Agreed. Wilson always puts together such sophisticated arrangements. On this, the voices are gorgeous, The Wrecking Crew's instrumentation is gorgeous, and that late, weirdly-timed drum roll by Hal Blaine was a genius coup de grace.
I went to one of Carl Wilson’s last performances with The Beach Boys in 1997. My wife and I were given front-row seats by a radio station rep. The band announced on stage that Carl had brain cancer and that it wasn’t looking good. Carl sang this song beautifully and I could see the tears well up in his eyes. I’ll never forget that
Tom Petty once described himself as the world's biggest fan of The Beach Boys. He collaborated with Carl Wilson a few years before that; they were outtakes of the the Wildflowers album. The music ended up on a movie soundtrack for "She's the One" (1996).
Lex is so perceptive! Her classical and musical theater background is shiny through! Yes, the layers, music, vocals , all written arranged and produced by the great Brian Wilson! Happy 80th birthday Brian!
Considered one of the most beautiful pop songs ever written. The songwriting genius of Brian Wilson. Angelic vocal by little brother Carl. "Caroline, No" which ends the album is also a contender for best song. Now, THAT song brings me to tears every time.
"Pet Sounds" was one of the best written & produced albums of the 20th century. It was the inspiration for much of what came after it, setting the table for The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and so much of the groundbreaking music of the late 60s through the mid-70s. Brian Wilson's genius was in full bloom on "Pet Sounds."
“If you should ever leave me, though life would still go on, believe me. The world could show nothing to me - so what good would living do me?” He’s saying that although her leaving him wouldn’t literally kill him, life wouldn’t be worth living anymore. He isn’t saying he’d be fine without her - quite the opposite.
right,he is saying he understands life would go on,but the world would have nothing to offer him without her. he would be lost. it's beautiful in its simplicity.
It's as if Brad missd the word "though" in the first part. I admit that without it, the verse loses its meaning. But Brad, it's there. If you're going to be all about the lyrics, be all about ALL of the lyrics.
There are 2 types of people in this world…. Those who love The Beach Boys and those who are lying… you can get lost in their entire catalog of songs. From the sound, songwriting, production, singing, harmonies it’s all genius!
Not quite right. I work with a guy who used to be a "rock-n-roll star," he does definitely NOT a fan. I did the Brian Wilson/Chicago concert, this June. Boss liked neither, TWO bucket list concerts, in one night for me! Carl Dean was always proud that Brian wrote this for him to sing. I guess I'm also a beach boys HATER! Seems some @$$HAT sued his cousins for the name of the band. For a LOT of my life, my favourite band was The Beach Boys! Now that name goes to a third-rate Beach Boys cover/tribute band! But, they have Uncle Jessie on drums! steve
There's some great videos on TH-cam showing the making of this song. They were considered just a surf music group at first, but they were SO much more than that. This and "Good Vibrations" were groundbreaking songs.
@@vrvaughn I remember seeing a post about most unpopular music takes and a guy said "I like Mike Loves version of Beach Boys better" and it was the most disliked comment on the post.
@@BrokenGodEnt Mike Loves version better? A broken mentally impaired Brian Wilson will make better music than Mike Love on his most creative inspired day..
This song begins with an overture. The lyrics are poetic. "I may not always love you. But long as there are stars above you. You never need to doubt it." That's a poetic way of saying "I'll love you until the stars fall from the sky." Lex really senses that this is something special. Brad, well....
This is the best beach boys song ever. It’s my favorite. It’s in my top 10 best songs of all time. Its truely one of the most unqiue songs. so much emotion in the song. and the lyrics, oh my god the lyrics are so good. The first line is "I may not always love you". and also... "God only knows what I'd be without you If you should ever leave me Though life would still go on believe me The world could show nothing to me" So what good would living do me cmon "it hits so hard.
I LOVE The Beach Boys, and I could quickly rattle off 20 songs of theirs that are among my favorites. But this is their best song. It is absolutely next level sublime.
@@emeraldcity_ Yes, you have the chronology correct. Rubber Soul revolutionized pop music. Brian responded with Pet Sounds. Paul loved it and responded with Sgt. Pepper. They mutually admired each other's genius.
Rubber Soul inspired Brian. Pet Sounds inspired Sir Paul. And, WE get all these songs. Thank you, Paul, Brian, and Brian's chosen singer, Carl Dean! One of my most favourite albums, Sgt. Pepper. Another, Pet Sounds. Brian, Paul, PLEASE compete again! steve
Paul never said that, although he does love the song. Here is his answer to whether or not he ever said it was, "the best song ever written". YOU WERE ONCE QUOTED AS SAYING SOMETHING LIKE "GOD ONLY KNOWS" IS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN. PAUL: "It's a really, really great song---it's a big favorite of mine. I was asked recently to give my top ten favorite songs for a Japanese radio station...I didn't think long and hard on it, but I popped that ["God Only Knows"] on the top of my list. [Thinks for a moment] It's very deep. [Quotes the lyrics to "God Only Knows"] Very emotional, always a bit of a choker for me, that one. There are certain songs that just hit home with me, and they're the strangest collection of songs...but that is high on the list, I must say."
@@Cosmo-Kramer he literally did say that but, ok. musical taste is fleeting, obviously his opinions about music has probably fluctuated over the years but there was a time where God Only Knows was his favorite song.
@@waynetables6414 That's not how Paul explained it. He didn't say, "I used to rank it as the best song, but I no longer do". No, he said that he was ambushed with the question in a Japanese interview and on the spot he put the song atop his list without really giving it any thought.
This song! My favorite BB song! I always feel the meaning of the lyrics are more about his reassurance to his love that, if he lost her, life will still continue, but he’s be lost without her. That’s my take. Thank you for reacting to The Beach Boys. You’re both awesome!
Beach Boys are amazing and it took me 30 years to take them seriously. I always thought of them as boomer/dad music, growing up in the 80s/90s with my dad listening to their early stuff all the time. But then around 30yrs, I listened more closely, especially Pet Sounds and Smile and realized how brilliant they (Brian Wilson) were. I’ll take them over Beatles now.
There's no double meaning or split in this song. He's saying that if she leaves him, life would obviously still go on...BUT he would be nothing without her. That's it. He's not being savage to her or playing mind games. He's saying that he needs her.
I was listening to a podcast a few years back, cant even remember which one now. One of the guests, when asked what his favorite band was replied, "the band that was playign in Brian Wilson's head" Such a great quote.
Almost ten years ago, a tribute video was made of this song, with about 30 of the world's biggest music stars each singing a small part of this song. The video is visually lush and gorgeous, and the song is very well covered. It's a rare cover song & video that is worth experiencing.
Spot on Lex ! .. This song is a masterpiece of arrangement ( courtesy of genius Brian Wilson ), as well as having an absolutely beautiful melody line .. There are indeed many layers and nuances that can't be taken in on a single listen .. Excellent reaction .. Wayne
“Rubber Soul inspired Pet Sounds, which inspired Sgt. Pepper’s and that inspired me to make Smile,” Brian Wilson tells me, recalling his 1960s game of one-upmanship with the Beach Boys’ so-called rivals The Beatles. “It wasn’t really a rivalry, though. I was jealous!” Wilson says with a hearty laugh. “It was really just mutual inspiration, I think. I would get to hear their records before they came out and I was totally blown away by Rubber Soul. And Sgt. Pepper’s? I was totally blown away by that. But it was inspirational, too. Then I did “Good Vibrations” and Smile and it was exciting. I got into it and really produced my head off.”
Lex Kokomo was a much later song for the Beach Boys and by then their sound had progressed but harmonies and layering (you nailed it) are BIG BB features. And yes as one commenter said, Brian Wilson was in fact a musical genius so please keep going with their stuff. Btw back in the 60's when this came out, producers made it a point to tell artists that songs needed to be under 3 minutes if bands ever wanted to get radio (usually AM) airplay. Anything longer than that was just overlooked, so songs tended to stay short and sweet no matter what the genre. When the late 60's and 70's came along FM radio came into it's own with the development of yes - Stereo. Yup lots of stuff was recorded in mono before then. FM stations tended to go deeper into albums and appealed to listeners who weren't just interested in hearing the latest pop hit. Rock songs in particular benefitted from this and eventually bands got more progressive and you ended up with longer play songs extending into 5 minutes and longer.
This album is considered by many to be the greatest album of all time. Of course there is disagreement but it reflects how much Brian Wilson was regraded for his writing and arrangements.
The beautiful chorus voice in Kokomo is Carl Wilson, the lead vocalist on God Only Knows. Carl died tragically of cancer at age 51 in 1998. The Beach Boys have so many wonderful, vocally complex songs.
👍Thanks so much for showing some love for "America's Band," and the incredible Brian Wilson! They were all just teenagers when they hit the music scene in 1962 and churned out so many great tunes throughout the 60's and 70's, and their sound defined the west coast lifestyle. Thanks much.🏆
When interviewed on Ronnie Woods show, Ronnie asked Paul McCartney what was his favorite Beach Boys song, Paul said “God only knows” he went on to say “God only knows is one of the only songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it. 🎶💕
This album scared the crap out of The Beatles ! The answer was, Sgt Pepper. They were way ahead & had to fit into an album format. Brian is amazing & still knows it to this day.
This is the original Beach Boys sound, it's what they're known for, Kokomo never really did it for me. Their Pet Sounds album was a revelation at the time, a masterpiece. I heard on a documentary that Brian Wilson's songs came about from little things he would notice going on in everyday life. He'd be crossing the street, something would catch his eye, he'd pen a song about it. This song is one of others that he wrote about his girlfriend /wife I believe. Great reaction from you guys as always 💜
Wonderful song writing, but let’s not forget about L.A.’s Wrecking Crew, Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, Tommy Tedesco et al. They were some of that generation’s musical geniuses, who played on innumerable hits of the 50s and 60s.
Yes... a sleigh bell instrument was used to provide some of the beat. The two meanings is called a juxtaposition... which creates angst and melancholy. It is a part of the brilliance. Extremely deep thought. Kokomo is a fun song about going on vacation. God Only Knows is spiritual. It is the greatest song ever written in pop/rock music. The entire Pet Sounds album is pure brilliance. Pet Sounds is ranked the #1 album of all-time by many publications. Rolling Stone has it as #2 behind Marvin Gaye's 'What's Goin' On.' To think that this was produced in the mid 60s with a 4-track tape recorder... no pitch correction... no computer software to help with edits and effects... just musicians and tape. Carl Wilson... Brian's brother... actually sang the lead on God Only Knows. FYI... Phil Spector was never involved with the Beach Boys' music. Brian Wilson produced everything on his own.
2:20 Lex, thank you for understanding, yes, the layers are what inspired George Martin and the Beatles, they heard "Pet Sounds" and it changed popular music (along with new recording techniques, and trying to formulate a deeper more introspective voice that reflected the times that were a changing)
The album this is from - 'Pet Sounds' was a major attempt by Brian Wilson to break away from the old poppy and surface level stuff of their early albums and get into deeper emotional territory. By the time the Beach Boys recorded Kokomo, they were back to the poppy stuff.
This is popular music at its finest. Complex but accessible music, sublimely beautiful vocals and wonderful lyrics. The cream of the LA session musicians played the instruments under Brian Wilson's explicit direction. Magical stuff.
The Beach Boys were and still are one of the greatest groups to ever record music. Brian Wilson is a genius. There is something about bands that members grew up or formed in Los Angeles and and their amazing vocals, harmony and backup vocals. Think about that, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, The Byrds, Van Halen, Momas and the Popas, The Go-Go's just to name a few
People have written prolifically about the intricacy and importance of this song- the many different instruments, the derivations in song structure, etc. No pop song had ever sounded that way before. Most importantly to me, it just sounds beautiful and meaningful.
The Beach Boys song called In My Room is incredible. Brian Wilson is the main song writer and he suffered from mental health issues and emotional problems which come out in the lyrics. My favorite part of this video was Lex bringing up Kokomo and Brad saying "What?". That song is pretty controversial among Beach Boys fans. If you love those more lighthearted tracks, then you would really enjoy their early fun songs about racing cars and high school dances. They are like musical candy.
Played this at my Dad's funeral nearly 3 years ago. It takes a few listens to really feel it but it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Thank you for making me cry! Love ya Lex
I would definitely recommend listening to this song in the context of the finale of the movie Love Actually. It will strike you very differently. And, Love Actually is a great holiday movie to watch.
So many great songs by the Beach Boys. If I recall some of the harmonies for this song were recorded in an empty swimming pool. They were very inventive and ahead of their time musically.
Paul McCartney said this is the most beautiful song ever written. This is from Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson's masterpiece and what caused the Beatles to write the Sgt. Pepper album. The Beatles were blown away by Pet Sounds.
The Beach Boys had the "California" sound. Their sound was inspired by the surfing craze happening at the time. "God Only Knows" was also featured in the 2003 romcom, "Love, Actually."
I love when you react to The Beach Boys and how you appreciate them. They are one of my Daddy's favorites. I grew up listening to their songs because he grew up listening to them. He always got excited and would talk about the harmonies and musical arrangements, and it really led me to love and appreciate their music. And music in general.
Brian Wilson, one of the singers and song writer had a nervous breakdown. The music that came from that was absolutely amazing. So many artists call Pet Sounds the greatest album of all time. And I agree. This is only one of the gems on that album. Paul McCartney of the Beatles spoke of how they were influenced by the album to make even more beautiful music.
He’s not saying he’d be fine, he says life will go on because time moves forward but during this time his life has no meaning to it. He says life could show nothing to me, as in there would be nothing without her
This was revolutionary. From Brian Wilson's mind onto vinyl. Many other artists consider this to be a major work. Musical genius. There's a great movie about him called Love & Mercy. Highly recommend as a portrait of an important musician.
I’d say this song and ‘in my life’ by the Beatles are two most beautiful pop songs ever written. Both songs embody all the pain and joys of life in such simple yet powerful lyrics
Written by "Brian Wilson" and "Tony Asher". This one was sung by "Carl Wilson". So the story goes "Carl" said to "Brian" Do you mind if I sing this one? "Brian" didn't intend for him to sing this at all. But said sure go ahead "Carl" sang this one like it was meant for him too. "Brian" was blown away by how beautiful it came out. Brian and Bruce Johnston sing the other voices. It's a real masterpiece. "Paul McCartney," said that the first time he heard this it made him cry.
The way I've always taken those lines is he's sitting there practically working the idea through his head. Lots of people claim their life would be over if they lost someone but we all know life doesn't actually end in that situation. So he's recognizing that in his head but then also picturing the worst of what life could be without her - a life that doesn't pique his interest in any way and then coming to the conclusion that it would feel very meaningless anyway. Or in a more poetic sense, its allowing him to use the concept of "my life would be over without you" in a less cliche way that actually gives it more weight than if he just went with the frequently used trope. Its kind of similar to what he does before that, recognizing that he might not always love her, but then saying "as long as there are stars above you". By anchoring the idea with a practical statement first, it actually gives more weight to his claims about how he'll always care for her and how his life would be meaningless without her.
They don't say "Life will go on believe me". They do say "Though life will go on, believe me (when I say that) the world could show nothing to me. So what good would living do me?".
One of the main reasons why the "Pet Sounds" album ends up on all those "Top 10 Albums of All Time" lists. Right up there with "Rubber Soul, "Revolver" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", by the Beatles. This one came out between "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver", the two groups being somewhat in competition. So, eventually, Brian Wilson tried to go even higher with "Smile", got caught up chasing perfection in the studio and had a nervous breakdown. (We did get "Good Vibrations" out of the wreckage, but even so.) Other beauties from this album include "Caroline No", "Sloop John B" and my favorite, "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" But the whole album is a gift. And also, if you haven't done "Good Vibrations" yet, do it. An all-timer. Seriously. And yes, Lex is right. This stuff is *miles* from "Kokomo".
It is a Masterpiece. God Only Knows & Good Vibrations are two of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Brian Wilson suffered with Mental Illness throughout his life and gave up touring the 1970s. Lennon and McCartney had each other but Brian was on his own. A true Genius of popular music.
There are no members of the band playing on this record. They sing, but a group of studio musicians known as the "Wrecking Crew" played the music, Hal Blane on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, etc. Pet Sounds, the album, is genius.
From one of the greatest albums in history "Pet Sounds" - ironically this was B-side to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and the layering is accurate - there are over 20 studio musicians playing on this track with many... many.... instruments
This song always reminds of the ending montage in Boogie Nights where they showed what happened to everyone. Such a beautiful scene and a beautiful song.
Carl Wilson had the most beautiful voice for lead vocals on this. Brian was wise to select Carl for this tune. Now listen to "Caroline, No" on the same album.
I remember my cousin fawning over the beach boys. Surfboards and all. Its impossible to explain how much they affected things. From influencing the Beatles, to making kids buy surboards,woodys, and striped shirts.
This beautiful song deserves all the superlatives given it. Had me from the first verse. Deeply touching, beautiful, melancholy, and creative. The inclusion of God also imbues it with a spiritual quality. A masterpiece.
Brian Wilson was a genius when it came to songwriting, arrangements and studio wizardry. Paul McCartney's favorite album is Pet SOunds by the Beach Boys.
The Beach Boys are largely underrated by most people. They had a HUGE influence on music of the time. The Beatles said this was the best album they ever heard.
Perfect pop. Another one in the same era was Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks. This week we had birthdays for McCartney, Brian Wilson and Ray Davies - all creators of perfect pop. (There's a video on YT, in which Waterloo Sunset is lauded by the likes of Bowie, Costello, Geldof, Weller, Suggs as their fave song.)
Brian Wilson WAS The Beach Boys And I have heard him say more than once that “God only knows” was the best song he ever wrote. Pet Sounds as an album was innovative and a direct challenge the Beatles to expand their musical horizons. The result was Sgt Pepper. Rolling Stone magazine has voted “Pet Sounds” to be the second best album of all time, second only to Pepper. Pet Sounds remains one of my all-time favorite albums. It is very sad but it is a most honest album lyrically with some absolutely incredible musical talent throughout the album. And the layers? Incredible!
Brian Wilson is unique. He imagined all these parts in his head before putting them down on paper, full harmony and arrangement. That takes a level of genius. Such a beautiful song, and so complex. For more examples of his genius, try "Good Vibrations" and "Caroline No". Good call on Sondheim, too!
Lex is exactly right. This is layers on layers. Brian Wilson is a genius.
Agreed. Wilson always puts together such sophisticated arrangements. On this, the voices are gorgeous, The Wrecking Crew's instrumentation is gorgeous, and that late, weirdly-timed drum roll by Hal Blaine was a genius coup de grace.
So cool that he let Carl do the lead vocals on this gem.
@@s.mcpherson6354 Hal Blaine was the best.
And to think Brian mixed the entire pet sounds album while being totally deaf in one ear!!
@@Mattwillo I'm deaf in one ear and I KNOW I couldn't mix stereo right.
This entire album "Pet Sounds" is a masterpiece, this is the song that makes Paul McCartney cry every time he hears it.
Agreed. Pet Sounds was a game changing album. Gotta love those beautiful harmonies!
This album made the Beatles try harmonies. Also this album brought about Sgt Peppers.
In turn, Pet Sounds is a result of Brian Wilson hearing Rubber Soul.
@@srenkaarepetersen9034 yep, and Sergeant Pepper's is a result of the Beatles hearing Pet sounds.
I've heard of the accolades Paul has dolloped on this song, but where did he ever say he cries every time he hears it?
Brian Wilson Genius, his harmonies were beautiful. This song was made for his brother Carl! 2023, still listening ❤❤
I went to one of Carl Wilson’s last performances with The Beach Boys in 1997. My wife and I were given front-row seats by a radio station rep. The band announced on stage that Carl had brain cancer and that it wasn’t looking good. Carl sang this song beautifully and I could see the tears well up in his eyes. I’ll never forget that
Tom Petty once described himself as the world's biggest fan of The Beach Boys. He collaborated with Carl Wilson a few years before that; they were outtakes of the the Wildflowers album. The music ended up on a movie soundtrack for "She's the One" (1996).
Uncle Jesse on the drums?
@@st0n3p0ny I don’t remember, but it was probably him.
Lex is so perceptive! Her classical and musical theater background is shiny through! Yes, the layers, music, vocals , all written arranged and produced by the great Brian Wilson! Happy 80th birthday Brian!
Huh? This song is nothing like Sondheim and the only thing she ever says about any song is that it has a ____ vibe.
LOVE LEX 😍😍😍
Considered one of the most beautiful pop songs ever written. The songwriting genius of Brian Wilson. Angelic vocal by little brother Carl. "Caroline, No" which ends the album is also a contender for best song. Now, THAT song brings me to tears every time.
"Pet Sounds" was one of the best written & produced albums of the 20th century. It was the inspiration for much of what came after it, setting the table for The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and so much of the groundbreaking music of the late 60s through the mid-70s. Brian Wilson's genius was in full bloom on "Pet Sounds."
“If you should ever leave me, though life would still go on, believe me. The world could show nothing to me - so what good would living do me?”
He’s saying that although her leaving him wouldn’t literally kill him, life wouldn’t be worth living anymore.
He isn’t saying he’d be fine without her - quite the opposite.
Yes indeed, saved me the trouble of explaining it! Would be a shame if such a great love song was misinterpreted like that!
yep. Certainly wasn't a burn lol. No contradiction at all. Life WOULD of course go on. But he just wouldn't be interested in it
right,he is saying he understands life would go on,but the world would have nothing to offer him without her. he would be lost. it's beautiful in its simplicity.
It's as if Brad missd the word "though" in the first part. I admit that without it, the verse loses its meaning. But Brad, it's there. If you're going to be all about the lyrics, be all about ALL of the lyrics.
Thank you I was getting so frustrated watching them not understand the lyrics
There are 2 types of people in this world…. Those who love The Beach Boys and those who are lying… you can get lost in their entire catalog of songs. From the sound, songwriting, production, singing, harmonies it’s all genius!
Absolutely Rob. Couldn't say it better!
I'd say it's those who love The Beach Boys and those who haven't heard them lol
True so True, I Love Them!!!
Not quite right. I work with a guy who
used to be a "rock-n-roll star," he does
definitely NOT a fan. I did the Brian
Wilson/Chicago concert, this June.
Boss liked neither, TWO bucket list
concerts, in one night for me!
Carl Dean was always proud that
Brian wrote this for him to sing.
I guess I'm also a beach boys HATER!
Seems some @$$HAT sued his cousins
for the name of the band. For a LOT of my
life, my favourite band was The Beach Boys!
Now that name goes to a third-rate Beach
Boys cover/tribute band! But, they have Uncle
Jessie on drums!
steve
That sounds like something I'd say
There's some great videos on TH-cam showing the making of this song. They were considered just a surf music group at first, but they were SO much more than that. This and "Good Vibrations" were groundbreaking songs.
This era of The Beach Boys is genius. This is the 60’s. Kokomo is 80’s. Completely different.
Kokomo is garbage compared to this song. Kokomo is a fun summer song. This is a magnum opus masterpiece of a song.
@@Joshuadgog it’s the difference between the Brian Wilson era of the Beach Boys and the later Mike Love version of the band
Kokomo shouldn't even count as a Beach Boys song. It's all about the old stuff.
@@vrvaughn I remember seeing a post about most unpopular music takes and a guy said "I like Mike Loves version of Beach Boys better" and it was the most disliked comment on the post.
@@BrokenGodEnt Mike Loves version better? A broken mentally impaired Brian Wilson will make better music than Mike Love on his most creative inspired day..
This song begins with an overture. The lyrics are poetic.
"I may not always love you. But long as there are stars above you. You never need to doubt it."
That's a poetic way of saying "I'll love you until the stars fall from the sky."
Lex really senses that this is something special. Brad, well....
Brian Wilson is a damn genius...a modern day Mozart!
Good to see Brian get the love he deserves all these years later.
I would say Bach 🙂
This is the best beach boys song ever. It’s my favorite. It’s in my top 10 best songs of all time. Its truely one of the most unqiue songs. so much emotion in the song. and the lyrics, oh my god the lyrics are so good. The first line is "I may not always love you". and also...
"God only knows what I'd be without you
If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me"
So what good would living do me cmon "it hits so hard.
I LOVE The Beach Boys, and I could quickly rattle off 20 songs of theirs that are among my favorites. But this is their best song. It is absolutely next level sublime.
When you're right, you're right.
This album (Pet Sounds) inspired the Beatles "Sgt Pepper"...seminal recordings in the rock pantheon. Love you guys. Such a couple :)
It was inspired by Rubber Soul. The Beatles “responded” with their own concept album, sgt pepper. Pretty cool time for music.
@@emeraldcity_ Yes, you have the chronology correct. Rubber Soul revolutionized pop music. Brian responded with Pet Sounds. Paul loved it and responded with Sgt. Pepper. They mutually admired each other's genius.
Rubber Soul inspired Brian. Pet Sounds
inspired Sir Paul. And, WE get all these
songs. Thank you, Paul, Brian, and Brian's
chosen singer, Carl Dean!
One of my most favourite albums, Sgt. Pepper.
Another, Pet Sounds.
Brian, Paul, PLEASE compete again!
steve
Paul McCartney called God Only Knows "the greatest song ever written"
Paul never said that, although he does love the song. Here is his answer to whether or not he ever said it was, "the best song ever written".
YOU WERE ONCE QUOTED AS SAYING SOMETHING LIKE "GOD ONLY KNOWS" IS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN.
PAUL: "It's a really, really great song---it's a big favorite of mine. I was asked recently to give my top ten favorite songs for a Japanese radio station...I didn't think long and hard on it, but I popped that ["God Only Knows"] on the top of my list. [Thinks for a moment] It's very deep. [Quotes the lyrics to "God Only Knows"] Very emotional, always a bit of a choker for me, that one. There are certain songs that just hit home with me, and they're the strangest collection of songs...but that is high on the list, I must say."
@@Cosmo-Kramer he literally did say that but, ok. musical taste is fleeting, obviously his opinions about music has probably fluctuated over the years but there was a time where God Only Knows was his favorite song.
@@waynetables6414 That's not how Paul explained it. He didn't say, "I used to rank it as the best song, but I no longer do". No, he said that he was ambushed with the question in a Japanese interview and on the spot he put the song atop his list without really giving it any thought.
i also agree. it is the greatest song ever written.
@@Cosmo-Kramer I think you're really parsing words here lol Who even cares
This song! My favorite BB song! I always feel the meaning of the lyrics are more about his reassurance to his love that, if he lost her, life will still continue, but he’s be lost without her. That’s my take. Thank you for reacting to The Beach Boys. You’re both awesome!
One of the most beautiful songs ever from one of the most amazing albums ever. Carl did a great job on lead vocals.
This track is from the album "Pet Sounds" which is one of the best albums in the history of rock music.
I used to sing this to my son when he was a baby. So many memories! Thank you!!!
Beach Boys are amazing and it took me 30 years to take them seriously. I always thought of them as boomer/dad music, growing up in the 80s/90s with my dad listening to their early stuff all the time. But then around 30yrs, I listened more closely, especially Pet Sounds and Smile and realized how brilliant they (Brian Wilson) were. I’ll take them over Beatles now.
I can't put them above the Beatles. But, I do put them on the same mountain.
There's no double meaning or split in this song. He's saying that if she leaves him, life would obviously still go on...BUT he would be nothing without her. That's it. He's not being savage to her or playing mind games. He's saying that he needs her.
Exactly
Wow, Lex has such a sophisticated ear....yes, all the layers and instruments. That was the genius of Brian Wilson.
I was listening to a podcast a few years back, cant even remember which one now. One of the guests, when asked what his favorite band was replied, "the band that was playign in Brian Wilson's head" Such a great quote.
Almost ten years ago, a tribute video was made of this song, with about 30 of the world's biggest music stars each singing a small part of this song. The video is visually lush and gorgeous, and the song is very well covered. It's a rare cover song & video that is worth experiencing.
Spot on Lex ! .. This song is a masterpiece of arrangement ( courtesy of genius Brian Wilson ), as well as having an absolutely beautiful melody line .. There are indeed many layers and nuances that can't be taken in on a single listen .. Excellent reaction .. Wayne
Harmony upon harmony, the lead, and brilliant voice of Carl Wilson ....sensational Beach Boys
“Rubber Soul inspired Pet Sounds, which inspired Sgt. Pepper’s and that inspired me to make Smile,” Brian Wilson tells me, recalling his 1960s game of one-upmanship with the Beach Boys’ so-called rivals The Beatles.
“It wasn’t really a rivalry, though. I was jealous!” Wilson says with a hearty laugh. “It was really just mutual inspiration, I think. I would get to hear their records before they came out and I was totally blown away by Rubber Soul. And Sgt. Pepper’s? I was totally blown away by that. But it was inspirational, too. Then I did “Good Vibrations” and Smile and it was exciting. I got into it and really produced my head off.”
Lex Kokomo was a much later song for the Beach Boys and by then their sound had progressed but harmonies and layering (you nailed it) are BIG BB features. And yes as one commenter said, Brian Wilson was in fact a musical genius so please keep going with their stuff. Btw back in the 60's when this came out, producers made it a point to tell artists that songs needed to be under 3 minutes if bands ever wanted to get radio (usually AM) airplay. Anything longer than that was just overlooked, so songs tended to stay short and sweet no matter what the genre. When the late 60's and 70's came along FM radio came into it's own with the development of yes - Stereo. Yup lots of stuff was recorded in mono before then. FM stations tended to go deeper into albums and appealed to listeners who weren't just interested in hearing the latest pop hit. Rock songs in particular benefitted from this and eventually bands got more progressive and you ended up with longer play songs extending into 5 minutes and longer.
Their vocal harmonies are the musical equivalent of pure sunlight.
the best harmonies and an album for the ages.
Sloop John B is another amazing song by The Beach Boys.
From this same album, by the way
not only original....but actually one of the best songs ever!!!!!
I agree Totally ! ! 🥰👌💖
So cool that Lex compares this to a Sondheim orchestration with the different layers of voices and the subtle instruments. So spot on!
The Beach Boys had the purest sound. Real voices with real talent.
Carl Wilson beautifully bringing the lead vocals to this classic.
This album is considered by many to be the greatest album of all time. Of course there is disagreement but it reflects how much Brian Wilson was regraded for his writing and arrangements.
I've got it seventh on my all-time best list.
@@scottfrench4139What do you have 1-6?
The beautiful chorus voice in Kokomo is Carl Wilson, the lead vocalist on God Only Knows. Carl died tragically of cancer at age 51 in 1998. The Beach Boys have so many wonderful, vocally complex songs.
👍Thanks so much for showing some love for "America's Band," and the incredible Brian Wilson! They were all just teenagers when they hit the music scene in 1962 and churned out so many great tunes throughout the 60's and 70's, and their sound defined the west coast lifestyle. Thanks much.🏆
When interviewed on Ronnie Woods show, Ronnie asked Paul McCartney what was his favorite Beach Boys song, Paul said “God only knows” he went on to say “God only knows is one of the only songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it. 🎶💕
Yes, you need to listen to it many more times. Ya keep picking up more & more sounds. One of the most besutiful songs you will ever hear.
This album scared the crap out of The Beatles ! The answer was, Sgt Pepper.
They were way ahead & had to fit into an album format. Brian is amazing & still knows it to this day.
This is the original Beach Boys sound, it's what they're known for, Kokomo never really did it for me. Their Pet Sounds album was a revelation at the time, a masterpiece. I heard on a documentary that Brian Wilson's songs came about from little things he would notice going on in everyday life. He'd be crossing the street, something would catch his eye, he'd pen a song about it. This song is one of others that he wrote about his girlfriend /wife I believe. Great reaction from you guys as always 💜
Wonderful song writing, but let’s not forget about L.A.’s Wrecking Crew, Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, Tommy Tedesco et al. They were some of that generation’s musical geniuses, who played on innumerable hits of the 50s and 60s.
Saw Brian a while back, he did this entire album live. Such a moving experience. One of those once in a lifetime moments that I'll never forget. ✌️
Yes... a sleigh bell instrument was used to provide some of the beat. The two meanings is called a juxtaposition... which creates angst and melancholy. It is a part of the brilliance. Extremely deep thought. Kokomo is a fun song about going on vacation. God Only Knows is spiritual. It is the greatest song ever written in pop/rock music. The entire Pet Sounds album is pure brilliance. Pet Sounds is ranked the #1 album of all-time by many publications. Rolling Stone has it as #2 behind Marvin Gaye's 'What's Goin' On.' To think that this was produced in the mid 60s with a 4-track tape recorder... no pitch correction... no computer software to help with edits and effects... just musicians and tape. Carl Wilson... Brian's brother... actually sang the lead on God Only Knows. FYI... Phil Spector was never involved with the Beach Boys' music. Brian Wilson produced everything on his own.
2:20 Lex, thank you for understanding, yes, the layers are what inspired George Martin and the Beatles, they heard "Pet Sounds" and it changed popular music (along with new recording techniques, and trying to formulate a deeper more introspective voice that reflected the times that were a changing)
The album this is from - 'Pet Sounds' was a major attempt by Brian Wilson to break away from the old poppy and surface level stuff of their early albums and get into deeper emotional territory. By the time the Beach Boys recorded Kokomo, they were back to the poppy stuff.
Good Vibrations, another classic from these guys. Fun upbeat song
I grew up listening to them. They are in the top 3 best selling American bands of all time.
I agree, in no particular order: Eagles, CCR, Beach Boys.
@@thekingcobra63 , yes, except that the third one is Chicago.
@@thekingcobra63 Great list there! Good playlist to mix all 3.
I love this song. This was a huge influence on the Beatles. Check out “in my room” sometime.
“In my room” by the beach boys almost makes me cry every time I hear it
This is popular music at its finest. Complex but accessible music, sublimely beautiful vocals and wonderful lyrics. The cream of the LA session musicians played the instruments under Brian Wilson's explicit direction. Magical stuff.
The Beach Boys were and still are one of the greatest groups to ever record music.
Brian Wilson is a genius.
There is something about bands that members grew up or formed in Los Angeles and and their amazing vocals, harmony and backup vocals. Think about that, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, The Byrds, Van Halen, Momas and the Popas, The Go-Go's just to name a few
People have written prolifically about the intricacy and importance of this song- the many different instruments, the derivations in song structure, etc. No pop song had ever sounded that way before. Most importantly to me, it just sounds beautiful and meaningful.
The Beach Boys song called In My Room is incredible. Brian Wilson is the main song writer and he suffered from mental health issues and emotional problems which come out in the lyrics.
My favorite part of this video was Lex bringing up Kokomo and Brad saying "What?". That song is pretty controversial among Beach Boys fans. If you love those more lighthearted tracks, then you would really enjoy their early fun songs about racing cars and high school dances. They are like musical candy.
Played this at my Dad's funeral nearly 3 years ago. It takes a few listens to really feel it but it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Thank you for making me cry! Love ya Lex
Happy 80th B'day, Brian!
I would definitely recommend listening to this song in the context of the finale of the movie Love Actually. It will strike you very differently. And, Love Actually is a great holiday movie to watch.
People today don't realize how cutting edge this was in 66.
So many great songs by the Beach Boys. If I recall some of the harmonies for this song were recorded in an empty swimming pool. They were very inventive and ahead of their time musically.
Paul McCartney said this is the most beautiful song ever written. This is from Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson's masterpiece and what caused the Beatles to write the Sgt. Pepper album. The Beatles were blown away by Pet Sounds.
The Beach Boys had the "California" sound. Their sound was inspired by the surfing craze happening at the time. "God Only Knows" was also featured in the 2003 romcom, "Love, Actually."
I love when you react to The Beach Boys and how you appreciate them. They are one of my Daddy's favorites. I grew up listening to their songs because he grew up listening to them. He always got excited and would talk about the harmonies and musical arrangements, and it really led me to love and appreciate their music. And music in general.
It’s so amazing that this beautiful song was something you heard on your radio…
I love watching you two groove together to this song. Takes a great song. Don't see that enough. You guys rock
this is and was so musically and lyrically just brilliantly written!
Brian Wilson, one of the singers and song writer had a nervous breakdown. The music that came from that was absolutely amazing. So many artists call Pet Sounds the greatest album of all time. And I agree. This is only one of the gems on that album. Paul McCartney of the Beatles spoke of how they were influenced by the album to make even more beautiful music.
He’s not saying he’d be fine, he says life will go on because time moves forward but during this time his life has no meaning to it. He says life could show nothing to me, as in there would be nothing without her
This was revolutionary. From Brian Wilson's mind onto vinyl. Many other artists consider this to be a major work. Musical genius. There's a great movie about him called Love & Mercy. Highly recommend as a portrait of an important musician.
I’d say this song and ‘in my life’ by the Beatles are two most beautiful pop songs ever written. Both songs embody all the pain and joys of life in such simple yet powerful lyrics
Written by "Brian Wilson" and "Tony Asher". This one was sung by "Carl Wilson". So the story goes "Carl" said to "Brian" Do you mind if I sing this one? "Brian" didn't intend for him to sing this at all. But said sure go ahead "Carl" sang this one like it was meant for him too. "Brian" was blown away by how beautiful it came out. Brian and Bruce Johnston sing the other voices. It's a real masterpiece. "Paul McCartney," said that the first time he heard this it made him cry.
The way I've always taken those lines is he's sitting there practically working the idea through his head. Lots of people claim their life would be over if they lost someone but we all know life doesn't actually end in that situation. So he's recognizing that in his head but then also picturing the worst of what life could be without her - a life that doesn't pique his interest in any way and then coming to the conclusion that it would feel very meaningless anyway. Or in a more poetic sense, its allowing him to use the concept of "my life would be over without you" in a less cliche way that actually gives it more weight than if he just went with the frequently used trope. Its kind of similar to what he does before that, recognizing that he might not always love her, but then saying "as long as there are stars above you". By anchoring the idea with a practical statement first, it actually gives more weight to his claims about how he'll always care for her and how his life would be meaningless without her.
This song sounds so simple yet so textured. I love it.
They don't say "Life will go on believe me". They do say "Though life will go on, believe me (when I say that) the world could show nothing to me. So what good would living do me?".
Don't worry, baby. Is my all time favorite beach boys song
One of the main reasons why the "Pet Sounds" album ends up on all those "Top 10 Albums of All Time" lists. Right up there with "Rubber Soul, "Revolver" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", by the Beatles.
This one came out between "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver", the two groups being somewhat in competition. So, eventually, Brian Wilson tried to go even higher with "Smile", got caught up chasing perfection in the studio and had a nervous breakdown. (We did get "Good Vibrations" out of the wreckage, but even so.)
Other beauties from this album include "Caroline No", "Sloop John B" and my favorite, "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" But the whole album is a gift.
And also, if you haven't done "Good Vibrations" yet, do it. An all-timer. Seriously.
And yes, Lex is right. This stuff is *miles* from "Kokomo".
More layers than a hipster in winter
It is a Masterpiece. God Only Knows & Good Vibrations are two of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Brian Wilson suffered with Mental Illness throughout his life and gave up touring the 1970s. Lennon and McCartney had each other but Brian was on his own. A true Genius of popular music.
Brad & Lex, their “Surfin’ USA”, “Help Me Rhonda” and “Barbara Ann” are next for you!!
At the same time that "Help Me Rhonda" came out, my oldest brother had a girlfriend named Rhonda (that I had a crush on). 👍
wouldnt it be nice also
Surf's Up
To me this is the greatest love song ever made and one of the top 10 best songs of all time. Just absolutely a masterpiece.
One of my favorites. So many layers and sounds. Thanks!!
There are no members of the band playing on this record. They sing, but a group of studio musicians known as the "Wrecking Crew" played the music, Hal Blane on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, etc. Pet Sounds, the album, is genius.
Beautiful love song , those harmonies are otherworldly .
From one of the greatest albums in history "Pet Sounds" - ironically this was B-side to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and the layering is accurate - there are over 20 studio musicians playing on this track with many... many.... instruments
I'm so glad you guys reacted to Beach Boys. They literally changed the industry. You can kind of think of them as the American Beatles.
This song always reminds of the ending montage in Boogie Nights where they showed what happened to everyone. Such a beautiful scene and a beautiful song.
Brian just turned 80 yesterday. God bless that man. An unparalleled genius.
"Life would still go on, believe me" means Life will carry on regardless whether they're together or not and it's gonna suck to have to face that.
Carl Wilson had the most beautiful voice for lead vocals on this. Brian was wise to select Carl for this tune. Now listen to "Caroline, No" on the same album.
I remember my cousin fawning over the beach boys.
Surfboards and all.
Its impossible to explain how much they affected things.
From influencing the Beatles, to making kids buy surboards,woodys, and striped shirts.
There is a documentary on him writing and producing this. It's amazing to see what his thought process was like. I highly recommend it.
This beautiful song deserves all the superlatives given it. Had me from the first verse. Deeply touching, beautiful, melancholy, and creative. The inclusion of God also imbues it with a spiritual quality. A masterpiece.
Brian Wilson was a genius when it came to songwriting, arrangements and studio wizardry. Paul McCartney's favorite album is Pet SOunds by the Beach Boys.
The Beach Boys are largely underrated by most people. They had a HUGE influence on music of the time. The Beatles said this was the best album they ever heard.
Perfect pop. Another one in the same era was Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks. This week we had birthdays for McCartney, Brian Wilson and Ray Davies - all creators of perfect pop. (There's a video on YT, in which Waterloo Sunset is lauded by the likes of Bowie, Costello, Geldof, Weller, Suggs as their fave song.)
Brian Wilson WAS The Beach Boys And I have heard him say more than once that “God only knows” was the best song he ever wrote. Pet Sounds as an album was innovative and a direct challenge the Beatles to expand their musical horizons. The result was Sgt Pepper. Rolling Stone magazine has voted “Pet Sounds” to be the second best album of all time, second only to Pepper. Pet Sounds remains one of my all-time favorite albums. It is very sad but it is a most honest album lyrically with some absolutely incredible musical talent throughout the album. And the layers? Incredible!
Brian Wilson is unique. He imagined all these parts in his head before putting them down on paper, full harmony and arrangement. That takes a level of genius. Such a beautiful song, and so complex. For more examples of his genius, try "Good Vibrations" and "Caroline No". Good call on Sondheim, too!
Beautiful song. Absolutely stunning harmonies.