Album Review 295: The Beach Boys - Today!

[@morrits3969]

This album is never talked about outside the Beach Boys community, but it easily stacks up against simular albums from around the same time, like Rubber Soul! Buying this together with Summer Days on one cd makes for a great double album experience.

[@ronfowlermusic]

two of their best! I think people are starting to acknowledge how great those two albums are. Life doesn't begin and end with Pet Sounds.

[@Giggens]

Truly does!

[@IAmisMaster]

@@ronfowlermusic False dichotomy. Life does begin and end with Pet Sounds, but one should enjoy other Beach Boys albums ;)

[@paladin1726]

I don't think it's cool to talk about Today. Smart Beach Boys fans are only going to talk about Smile, Pet Sounds, Sunflower, Surf's Up, Holland. If you like Today, then you probably liked the surf/teen songs. Judged.

[@orcapodmedia]

I have a Friend that did mushrooms one night and played this album. The second half of this album is one of the most absolute psychedelic experiences ever. A complete face-melter.

[@Giggens]

Holy moly!

[@allenjones3130]

The "Today" album was in effect a 'dress rehearsal' for "Pet Sounds"! I'm satisfied with the original monaural mix because that's how Brian intended it to be.

[@Giggens]

Sounds awesome!

[@TomCwimpRock]

Love my beat up duophonic pressing of this album! For some reason that’s my favorite format to hear this classic album by The Beach Boys… “Pet Sounds” deserves all the accolades it gets for sure, but “Today!” I feel, is overlooked, or neglected, in a lot of discussions and rankings of great sixties rock n roll albums… Side two - whew! Great review Giggens!

[@Giggens]

Can't go wrong with Duophonic!

[@michaeldaley5831]

Giggins,I’m 61, & I still get the same buzz as I did when I first heard the band many moons ago,Today is a very special album.I’m sure you’ll be still loving them when you reach the big 60.

[@Giggens]

That is awesome Michael, and I'm sure I will!

[@Mandrake591]

Great review! One of their best, when I first heard "Please Let Me Wonder", "Kiss Me Baby, and "Back Of Mind" I was elated! I love the high energy of side 1, imo, they should have given Dennis at the very, very, least one lead vocal per album, a la The Beatles with Ringo........Preferably at least four, imo. The post Pet Sounds records would have sold/souled a lot better. : )

[@markanthony1843]

1. SMiLE 2. Pet Sounds 3. Today! 4. Friends 5. Summer Days!! [And Summer Nights!!] 6. Surf's Up 7. Sunflower 8. Love You 9. All Summer Long 10. Little Deuce Coupe

[@michael3270]

Great review! This album is sacred to me. My older teenage brother bought Beach Boys Concert when it was on the charts and I was about 6 months old. On January 30, 1965, he & my even older sisters saw The Beach Boys (in a package show with Jan & Dean, The Sonics and The Astronauts among others) at the Seattle Center Coliseum. By the spring when bro brought Today! home, the house was in full scale Beach Boys mania. Most of my earliest memories are regarding Today (and The Beatles Second Album). I recall playing in the backyard when I was 3 and feeling overly compelled to go inside and listen to Help Me, Ronda repeatedly to which my long suffering mom obliged. I taught myself to read out of the desire to know what was written on the back cover the same year. A year later I clearly remember curling up with my Grandma on the couch and really admiring side 2. She passed a year later and that memory has kept me going through the toughest times that I've faced. The album is perfect in every way imo. Although many seem to not appreciate Bull Session, it seems completely logical to me in it's inclusion. It's obviously in the same category as the humorous tracks on All Summer Long, and Shut Down, Vol.2 and is a precursor to recordings like George Fell Into His French Horn. It also has occurred to me that Today! can be viewed as a play in two acts, with Bull Session being the after party, so to speak. Years after my initial experiences with Today, I had the honor of meeting Brian Wilson and sharing these thoughts and memories with him. An experience that I cherish. Even though I've upgraded on both vinyl and cd, I still have that first dog-eared well loved first copy. It's an old trusted friend that I can always find comfort with.❤ Thanks Giggens, you're amazing!

[@Giggens]

Thanks for sharing that story, Michael, wow!

[@michael3270]

@@Giggens you're very welcome. Thanks for giving me the chance to share it with you!

[@lunamoth1459]

Always love your eloquent and informative reviews! Such an outstanding album all the way through. Like you said, there really is something "magic" about it. And although I couldn't possibly pick a favorite song, "Please Let Me Wonder" is way up there for sure. Blew my mind the first time I heard it... blew my mind again the 2nd time... 6,201,942 listens later and I still can't get enough. As far as the lyrics go, I've always interpreted it as the apprehension one feels before confessing their love to somebody. The narrator has waited so long for this day; "now here [they] are together," yet he "can't make [him]self say what [he] planned to say" because he's afraid of being rejected, which would shatter the "beautiful image" he has of that person. So instead of confessing, he just wants to "wonder" or fantasize about whether or not this person really loves him. Anyway, if I were better with words I would go on for an eternity about how incredible this album is, but I don't think there's anything I can say that hasn't already been said.

[@Giggens]

Well said Luna! It's such an amazing album, and Please Let Me Wonder is truly incredible!

[@wcassady]

Couldn't agree more. I made my own top 10 list a while back and it landed at #2 for me: 10. Wild Honey 9. L.A. Light Album 8. All Summer Long 7. Summer Days (And Summer Nights!) 6. Surf's Up 5. Friends 4. Holland 3. Sunflower 2. Today! 1. Pet Sounds

[@SoundlabStudios63]

No SMiLE?

[@wcassady]

@@SoundlabStudios63 Only doing officially released albums. I do love Brian's release

[@SoundlabStudios63]

@@wcassady ah, okay. Sometimes I forget SMiLE wasn’t released in 1967 I’ve listened to it so many times, and my 2011 SMiLE vinyl is one of my favorites

[@johnhammond1572]

Another great reveiw Giggens, I was15 when I bought this album and I was dating my first ever girlfriend, we used to listen to this album together every night for months. We eventually went to see The Beach Boys in 1970 in Liverpool, we actually talked to Dennis, Carl, Al, and Bruce that night. Sadly though we broke up in 1971. We've remained friends though and still see each other in the supermarket from time to time, we still have fond memory's of this album and both of us agree that side two of this album epitomizes every emotion we both went through during our courtship. Great times Great album Great band and another Great review .

[@Giggens]

Excellent story and so cool you got to meet them!

[@RabbiSteve1]

Great reaction and review to not only one of the best Beach Boys albums ever made, but simply one of the best albums ever made. I have a few bootlegs of this album, one is TODAY AND SUMMER DAYS, which consists of outtakes, alternate takes and sessions and demos from that time. But my favorite is UNSURPASSED MASTERS, which is a huge multi-volume collection of sessions and alternate takes and mixes from pretty much every Beach Boys album. And my favorite from that entire collection is UNSURPASSED MASTERS Vol. 8 (1964), disc 1, which is simply all tracking sessions, instrumental and vocal (isolated), various takes, rehearsals and more from *only* “Please Let Me Wonder”! I can listen to that disc like a symphony, including all of Brian’s stopping and starting and directions and corrections and joking around. That song is near the top of my favorite songs ever and when I got to see The Brian Wilson Band in concert perform that song, which to my knowledge had never been performed by The Beach Boys up until that time, I was in concert heaven. Thanks so much for this. Subscribed to your channel on the strength of this video. Blessings

[@Giggens]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@chrisrainbow2393]

Hi Giggens, i am so happy to see this review and you obviously feel the same way i do about this album, i am so glad i found it. Its a great album to introduce the group to those that assume they were a surf group as like you say side 2 is a bit more serious and mature, a sign of things to come and a landmark in their future career .full marks without a doubt.

[@richardfruth4667]

Great review as always.One of the first beach boy albums I bought was the Today album.Was blown away by Side 2.From Shutdown Vol.2 is when Brian really became harmonically and soulfully sound.I also like your phrase: “The “Today” Album is the daddy to “Pet Sounds.” Thanks Again.

[@COBBETT1215]

A great, heartfelt review. I totally agree with you. It's probably my favourite Beach Boys album. My favourite track is "She Knows Me Too Well", with that gorgeous guitar break, and the soulful yearning feel of the song. Many years ago I read an article in a British music paper that quoted Mick Jagger as saying that around the time this album came out, he often played it when he first got out of bed to ease him into the day! That image of Mick listening to the Beach Boys while sitting on the edge of the bed, smoking the first ciggie of the day, has stuck with me all these years. Thanks for keeping the flame alive for this wonderful, wonderful band.

[@Giggens]

Thanks for watching John!

[@JaydenB2081]

100% agreed, this is definitely one of my favourites for sure

[@gene1278]

You are so correct in your review here Giggens. Beach Boys Today is a sensational album and your review is spot on. This album came out when I was nine years old, but it still "Hits-the--Spot" even when a fella is pushing 70. If you have never heard this album in it's original context, don't miss this. Kiss Me Baby!

[@Giggens]

Such a classic album!

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

One of my favorite Beach Boys albums and still blasting it today. I was 14 in 1974 and when first discovering this album which was almost 10 years later from its release. Back then 10 years seemed like a lifetime and couldn’t comprehend that it was only 10 years ago. Great album and the review you gave was just fantastic, so detailed and now to go listen to The Beach Boys Today.

[@dummytree]

Nice to see you review that one! I first heard it as part of the 1990 Capitol twofer with "Summer Days" (this twofer is one of those that was chronological, unlike some others) , so I always expect to hear "The Girl from New York City" and its roaring sax after "Bull Session with Big Daddy" even though I knew all along they weren't part of the same album. I'm part of the few who actually enjoy the "novelty"/filler tracks like "Bull Session" on the early albums, and this one is really cool to me being french, as the guys talk about their show in Paris being a "blast". "In the Back of My Mind" is beautiful and I agree, you just can't stop it. What a vocal it is. As for "When I Grow Up" it always gave me goosebumps. I remember a time when I would turn up the volume and listen to the Beach Boys count up and those were ages I yet had to reach. I still had time. Now...I'm older than any age in the fadeout. It's a strange feeling.

[@Giggens]

I think of that same exact feeling haha. Once they clear past 30 and it fades out

[@joelgoldenberg1100]

One thing we have never heard is what was Brian's reaction to Capitol releasing a Duophonic mix, and why he decided to only hand the company a mono master. Remastering engineer Steve Hoffman says a stereo mix was made in '65, but destroyed. Also, as the previous dialogue track Our Favorite Recording Sessions was released in mono on the stereo All Summer Long, I wonder why Capitol made the Beach Boys sound like they were under water on the Duophonic Bull Session With The Big Daddy. In the Back of My Mind, with an already multitracked Dennis vocal, sounds CRAZY in Duophonic.

[@whitleybayman123]

Great Album, this was the gate opening to Pet Sounds, like The Beatles Revolver/Rubber Soul was for Sgt. Pepper. Some great songs, vocals, production and writing here. Brian was really starting to peak.

[@justinainsworth8635]

One of the best albums ever made. Part garage, part soul, part genius.

[@daddybog7189]

1963 to 1966 The Beach Boys were at their best, and this album was one of their best of all time. Thanks for the review Giggens.

[@TheStarclipse]

For Me This Is One Of My Top 5 Beach Boys Records It's a Masterpiece...The Prelude To Pet Sounds...If You're Reading This and you are new to the Beach Boys But You Are Really Into ELO This Is My Little Guide For You: "Today!" Is Their "Face The Music"..."Pet Sounds" is Their "A New World Record" And "SMiLE" Is Their "Out Of The Blue" :)

[@collinmurr3207]

Such a great album. The vocals wow me every time I turn it on. I obviously love the hits, but songs like Don't Hurt My Little Sister and I'm So Young just knock it out of the park. Definitely one of their top albums.

[@diseasefreeforall]

Please Let Me Wonder is so beautiful, one of my favorite songs of all time but the lyrics do have a stalker-ish vibe to them. Like the fictional dude singing it may have his object of desire tied up in a basement somewhere.

[@Townshend90125]

I couldn’t agree more with your review Giggens. The story of how I heard this album was that I was in 9th grade and I just discovered this album for the first time believe it or not I heard this before pet sounds and for the longest time I liked it way more but that’s just me the only problem is the last song with the bull sessions

[@Giggens]

Oh yeah, the last song is always the head scratcher haha

[@DummyYEEEAAHHHHH]

My favorite album... Pet Sounds is #2.. Please Let Me Wonder is my fav Beach Boys song.

[@starbirdcup]

i love this album so much, it’s so nice to hear your passion for it :) “please let me wonder” always makes me tear up, it’s so gorgeous

[@Giggens]

It really does, especially Carl at the very end, always gets me!

[@paladin1726]

Excellent, entertaining album review. Love the passion in this review!

[@raoulandthedukes]

Woo my second favorite album! Couldn't agree more with ya on all of this! Every song on this is perfect, and definitely has quite a few top tracks. Please Let Me Wonder and Dance Dance Dance are always in my top ten, but every other song on here is such a close contender and constantly fighting for that position haha! If Smile Sessions weren't released this would probably be my favorite from them. Such a special album. Good job once again Giggens!

[@Giggens]

Thanks guys!

[@raoulandthedukes]

@@Giggens Anytime man! You rock!

[@gailmanfred41]

Totally agree Giggens, this album to me is like Radiohead’s OK Computer in that the jump in uniqueness and depth from the previous album is almost hard to believe. My favourites are probably She Knows Me Too Well or Please Let Me Wonder, too deep!

[@hegivesmixes407]

Completely agree, this album is damn near perfect. The only things I would possibly change about it is drop the inferior version of "Help Me R(h)onda" and swap it with "All Dressed Up For School" as well as drop "Bull Session" and put "Guess I'm Dumb" somewhere on side two since I think that song fits thematically and Glen Campbell was technically a Beach Boy at this point. "Please Let Me Wonder," "Kiss Me Baby," and especially "In The Back of My Mind" give me chills, more so than most of the songs on Pet Sounds.

[@Giggens]

Those would be great swap outs!

[@chrisfreeman9960]

Wow! Another one out of the ballpark, Giggens! I couldn't add anything to what you've already said, but I can point out a comparison you might be interested in. You've probably seen the movie "American Grafitti." Great movie soundtrack. Many hits on it, but there is a gymnasium dance scene where a group is playing at a school dance. The group performing is "Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kid", and the song they're playing is "She's So Fine." LISTEN to the opening chords of that song, and you'll know it's a direct lift from the opening riff of "Don't Hurt My Little Sister." I liked what you said about the different themes of the album, about growing up, etc. I've often thought that, as well. For example, in "Good To My Baby", you hear Mike singing about...."and when we're out with our friends now, we never have to put on a show. And we stay together while other couples come and go." You visualize a couple of seniors in high school. Or a college couple. On the other hand, "Don't Hurt My Little Sister", you imagine a young girl, perhaps in seventh grade, being treated not so well by some boy who seems to like manipulating her, and her older brother taking him aside and telling him to stop hurting his little sister. "You know she digs you and thinks you're a real groovy guy, but yet I'm not sure that I feel the same." Real slices of teenage life that Brian was interested in exploring. That interested him. As he explained to Ida B. Blackburn, the lady who interviewed him on the tape from when the Beach Boys visited Oklahoma the year before. But, yes, Dennis really starts out the album in fine form with "Do You Wanna Dance." And agree, exquisite on "In The Back Of My Mind". And you REALLY hear his voice in the fadeout of "I'm So Young." Side two is just magical to me. Personally, I've listened to "She Knows Me Too Well" countless times. A great album review of a great album, Giggens!

[@Giggens]

Thanks Chris!

[@finkaiser3994]

Loved the review! When I grow up to be a man is a personal favorite track off the album for me. Beach boys Today, Summer Days, and Pet Sounds are my top 3 favorite albums by the guys. Cheers!

[@captlegoman]

Both my sister and I got my 3y/o nephew into music and 3 songs he consistently asks for us to play on our stereo is Don't Hurt My Little Sister, When I Grow Up, and Dance, Dance, Dance. Great review!

[@Giggens]

That is awesome!

[@paladin1726]

My favorite Track, by far, is Kiss Me Baby. To me, this is one of their two perfect albums. Every single song is a fantastic song. Used to listen to Dance Dance Dance on my bike ride home from school every day. The songs that weren't radio hits were just as good as the charting hits. The music, lyrics, catchiness, singing. And everybody in the band shines. I think this one is my favorite Beach Boys album, slightly head of Pet Sounds and Smile.

[@niggato23]

Can’t remember what we fought about?

[@robertzastrow4648]

I've always found it interesting how Today's songs were placed on the album. Side One being all upbeat, rocking songs and Side Two being introspective ballads (very much foreshadowing Pet Sounds from a little over a year later). Think "Good To My Baby" and "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" both have very unique chord changes and vocals. These two songs remind me of "In The Parkin' Lot" and "Pom Pom Playgirl" from the Shutdown, Vol. 2 album released in early 1964. It's interesting that Brian had Dennis sing the lead on both their cover of "Do You Wanna Dance" and "In The Back Of My Mind". Structurally (how the songs are placed on the album), I think Today has much in common with their later Sunflower album, from 1970. Agree with you that it's probably one of their best albums. Will you also be reviewing Summer Days (And Summer Nights!) soon. Also, on a side note, have you had a chance to check out Murry Wilson's KFC jingle on KZbin?

[@Giggens]

I did check out the jingle haha! And I did Summer Nights a little while ago!

[@steviejd1]

First Beach Boys album I ever heard, My mum bought it, The first song of there's I heard was California Girls, My mum bought the single. That was around mid 60s. The album went missing, later on in life I bought it myself(mono) I also have the Dance Dance Dance version(songs omitted). Anyway I thank my mother for showing me the way. I now have all their stuff in various forms.. A thought, I would have swapped the jokey bit for We'll run away(and get married) instead of using that on All Summer long.

[@Giggens]

That would be a great addition with "We'll Run Away"!

[@tubecrazy65]

Awesome review to a totally awesome album

[@davidschecter5247]

The consistency of song quality (minus the stupid dialogue track) is what sets it apart from SUMMER DAYS, as well as the consistency of the instrumentation, as SUMMER DAYS had a number of songs that didn't blend in with the other songs as well as one would have liked. If The Beach Boys had a second composer during their hit-making years, they would have equaled The Beatles. Brian was having to do way too much at the time, which is why it eventually took its toll on him. "Big Daddy" was so fans could feel they were getting an inside look/listen with The Beach Boys. Kind of like The Beatles Christmas records -- helped "humanize them."

[@MitchellDanaStewart]

Definitely in my top three favourite BBs LPs.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Groovy - been waiting for this one! This imo of their discography is **their** Rubber Soul with Summer Days/Summer Nights being their Revolver as it was the first album to include an admitted acid influenced song with California Girls being that song. Just as Tomorrow Knows Was for Lennon. Again just my opinion even tho it precedes those albums chronologically and ofc we know what Beatles’ Rubber Soul (and Strawberry Fields, pre-Pepper) meant to Brian and what that creative inertia made manifest with Pet Sounds and onward.

[@Lambert1386]

One of my favorites. Great album cover too,

[@Jason.Brayshaw]

I remember reading in Brian's memoirs that Side 2 was completely written and produced under the influence of marijuana. That's why the Side 1 is upbeat and Side 2 is all introspection.

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

10 Ten out of Ten. This was my favorite BB album for ages, until Friends arrived.

[@Giggens]

Awesome!

[@rsully]

Best BB albums: 1 - Today 2- PS 3-Sunflower 4-Holland 5-Love You 6-Surf's Up 7-Wild Honey 8- 20/20 9-Summer Days That's the official list. LOL! 1985, Friends . . . hard to leave them off the list . . .

[@Giggens]

Great list!

[@rocknroll909]

Best early album. This album s what i would show to someone who had never heard of the Beach Boys

[@Giggens]

I can dig that!

[@retronostalgiafan8635]

Great review Giggens! I gotta still redo my review for this album. However this would be my 5th favorite beach boys album.

[@jorgecubria]

How wonderful to find someone as enthusiastic for this album as me. I bought it, exactly the first day it came out in Mexico City. After 6 hours of school I passed every day in front of a record store. As soon as I saw it, I went that same afternoon to buy it. I was familiar with Do you wanna dance?, Please let me wonder, when I grow up, Dance, Dance, Dance and Help me Rhonda, which were frequently played on the radio. I found the rest of the songs as wonderful as you describe them, but only two objections, I had never heard this version of Help me Rhonda, I found it deceptive, I was wondering what had happened to them, were they tired, extenuated, sleepy? so inferior to the one on the radio. Finally I got used to hearing it, so I can enjoy it as well. The other put down was the last absurd track. They could have included tracks they had at the time, like Things we did last summer, Graduation Day, Our Team, Ready for school, just to mention some. But, well, OK. As you say it’s 10 out of 10.

[@Giggens]

That is awesome!

[@gdawg1585]

I need to get all The Beach Boys and Beatles Capitol records the only Beach Boys albums I have are Pet Sounds and Best of The Beach Boys Vol.3

[@orbyfan]

That looks like an original copy, with "File under" instructions at the top. I like everything on the album except the "Bull Session," which is a waste of vinyl. I wish "Guess I'm Dumb" had been on that side instead. Having just hit the dreaded 60, I'm still asking some of those questions. At least I can still sing along with this album and do the Brian Wilson falsetto (although that's becoming a little more occasional).

[@darrelltiencken9421]

This album is awesome!

[@phillipanderson7398]

Why didn't they use the entire photo for the cover showing them sitting on the diving board ?

[@chorn82]

Great review dude, but you forgot to mention their Capitol Records representative from Europe: Dick Ryzin!

[@Giggens]

Such a great name!

[@Flapperdame16]

I didn't realize you didn't do this album yet! It's absolutely under rated, execpt Bull sessions! Please let me wonder- what a gorgeous song!!

[@Giggens]

It truly is!

[@panelsandplatters]

You can't not love this album. "When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)" was my mother/son dance at my wedding.

[@Giggens]

That's so rad!

[@josephvirgilio4984]

all of them? (not Help Me Rhonda from this collection) Dropped many nickels in the jukebox to hear When I Grow Up . . .

[@josephvirgilio4984]

take the shrink wrap off, it warps the LP . . . ;)

[@wottattlmelvinscholar2603]

Hey Giggens, so it's pretty obvious you're into both Weezer and Beach Boys. So have you heard My Diane from MIU? If so, is that not the most prototypical pinkerton type lament to the point of being uncanny? Maybe it's just me.

[@Giggens]

I can hear it! Oh yeah, huge Beach Boys and weezer fan here

[@COBBETT1215]

Just a footnote Giggens. I assume you know about, and already have, the Today Sessions cd. Great backing tracks, alternate takes etc!

[@bernracicot1123]

I don't have that CD, but I will be buying it. Thanks!

[@Giggens]

Oh yeah totally!

[@joelgoldenberg1100]

Some people have wondered if the Capitol promotions guy Dennis mentions on Bull Session, Dick Rising, was a real guy, or....

[@Giggens]

We can only hope haha

[@joelgoldenberg1100]

The best stereo mix of Kiss Me Baby is on the first version of the Endless Harmony CD. The mix on the second version is not as great, and I'm not wild about the 2012 stereo mix of the album.

[@michaellombardi1620]

Kiss me baby is my favorite

[@williedegee1]

Great review...May offer a suggestion?..Don't put an album & jacket that cherry back together.. Use an old disco 33 cover to house the album. This way there's hardly a chance of ringware from the label. My favorite track would be -Please let me wonder.. Carl's voice gets me every time..

[@theoloutlaw]

Wonderful Execution. Nothing further to add. :)

[@davidleaf3744]

I can't tell. Do you like this album? :-)

[@Giggens]

Only a little bit haha!

[@jhutch888]

commercials before and then 30 seconds into the video. Jesus H!

[@Giggens]

I wish I could control that :(

[@VictorCastillo-un1gd]

Who else had instrumentals and segments at this time?

[@Giggens]

Not alot!