters, at that concert. I say unfortunately because my sisters played those damn Beach Boys for a year. I think that must be why I turned to Heavy Metal. I must have been the only headbanger, I must have been banging it to get the Beach Boys out of my head, to know every word to every Beach Boys song. Funny I actually like the Beach Boys now. I even have a Beach mix on my iPhone, which is full of songs from the Beach Boys. If I look back on those days I realize I never stopped liking them, I was just being a stupid kid. That and while my dad could never say no to my sisters, he had no problem with me. Lol
I absolutely loved this video Adam!! This might be my new favorite from you!! This was just fantastic!! Yes ... Please DO a video for Smile!! Great job!! Have you seen the PBS Special on Brian Wilson?? It is incredible!! I have another stratospheric level of *Respect* for Brian now, which I didn't think was possible!! Thanks again Adam!!👍👊 @Professor of Rock
I saw the Pet Sounds tour in '99 and my mind was absolutely blown. I've owned I don't know how many different copies of Pet Sounds over the years. My wife and I walked down the aisle to 'Let Go Away for Awhile.' So Pet Sounds is very, very special to me.
Pet Sounds is probably my favorite album of all time. We know the songs, Wouldn't it be Nice, Sloop John B, I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, Caroline Knows and God Only Knows. Absolutely brilliant. I've had the pleasure of meeting Brian myself a few times and seen him live even more. Popular music wouldn't be the same with out him. Adam, you have my vote for that Smile video. What are the other 2 albums in your 3 way tie for number 1? Thanks again for another great video. On a side note, John Cusack sat right behind me at one of the Pet Sounds shows in Chicago about 5 years ago. I also have in my possession John's working script with notes made by him from Love and Mercy. I'll share with you sometime how I came to own it.
Ann Wilson said, "Some songs are holy." That hit me emotionally. Yes. Some are indeed holy. Good Vibrations. Amen.
Great comment by her for sure.
Ann Wilson has got it right on this one.....there are songs that can and SHOULD BE covered.....but, that cover should always do justice to the original.
Ann has covered a good few songs over the years and I think she has ALWAYS got it just right.......and Ann is, in and of herself, a legend in music.....ALL music.
She is an icon, and anybody who says anything different is a clot.
@@ssnerd583 Yup, Ann is a legend as well. Heart's cover of "Stairway to Heaven" is glorious.
I have worshipped at the altar of Music for 60 years…. Next to puppies…. Nature, good food and falling in Love…. Nothing gets us up close and personal to G_D than a holy Song!!!❤️💫🌹🙏
Hahaha🤣
Saw them in concert in 1978. They never missed a note. THE quintessential American band of all time.
I’m 41 and have seen them in concert over 70 times. Not always the same and original group, obviously, but my parents are both teachers and old school hippies and they traveled around the country every summer (with me and my two siblings) and we traveled from town to town across the US and went to every concert, field festival, or music festival they could find. I had the best childhood EVER!!!
You never forget the first time you heard this song. I was single digits but I was like, "whoa what was that?" The cello, therimin, baritone-bass vocals. They all dug in and got behind Brians vision and created a masterpiece. Everybody on this planet loves this song.
Consider that Brian has experienced hallucinations and other symptoms of schizophrenia and still created one of the greatest albums of all time. Damn!!! Mad respect for this man.
I think before he got sick mentally, he wrote and arranged those songs
What is they say about the fine line between genius and madness?
The drugs helped
@@dalpac10Elon musk is one of those. Autism spectrum.
... likely that's what inspired him.
"my brother Carl's idea"
He never fails to mention that Carl is first and foremost his brother. He sounds so proud to be related to Carl, which is beautiful in my opinion.
If I could meet one person, it would be Brian Wilson. Everything I do musically is a tribute to him.
He's the best. To me. The best.
@@ProfessorofRock I agree wholeheartedly.
I would sell an arm and a leg to meet with Brian Wilson! 😊
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 meet and greet tickets at his concerts run for roughly $500. that's if they're still doing them during covid anyway. You don't really get to have much of an interaction with him, but you do get to take a picture with him and get two autographs. It was well worth the $500 I spent on it.
I would absolutely love to meet Brian Wilson. I've loved the Beach Boys since I first heard their music and I knew I knew that music even though I was in middle school and had never heard their music in this lifetime. It started me as a fan and once I grew older I learned about the members and became a big fan of Brian's.
My favourite part in Good Vibrations happened when near the end, the song went into a crescendo and then just stopped... and... started up again. It was and still is Genius.
That vocal cord!!!
Pet Sounds is one of the greatest albums ever from one of the greatest bands ever. It not only inspired the Beatles on Lonely Hearts but influenced the tracks on Revolver as well. Brian Wilson is the epitome of a creative genius. They were great artists and musical innovators.
I always remember the comment made by Eric Clapton regarding "Pet Sounds". He said that, back in the day, the members of Cream would come off stage and go and listen to Pet Sounds. Eric said that the album became their 'muse'.
What a tribute, coming from Eric.
Eric Clapton is how I got into Brian Wilson. I was a blues nut since seeing BB King on television in the late 60s, then becoming a huge Cream fan (along with Yardbirds and John Mayall w/Clapton). I was listening to an interview with Clapton when I was 14 (1976). Hearing Eric talk about how Cream would get their heads ready to perform while listening to Pet Sounds backstage was what made me say to myself "Who is this Wilson guy, and what is up with Pet Sounds?" I mean up to that point, I'd hear the occasional play of the old surf/car/girl songs or Good Vibrations and think they were okay, but I never really took notice. Also, Jack Bruce called Wilson, "the New Bach". When you tear apart Brian's arrangements and productions, you realize how mature he was even in their earlier stuff. You definitely see the progression as well. He had everyone taking notice, then he withdrew. It has to be the singular biggest "What If?" in rock history. Everybody who was anybody at the time was taking notice of what Brian was up to. While recording in LA (August '66), the Stones invited Brian over to the studio. I believe it was during the sessions for My Obsession. Oh, to be a fly on the wall that day! As my fellow musician buddies would say in the mid/late 70s, Brian and Syd Barrett should have done an album together. two brilliant recluses exploring the avantgarde. I was hoping the Brian Wilson-Jeff Beck collaborations in 2013 would inspire and produce "Surf's Up" like magic, but none of that has seen the light of day.
@@ms8596 Thanks for your well structured comment.
Yes it's difficult to associate many of the 60's legends with the enigmatic genius of Brian. I've watched and read so many accolades coming from hard core rock stars over the years, all praising the brilliant but emotionally damaged Californian genius. His admirers are too numerous to mention; a star among stars, whether Clapton, Wood, the Beatles, Stones, Dylan or Simon and Garfunkel. All bow down to Brian's unparalleled musical ability.
"I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" was a fabulous documentary about Brian.
I saw Brian and Jeff Beck in Houston, 2013....strange concert but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Billy Gibbons strolled on stage as Jeff was reaching the crescendo of "A Day In The Life". Jeff "thanked" him after he finished the song.
@@kpoleary1
Quite an eclectic mix when you think about it. I remember seeing a video of Clapton and Beck playing Moon River on stage, both giving tribute to Henry Mancini of course. Rod Stewart is another guy who obviously feels totally at home singing the songbooks from yesteryear.
He said that he was brought up/raised on that stuff. Jagger also made mention of listening to Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball and his Jazz Band when younger. So was equally true of Brian Wilson. They ALL seem to appreciate a good, conventional melody or sound when they hear it.
@@ms8596 it just goes to show, the whole world can dig what you do, but if those closest to you don't get it, it crushes you as if you've wasted your whole life.
I'm THRILLED about this! Brian Wilson is a musical GENIUS! A living legend!
That’s why this interview is so cool!
His ability to construct the productions is so far without match! Long live Brian Wilson.
👍
Kokomo is in Indiana 😂
"If there is one person that I have to select as a living genius of pop music, I would choose Brian Wilson." - Sir George Martin
“I believe God is music. When you make music, that’s God talking to you.” What a stunning quote, and a perfect summation of the power of Brian’s vision.
God is music???? Really??? So, God is the lyrics of what comes from the minds and mouths of rap artists??? The profanity? The Misogyny?? The violence???? The comment "God is music" is trite, banal, and meaningless. Music is nothing more than an art form. It can be simple, complex, wonderful, sad, uplifting, depressing, revealing, etc. It is a mode of expression and communication. It is not GOD.
@@jake5811 I'm not sold on that theory. McCartney had Yesterday given to him in a dream he says. Of course he put the words to it and added his creativeness. Good Vibrations is a song so ingenious it's staggering, Stairway and so on. Now the devil has a hand in his share of songs. That would be Charlie Daniels ..the devil went down to Georgia.
@@jake5811 And God was a creation of simple people thousands of years ago who could not explain the world around them we know now it's complete nonsense
@@cutter7515 ----Your comment is "nonsense" as it contains nothing of substance. Probably a reflection of your essence. Lacking substance.
Did the sky fairy 🧚♀️ tell you that religion and GOD has caused more death and destruction to the human race than anything else only for the simple minded now
The story of SMILE is one of the most fascinating in the history of music. I've followed it since 1967 and never get tired exploring it. The highs and lows from those sessions are legendary. I would love it P O R if you choose to do an episode on SMILE. Warmest regards, RNB
Smile is awesome!
Yes sir , do the smile video , will be awesome, thanx prof. :-)
Surf's up!
@@rickmorrow993 Yep! Fire, Wind Chimes, Cabin Essence, Our Prayer. Some of these songs are off the charts. Cheers, RNB
@Awesome Wrench I believe history proves you are correct A W. But any sessions that can produce 'Surfs Up', 'Cabin Essence', 'Heroes And Villains', 'Wind Chimes' and 'Fire' had many musical highs. My personal favorite from these sessions is the exquisitely beautiful 'Wonderful'. Cheers, RNB
Brian Wilson is the greatest genius in modern pop music. God Only Knows alone is enough to earn a legendary status.
Not even close...Paul McCartney is..
Brian Wilson is the greatest genius in music
Brian Wilson, Ray Davies, Frank Zappa, Neil Young, Warren Zevon.
My little girlfriends loved that song.
God Only Knows is one of Paul McCartney's all time favorites. He and Brian sang this song together at the 2002 Adopt-A-Minefield-Gala-Benefit in Los Angeles. You can google it and find it on UA-cam, I am sure.
The friendly competition between Brian Wilson & Lennon/McCartney is essential to the explosive growth & impeccable artistry of music that occurred during the 60’s. A video covering both sides of that competition goes without saying. Please honor that competition with your incredible videos, Professor of Rock!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌎
I'm 76, so my life has been right there with the Beach Boys and their sounds . . . i saw them in concert in 1964, and as it turned out, they were the only band I ever saw in concert. Pet Sounds I did not like when it first hit the streets... but time has taught me a lesson and to hear Brian say that music is God, how amazing, how amazing.
A lady in my neighborhood asked me if I would like to look through a box of records that belonged to her husband. Their kids went through it first, so I wasn't sure what would be in there. Lots of 45s and a few albums. I couldn't believe it when I saw Pet Sounds in the box! The cover was a bit worn, but the record inside was dusty, but OK. Cleaned it up and one skip on the B side. I never thought I would own this classic record. It's my favorite because, God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice.
Thanks for covering the Beach Boys.
Such a PERFECT album. Thanks Catherine.
There is not a single bad song on Pet Sounds. Love all of them.
@@ProfessorofRock What a great Video..Thank You !! You're absolutely right, living in New York as a teenager in the 60's and listening to the Beach Boys who were inspirational to us at that time. It was our escape, dreaming of life in California through the lyrics of these great songs. I sure miss those days ......
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes. Pet Sounds is my favorite favorite Beach Boys album. It showed they could write more songs than songs about surfing 🏄♂️.
@@catherine6653 Definitely. So many fantastic songs and a whole variety on that album. Cannot best Pet Sounds, man.
I have been a serious Beach Boy fan since 1962. When Brian came out with Pet Sounds I thought it was the greatest album I had ever heard. I have seen them twice in concert. I had the privilege of meeting Mike Love and Bruce Johnson back stage. In my personal opinion Brian Wilson is an absolute musical genius.
You are so lucky to have experienced them like that. I’m a millennial, but wish I lived in the 60s so I could have experienced The Beach Boys in their prime.
Yes indeed
The Beach Boys are my absolute favorite. I always loved the ballads such as “Don’t Worry Baby”, “Surfer Girl”, and “In My Room”. From the time I was a little boy, the harmonies registered in the deepest areas of my soul. It was like someone was out there that completely understood me in ways I couldn’t express.
God Only Knows is their masterpiece.
"Don't Worry Baby" has perfect harmony. Right at the beginning of the song, when all the harmony in their voices hit you at once.
Tammy Wynette’s last recording was a wispy, haunting version of “In My Room.”
God Only Knows is, in my opinion, one of the greatest songs ever written, arranged, and performed.
It would never have occurred to me that Good Vibrations was a hymn. But now, I listen to it with my spirit instead of my ears. Thank-you Professor of Rock. Sometimes, a different perspective provides a different meaning.
I grew up on The Beach Boys. In elementary school, when other kids brought in Michael Jackson and Madonna to music class, I brought in The Beach Boys. And while I enjoy the pop music of my childhood, Brian Wilson produced music that is special to me and so many others. And his falsetto is such a beautiful sound!
The father of my childhood friend played pet sounds all the time during my youth, i remember hearing beach boys through the speakers and I was hooked. Nowdays i play pet sounds a couple of Times every year, ive lost time of how much ive listened to that album. But when I do it always take me to a special place. That record is outworldly 🙌
It’s one of the greatest albums of all time!
amen brother
Born in LA, grew up in Hawthorne during this exciting time in musical history. Never liked ML in the group. Cruised the ‘A’ on Hawthorne Blvd. South Bay was the best area, ever. Manhattan Beach was our playground, my sister and I actually spent an afternoon with Dennis, after we played in the waves all day, so embarrassing. I spent 2 summer schools at HHS for my history credits, went to their rival high school, LHS, if you know, you know.
Thank you for interviewing Brian and others. Please do SMILES, looking forward to another chapter about the best band in history.
Now a happy resident of LG Wisconsin. So Cal, (home) just not what it used to be.
First of all, THANK YOU for doing this video! Great job!
I’m 70 yrs young, and have been blessed to live through what I consider to be the best era of music, the 60’s. So many great bands and yes, the battle for the top spot between the Beatles and Beach Boys!
I remember first hearing The Beach Boys when I was a kid in Alberta, Canada. Surfin’ USA was the song, and I was hooked!
When we moved to SoCal in ‘66, we’d been here for only 4 mos. when “Good Vibrations” hit radio. I was a sophomore in HS, and remember hearing it played in the cafeteria. It’s been my favorite song since then!
They influenced my life in a big way. I surfed for many years, and am still into hot rods! lol
Thanks again Adam for the great video, and I hope you do one on the competition between The Beach Boys and the Beatles in the 60’s!
Apparently, my all-time favorite Beach Boys song is from "Pet Sounds." My favorite is "Sloop John B." which I sang karaoke on a casino boat, after I'd lost for the evening, and the boat was stuck out there for some time because the anchor was wedged between some rocks. That feeling of wanting to go home, and the line "This is the worst trip I've ever been on" was what stuck in my mind at that point.
“Sloop John B” is a great one.
The best song on that album but not written by them.
Did you know John that Sloop John B was a hold over from the Summer Days and Summer Nights sessions? Wanna my all time BB's songs as well. Cheers, RNB
💗 My late dad would sing Sloop John B to me at night when I was llitttle. I still can’t hear it without missing him.
@@AmandaZuke That's a great memory of your Dad. One you certainly will always cherish. Regards, RNB
I can’t tell you how envious I am. Brian Wilson is an absolute genius. Pet Sounds - particularly, God Only Knows, turned me from someone who loves music to someone who wanted to make music. My parents weren’t fans; I grew up on Punk, which is my first love. I taught myself to play every song from London Calling on guitar by the time I was ten. It was Joe Strummer’s interest in so many different types of music that aided in my broadened exposure, thus hearing Pet Sounds for the first time.
My dad gave me all of his old albums, his 1978 Technics SL-1200 (which I still have and is in near-mint condition), receivers, speakers, instruments, etc., when he tired of something and wanted a more expensive model. We were lower middle class, but my dad grew up with greater privilege so he’d buy things way above our means, even if it meant no heat for a few weeks and various other overdue bills.
I’m grateful for what I have (particularly since my dad died and we had very little else in common other than obsessive love for music and resentment of our fathers), but not having heat in the Northeast during February for extended periods was NOT fun.
When I got my hands on Pet Sounds, boy did I try to replicate… something. I can play God Only Knows on guitar and violin, but again, that was my obsessive nature and love for that song in particular. I tried to use saws to replicate the theremin and other weird things, but after 20 years, I faced reality; a genius I am not.
I don’t throw the word “genius” around frivolously, but my god, if ever there were a musical genius in the last 100 years, it’s Brian Wilson.
Also, perhaps the best biopic (at least based on a musician / band), is “Love and Mercy”.
Congratulations on phenomenal interviews. Also, that six LP set is on my Christmas list for sure.
WoW, very interesting take on how you approached different types/kinds of music. Agree, Brian Wilson was a visionary in advancing music technology.
Pet Sounds is spiritual music for me. I have had out of body experiences listening to this record. Brian is known for saying "I want to make music that people will eventually pray to." That is what Pet Sounds is. Congrats, Brian.
I think this is the best video you've made yet. The way you were able to weave in all those different interviews from all those different great legendary artists really shows how much impact this song this song had. When I heard the song on a plane ride in 2013, I became entranced and have been obsessed with Brian Wilson's music ever since.
I’m just now getting around to watching Ron Howard’s doc of the Beatles touring days. So crazy! I hadn’t really appreciated just what a seismic event it was when their music took over the US. That The Beach Boys could compete with that is really a huge achievement indeed!
Strange how a Group with such incredible harmony in their music has had such a lack of it in their own lives. When they get it right, the sound truly is god like & touches your soul, Thank you for giving me the shivers so many times.
Growing up in L.A. in the 60s and 70s, I had plenty of chances to see the Beach Boys in concert. Sadly, I never took advantage of that. Loved their music, went to lots of other concerts in the 70s as a teenager and young adult. But the only time I (finally!) saw them live was during the 50th Anniversary tour. There are other bands I missed too, even though I had chances, or likewise saw only decades after they had become successful. So I would tell everyone to see as many concerts as you can when you are young. I have many great memories of some great artists and bands I saw live back in those days, but there are just as many I didn't make the effort to see when I could have.
Brian Wilson is an amazing talent, and its sad he had so many demons to deal with. But he, his brothers, cousin and friends that were the Beach Boys in the 60s and beyond gave us some of the most important and brilliant music of the 20th century. Their like is not found anywhere today.
I feel truly blessed to have shared the same time on earth as Brian and the Boys. I hope Heaven will be filled with new, even more genius Brian Wilson music.
Good Vibrations maybe the greatest pop single ever to be released, I never get tired of hearing it. It is so complex and beautiful, it takes you to another place immediately. I don't know where but they send my there. Great interviews with so many involved especially Brian. Definitely do Smile professor! It would be a fantastic episode to be sure
Couldn't agree more!
Good Vibrations was their best! Played at my 50th anniversary party!
@@suzannerobbins6293 Congratulations and great choice!
@@MyName-pl7zn I had people commenting on my choice of music, and how they loved it! Can’t go wrong with the greats! Married in 1965….best music!
@@suzannerobbins6293 absolutely love 60s music and what a great time to be alive!
Get the Sounds of Summer OUT NOW!
CLICK HERE: thebeachboys.lnk.to/SoundsOfSummerYD
FYI…..this link isn’t working. Getting a 404(link not found) message.
Ordered and on the way..... Thanks!
Link no good
Link is not working.
What are your other two favorite albums?
Thanks for putting this together. The snippets of interviews so expertly woven together is like your own "pocket episode." I would have never suspected Reflections was an effort to one up GV's. Classic! Love your show and love the truth vs. spin you provide. Brian Wilson is rock and Rolls very best! No question. After we are all dead and gone, the music he made will still be "it" to our future generations. His arranging and production is superior. A one man do it all. Who can compare? A true original! As some of your greats included in this episode have alluded to, He is the best. Long live great Rock and Roll. It's eerie to live in a day that we are seeing these great ones depart from us. As Stevie Nicks sang "and I'm gettin' older too." But today, while the sun shines, I'm pickin' up Good Vibrations!
I'm presently reading "I Am Brian Wilson"-It's a fabulous autobiography!
My best memories of The Beach Boys is when they toured with Chicago in the Summer of ‘75.
Several of my best friends from high school and college drove from up and down the East Coast to spend a few days at my house in Woodbridge, Va. My parents were so cool with it. “The more the merrier” was their mantra when it came to visitors.
The BeachBoys/Chicago tour played two or three concerts at the old Capitol Centre in Maryland. We all piled into my mom’s ‘66 Corvair with no A/C and just an AM radio, but we cranked it up as much as that little car speaker could handle.
We found a station that was only playing Beach Boys and Chicago songs in honor of their visit.
The line of cars filled with fans extended well past the exit ramp, backing up at least a mile on I-95, but we didn’t care. We finally got inside the gate, found a place to park and made our way into the stadium with throngs of people on every side.
I’m pretty sure Chicago played first. One of the band members, Robert Lamm I think, had broken his leg playing basketball or something, so he got a big round of applause - on top of the roar that went up when the lights came up and the band hit the stage - when he hobbled out and lifted the leg up for the crowd to see.
Of course both bands got tons of applause, but the highlight for us was when the came out together and played a rousing version of The Beatles “Got To Get You Into My Life,” a song tailor made for Chicago‘s great horn section. Everyone was on their feet clapping and singing and cheering and screaming. It was a memorable time I’ll never forget.
If I’m not mistaken, that concert at the Capitol Centre was recorded and released as a boxed CD set.
Thanks, Professor, for another memorable edition of POR!
Yep, saw Chicago and the Beach Boys on their summer of 1975 tour at the old Chicago Stadium. I was an Andy Frain usher so I saw the show for free. Audience was great and easy to work with. 😎
That would've been awesome to see those two legendary American bands. I'm a huge Chicago fan, but I also love the Beach Boys. I was listening to them both in the 1980s and still am.
This was a great one. Thanks! I'm from the Monterey area and have gotten to know Al Jardine a tiny bit through friends, and he even came to see my vocal group back in the day. It was an honor having a Beach Boy as we launched into our rendition of Surfer Girl. Many thanks to him and his wife for such a cool memory. And thanks to Brian, and all the original and current members for all the beautiful music. Again, great episode!!
I wish the Professor was on the radio so I could listen to him while I'm working. Some of us still love radio!
He should start a podcast someday!
Working on something in that vein. Stay tuned!
@@ProfessorofRock Now you're getting me excited. That woild be too cool.
The Brian Wilson presents Smile dvd is absolute perfection. I think I bought it around 2007 and have played it countless times over the years since then.
The singers and musicians who worked with him on that tour are amazing.
The story of Smile documentary and of course the concert is a must have dvd for any Brian Wilson/ Beach Boys fan.
Actually it's a must have for any music fan in general.
Pet Sounds is an incredible album. It was a unique blending of a classic chord progression and melody with unmatchless lyrics.
What serendipity!
Woke up, not even out of bed yet and *Good Vibrations* tune is in my head. Don't know why because I hadn't listened to the song in quite some time. When I clicked on this video I thought *Professor of Rock* was going to tell me a story about a *Beatles* song but instead..... *Wallah!!*
I LOVE "Pet Sounds." Probably because it is the "least Beach Boys sounding album" they made. "Caroline, No" is the most heartbreaking song to end an album with, and a song anyone who's ever been in love can likely identify with. Juxtaposed with the hopeful, opening blast of "Wouldn't It Be Nice," it hits so much harder. I love to pour a glass of bourbon, put "Pet Sounds" on the turntable, and just listen...But life is chaos (good) and I don't get many of those moments. I had the good fortune of seeing Brian Wilson in Boise. They played "Pet Sounds" straight through, breaking to "turn the album over." Brian talked about behind the scenes, his writing style, among other things. A tremendous night. One I won't soon forget. Shoot, the 60s were just one helluva decade for music. I love your channel, man.
Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney's birthdays are 2 days apart. They're friendly with each other and admire each other. Both composers, multi-instrumentalists, singers, even visionaries. They'll both tell you the accomplishments of the other provokes creative juices so to speak energizing the composition of new material. It's a driving force that everybody benefits from. Friendly rivalry promotes trying something new, different, experimental, or innovative. The world is a better place because of those 2. Thanks Professor.
Paul must've been bummed when Brian stayed in bed for almost a decade.
The parallels between Brian and Paul are extraordinary, even apart from the fact that they were born at almost the same time. They were each born on the west coast of their respective countries, both played bass in their bands although they were also very skilled multi-instrumentalists, both had an outstanding gift for composing wonderful melodies, they both developed into great producers and pioneered new approaches to recording, and each of them had exceptional vocal range and harmonic insight.
I've always thought of them as cosmic twins!
Had Pet Sounds been held up a few weeks for Good Vibrations to have been on that record, Capitol Records would’ve had a #1 bestselling album on their hands, and their executives would’ve had to “eat crow.”
Such a tragedy that Brian went into such a deeply profound depression after Capitol execs expressed disappointment with Pet Sounds, and rushed out their Greatest Hits records as a sure sign of non-confidence in that OPUS…
Pet Sounds ranks up there as their BEST record, after all…
Not "a few weeks" but 5 months, as Pet Sounds was released in May 16, 1966, and Good Vibrations was released in Oct 10, 1966. As it was, Capitol was already crying about the length of time taken for Pet Sounds, which is why Beach Boys Party was done to fill the gap (and unfortunately had the hit with Barbara Ann, taking the audience view from the gains Brian made in quality from songs on "Summer Days (and Summer Nights)" back to another throwaway hit. In the early days Brian would crank out 3 albums a year.
Similar in a way to how the record company decided not to include Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane on Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart's Club Band . Can you imagine those 2 epic songs on that iconic album?! Crazy
@@007ndc As it was they ended up fitting better on Side 2 of the Magical Mystery Tour LP, even though it wasn't The Beatles' intention.
@@007ndc As it was they ended up fitting better on Side 2 of the Magical Mystery Tour LP, even though it wasn't The Beatles' intention.
it's not really true he was in a profound depression at this point - he did give up smile because of some paranoid ideations, but he was very in charge at least until 1970 or so, up through friends, and somewhat during sunflower.
perhaps he was depressed, but his faculties were very much in tact. he didnt really become dysfunctional until around 1972 or 73 or so
Smile is like a musical puzzle. I was obsessed with it back in 2004. It’s a trip with great music and impenetrable lyrics. Just the stuff of legend!
I absolutely LOVE the beach boys, and especially Pet Sounds. The Beach Boys was the very first live concert I ever attended. I was in Middle School and my parents brought me with them. Ever since I listen to their songs regularly. And every now and then I'll just put on Pet Sounds and listen to it straight through. I will always maintain that everyone needs to experience Pet Sounds as a whole, not just individual songs and tracks, at least once in their life to understand the depth of emotion that each song is meant to invoke.
I’ve been listing to and loving The Beach Boys since day one. Miss the heck out of Carl and Dennis. Their music will live forever.
Poll: With Good Vibrations in mind, what is your pick for the greatest #1 single of all time?
Hard to top Good Vibrations but this list should be good
Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Wipeout by The Surfaris. Iconic!
I’m really partial to California Girls. But Good Vibrations is amazing.
First album my parents ever gave me was Beach Boys Endless Summer. I listened to that one over and over and over and over and.... over... and ... over.... Poster on my wall, had to replace a needle on the hand-me-down record player I had.
Brian was driving his car in '67 and 'Strawberry Fields' came on the radio. That's the ultimate song he wanted to make and 'The Beatles' had done it. This led him to give up on making songs and he retired to bed for two years. It would be great if you could do a video about the album 'Smile'. Your channel is truly great.
he didnt retire to bed for two years! he was very active in the late 60s. The bedroom period happened around 72 or 73. . . there's a lot of myth and cliche out there.
I saw the Beach Boys in Toronto at Exhibition Stadium during the CNE back in the late 70's/early 80's! It was amazing!! It was like being at a massive beach party!! There were beach balls everywhere! A beautiful breeze coming off Lake Ontario added to the beach-like ambience!! It was awesome! Once the Beach Boys started singing young and old were up dancing and stayed that way til the end! I remember when it came time to leave, everyone just started belting out Beach Boy songs not wanting the music or the party to end!! Simply magical!!!
I always felt so bad for Brian Wilson, he is truly a gifted musician but he was on his own with the Beach Boys, none of the others could really help him and support him. The Beatles were all four amazing and at the top of their games and they also had George Martin who was an amazing musical producer. Brian was alone and was just lacking the support, we can only imagine some of the music he could have made with more support from his band mates
Carl supported him 100%
He's a man on the spectrum, altered by heavy drug use and exploited to the highest degree. Sad but I guess if he's happy (truly happy?).....
He was exploited. His mental condition was exploited by those that didn't care about his mental well being. He was a cash register that many pushed the button to generate wealth for themselves.
I don't completely agree, Carl was an amazing singer and good guitar player and contributed a lot to the band. Dennis became an incredible songwriter later in their career. I almost hate to admit it but the band wouldn't have been what it was without Mike, he came up with some of their most memorable hooks and lyrics. I do see your point though, it wasn't the same as the Beatles where 3-4 of them were geniuses individually, and they all worked together to shape the band's sound.
Let's not forget "the wrecking crew". Never underestimate their contributions.
My favorite memory of "Good Vibrations" from my youth is hearing Julian Lennon perform a vignette version of it during the Disneyland 30th Anniversary Special from 1985. It was part of a larger medley where other celebrity performers from that celebration did vignettes of other works. Since I was only 5 years old and we didn't routinely listen to the music of the Beach Boys in my house, I was largely out of touch. Didn't know the song or its history almost at all.
In some of the previous bands that I've performed with, the Beach Boys catalog was part of our repertoire. Since those outfits were ordinarily guitar heavy, I most frequently played these songs on the synthesizer. One of them was "Good Vibrations". It was always such a thrilling challenge approximating the piano, organ and Theremin sounds on the synthesizer.
Another classic that we sort of moonlighted was "God Only Knows". Other tunes that we covered included "California Girls" and I Get Around". The creature of Hope in me has always pointed to one song as my bona fide favorite Beach Boys classic, "Don't Worry Baby". I always adored playing that song, even when I was not the one singing the lead vocal.
That last Brian quote sums up why we love 💕 PoR, we feel like we are going to church every time we see your vids!
The Beach Boys were the sound of my youth, being born in 59, you couldn’t turn on a radio w/o hearing them. But it was Pet Sounds that really hooked me into them. It was just so much more than AM radio fan fare and I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chances to see them live in the late 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s…
Great video, thanks.
In a philosophy class in college, we were discussing aesthetics. The prof said you could have an aesthetic experience with anything. Even with "Little Deuce Coupe, you don't know what I got." Which immediately made me think of driving around at night in the summertime with the windows down, eating french fries and singing along with the Beach Boys. Pure happiness. I've never forgotten that and still can access the feeling just thinking about it.
The greatest car song . I include it in best hits of the 1960s
The Beach Boys' music has brought me so much joy in my life that it is hard to describe in a few sentences. It is simple yet profound and complex through the multi-layered harmonies and clever use of the studio as an instrument. I feel that Brian and the boys should have included Good Vibrations in the release of Pet Sounds. The theme of young love gotten and lost and its lush orchestrations would have been a better fit on that album. It would have also pushed the album to much higher chart success and more than likely a sustained #1 position. I think Capitol pushed Brian to release Pet Sounds before Good Vibrations was finished and in the end, it cost them. Regardless, their music has stood the test of time and is probably second to only the Beatles in the impact that it has had on the world. It is truly amazing the amount of beautiful music that was released in a 5-year timespan, however, the music that came after '67 is probably underappreciated for its quality and diversity of sound and style. I will forever love their music and it will last for many more generations to come much like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart.
Brian Wilson, thank you for the music!! ♥️🙏
The Beach Boys are one of my favourite 60's bands. I love the biopic "Love and Mercy", which depicts Brian Wilson in the 60's and the 80's, and I'd definitely recommend watching it if you haven't already.
I heard it’s really cool.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It is amazing! See it soon!
It's a beautiful film.
You gotta see it!
That was an amazing film I thought both Paul Dano and John Cusack did a great job portraying Brian- the viewer really gets a treat of the production of Good Vibrations, the studio sessions with the Wrecking Crew and the controversy behind the scenes with the band. It is almost a documentary. Lends new appreciation to the song and to Brian's genius :)
I heard a similar Beatles/Beach Boys story, but the other way around.. iirc Paul and even moreso, John was very impressed with _Pet Sounds_ and became furious with their own engineers at EMI after hearing Brian Wilson’s work on the new BB LP. Paul was impressed with the incredible bass response on the new record and instructed the EMI people to find out how that was done and fast. That’s why when you hear Paperback Writer you can finally (and for the first time) actually hear Paul’s bass.
How did "Wouldn't It Be Nice" only get to #8 on the Billboard charts? That's a crime!
Agree ... and God Only Knows was #39 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK it reached #2 and went platinum so the Brits were definitely into it. I think Capitol execs torpedoed it but I'm not sure why. They released the Beach Boys' Greatest Hits at the same time Pet Sounds was released. If they had some patience and waited for Good Vibrations to be completed and included on Pet Sounds the album's record sales and chart position would have been drastically different.
Grew up in Syracuse, NY (about as far from surfing as you can get) and I can't remember a time when I didn't love The Beach Boys. They were the first group I ever saw in concert, they were wearing the red and white striped shirts and my image of them on stage is indelibly etched into my memory. Listening to Pet Sounds is an emotional experience, from the first time I heard it till now. All I can say is thank you Brian, Dennis, Carl, Mike, David and Bruce and all the other musicians who contributed to the band that says America better than anyone.
This was your best video yet. Pet Sounds is close to perfect. Like Rubber Soul with the Beatles, the Beach Boys still had one foot in the past of hooky hit songs and one foot in the artistic experimental future so that it is at once accessible and sophisticated. Above all it is just heartbreakingly beautiful to listen to. I don't think it will ever be surpassed.
Pet Sounds is good but overrated in my opinion. The Beatles did many better albums.
@@michaeldillon1027 It's a matter of opinion of course. I think Pet Sounds as a whole is better than anything the Beatles ever did. It is Brian Wilson's masterpiece. But to each his own, which is not to knock the fab four who changed pop music forever and were a world wide phenomena..
My very first concert was a Beach Boys concert in September, 1964. My older sister and her girlfriend wanted to go but my parents would only allow it if I chaperoned them. I was 12 yrs old at the time. I was already a huge BB fan but that concert cemented it for me. One of the most iconic bands to ever lay down music. The genius of Brian Wilson is undeniable. Good times!
"God only knows" is an amazing feat of technical ability. it's essentially 2 rhythms in one song
Explain pls.
Back in 1976, when I was a junior in high school, I wrote my English class term paper on the influence of The Beach Boys on music and popular culture. I also did an oral presentation complete with cassette recordings of Beach Boy songs including "She's Goin" Bald," which no one at my school besides me had ever heard. There was very little source material for me. No internet, but I did use the card catalog. I carried the book "Beach Boys Complete" - which included music and song lyrics as well as a Rolling Stone Magazine article from 1972 by writer Ken Barnes - to school everyday with me. I even formed a singing group called "The Bleach Boys" and we sang at the school talent show where we were mobbed by girls. 15 minutes of fame. The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson have remained an important part of my life. Please do a segment on "Smile" and keep up the great work. Good Vibrations is Number One!
Man, thanks for doing this. I'm quite moved by all the legends talking about how much they love the Beach Boys, and by seeing the band themselves (especially Brian) talking about it.
I'd love to see a video about "Smile" and their rivalry with the Beatles. (You oughta see if you could get Paul or Ringo (or both) to comment.)
Ahh, Endless Summer. That was one of my first 8-tracks I purchased as a newly married man of 19 in in 1974. I literally wore that tape out until it locked up and wouldn’t play. The tape is long gone, but those memories live on. Thanks Prof for reminding us of great music by timeless artists
I remember hearing SMiLE live when Brian Wilson toured the release of the album. And it is the only album that I believe must be heard live to do it justice. Even playing a CD on high end audio doesn’t compare. The effect of the music and vocals of the “who ran the iron horse” refrain is something I’ll never forget.
I’d love a SMiLE episode.
Thanks so much for your video about the history of The Beach Boys. I was 14 in 1964 when I get Around as the A side of the 45 rpm record and and Don't Worry Baby on the B side were released. For about one dollar, I got both of those awesome songs. in 1964, I was growing up in St. Louis, Missouri far from the blue waters of the Pacific. Surfing was fun to listen to, but there wasn't much of that happening in either the Mississippi or the Missouri Rivers that were near my home. But cars and drag racing WERE going on in STL, and I was a drag racing fan and car guy then, and still am. The Beach Boys music sang to my young psyche in a way no other group did. As a teenager during their heyday, I understood cars, drag racing, and girls but had not a clue what Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds meant. For example, in their song Shut Down, I knew what the term ram induction meant, but not some of the words in the Beatles songs. I was fortunate to get to meet Brian Wilson in a concert back in 2016 and was able to thank him and Al Jardine in person for the unmitigated joy they brought to my life.
So many greats from this wonderful band, but I think In My Room is my favorite with Good Vibes a close 2nd. I'll never forget the made-for-tv story of the Beach Boys, when Surfer Girl played, and the girls literally swooned. One of the best ever moments I've ever seen on television.
Absolutely on a piece on Smile. Thanks!!!
How can you talk Beach Boys without The Wrecking Crew who brought Brian's work to life and how Glen Campbell toured as a Beach Boy?
Pet Sounds is my favorite album of all time. For two songs. My freshman year in high school, I fell in love with the most wonderful and beautiful girl in the world. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" was our song. We couldn't wait to be married after college. But, during the summer session before our junior year at Missouri University, she fell in love with another boy. I was devastated. They were to be married just the following summer. They were moving fast. A few days before their big wedding, he dumped her. He just walked away. He never truly loved her. Two years after her failed wedding day, I'm at my Mom's house in our small Missouri town. Im home for Christmas. Phone rings. Mom answers it. Mom says it’s her. I ask her to say I'm not here. I don't want to talk to her. Mom says, "Take the call." We chat. I don't want to talk with her. I go to end the call, but as I say goodbye, she asks me to accompany her to Midnight Mass the next evening. I'm dumbfounded. I freeze. I can't answer. She asks again. Then again. Finally, I said yes. When I arrived at her parent's house, I saw the beautiful girl that I once loved so very much. I then realized that I was still in love with her. Even after three years of pain. Two years later, we're married. Married for 42 years. One fantastic son. He's on the team designing the new stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. Lost her in 2019 after her four year fight with breast cancer. I had the song, "God Only Knows," played at her funeral. This magical album had the two songs that were the 'bookends' to our lives. Our hope to be together someday. And, my sorrow that our time together was over. What wonderful songs. I cry everytime I hear these two songs. What a wonderful album. Thank you, Brian Wilson.
RIP
The Beach Boys truly were great rivals of the Beatles. Amazing to see you interview the legends themselves!
Them, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones were what made the 60s IMO.
Thanks!
day vs night. The Boys sure werent no Beatles
Thanks for this treasury of Brian Wilson and Beach Boys information. You can dig deeper any time to share more about these great musical heroes. Adam, I've been totally hooked on your show since discovering it over two years ago.
I've seen the Beach Boys a few times, including the original lineup with Carl and Dennis. They've been my favorite American band since the '60s! I never went to the beach without their music.
I saw them in Tampa with (almost) the original lineup, as well, but Glen Campbell was on bass for that tour
I remember Carl's Rickenbacker 360/12 on the intro to Sloop John B--good times, brother!
Good Vibrations was featured on NPR when it was on the list of top 100 songs of the 20th century. This led to a run on the Pet Sounds album, pushing it over the top to go gold...then platinum.
Please do a video covering the story of the Smile album. It would be great. If it had come out at the same time as sgt. pepper, it would've completely changed music!
Heck yeah!
My mom ordered a Warner Brothers sampler album which contained a beach boys song. It has been one of the most impactful songs on me and I think it is a hidden masterpiece. This Whole World. Part of me still grieves when I hear the song end, I want it to go on.
I love California Girls, still in heavy rotation for me to this day
@Beatnik the funny thing is, it was california girls and not good vibrations that was done under the influence of LSD
Brian Wilson is such a gentle soul! When listening to him speak of his music and inspiration it becomes apparent that perhaps for one so introspective as he, this world becomes a weight that is often times too heavy a burden to carry. Professor, another masterful interview!
I think one of the Beach Boys secrets to success for these last 60 years is that they know their audience. They stuck with the sound that got them to where they are now and have kept their squeaky clean image, for the most part.
My first concert was going to see them at what was advertised as a family friendly afternoon concert, and we had a blast. My dad even bought us, my sisters and I, all Beach Boy Tees, which got my ass kicked at school, and a bunch of their albums. Yeah, I think my dad paid for a new T-Bird and maybe even a new Sloop.
Over the years I’ve heard people call the Beach Boys a lot of things and I’m sure the Boys felt real bad every time they cashed the cheque from their royalties every month. People forget that music is a business, this is how they pay the bills.
Ever wonder why every artist makes a Christmas album, even the Jewish ones. It’s because they know that those songs will be played for one month out of every year, even after they retire.
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister brags that Celine Dion paid for his house when she covered one of his songs, “The Magic of Christmas Day”. Check out this interview, it’s really funny. How the hell did I get from The Beach Boys to Twisted Sister. 🤷♂️
ultimateclassicrock.com/dee-snider-celine-dion-christmas-song/
Very interesting comment. Thanks for sharing. 😂 your last statement 😂
Another brilliant presentation by one of the most likable people in Rock and Roll! Please Professor, do the show on Smile, as you suggested.
Holy cow. What a get. You've entered rarified air with this interview man. I'm so happy for the success of your channel.
I believe there's some 'Pet Sounds' influence on The Beatles' 'Revolver' as well, with songs like 'Hear There & Everywhere'.
Great segment, Adam! Loved that cross-Atlantic rivalry between the Beatles and the Beach Boys. They really made each other better. The unsung heroes in Brian's masterpieces were the talented Wrecking Crew session musicians who laid down all the tracks as per his instructions. And yes, please do the full piece on Smile!
You're ABSOLUTELY 100% CORRECT! THEY WERE MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT!
The Wrecking Crew were almost Brian Wilson-level genius. Brian had a tough time fighting the animosity, jealousy, negativity and actual physical abuse of his father. The Beach Boys and the Four Seasons were the bands that carried me through adolescence into adulthood. Brian is a genius. "God Only Knows" is probably my favourite, but I am transported to the 60's by most of them. Amazing talent.
@@Andie1951 "God Only Knows" is my favorite as well. "All Summer Long" would probably be next. I've seen them twice, 2011 and 2017 The Lancaster Festival-Lancaster, OH.
The Wrecking Crew were awesome.
Beach boys won!
As a kid, the early Beach Boys were the kind of "oldies" my parents liked, so I knew all their old stuff growing up. I think all kids in the 80/90s had a healthy dose of Beach Boys, with Van Halen covering California Girls, and Flight of the Navigator featuring, "I Get Around," and of course, Kokomo and the tie in to Full House's John Stamos, it was hard not to have had healthy exposure to the Beach Boys growing up. In my teens and 20s, I was all about alternative rock. I loved BNL's song, Brian Wilson, Rock Spectacle version, but my favorite musician for a long time was Ben Folds... the Beach Boys were just no longer on my radar. In my 30s, though, I started listening to documentaries on the musical genius of Brian Wilson, and since then I have come to determine he is one of America's most important contributions to music. He famously told people during the smile sessions that he was making music that people would someday pray to, and when to hear "Our Prayer," it is hard not to agree. Had he only completed the Smile Sessions earlier, the way he wanted it done... it is crazy to think how much more he would have influenced the way albums are put together. The way he melded and interspersed chorus, bridges, and melodies from of one song to another, making all of the songs interrelated... He was composing rock symphonies in a way that would have made classical composers jealous, and he had these extraordinary complex sounds in his head, that he was able to recreate with a studio full of musicians... listing to the session recordings will make you understand just how good Brian Wilson was... hearing the Wrecking Crew play something he wrote, and Brian just tearing into them, No, No, like this... and then hearing them get it the way he wanted it, and hearing how much better it was when they played the way he envisioned it... Brian Wilson is and was amazing.
Wonderful show professor. I'm so glad you put Lamont dozer in here. He is every bit as talented as the Beatles and Brian Wilson. Great linking Reflections to Good Vibrations I've always felt the same thing. God I love the Holland Dozier team because the Supremes and Four Tops were in no way inferior to Beatles or Beach Boys... in many ways sexier
Something dreamy and very American about The Beach Boys. Great interviews! Thank you!
the beach boys to me were at their best in the late 60s and early 70s albums such as friends, sunflower, Holland and surf's up showed the band and the genius that is Brian Wilson that they could take the 3 minute pop song and transform it into mini masterpieces and with these albums it showed that the Wilson brothers and company were masters of their craft
What about Kokomo?
@@johnbernstein7887 yes I love Kokomo to in fact it's the song that made me a fan at 10 years old from the cocktail soundtrack which is one of my favorite movie soundtracks of the 80s
that's a great era, really they have gems scattered all through the 70s until dennis died. with the possible exceptions of MIU and keeping the summer alive (ick)
@@JustinEdwords even Dennis Wilson's 1977 solo masterpiece pacific ocean blue is fantastic and it definitely was a huge loss when Dennis died and also when Carl passed away as well and they haven't been the same since
I saw the Beach Boys in Atlantic City New Jersey on the beach as a young teenager with my mom.
I won't lie I didn't want to go at first because I thought the Beach Boys were square. By concerts end I was an official Beach Boys fan.
It has been one of my most favorite concerts that I was ever fortunate to attend. Well worth the sun poisoning and severe sun burn that I got because mom wanted to be there at 5am for best seats on our beach blanket , despite the band not taking to the stage until I think 7pm. Simply an awesome fun time had by all that day.
Thank You Beach Boys for that great unmistakable sound and enormous catalogue.
When it comes to great albums, I actually hold their 1971 album “surfs Up” almost as good as “pet sounds.” The problem I always had with Pet Sounds is although the music was great, the Beach boys were secondary to the wrecking crew and Brian Wilson. It’s a Brian Wilson solo album that basically contains the voices of The Beach Boys
and I wouldn't have it any other way
Thank you for this!!
When I was growing up in the 70s, it was such a legend with my fellow musician buddies. We could tell just by the music that did filter out on albums in the late 60s/early 70s (Cabin essence, Surf's Up, Heroes and Villains, Wonderful), that looking at it within the context of '66/'67, if Brian had finished it, it would have blown minds. He was already blowing minds with what he did on Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations, and was held in such high regard by his peers. (The key with Brian, even with the early stuff he wrote, arranged and produced, is peel back the layers and it blows your mind all that he has in there, besides all of the chords, key changes, and changes he does throughout.) The Leonard Bernstein special on rock was initially to be about him and the new direction in popular music. He was on the board for the Monterrey Pop Festival, and the band was supposed to headline one of the nights. He was creating their own record label, Brother Records (long before Apple Records) to give them the freedom to create, plus sign other acts. At 24, he was The Master...but then all of that pressure, all of that push back (the legendary "Don't F*ck With the Formula" history) from not only his bandmates (who, being his brothers, cousin, and a high school buddy, he had become benefactor to), but the record company Capitol (who he also was suing for back royalties during this period as well}, beside the paranoia from the drug use and underlying psychological issues, caused one of the, if not the biggest withdrawals in rock history. The only other one as notable was Syd Barrett. (Back in the 70s, my fellow musicians would say they wished Brian and Syd would get together and do an album together.) After the non-release of SMiLe, Brian's withdrawal, the pullout from Monterey, they were looked upon as passe. Rock had moved on from sunshine harmonies and striped shirts. It wasn't cool to like them. Then nostalgia started to become in vogue around '73 with Happy Days and then the movie American Graffiti, then Capitol releases Endless Summer, and they're back, only this time as the world's biggest oldies band. Sure they had the occasional hit with Rock and Roll Music, It's OK (off of the album 15 Big Ones), and Kokomo (ugh!), but their albums were still languishing. It wasn't until the 50th, with the release of That's Why God Made the Radio, album and single that they reached a top 3 selling album in the US again.
One of the other legendary stories of the time was that while Brian was creating SMiLE and the Beatles were creating Sgt Pepper, besides the real happening of Lennon and McCartney coming to visit him in the studio (McCartney is in the mix of a session for Vege-Tables), Lou Adler, famous Brian friend and 60's producer, of many top groups and hits, was sending acetates of Brian's sessions back to Lennon and McCartney. I had seen this purported in the 80's, even as late as the 00's, but cannot find anything to cite recently.
Yes, please do a session on SMiLe. I don't know if you can cover is in one show though. Thank you again!!
The thing is, Brian kept writing amazing music throughout the seventies, nineties, oughts, etc. Brian is probably the only American musical genius we've had in the last 60 years. "From There to Back Again" and his music for the album THAT LUCKY OLD SUN and NO PIER PRESSURE are as good as his earlier acknowledged classics.
The Perfect Babe will always be “ Surfer Girl”❤️🎼🎸
When I was 10 my dad took my sisters and I to an afternoon “family” concert with the Beach Boys. It was our first concert and we had a blast. Unfortunately my dad bought a bunch of their albums, he could never say no to my sisters, at that concert. I say unfortunately because my sisters played those damn Beach Boys for a year. I think that must be why I turned to Heavy Metal. I must have been the only headbanger, I must have been banging it to get the Beach Boys out of my head, to know every word to every Beach Boys song.
Funny I actually like the Beach Boys now. I even have a Beach mix on my iPhone, which is full of songs from the Beach Boys. If I look back on those days I realize I never stopped liking them, I was just being a stupid kid. That and while my dad could never say no to my sisters, he had no problem with me. Lol
"Some songs are holy, they just are". That says it all.
I absolutely loved this video Adam!! This might be my new favorite from you!! This was just fantastic!!
Yes ... Please DO a video for Smile!!
Great job!! Have you seen the PBS Special on Brian Wilson?? It is incredible!! I have another stratospheric level of *Respect* for Brian now, which I didn't think was possible!! Thanks again Adam!!👍👊
@Professor of Rock
I saw the Pet Sounds tour in '99 and my mind was absolutely blown. I've owned I don't know how many different copies of Pet Sounds over the years. My wife and I walked down the aisle to 'Let Go Away for Awhile.' So Pet Sounds is very, very special to me.
Pet Sounds is probably my favorite album of all time. We know the songs, Wouldn't it be Nice, Sloop John B, I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, Caroline Knows and God Only Knows. Absolutely brilliant. I've had the pleasure of meeting Brian myself a few times and seen him live even more. Popular music wouldn't be the same with out him. Adam, you have my vote for that Smile video. What are the other 2 albums in your 3 way tie for number 1? Thanks again for another great video. On a side note, John Cusack sat right behind me at one of the Pet Sounds shows in Chicago about 5 years ago. I also have in my possession John's working script with notes made by him from Love and Mercy. I'll share with you sometime how I came to own it.
So cool that you’ve met Brian!