I bought this album when it was first released, drawn in by the album cover. I was familiar with the great "I Get Around", but when I heard the song, "All Summer Long", I was blown away! Still am every time I hear it!
I still can't believe that the title track wasn't a single. It's one of my favorite BBs song, too. It seems a little wistful for me too, like it's looking back on Summer, and its almost over. I always hate when Summer ends, so I can relate. Carl was an underrated guitar player. I enjoyed this video.
The passage of time alluded to by the the track All Summer Long is what makes it a perfect play out at the end of American Graffiti. When I Grow to Be a Man could have made a great opening track to the sequel More American Graffiti.
I just can't restrain myself from other comments! "Hushabye" and "Kiss Me Baby" ["Today"] are maybe my very favorite examples of Brian's amazing falsetto! [In the former, it's a more dominant part of the track, in the latter Mike's voice is a stronger counterpoint.] Ten years ago I wrote this about "Hushabye": "A LOT happening in under 3 minutes. Makes you want an extended version, though. I can't get enough...Love those Hal Blaine triplets on the drums
No doubt one of their better earlier albums, as I enjoyed their music mainly from 1963 - 1966. After that I can pick out probably 20 songs and be totally satisfied as a long time follower and fan. Continued success as always Steve.
Something not always talked about for this album is it's mostly the band playing on the songs. The Wrecking Crew was mostly there for augmentation. Drive In is very Wrecking Crew heavy though as the track Number 2 was cut back in 1963. It seemed like Brian didn't know what to use it for originally. Brian's Harpsichord and Piano combo on I Get Around is amazing.
Another great video, Steve! Long time viewer, first time commenter, glad to see this album get taken up. I go back to Little Honda all the time, Carl's fuzz guitar has an energy that hasn't let up after all these years, and it's no doubt a reason why Yo La Tengo included a cover of the song on their seminal album "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One." The song has an incredible amount of (let's say) "romantic" undertones with the Honda metaphor and the idea of the two people going out for a late night drive, not as squaky clean as the Boys usually are thought to be.
I was riding a Honda 55 when this came out. It really didn't enough power to carry two people. Oddly enough I was rebuilding a Matchless 250 at the same time, which did indeed climb hills.
Another great episode, Steve! Always look forward to these, they’re always such a treat - I especially enjoyed that 1930s episode! It was interesting hearing you cover older topics in your regular style haha, had me thinking “ah yes, radio shows!”
Two thoughts: 1) I definitely agree with you that this was the first BB album that saw an album as a concept in itself where the songs flow together like a movie soundtrack--rather than just an uneven "collection of songs".2) I always felt like the photos on the cover had a cinematic quality---like scenes from a movie the band was making. A lot of drama, romance and fun going on in those photos! And the songs on the album pretty much tell the story of what is going on in those photos. So yes, I'm not surprised that was what Brian was going for in the making of this album. A comprehensive ode to summer in Southern California
Great review, Steve! I like all the background info and context you provide as well as the discussion of the cover art. As a vintage Honda cycle enthusiast, "Little Honda" has a special appeal to me. It is surprising that Honda did not do some kind of marketing tie in with the Beach Boys. It's hard to imagine more fun could be had for under a $300 investment in 1964 than with a Honda "motor scooter". I imagine if a band released a song like this today the company would either sue them for copyright infringement or invite them to partake in a major Marketing campaign for the product!
Thanks Steve! I know what you mean about the track All Summer Long. Hey,incidentally forgot to say how nice your animal feelings are on your last video 😻
I did a little research about the Mystics. There was a December 2023 interview with George Galfo, the last original who still tours. Remarkably, the five originals were all alive for 62 years, until one member Bob passed away during the pandemic. But there are still four moving originals! Remarkable for a group that was all born in the 1930s!
I just LOVE your words on, and in-depth consideration of, "I Get Around." As I've said many times, it started my 45 collection and lifelong love of the Beach Boys -- right during the height of "beatlemania" -- despite living in the landlocked Midwest. Indeed, the "power and swagger" coupled with the harmonies & falsetto made it an irresistible record to own! I clearly remember trudging a mile to the Piedmont shopping center with my 2 cousins in June 1964, paying the 98 cents and then hurrying back to their house where (likely to my aunt's disbelief) we played it endlessly on my uncle's very fine custom-built stereo! We also flipped it over and repeatedly played the nearly-equally awesome "B" side, "Don't Worry Baby." It was, and still IS, my favorite 2-hit BBs record, and has held up very well for 60 years!
I bought this album when it was first released, drawn in by the album cover. I was familiar with the great "I Get Around", but when I heard the song, "All Summer Long", I was blown away! Still am every time I hear it!
I still can't believe that the title track wasn't a single. It's one of my favorite BBs song, too. It seems a little wistful for me too, like it's looking back on Summer, and its almost over. I always hate when Summer ends, so I can relate. Carl was an underrated guitar player. I enjoyed this video.
The passage of time alluded to by the the track All Summer Long is what makes it a perfect play out at the end of American Graffiti. When I Grow to Be a Man could have made a great opening track to the sequel More American Graffiti.
I just can't restrain myself from other comments! "Hushabye" and "Kiss Me Baby" ["Today"] are maybe my very favorite examples of Brian's amazing falsetto! [In the former, it's a more dominant part of the track, in the latter Mike's voice is a stronger counterpoint.] Ten years ago I wrote this about "Hushabye": "A LOT happening in under 3 minutes. Makes you want an extended version, though. I can't get enough...Love those Hal Blaine triplets on the drums
No doubt one of their better earlier albums, as I enjoyed their music mainly from 1963 - 1966. After that I can pick out probably 20 songs and be totally satisfied as a long time follower and fan. Continued success as always Steve.
Something not always talked about for this album is it's mostly the band playing on the songs. The Wrecking Crew was mostly there for augmentation. Drive In is very Wrecking Crew heavy though as the track Number 2 was cut back in 1963. It seemed like Brian didn't know what to use it for originally. Brian's Harpsichord and Piano combo on I Get Around is amazing.
Another great video, Steve! Long time viewer, first time commenter, glad to see this album get taken up. I go back to Little Honda all the time, Carl's fuzz guitar has an energy that hasn't let up after all these years, and it's no doubt a reason why Yo La Tengo included a cover of the song on their seminal album "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One." The song has an incredible amount of (let's say) "romantic" undertones with the Honda metaphor and the idea of the two people going out for a late night drive, not as squaky clean as the Boys usually are thought to be.
Great job, on a great first side! can't wait for Side 2.
I was riding a Honda 55 when this came out. It really didn't enough power to carry two people. Oddly enough I was rebuilding a Matchless 250 at the same time, which did indeed climb hills.
I’m definitely with you on “All Summer Long”, one of my all time favorite Beach Boy tracks - yes, the “won’t be long til
Another great episode, Steve! Always look forward to these, they’re always such a treat - I especially enjoyed that 1930s episode! It was interesting hearing you cover older topics in your regular style haha, had me thinking “ah yes, radio shows!”
Two thoughts: 1) I definitely agree with you that this was the first BB album that saw an album as a concept in itself where the songs flow together like a movie soundtrack--rather than just an uneven "collection of songs".2) I always felt like the photos on the cover had a cinematic quality---like scenes from a movie the band was making. A lot of drama, romance and fun going on in those photos! And the songs on the album pretty much tell the story of what is going on in those photos. So yes, I'm not surprised that was what Brian was going for in the making of this album. A comprehensive ode to summer in Southern California
Great review, Steve! I like all the background info and context you provide as well as the discussion of the cover art. As a vintage Honda cycle enthusiast, "Little Honda" has a special appeal to me. It is surprising that Honda did not do some kind of marketing tie in with the Beach Boys. It's hard to imagine more fun could be had for under a $300 investment in 1964 than with a Honda "motor scooter". I imagine if a band released a song like this today the company would either sue them for copyright infringement or invite them to partake in a major Marketing campaign for the product!
Thank you for another great video Steve!!!
A great album but I didn't have the money to buy it in 1964. Many of the songs got airplay which I do remember liking.
Thanks Steve! I know what you mean about the track All Summer Long. Hey,incidentally forgot to say how nice your animal feelings are on your last video 😻
Haha same here! Great review
I did a little research about the Mystics. There was a December 2023 interview with George Galfo, the last original who still tours. Remarkably, the five originals were all alive for 62 years, until one member Bob passed away during the pandemic. But there are still four moving originals! Remarkable for a group that was all born in the 1930s!
I just LOVE your words on, and in-depth consideration of, "I Get Around." As I've said many times, it started my 45 collection and lifelong love of the Beach Boys -- right during the height of "beatlemania" -- despite living in the landlocked Midwest. Indeed, the "power and swagger" coupled with the harmonies & falsetto made it an irresistible record to own! I clearly remember trudging a mile to the Piedmont shopping center with my 2 cousins in June 1964, paying the 98 cents and then hurrying back to their house where (likely to my aunt's disbelief) we played it endlessly on my uncle's very fine custom-built stereo! We also flipped it over and repeatedly played the nearly-equally awesome "B" side, "Don't Worry Baby." It was, and still IS, my favorite 2-hit BBs record, and has held up very well for 60 years!
Thank you for this channel giving the Beach Boys the in depth deep dive Beach Boys fans have been searching for.