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Brian Wilson is playing DC tonight. As Cale said "tickets are expensive as balls" (though not AS expensive as Boz Scaggs) and so I don't know if you are going but no matter what you know you have that special Brian Wilson love in your heart. Maybe it is for every note he has ever written (read this before considering that answer) Maybe it is for his Beach Boys early stuff. Maybe it is for the later "Love You Period" Maybe it is for "SMiLE" No matter which "maybe" you pick, it is there. So, today, to celebrate him being here (no, we really didn't even try to do the interview) lets all reach hands across DC (and beyond) and talk about what that special Brian Wilson love in your heart hinges on. I'll start. (Somewhat predictably, but I'll start). |
Listen:
God only Knows is not just my favorite Beach Boys song (and I love a lot of them), or Brian Wilson song, it is hands down my favorite song of all time (and I know this is not an original thought, I mean after John and Paul heard it at a party they loved it so much that same night Beatles' "Here, There and Everywhere" happened).
It is one of the only 2 songs I ever order on the Black Cat Jukebox (the other one being "Be my Baby" by The Ronettes) and to which I interpretative dance in public every time (which if you know me, you understand the magnitude of, and if you've seen it or participated in it, you can maybe even feel the magnitude of). Pretty sure I going to have those horns play instead of a wedding march.
Everything about it is perfect to me: the opening of the big, big symphonic intro, the use of: Harpsichord, French horns, Hammond organ, jingle bells, coconut hoofbeats, bass and piano doubling up in sweet, sweet love on some of the low lines but not all of them, pizzicato violins, the "I may not always love you...." which kills me every time followed by that reaffirming "but as long as there are stars above you, you never need to doubt it", the vocals as instriments (Brian gave the singing to Carl, which I cannot even think how hard of a decision to give a song like this over to anyone), the endlessly repetitive, perfectly harmonized chorus at the end when you just want to die a little than you already died during the first 2 minutes of it. And then it is all over in (a masterclass of) 2:50 minutes.
Listen to it again:
Your turn now.
God loves a cheerful giver.
Nice. I'd give it the nod for greatest pop song ever written. I have many fond memories of listening to it wth you!
A couple of my favorite Brian Wilson micro moments:
Surf's Up @ 2:35 when he sings the title followed by the mmm's. It makes me feel nostalgic even though I wasn't alive when the song was written nor even listened to it as a kid. Also you know the cha's are coming. And I love the cha's.
Good Vibrations @ 2:14 (45 version)
Where everything drops out an you just get the organ and the little jangling bells. Gooootta keep those lovin good vibrations a happenin with her. Jesus. It may be my fav moment in any song ever. All is right in the world right there.
"I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" is my fav and one i always play on the jukebox at The Cat.
I can only second "God Only Knows." Hits every ounce of me every time.
I like Cale's breakdown as well - not only do I love so many Beach Boys songs but there are moments that are so sublime as to require their own designation. These are two of the finest (especially the jangling bells and the raspy whisper that happens when they try to bring down the singing - fucking magic.)
Pet Sounds is only surpassed by Smile
BW is pure genius
I can't believe I don't get a shoutout for swinging you around the Black Cat to this song. < *sniff*>
My favorite Brian Wilson moment is his interview for "Theremin: an Electronic Odyssey" (required viewing for anyone who claims to like documentaries, it's amazing). (Damn, I can't find video online.)
Can't agree more...God Only Knows is one of my top 5 favorite songs. It's simply perfect.
http://halfapersonblog.blogspot.com
really swell pet sounds remix album:
http://craigertiger.tumblr.com/post/59068816/i-just-wasnt-made-for-these-times-remixed-by
there's also a version of God Only Knows that brian sings lead on. you can find it on the 40th anniversary extras discs.
and since we're on the subject:
God only knows @ 1:47 - right after "me" there is that little wind instrument turn. doesn't happen in the first verse, but it's tasty.
Let Him Run Wild - amazing song with a unique chorus. brian sings falsetto lead.