This song can save you when you're depressed and with suicidal thoughts I can attest. This is one of the most moving song ever written. It certainly needs to be in this state of mind to fully feel it. Brian Wilson was one of the rare genius in rock music.
Wow, my favorite Beach Boys song. Absolutely devastating. Amazing that they could keep their sound so completely intact while pivoting to such melancholy and mature songwriting.
My favorite is actually the extended Stephen Desper mix of this song. Have you heard it? Starts with just the bass, then one instrument added at a time and goes through the whole song with just instruments then the song starts over with vocals.
One of Brian's most brilliant songs, beautifully performed by The Beach Boys. Thanks for doing this one. Brian is only underrated by people who don't know music. He is probably the ONLY true musical genius we've had in America the past 60 years. He created sounds nobody had ever made before, and he's been doing that his entire life.
Great reaction to an amazing deep cut! I read that Brian was in a really dark place when he wrote this. To use your despair as a catalyst to create amazing music- what a genius.
Brian Wilson was a genius. This the last recording of him hitting those incredible falsetto’s that he was famous for. He was finished for decades after this record and he knew it. “Til I Die” is his swan song as a Beach Boy.
Recorded at Brian's home studio in early '71 ----------Brian wanted to write a song about how small he felt in the universe. Also at the time, he was battling inner demons, drug use, & depression. it's easy to hear all of that.----------------------MJL< 75 y/o
Beautiful song written by Brian Wilson for his Brother Carl to sing just before he would become a recluse hiding away in his bed for 5 years. The next song is the title song of Surf’s Up again sung by Carl and it’s my favorite song by The Beach Boys. Phenomenal vocal performance from Carl on both songs.
From everything I've read about this track, it's Brian on lead vocals, not Carl. This is a song that Brian wrote both melody and lyrics for....a somewhat rare event in the Beach Boys canon.
He is definitely a genius, Brian, he was such a blast for me to finally meet Brian and hang out with the family and Melinda and the girls, not to mention we had Christmas Eve dinner at his house with the band and his two daughters
Beach Boys were my second concert in '64. Trini Lopez was my first a year earlier. Saw Brian Wilson last year. Seeing Brian I was thinking, where did all those years go?
@@SightAfterDark Trini Lopez was somewhat discovered and promoted by Frank Sinatra at the time. When Buddy Holley died, Sinatra got Lopez to try out with the Cricketts (Buddy's replacement) That didn't work but Trini went on and had a good career. Sinatra discovered Trini at a place in Dallas. Owned by a Jack Ruby.
Brian was able to produce excellent choral sounds with his own band as well. Check out the live Smile performances from the DVD. In act there is a track somewhere where he literally creates the "beach Boys" vocal sound overdubbing his own backrounds for Don't Talk. Even though the early hits were a tad corny even on the early lps there were "deep cuts"- particularly "The Beach Boys Today".
At the end of success there is a sense of humility and the shortness and fragility of life.Brian knew this.we are who we are better or worse.Love life.
@@SightAfterDark there’s a live version from a few years ago that Brian did with the song Surf’s up fully orchestrated with an a cappella intro that’s amazing. 🙏😎👍♥️
I LOVE THIS!! And normally I'm not even a Beach Boys fan. Here are some more musical recommendations: The Beach Boys (In My Room), Ol' Dirty Bastard (Brooklyn Zoo), The Mamas & The Papas (Dedicated To The One I Love), Ella Fitzgerald (Blues In The Night), Sweet (Fox On The Run), Sarah Vaughan (Snowbound), Earth-Wind & Fire (Feelin' Blue), Prince (Erotic City), Prince (Adore), Prince (Mountains), The Mamas & The Papas (Go Where You Wanna Go), Electric Light Orchestra (Livin' Thing)...
Great reaction y'all! This album came out in 1971, my second year of college. I remember my roomates didn't want to listen to it, they said the Beach Boys weren't cool. So I'd put on my earphones and jam away. This song is great, however, Feel Flows from the same album, Surf's Up, was really really good. It was used on the soundtrack from the movie Almost Famous. And then there's the title cut, Surf's Up. It's not a surfing song, but it is one of the most sophisticated rock songs ever and a total eargasm. In your spare time, I'd suggest checking it out, you'll be amazed. I'd also like to point out Brian Wilson's contribution to Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer album, he sings background on the title cut. Oh, and Janelle's THE SHIT. Absolutely genius!
The lyrics are about the insignificance of the individual in the whole world. A cork on an ocean, a rock in a landslide, a leaf on a windy day. The elements are in control, not you. This is a writer speaking about his apparent minimal significance, and he's being humble about it. His personality has diminished to almost zero. And if you were in the same state at the time of listening, he was your friend. It's why the song is so powerful, apart from the fact that it sounds beautiful. It lifts you up and tells you, I'm there too.
If you are interested in the origin of the Beach Boys harmonies, see the short Y.Tube video "The Four Freshmen on the BBC July 2012 - TH-cam". The Wilson brothers' father (and first manager) was a big fan of the vocal group The Four Freshmen, and had them duplicate their harmonies exactly. Brian Wilson and the current lineup of the Freshmen talk about it in this 5 min. video. The Freshmen have always been aware of the connection, and in one great part of the video they segue between both groups singing "Surfer Girl".
I learned the chords of this song some years ago on the guitar... probably much easier on a keyboard, in any case I started thinking about it at some point and it's a really odd harmony. Somehow it works, don't ask me because I don't know much about music theory, but I think that B Wilson chose on purpose those chords, put together oddly, to convey the fragility that the lyrics are talking about
Although the album's kind of spotty, Long Promised Road, Feel Flows, Til I Die and Surf's Up are all great tracks (you've now heard a demo session version of Surf's Up). The early beach songs probably do seem pretty corny now, but the music of this later period should be taken seriously.
The early stuff should be appreciated just as much. Those songs between 62 and 65 have such a pure innocence, they weren't being ironic at all. But also, the were great at their craft. Brian somehow managed to lead the line, playing bass thumb style like a madman (seriously impressive bass playing) while also singing those ridiculously high countertenor vocals. You have to appreciate both pre-65 and post-65! 😃
If this is too short, there's a ~7 minute version that circulated for years on the "Landlocked" bootleg. Someone uploaded to YT a decade ago th-cam.com/video/PeGVxcBiBac/w-d-xo.html There's also an extended version with alternate lyrics on the "Feel Flows" box set, but the vocal mix is jarring to me, not to mention the lyrics.
This song can save you when you're depressed and with suicidal thoughts I can attest. This is one of the most moving song ever written. It certainly needs to be in this state of mind to fully feel it. Brian Wilson was one of the rare genius in rock music.
For sure. Glad you’re here Didier!
Got me through quarantine The Beach Boys did, this song helped
It's 100% authentic, yeah. It comes directly from that place.
Wow, my favorite Beach Boys song. Absolutely devastating. Amazing that they could keep their sound so completely intact while pivoting to such melancholy and mature songwriting.
My favorite is actually the extended Stephen Desper mix of this song. Have you heard it? Starts with just the bass, then one instrument added at a time and goes through the whole song with just instruments then the song starts over with vocals.
One of Brian's most brilliant songs, beautifully performed by The Beach Boys. Thanks for doing this one. Brian is only underrated by people who don't know music. He is probably the ONLY true musical genius we've had in America the past 60 years. He created sounds nobody had ever made before, and he's been doing that his entire life.
Great reaction to an amazing deep cut! I read that Brian was in a really dark place when he wrote this. To use your despair as a catalyst to create amazing music- what a genius.
Thanks for watching MB!
Brian Wilson was a genius. This the last recording of him hitting those incredible falsetto’s that he was famous for. He was finished for decades after this record and he knew it. “Til I Die” is his swan song as a Beach Boy.
Short. Sweet. Sublime. Utter perfection. My favorite BB song.
The entire B-side to Surf’s up is just bangers. Just great song after great song. It’s up their with abbey roads medley.
Long Promised Road is another magnificent song from this album.
Recorded at Brian's home studio in early '71 ----------Brian wanted to write a song about how small he felt in the universe. Also at the time, he was battling inner demons, drug use, & depression. it's easy to hear all of that.----------------------MJL< 75 y/o
Brian Wilson is a genius with Harmonies and such. Great song.
Beautiful song written by Brian Wilson for his Brother Carl to sing just before he would become a recluse hiding away in his bed for 5 years.
The next song is the title song of Surf’s Up again sung by Carl and it’s my favorite song by The Beach Boys. Phenomenal vocal performance from Carl on both songs.
From everything I've read about this track, it's Brian on lead vocals, not Carl. This is a song that Brian wrote both melody and lyrics for....a somewhat rare event in the Beach Boys canon.
@@kpoleary1 Carl
Absolutely sublime song.
He is definitely a genius, Brian, he was such a blast for me to finally meet Brian and hang out with the family and Melinda and the girls, not to mention we had Christmas Eve dinner at his house with the band and his two daughters
How awesome is that!
R.I.P Melinda
This was written and released at the height of Brian’s breakdown
There's a beautiful documentary on PBS about Brian Wilson. It made me cry. I love you guys!!!!!!
We believe we’d cry too. Love you too Renee!
Beach Boys were my second concert in '64. Trini Lopez was my first a year earlier. Saw Brian Wilson last year. Seeing Brian I was thinking, where did all those years go?
Thank goodness for the memories!
@@SightAfterDark Trini Lopez was somewhat discovered and promoted by Frank Sinatra at the time. When Buddy Holley died, Sinatra got Lopez to try out with the Cricketts (Buddy's replacement) That didn't work but Trini went on and had a good career. Sinatra discovered Trini at a place in Dallas. Owned by a Jack Ruby.
Such a gorgeous song. It is a short song, but there are other versions on TH-cam that extend the song. Thanks for reacting to this underrated gem!
Brian was able to produce excellent choral sounds with his own band as well. Check out the live Smile performances from the DVD. In act there is a track somewhere where he literally creates the "beach Boys" vocal sound overdubbing his own backrounds for Don't Talk. Even though the early hits were a tad corny even on the early lps there were "deep cuts"- particularly "The Beach Boys Today".
There harmonies were magical. That is why their vocals are so magical. I don’t think it is too short.
Congratulations for delving into the deeper Beach Boys tracks.
At the end of success there is a sense of humility and the shortness and fragility of life.Brian knew this.we are who we are better or worse.Love life.
Well said, thanks Mark!
There is a longer version that's great. Please hit "Surf's Up"
With respect, Good Vibrations is one of the greatest songs ever written.
The longer version of this song (The Desper Mix) is my favorite track in the Beach Boys catelog!
I love ❤️ this song 🎵 so much!!!
My favourite Beach Boys tune - surf was really up I would say.
One of the most beautiful songs. Check out Surf’s Up a major achievement
We reacted to the entire Smile album on our patreon. We loved it! Thanks for watching!
@@SightAfterDark there’s a live version from a few years ago that Brian did with the song Surf’s up fully orchestrated with an a cappella intro that’s amazing. 🙏😎👍♥️
My God those voices!
I LOVE THIS!! And normally I'm not even a Beach Boys fan. Here are some more musical recommendations: The Beach Boys (In My Room), Ol' Dirty Bastard (Brooklyn Zoo), The Mamas & The Papas (Dedicated To The One I Love), Ella Fitzgerald (Blues In The Night), Sweet (Fox On The Run), Sarah Vaughan (Snowbound), Earth-Wind & Fire (Feelin' Blue), Prince (Erotic City), Prince (Adore), Prince (Mountains), The Mamas & The Papas (Go Where You Wanna Go), Electric Light Orchestra (Livin' Thing)...
This song hurts to listen to. So gorgeous!
Great reaction y'all! This album came out in 1971, my second year of college. I remember my roomates didn't want to listen to it, they said the Beach Boys weren't cool. So I'd put on my earphones and jam away. This song is great, however, Feel Flows from the same album, Surf's Up, was really really good. It was used on the soundtrack from the movie Almost Famous. And then there's the title cut, Surf's Up. It's not a surfing song, but it is one of the most sophisticated rock songs ever and a total eargasm. In your spare time, I'd suggest checking it out, you'll be amazed. I'd also like to point out Brian Wilson's contribution to Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer album, he sings background on the title cut. Oh, and Janelle's THE SHIT. Absolutely genius!
Thanks for sharing OFS! We actually reacted to the entire Smile album live on our patreon and loved that version of Surf’s Up!
Thanks for sharing OFS! We actually reacted to the entire Smile album live on our patreon and loved that version of Surf’s Up!
There's a very good alternate mix of this with a longer intro.
Beautiful song
I love both of your reactions...so real and deep!
Thanks so much Denise!
More beach boys!
One of the few songs that made me full on cry. Gotta hear the one with the longer intro
You're probably familiar with it, but God Only Knows is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
We agree!
I can sing that song God only Knows by the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson word for word
Great song. You guys are the best
Thanks for being here Kevin!
golden
Dan, Sifa: Check out "I just wasn't made for these times" and "You still believe in me" from Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson at his absolute best IMHO.
We love Pet Sounds!
@@SightAfterDark Me too. Love you guys 🙂
The lyrics are about the insignificance of the individual in the whole world. A cork on an ocean, a rock in a landslide, a leaf on a windy day. The elements are in control, not you. This is a writer speaking about his apparent minimal significance, and he's being humble about it. His personality has diminished to almost zero. And if you were in the same state at the time of listening, he was your friend. It's why the song is so powerful, apart from the fact that it sounds beautiful. It lifts you up and tells you, I'm there too.
Oh no! There is nothing at all underrated about Brian Wilson. Trust me here. Everyone who plays music or is a fan of music knows about Brian Wilson.
This and Sail on Sailor were Brian's best in 69-73. He was still having his issues...
It's hard to say Brian is underrated......
There’s an extended version of this song
try "Girls of the beach"
Family harmonies
If you are interested in the origin of the Beach Boys harmonies, see the short Y.Tube video "The Four Freshmen on the BBC July 2012 - TH-cam". The Wilson brothers' father (and first manager) was a big fan of the vocal group The Four Freshmen, and had them duplicate their harmonies exactly. Brian Wilson and the current lineup of the Freshmen talk about it in this 5 min. video. The Freshmen have always been aware of the connection, and in one great part of the video they segue between both groups singing "Surfer Girl".
May have to do a podcast on them some day :)
@@SightAfterDark damn straight
I learned the chords of this song some years ago on the guitar... probably much easier on a keyboard, in any case I started thinking about it at some point and it's a really odd harmony. Somehow it works, don't ask me because I don't know much about music theory, but I think that B Wilson chose on purpose those chords, put together oddly, to convey the fragility that the lyrics are talking about
We agree!
It is too short. Their engineer, Stephen Desper , created a longer version that is worth a listen!
Thanks Johnny Boy!
Brian and his depression. Thoughts on the night that he almost cashed his chips.
Listen to From There to Back Again if you wanna hear a latter-day Beach Boys masterpiece
Thanks!
Although the album's kind of spotty, Long Promised Road, Feel Flows, Til I Die and Surf's Up are all great tracks (you've now heard a demo session version of Surf's Up). The early beach songs probably do seem pretty corny now, but the music of this later period should be taken seriously.
Too bad Dennis pulled "(Wouldn't It Be Nice To) Live Again" and "4th of July".
A Day In The Life Of A Tree is a very beautiful song as well. Disney Girls is pretty too.
The early stuff should be appreciated just as much. Those songs between 62 and 65 have such a pure innocence, they weren't being ironic at all. But also, the were great at their craft. Brian somehow managed to lead the line, playing bass thumb style like a madman (seriously impressive bass playing) while also singing those ridiculously high countertenor vocals. You have to appreciate both pre-65 and post-65! 😃
@@SeahorsesJay this
More deep cut BEACH boys
If this is too short, there's a ~7 minute version that circulated for years on the "Landlocked" bootleg. Someone uploaded to YT a decade ago th-cam.com/video/PeGVxcBiBac/w-d-xo.html
There's also an extended version with alternate lyrics on the "Feel Flows" box set, but the vocal mix is jarring to me, not to mention the lyrics.
Thanks Caz!
Thats literally just the album version copied and pasted after itself...
Desper mix is the way to go on this one
It's borderline disgusting that someone has the talent to create something like this. Just kills me every time I hear it.
🥰 shout out to Brian!
Please review holland
You guys need to listen to pet sounds
1971
I think a warning should accompany these guys for diabetics. So sickly sweet. In my opinion, music for geriatrics.
😆
@P F Rubbish.
Get your ear wax removed PF
@@johnwhat5398 . What What? You need more ear wax to listen to these drugged wasters!
yeah. no.