Hip Hop Fan's First Time Hearing Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
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- čas přidán 27. 10. 2022
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Honestly, I'm not really a Beach Boy fan, but man, oh man, there is absolutely no denying that Brian Wilson was mainlining some serious magical musical genius when he conceived and made Pet Sounds.
Try his follow up, "Smile" It's the album Good Vibrations is actually on.
The Beach Boys changed music in 1966. So revolutionary!
Unfortunately the Beach Boys didn’t progress like the Beatles did, but for certain they influenced the Beatles at this time.
@@martinmorris5997 Poor Brian Wilson. The Beatles had 2 incredible song writers (Lennon McCartney), one great song writer (G. Harrison), and a brilliant producer (George Martin). The Beach Boys had Brian Wilson, who did it all. No wonder he had a breakdown.
Enough to make the Beatles up their game to make Sgt peppers
It's a theremin making that spooky sound. It's kind of an old-fashioned instrument of the future used in horror films of 50s and 60s.
And is the instrument Jimmy Page famously used on No Quarter, which you'll get to eventually in your Zeppelin listen -thru
@@TheNaFun Dazed and Confused is where I remember it from.
Knew it would be answered for him.
@@heliotropezzz333 he used a violin bow on D&C but didn't use a theremin
Pretty sure it's not technically a theremin, but a similar adjacent instrument, though I'm sure it could be recreated on one. I was kind of obsessed with this noise when I first heard it
This song is so well produced. When it came out, it was the most expensive song ever recorded, adjusted for inflation, it might still be. It was stuff like this and the album Pet Sounds that inspired the Beatles to push their limits.
And bring out Sargent Pepper
If you add in Wilson's Drug Bill (Legal and Illegal) and the several different Therapist Bill's He was seeing and adjust that for inflation...Wow
@@user-zu4cc6pb9x Dyslexia?
@@SpaceCattttt omg yes
Source? Seriously asking.
Why I love The Beach Boys… there had never been anything like them before, and really nothing since. Their lyrics were incredibly relatable as a teenager. They sang about the life we were experiencing, and a life we wish we were experiencing, 😂, in an incredibly appealing manner. They were popular across a wide spectrum. Really, the only American group to compete with the Beatles in sales and popularity in the mid 60’s
What about Jan and Dean
@@dslocum61 YES, I WISH someone would react to some of Jan and Dean's music too.
The Monkees were engineered to directly compete with The Beatles, and I of course agree with David Slocum, Jan and Dean sounded so much like The Beach boys that most people thought their songs were Beach Boys songs.
The Beach Boys came to fame thru Surf Music in the early 60s. When this came out from them it was quite the switch and quite a hit. It still holds up after all these years.
Agree, I thought of the Beach Boys as Surfer music.
@@kaynucklehead1633 I saw an interview with Brian Wilson where he talked about the band deciding to change their image and music. It was a very conscious decision.
@@davidgagne3569 I didn't know that. Do you think they were successful? I could tell when I was listening to a Beach Boys song. It was light, sunny and easy to listen to. The vocal harmony was terrific.
@@kaynucklehead1633 The music got better. I'll take Good Vibrations over I Get Around any day. The main problem was the guys in the group other than Brian. They weren't on board. Contrast that with the Beatles who were always in search of something new.
On one album, Revolver, the Beatles had rock - She Said, She Said, Indian pop music - Love To You, undefinable music - Eleanor Rigby and full-on Avant Garde - Tomorrow Never Knows. The entire group was always searching. In the Beach Boys it was mainly Brian Wilson. That is to me the main reason they kind of faded away.
I really like the early stuff but I think their later stuff is so much better.
@@davidgagne3569 This isn't true. They wrote most of the Friends album without Brian, and it isn't anything like their early stuff.
This is easily the best song Brian Wilson ever wrote. He worked out all the musical arrangements with the wrecking crew!
I give "God Only Knows" the top spot.
@@billvegas8146 I dunno, I listened to Sloop John B one time alone stopped next to a park in a brand new BMW 5 Series with Harmon Kardon sound and it was a transcendent experience
Heroes and Villains, Surfs up, both as good as GV
@@TheNaFun He didn't write Sloop John B. Nevertheless, he did make a great track out of it. Ding Dang is his best song.
God only Knows is another level …
To be honest, I’m not much of a Beach Boys fan. However, the Pet Sounds album which included this track, was a breakthrough in music production. It’s a genuine masterpiece.
TRUTH!
fairly certain this track is on Smiley Smile
@@speedyonspeed I believe you are correct and that I am mistaken.
It was recorded during the Pet Sounds sessions, but was released as a stand alone single. After the "Smile" project fell apart, they released this song along with the scraps of Smile on an album called "Smiley Smile".
It needs the restoration that Revolver just got.
It’s a pocket symphony my man, I’m told it is best experienced on LSD. Not that I would know of course. 😉
It took 8 months to record and cost more to make than the whole previous pet sounds album. The Beatles were so blown away by this track, John was inspired to write strawberry fields forever. 🔥
Dude it is a newAQUARIAN AGE emerging from what came before. It is startling at the same time it was in the stars something like this would reach the masses. It's musical genius stuff the common man could never put on tape but we all feel the power the universal language music.
The masterpiece. This song shook pop and became a world wide #1...
I really appreciate your honesty and insights on first listens to music from the past. It's important to note that the original context of art and music will always be somewhat lost on anyone who wasn't alive at the time it came out. Good Vibrations was a creative peak for Brian Wilson, the genius behind their music. They had established themselves as a pop/surf/party band on the basis of Brian's melodies and vocal arrangements. But he evolved into one of the two or three best producers of his time. Good Vibrations came on the heels of Brian's masterpiece, Pet Sounds, which is credited with inspiring Sgt. Pepper. It's basically a solo album, using LA's premier studio musicians, and the rest of the Beach Boys for vocals. It took me multiple listenings to appreciate the brilliance of Brian's production. It had a profound impact on his peers at the time. The idea of good vibrations supposedly came from his mother's belief that dogs, for example, could pick up on people's unspoken 'vibrations'. It was released on the same year as Pet Sounds, and was followed by several very difficult decades for Brian. The film Love and Mercy fills in a lot of the context of Brian's life and music. It's very well done -- you might consider checking it out.
And the Brian Wilson concert he did for his long-awaited Sm:)le (easily findable on CZcams) was just spectacular, knowing everything Brian went through before then. It's a triumph.
This is considered one of the best songs ever written. Influenced many many artist.
Some of the most important music from any rock group. If you only think of The Beach Boys as sunny surf, you are missing them from 1966 - 1973. Brian Wilson is possibly the most important musician/composer/producer in American history. No exaggeration. This song you just have to listen to all the way through.
And it's NOT a Theremin playing. It's an Electro-Theremin. The difference is you don't touch a Theremin, making it a very difficult instrument to play. The E-T had a hands-on approach so you could more easily hit the right pitches. I've produced recordings with a real Theremin and it's NOT a fun instrument to try to get right. The main musical component of a Theremin or Electro-Theremin is an Oscillator. Brian also used it in "Wild Honey" and "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times."
Loved your reaction! "Good Vibrations" is one of the singular songs in Rock and Roll. Up there with "Stairway to Heaven" and "Roundabout" in terms of creativity/complexity/vision.
No exaggeration? He doesn't hold a candle to Irving Berlin or George M. Cohan for that matter. A lot of those early Beach Boy songs were repetitive or rip offs of Chuck Berry with surf lyrics. Some liked Jan and Dean better.
Good comparisons.
That high whistling sound is a Theremin, a very early and strange electronic instrument controlled by how close the hands move to an aerial. Brian Wilson trod that fine line between genius and insanity in his music. He heard all this in his head when writing the song and created one of the most complex pop songs ever written. For another peak of his songwriting, try "God Only Knows".
It was an Electro Theremin. The only person around who was able to control the Theremin wasn't available for the sessions, so they asked a synth manufacturer to make an electronic version of a Theremin.
This song along with the entire album "Pet Sounds" were very influential to the Beatles. There is a story that while making "Sgt. Pepper", Paul McCartney played "God Only Knows" in the studio every day. He considered Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys as the the peak of music at the time. So, the influence of the Beach Boys on The Beatles is very obvious when listened back to back.
Yes, I just read recently that Paul McCartney said he believes God Only Knows is one of the best songs ever written.
This period for the Beach Boys was...fun.
Pet Sounds was a response to Rubber Soul. Revolver to Pet Sounds, and Brian Wilson, who, in effect was the Beach Boys, cracked up and couldn't finish Smile. You're right about different parts - each micro part was recorded separately, played by Wrecking Crew, and stitched together by Wilson. Rest of the Beach Boys had little to do with it
@@cuebj I think both your time lines are off. Peppers came out on May 1967 Pet Sounds May 1966. If McCartney said it once he said it a thousand times Pet Sounds blew The Beatles away so they wanted to top it with Sgt Peppers. BTW the date were just a google away.
That high pitched wavering electronic sound is a theremin ....think original Star Trek opening theme music. Same instrument used.
@@cuebj There's a sort of heartbreaking story I heard Wilson say of working hard on the songs on Smile at that time, and then he heard Sgt. Pepper's on the radio on a drive home one day and he had to pull over to listen to it, and then started sobbing, thinking, "They beat me to it."
@@billvegas8146 I don't think my timeline is too off as he would have been writing/working on Smile songs after Pet Sounds.
I love the harmonies, rhythm, bass line, and Lead vocal tones!! Their sound production was ahead of their time!! 😃
Syed, I think watching and listening to you reacting to Good vibrations has got to be one of the most enjoyable for me. You really were so effected by the arrangement. It really spun you around like I haven't seen happen before. You really notice details that I have missed before in the past. Love your insights and honesty!
Beach Boys' songs are almost all great in their own way. Phenomenal music, great lyrics, exquisite harmonies, and always a feel good vibe. I've been lucky enough to have seen them live several times, & every time, some in very large venues, the entire audience was singing & dancing along, with everybody in attendance having a wonderfully grand old time!!! What's better than that?? God Only Knows is their most beautiful love song. Wouldn't It Be Nice is a lot of fun! In My Room is hauntingly beautiful. Lots of different sounds in their catalogue. Definitely worth a real good listen!!!
Beach Boys says happy summertime for me! Always enjoyed them. This song is just plain fun & it’s great to sing to. One of the things I live most about the Beach Boys is their harmony. I love harmony!
This is a 'boy meets girl' song.....good feelings back and forth between them, and he wants to keep it going.... One of my all time favorite songs since I first heard it sometime around 1970, at the age of 6 or so..... Thanks for your reactions Syed, very interesting to hear your takes on the music. The Beach Boys sound involved a lot of harmonization, which is barber shop as you say, but very enjoyable to many (as evidenced by the number of records sold by the Beach Boys).
"Barber shop"? Yes , but also the sound of earlier guy groups like the"Four Preps" and "Four Freshmen" of the 1950s. Brian Wilson grew up with them and it's what the Wilson brothers + cousin + Mike Love were good at. Here, their harmonies are as much musical passages as vocals. He's scoring them as he did the other instruments throughout. They're human theremins as well as falsetto singers.
Hard to explain when, you grew up with the music it is totally different then when you pick out a song from 70 yrs ago and hear it for the first time. We grew along with the progression of rock.
One point that ought to be mentioned about Good Vibrations, and actually the whole Pet Sounds album is the musicianship that went into making it. Brian Wilson's musical vision and ambition had outrun the rest of his band's instrumental talent. The intricate vocal harmonies are pure Beach Boys, but the playing, the guitars, bass, keyboards and drums was done by a veteran group of L.A. studio musicians known collectively as the Wrecking Crew. For weeks or even months, Brian Wilson brought his charts to the studio and worked with this team of musical mercenaries to create one of the most masterfully produced albums in history. And this was all before Pro Tools, or even digital recording. This was all achieved recording and mixing with analogue tape. And this was true of all the great music of the 1960s and 70s, from Dylan to the Beatles, from The Beach Boys to Pink Floyd, from David Bowie to Eagles.
The weird “alien” sound is from an electro-theremin.
The Beatles & The Beach Boys had a friendly rivalry. They both started exploring psychedelic rock at around the same time. John Lennon’s son Sean LOVED The Beach Boys.
It's probably been mentioned, but that was a Theramin making those 'spooky' noises. This song always lifts my mood.
You have some good observations. I particularly like the callback to A day in the life. Good luck with the channel!
My favorite BB tune is "This Whole World" from Sunflower". Most amazing vocals from the boys. Very short song but a "must hear" track.
Agreed, clocks in at 1:58 but has more chord changes than their first few albums!
Brian Wilson is a musical genius. He created music that evolved with experimenting with sound effects that were not typical of that Era. They also have an amazing harmony that is not all the same but blended together beautifully. They were my second concert.... my parents took me to see them when I was 11. I was just as in awe of them then as I am now... almost 45 years later.
Let's set it straight, the Beach Boys were one of the most influential groups of all time. When the Beatles are jealous of you and try to imitate your sound, that really says something. The arrangements, lyrics, melodies, and interweaving harmonies are really second to none. Keep listening. As a hard rock/metal/grunge guy at heart, I'm telling you, they cannot be ignored. (btw, I rarely talk about the reviewer, but I like your style. You really listen and don't just sit there making facing trying only to get views. Good on ya, mate!)
You would often hear about 'Sgt. Pepper's' album being this or that (and yes, I *am* a Beatlemanic, :) ), but actually the 'Pet Sounds' album (along with the 'Good Vibrations' single) was very probably the most influential album in rock.
Regarding Beach Boy's music, it is silly and sounds simple, but you can hear immense talent between those lines, which a lot of old folks appreciate very much.
Don't apologize for your taking this song in pieces; it was listening to this and the entire _Pet Sounds_ album that inspired The Beatles to produce _St Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band_ and to become more experimental. It was THAT influential.
The reactions of these young kids to older music with more than one section always makes me think, "Their music must be one undifferentiated mass from beginning to end."
This song and album were way ahead of their time. It can be plain jane now, but was cutting edge for the music of the day. If you get a chance, watch the documentary,”The Wrecking Crew”, all of the talented musicians on there swore Brian Wilson was a genius. His different arrangements and how he gets them to flow together is amazing. This album supposedly is what kicked the Beatles in their pants and made them up their game.
Dang man, I really enjoyed this reaction video to the Beach Boys. I personally believe they're the best band to ever have existed. The fact that you had so much insight to provide, especially on your first go at hearing the song, I found personally amazing! Especially when I compare it to the other reaction videos out here in youtube with the reactors just saying the music made them "Happy" and not even providing more of their own ideas. This definitely was not a clout chase video compared to what I thought it was going to be since you even mentioned the Beach Boys was not your cup of tea. You even brought in some more connections I haven't even made and I've listened to this song thousands of times haha. I take pride in knowing the Beach Boys were influential to the Beatles and I (very snobbishly) always bring it up whenever anyone mentions the beatles. Cause i once was also blinded by all of the hits from The Beatles, but i hadn't noticed that the A Day in The Life track sounds extremely similar to this, Brought me so much joy in seeing that connection being made and how i also had similar thoughts of A Day In The Life when i listened to it years ago.
Now on a different note, Cause i really wanted to answer that last question in the video. I love The Beach Boys, firstly because the sounds from that time resonate with me so well. Not in the same way ppl will say "I wish I was born in those days" tho haha. Doo-Wop music, the old sometimes sad and longing or upbeat and romantic, with the acapella sound. True 10/10. and when it comes to The Beach Boys, in a way for me at least. They sorta Modernized that sound further into the 1900s. They covered amazing songs from the 50s, some of my favorites being "Come go with me" by Del-Vikings, and "Hushabye" by The Mystics. And i believe they kept Doo-Wop music as a basis for their songs. With heavy harmonizing in the back, I Get Around, and Don't Worry Baby both are reminescent of Doo-Wop and break into the 1960s. Further, Kokomo has that same harmonizing and goes deep into the 80s. Secondly, I just love the beach. although they are a Cali band. I share their joy for the beach in Florida haha. The fact that they also get drowned out by the Fans of The Beatles, knowing several sounds were each almost replicated by them, I always have to root for the smaller band. They just need that recognition haha. Seeing this song sounding so close with A Day In The Life, i Also always saw connections between these songs: God Only Knows=Penny lane (intro part), Sloop John B = Yellow Submarine (Story telling style, also both water transportation lol), In My Room = Strawberry Fields ( a place to retreat to). Those are just some of the songs I think sounded similar even though they do seem like a large claim to make. I always appreciated The Beatles being able to draw ideas from Pet Sounds album into the Sgt Pepper's album.
I wish The Beach Boys would've had an amazing international reception like The Beatles had spreading into the states but I also do believe it was easier to appeal to the American consumer/entertainment culture compared to the hard to relate to 'Beach vibes' (hot girls, hot beaches, and car racing) and European audience that the Beach Boys had. I wish Brian Wilson hadn't had such a difficult life either. From his father to his controlling doctor, truly devastating. And he was still able to make absolute bangers. Even songs like "Forever" or "Disney Girls" from Dennis Wilson and Bruce Johnston respectively like others created by other band members shows their diversity, and that it wasn't all just Brian but a group effort. That's why I love the Beach Boys.
This song was EVERYTHING when it came out. I still think is is. Love your reactions btw.
It really was. This was a stop the world song when it debuted.
1965-1966 was a very interesting time for rock/pop music. Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, the Beatles, the Stones, Pete Townshend of The Who and others had all reached high levels of success with fairly standard versions of established musical styles. Then, they decided to stretch out and expand their music. Brian Wilson's tour de force Pet Sounds with the Beach Boys had a huge impact and influence which led to so much experimentation by others including the Beatles. Good Vibrations was the intro to Pet Sounds when it was released as a stand alone single before the album hit. You don't need to be a fan to recognize the huge impact Brian Wilson had on so much that was to come.
I grew up in California during the 70's. The Beach Boys were pretty much ever present in my childhood. I put on "Endless Summer", and I feel like I'm 10. It's Summer vacation (USA thing) and I have 3 whole months to do whatever I want.
Love it. Thank you . I can't wait until you hit groups like Dust, Gypsy, Renaissance, and the harmonies of 3 Dog Night(Eli's Coming live from a tv show is the best one) Thanks again and I am glad I found you
Brian Wilson and John Lennon were mostly friendly adversaries and each drove the other to new heights in song writing. They were each trying to top the other. A fun Beach Boy song for the upcoming holiday season would be Little Saint Nick, a rock and roll Christmas song based on the hot rod culture.
It was Wilson and McCartney. Not Lennon. This song made Paul want to create Sgt Pepper. He has said this many times
@@keithdf2001 You're right. My mistake.
@@richdiddens4059 All good. All great musicians
Beach boys have a lot of silly songs, but Pet Sounds, which was made after Brian Wilson had begun losing his marbles, is often ranked among the all time best rock albums.
Pet Sounds is more important than good. It’s very overrated, imo. The same happens with Sgt Peppers.
@@ArmandoMPR Not in context. I guess for some people... they had to be there.
@@ArmandoMPR I tend to agree. I know that Rolling Stone rated it the top rock album of all time for a while, & that seems crazy to me. I could quickly compile a list of 50 albums I think are better.
@@ArmandoMPR Clearly you are a youngster.
@@Mozart1220 I don't think age has anything to do with it tbh. Some people just have differening opinions....even if we highly disagree. I'm 23 and Pet Sounds & Sgt Pepper's would be in my top 50 albums list. They're still really great listens to this day.
The Beach Boys was my first concert in 1975 at Summerfest I was 15 years old. Saw them again last summer. Enjoyed everything.
Barbershop quartet😀. That's a LOL. If all barbershop quartets sounded like that I would probably have spent half of my time there.
For me this is the greatest song ever recorded.
And that said. . . a moment of silence for the great Jerry Lee Lewis.
Brian got the idea from his mom who was watching a show about dogs hearing vibrations that people couldn't hear and called them "Good vibrations" and he went on from there. The first time "Good vibrations" was used as a term, too.
When listening older music, try to imagine what else was big at the time. What sounds like barber shop music to you was considered breakthrough vocals and opened up that kind sophisticated harmonies to other pop genres.
Love the way you went back to the beginning. It was so wonderful giving everything a chance
This was the first song that got me hooked on pop music. A couple months later out came Strawberry Fields / Penny Lane.
There was so much cross pollination going on at that time. 1967 saw the release of Sgt Peppers, Respect by Aretha Franklin, the Doors first album with Light My Fire and Axis: Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix.
I'm glad to see you stretching out and listening to this. I recall the first times I listened to jazz. I didn't care for it. Now I really like it. You may nor may not find your taste changes over the years. You might find that some of your favorite Hip Hop artists mention other pop artists and that could be a good road map to follow to learn.
BTW - Barbershop Quartet is actually a very real influence. Ha! This is indeed psychedelic! That "alien sound" is just that. It's a theremin.
You're right - it does keep switching up. VERY TRIPPY. Very much similar to Day In The Life that way.
Are there any Hip Hop songs that use different sections like this? Would like to hear that.
I think you're understanding this music really well. Especially coming to it with your background.
It's *all* cool syed. This is pop genius. The high pitch is a theremin I believe. It was an instant catchy hit with me as a child and I haven't changed my mind - time only reinforces how good it is.
Lyrics were based on a discussion Brian Wilson had I think with his mom, about how dogs pick vibrations, good or bad, from others including humans. Lead singer of the Beach Boys, Mike Love, Brian's cousin [much as I hate to admit it] actually helped on this song, I think pn the chorus or hook, ["I'm picking up good vibrations"] when Brian, doing drugs, was in a slump trying to finish this. They had recorded it over 6 months in three different studios. The idea that many do not know how iconic this song is with all the layers of sound and vices, is incomprehensible to me. No one had EVER done this complicated of a single before a this point in history, and raised the bar several notches.
Hey brother it's Surfer John from San Diego California again, I'm 55 years old my first concert was in 1977 at the San Diego Sports Arena The Beach Boys! It was incredible! The Beach Boys have 60s and 70s 80s and '90s music all hits! The first thing that got us all was the surf songs and the feeling of being from Southern California warmed our hearts. Good Vibrations was the ultimate song for Southern California Kid guy girl it just spoke volumes of our music here in the states and specially Southern California compared to everything coming from England. The Beatles Love The Beach Boys The Beach Boys Love The Beatles you can tell!
Thank you Brian !
Try their 'Feel Flows'.
The theremin (the high-pitched instrument you hear "wailing in the background") can take radically disparate forms but essentially it produces sounds by interfering with magnetic fields. Many then-startling and eerie sound-effects from horror and sci-fi movies of the era were produced on a theremin.
And yes, Brian Wilson is a bona-fide musical genius
Carol Kaye playing harmonics on the bass sounds so good in the (as you call it) psychedelic part.
She is one of my favorite bassists
It's a theramin. Beach boys were like lab scientists in the studio. Absolute masters of making cool sounds that at times made some good music.
The theremin is an instrument used in old movies for sound effects. It is an electrified wand and the pitch is controlled by the distance you wave near it. Jimmy Page uses one as well.
That high pitched instrument in the background is a Theramin. It is a pure electronic instrument that is played by hand motion. It has two antennae connected to an oscillator. One hand controls frequency and the other controls volume. It was invented in Russia around 1930. Very difficult to play well.
Actually, the Beach Boys used an Electrotheremin. It sounds the same, but there are no antennas. However, the song could be played on either instrument.
One of the best rock n roll songs ever. I know all about this song.
It is a madterpiece. Brian Wilson is a genius.
This is one of the better reviews of any song I have come across. You did point out that what you listened to when you grew up shaped what music you like. Well, in the early sixties "rock" was pretty simple. The Beach Boys primarily were doing songs about surfing and cars. The Beatles tunes were pretty much 2 guitars and bass and drums. But later in the 60's music started to expand and artists started to become much more creating. It is really important to note that what makes Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations so special was that there was really nothing like them before. Without the songs of this time period the music you grew up with would most likely not exist.
I'm 67 years old so I was listening to music from the Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones etc. I also grew up in California, though not a surfer, I went to the beach almost every weekend in my teens. The music was clean cut fun and upbeat. The music fit my age, culture and geografic location.
I went to Beach Boy concerts and high school dances with Beach Boy cover band (Papa Doo Run Doo Run formerly Goodie Two Shoes). I used to take keyboard lessons from the keyboard player in the band and my buddy set up the drums at shows for their drummer. They used to do high school dances etc and would do a Beach Boy set. One year our High School (Branham HS in San Jose, CA) had contracted Tower of Power to play at our school. Goodie Two Shoes played first. A couple band members from Tower of Power got in some legal issues on the way to our school so Goodie Two Shoes had to play much longer than intended and of course the students were not happy having to wait on Tower of Power. So they started playing their Beach Boy material and the students all danced and got upbeat and happy. When TOP finally did play it was a let down, Literally. The whole mood changed. It was that experience from the crowd reaction that the band Goodie Two Shoes decided to change name and go surf music under Papa Do Run Do Run. They later joined up with Jan and Dean and played Disneyland etc.
I tell this story to explain why this music has so many followers and yet so many newer listeners don't "get it". Frank Sinatra would not even make it to the live TV show on America's Got Talent. Doesn't mean he's not good anymore. The music has to resonate with the audience and the times. Beach Boys actually have the record for the longest time frame between number 1 hits. Kokomo was their last number 1 and some 20 years, I believe after their previous number 1. Of course Brian Wilson was not a part of Kokomo but the other members took part.
To compare Beach Boy harmonies to Barbershop Quartet harmonies is understandable due to multi-part harmonies but still worlds apart. Stylistically similar in ways but musically worlds apart. But I understand your reference.
Good Vibrations is the song you want to party with your high school sweetheart. There are intimate spots musically to connect and there are other parts where you jump up and down together and have a blast. It's a participation song and if you are high or buzzed you can just sit and trip on and have an uplifting relatable experience. It's a song written from the guts perspective that a girl feels like she's the star and appreciated. It's a feel good song, plain and simple from a simpler time, in my opinion.
Good Vibration is a pocket symphony!
That high pitched science fiction sounding instrument is the Theremin, an electronic instrument that you play with both hands in the air, moving in the electromagnetic field generated by the instrument, not touching the instrument. Invented by the genius Leon Theremin - who has an amazing life story - and famously played with intensity by Jimmy Page, and many others. Check out the MSG version of Dazed and Confused for Theremin action.
Actually, the Beach Boys used an Electrotheremin. It sounds the same, but there are no antennas. However, the song could be played on either instrument.
The Beatles sited The Beach Boys as innovators that influenced and pushed them to greater heights in their pursuit of new music
It's called creativity.
Good writing , quality music !👍
Pause all you want. That’s when you discuss & thats why I’m here!
I've heard this song dozens of times and never noticed that sound before. It sounds like something you would hear from an alien space ship.
You haven't heard the best of the Beach Boys until you hear the ballads - "Don't Worry Baby", "In My Room", "Surfer Girl", "The Warmth of the Sun", etc.
Great art, music does not dictate. It challenges your mind. It means what it means to you.
There was a shitload of acid going around during the these times, and I'm sure it influenced Brian, as well as other groups. But the underlying musical genius of Brian Wilson is undeniable.
This is their best in terms of an aural orgasm but many other great songs including "Heroes and Villains", "God Only Knows" and "Do It Again". Thanks Syed.
Your reaction is priceless 🤣
Interesting reactions you caught the prog element . The melodies are insane . I remember hearing it on the radio back in '66. Yeah it was a mindblower.
This is such a trippy, psychedelic song but they didn't abandon their surf music roots!😆
You are opening your mind and ear.
I love the verses in this song. They have such an amazing trippy vibe.
The reviewer here has nailed it. What was so unusual about this song was that Wilson seemed to have packed four or five songs into one in the space of three and half minutes. This progressive shift in perspective was highly unusual for a popular song. And yet it all worked to perfection.
A little bit about this song: The Beach Boys made their hits on the surfing/car racing 60s California scene. In 66, Brian Wilson, the principle writer, took a hard turn into psychedelic, more mysterious sounds. He stopped touring, leaving the other members to the road. When they returned to the studio, Wilson had written a whole different kind of music. Listen to Caroline No to get an idea. The secondary songwriter, Mike Love, wanted to stick with the formula. When Wilson played the softer parts of Good Vibrations, Love thought it lacked what it needed to be a hit. Mike wrote the "I'm pickin up good vibration" sections, so yes, like McCartney and Lennon, you're getting two song fragments by two writers fused into one song. I was a fan of the old stuff before, so I was and still am good with it, but it is odd to the new listener. Give a listen to them doing Heroes and Villains for a very surreal approach, or sail On Sailor to hear more of the psychedelic ballad type stuff.
I’m glad you liked the song! It’s a classic!
Now what I’m going to say relates to you saying they sing like a Barbershop Quartet. I think I remember hearing that they actually used to sing Acapella Style in a Barbershop Quartet when they were young. I don’t for certain whether it’s true or not.
The Beach Boys were known for their great harmonies, so were the Everly Brothers and BeeGees! Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart also harmonized well!
The Beatles too! And were influenced by Pet Sounds after Paul heard it and it inspired Sgt. Pepper! That was the Beatles answer to top Pet Sounds! Then when Brian heard Sgt. Pepper he shelved his recordings of songs for his album Smile because he didn’t think it was good enough compared to Sgt. Pepper. Of course it wasn’t a fair competition because the Beatles had three Songwriters and George Martin to arrange and polish the songs. While poor Brian was the sole songwriter trying to compete with three people. To then retreated to his sandbox and was lost for several years. He actually had sand put in his house like a beach. He was out there and he pretty much stayed in bed in his Pajamas all day. He was under the influence of halleogenics as well. He recovered later but it took years of Therapy.
Anyway, getting back to Harmonies, the Beatles copied the Everly Brothers for their harmonies! The difference is that the Everly Brothers were related and sibling, so were Carl and Brian Wilson and the three BeeGees, Barry, Robin and Maurice. Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart also harmonize well and and siblings and sisters.
The only exception to this rule were the Beatles who had great harmonies also but are there three unrelated guys singing together along with Ringo! This is the main reason why they win the Grand Prize in my humble opinion and are the Goat! The greatest three songwriters and singers in one Band!
The Legendary Beatles! 👏🏻😊
Yeah, back in about 1969, Jimi Hendrix used that tired trope of "barbershop" music as a putdown. What's wrong with "barbershop"??
@@kpoleary1 Well, some of the songs are kind of hokey. But I can’t argue with the harmonies.
This is a simple sounding song until you really start listening closely. The layering of sounds is wild.
Great song, love it ... I'm pretty eclectic in my music taste and this song is only good memories. 😊
In “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles, I always thought that the McCartney’s part was about an adult waking up to go to work. And the Lennon part was the dream/drug mind of this adult who was waking up for work.
I never thought and still don’t think that it was supposed to be a child flashback.
Well this should be interesting quite the iconic classic here hope You love love you
There was nothing else like this around at the time of release. My parents remarked that they couldn't play it live, which was sort of the point as studio sounds were in vogue back then ... hence the comparisons with The Beatles who were also experimenting with what could be achieved in the studio at the time.
I was so so on them. A little soft for me back in the day.
Then I saw them live in the 80s.
Absolutely rocked the ground. Incredible show.
They went up 100 levels that day.
I always like their music. I also like going to the drag races and watch them race their cars. Yes, in person. They weren't singing they were racing cars!!
Y'all be safe.
Best harmonies ever by any group
This song is masterpiece
I was never a big Beach Boys fan, but about 2 years ago I started to work my way through Rolling Stones Top 500 albums of all time. When I listened to Pet Sounds all the way through the first time and my opinion of them improved quite a bit.
Yes you are correct
Brian Wilson had a load of LSD, put some sand under his feet under the piano and played :)
And when I say a load I mean grade "A" not illegal super professional LSD
in 300ug tabs like hundreds , California was flooded from early 66 onwards ,
"you cant just make a little bit of LSD!" Bear
The Beach boys were clean, and loved, the usual Whites singing black and famous (you would have been called ""lovers if you sang like that)
Then LSD , then they became , you either saw the façade or you saw beyond it
Love The Beach Boys
That high pitched loopy sound is a THERAMIN. They were used in old 30's horror movies
And listen without stopping...it helps.
The Beach Boys were really pushing the boundaries of contemporary pop music with this song. They were starting to give The Beatles a run for theyre money. With Brian Wilson doing a lot of experimentation in the studio with new sound sources and innovative arrangements
Remember, pet sounds came out b4 sgt peppers and even revolver!
Good Vibrations was meant to be on Pet Sounds album. Brian realized it's potential and didn't want to rush it's completion, so left it off the album. This came out as a single later in 1966. Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations music inspired The beatles to create their responses; Strawberry Fields/Penny Lane single and SGT Peppers album. Beach Boys Smile album was going to be their follow up but Brian got lost emotionally and it didn't come out until 2004.. the Beach Boys have many levels of greatness. Like The Beatles they are a most unique and iconic group. They make Beach Boys music, nothing that can really be categorized...
It's cool watching people mature musically. Inspiration comes from the least expected sometimes and combined with a newer sound can produce new sounds and genre's.
That space sound you like comes from a theremin and has been around since 1930s I think
I guess if you've never really delved into either, than I can see why you might conflate the Beach Boys with barbershop quartets - but as somebody that has heard plenty of both over the years, I don't find it difficult at all to make the differentiation. Aside from the presence of vocal harmonies, they don't remind me of each other. It's kind of like my brother pointing out a pedal steel guitar on a country song and saying that it sounds like Hawaiian music. I can see his point, but the context is so different that it never even occurred to me.
The Theremin is played WITHOUT TOUCHING. Hand gestures and arm movements above and beside the instrument gives it tone and pitch. First rock tune to use this futuristic instrument. Best known in the soundtracks of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the "Star Trek" TV show theme song. Check out CZcams videos to see how it's played. Mind-blowing!
They inspired much Beatles tunes and the Beatles did so for tham as well. If you listen to more of their music you will find it in the Beatles songs from about the same period. This music is the result of psychedelics and these are the results of this. The intricacies of their harmonics is truly amazing. How they are constructed and weave in and out and around eachother is genius. Brian Wilson was amazing at that. The song is about a guy who is in love with a girl from a distance and thinks about her all the time. Getting a positive reaction from her gives him his good vibrations or feelings about maybe life holds a better future for him and them. It makes him wants to sing out of joy hence the last verse that is just nonsense vocals. I'm a bit surprised that some one who admires the changes that occur in Zeppelin's music would find these changes too drastic. To me this song has always seemed like a short rock symphony in that it takes you in many directions and yet is still connected. I also always felt that it is hard to listen to the BEach Boys music and not feel better. A lot like Motzart's piano concertos that way. This song was way way ahead of its time. I always felt that in some ways it influenced Zeppelin in some of theirs.
I remember hearing Brian Wilson call this song a "pocket symphony".
Brian Wilson was a big fan of the Beatles and wanted to put an album out that rivaled them. While I was ok with The Beach Boys (I was a Southern Cali girl back then), they still never came close to my love of the Beatles. To me, Beach Boys were just back ground music to the beach scene.
3:18 Can you hear that?
Me: uhhh yeah. I’m not deef 🥴