The Beach Boys music was WAY more intricate than you remember | Jazz Pianist Reacts

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

Hello hi yes please yell at me for sleeping on The Beach Boys all these years below. EXTRA POINTS: What song did Salvador Peralta use as a template??? Then when you're done, check out our courses and get 30% off with code MUSICTHEORY30 at checkout over at cornellmusicacademy.com/

[@ariverbythesea]

Hi Charles!

[@pixilize9344]

the title is too long just shorten it to the first sentence if the title too long i don't trust the video

[@officalhumblefish565]

Brian was massively influenced by Gershwin

[@hq4287]

"I get around" is the song they used as the template

[@ashleyhendricksbball]

Listen to 24 / 7 / 365 by surfaces :) you won’t regret it

[@cronggamer3067]

People act like Beach Boys were a novelty band from the 60s when they were as experimental as The Beatles a lot of the time. They were even a huge influence on each other. Brian Wilson is a genius.

[@ComeAlongKay]

The Beatles kind of copied The Beach Boys particularly their vocal harmonies for some songs. Basically if you’re English you’ll get more credit.

[@baTonkaTruck]

Yeah I’ve heard that Pet Sounds was so radical that the Beatles panicked, and that’s what drove them to write Sgt. Pepper.

[@tonycowin]

@@ComeAlongKay Nonsense. In fact the Beach Boys are highly regarded as experimental musical geniuses in the UK far more than the USA.

[@xthatghomiex2939]

Definitely a stretch to say they were close to the Beatles' level of experimentation or ability but they definitely don't get their due credit

[@DenkyManner]

​@@ComeAlongKayThat's not how the world works

[@shirley_grace]

God Only Knows alone is a perfect study of how counterpoint is utilized. Brian Wilson looked to Bach's Well Tempered Claiver as inspo. It is Paul McCartney's favorite pop song - with good reason.

[@NathanAMeyers]

God only knows is a bad song because it's superstitious

[@d8o8m8]

@@NathanAMeyers what do you mean?

[@Panicagq2]

@@NathanAMeyers No, that was Stevie Wonder =;-)

[@Roxanneredpanda]

It's probably my favorite pop song too ngl

[@Phantomphan613]

@@NathanAMeyers look out, we got a badass over here

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

these guys were basically a jazz choir under the guise of a surf rock group

[@lemnlyme]

that’s such an accurate description haha! i never thought to put it that way but you’re absolutely right

[@kckbtprds505]

Brian Wilson acknowledged The Four Freshmen as a major influence on the group.

[@johnseal56]

Nailed it!

[@thedrogo3953]

Literally, it's Chuck Berry + Four Freshmen = Beach Boys :)

[@chrisbacos]

I would never consider the Beach Boys jazz-far from it.

[@boomkruncher325zzshred5]

Surf’s Up. No cap, it is complex and emotional with surreal lyricism that blew my mind even as I didn’t really understand the words. The hardcore Beach Boys fans know what I’m talking about.

[@poopmcstuffins4417]

Absolutely. It’s incredible

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

Agreed

[@doctordong8088]

The solo piano version is even better than the smile version imo

[@boomkruncher325zzshred5]

@@doctordong8088 The version he did decades later when Brian finished Smile, with is touring band as the vehicle? That one was still good, but he was pretty old at that point. Could still arrange a band to sound incredible, but he himself couldn't sing as well anymore. There was also the version on the album "Surf's Up" released in 1971, it was one of the two contributions the guy made to the album (he was struggling VERY hard after Smile's implosion and was going through some dark stuff), that version is really good too. Then there was the live solo piano version he did on Leonard Bernstein's show. That one is VERY intimate for an old recording, I can see the good things about it (even though I personally prefer the "Surf's Up" version, but that's just me).

[@printthelegends]

Carl on lead or Brian on lead?

[@AdamKeithMedia]

Brian Wilson’s most amazing and unique feat during his writing with The Beach Boys was his ability to make such complex melodies and harmonies sound so casual and catchy - something you can’t say about any other songwriter in history. You have stuff like Zappa, and the later Beatles discography, and you know it’s “weird” and complex right off the bat. If you analyze “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Good Vibrations”, or “God Only Knows” from a theory standpoint, without ever having heard them, you’d NEVER think they were Top 40 pop songs. It’s incredible.

[@wcassady]

Yep when people say their music is 'simple surf stuff' I tell them to try to actually play 'Wouldn't It Be Nice', 'God Only Knows', 'Warmth of the Sun', 'California Girls', etc. It sounds simple until you start trying to play it on piano or guitar.

[@davidnissim589]

Good Vibrations was a #1 hit. You'd never know it was that big for a song as complex as that

[@3DPDK]

Being a teen in the late 60s I can tell you that a lot of guys shunned the Beach Boys. It was "sappy girl music". They had the Beach Boys and we had Zeppelin, Hendrix, The Who, etc. In secret, I got goose-bumps the first time I heard "I Get Around" and I knew then it was because of the harmonies. I still get them with certain tracks. I never owned a Beach Boys album or record, but I loved visiting my cousin because she had them all. We would lock ourselves away and listen to every one she had. That and believe it or not, the earlier Osmond Brothers records is where I learned to sing harmony, but not something I would have admitted when I was 16. P.S. Thanks for the longer video. I learn so much from you and Guy Michelmore, but 30 seconds just doesn't cut it.

[@mackledee]

Growing up in the 80s, listening to the 'oldies' station, whenever I Get Around came on, I was so stoked. My first favorite song by far. Next one was Black Dog, lol. I didn't discriminate. Loved watching Charles respond with such a musical ear to the Beach Boys. One of the best!

[@jackodonnell3463]

Reminds me of the boys’ opinion of John Mayer in middle / high school

[@Skrammelcaster]

This comment is so wholesome

[@ABevs]

Some of my first music memories are as a kid in the 80's listening to my Dad's Beach Boys records.

[@AS-wy6cl]

@@jackodonnell3463 And it turned out that John Mayer was a hell of a blues guitarist.

[@RoiDatBoi]

“Our prayer” gives me chills every single time, it’s haunting..as is “till I die”

[@paninovevo1162]

Our prayer is fucking no sense (in a good way😅)

[@nimck-y2z]

Idk why but it genuinely bugs me that The Beach Boys don't get more credit... they should be right up there with The Beatles in terms of pop influence, creativity, and experimentation. The Beach Boys have a special place in my heart.

[@TrekBeatTK]

I think it’s partly because they have lower lows and inconsistencies in their career. And if you’re not into surf pop or cars it’s easy to write off big chunks of their output (though you’d miss out on some great harmonies).

[@1401minstrel]

​@@TrekBeatTKThe Beach Boys' catalog is so much more than surfing and cars. Dig into it sometime. You won't be disappointed.

[@rob8872]

They are up there with the Beatles.

[@1870dav]

@@TrekBeatTK Yep. The Beatles recorded music for 8 years and didn't have a bad album. Hell, they barely had a bad song. And made like 100+ songs that any average music fan would instantly recognize. They were like Tiger Woods in his prime. And they broke up. Whereas the BB's had to deal with more outside pressures and a lot of the time were making music that they didn't love. But their highs (PS, Surf's Up, Heroes and Villians, Good Vibrations) etc... were as good as any music made in the 20th century.

[@jamessandbrook1414]

I read that the Beatles had excellent Public relations and the films that they did, advertising, and were fully backed up by the industry where Brian Wilson/The Beach Boys and capital Records were not working in harmony, and there are stories of how Capital praised and helped lesser known music artists and ignored Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys even though Brian was earning Capital Records millions of dollars they disliked him for how he made music, the studios etc, the scene in England was different. With the Beatles they had a lot of support, advertising and encouragement so the ride was smoother in that sense.

[@createnewhandle_]

Apple bottom jeans goes way beyond The Beach Boys. The Louis Armstrong version is the original, if im not mistaken, but the Elvis version, Blue Öyster Cult and others also exist. It’s a fairly good meme amongst the musical community on KZbin

[@localman8914]

im so fucking stupid i thought you meant the original song was written and performed by louis armstrong and the worst part is i just believed it like yeah sure apple bottom jeans by louis armstrong that checks out. holy shit. fuck.

[@MikeB12800]

@@localman8914 lol

[@6thdim]

Pavarotti sings it! Don’t forget

[@createnewhandle_]

@@6thdim Oh how forgetful of me. That has to be among the best

[@WDRhine]

That's all true but you're overlooking the fact that the original theme is from Schubert's song "Apfel Unterseite Hose" op. 376 from 1823.

[@arthurvandelay.]

Man that's only like 5% of the genius of Brian Wilson right there. The Boys have a ton of harmonically interesting/complex songs, all packed with amazing production and instrumentation.

[@haroldbailey9011]

100%. The greatest of all time

[@rise4097]

Any recommendations ?

[@jstaversky]

A Young Man is Gone, but his legend lingers on...

[@jstaversky]

@@rise4097 the album Little deuce Coupe (it has the number 32 on the cover). There is a CD re issue with that and the album All Summer Long (if I remember correctly)... that'll do ya just fine for deep, relatively unknown cuts that will blow your doors off)

[@rise4097]

@@jstaversky awesome, thank you kindly !

[@chrishelbling3879]

In My Room: the lyric "lie awake and pray," the chord changes are on every beat, hinting at the feeling of tossing & turning under the covers.

[@thinkfloyd1973]

Nice I've known this song for years and never thought of that

[@JoshuaFriedman_]

Charles you NEED to watch "Love and Mercy" it revolves around Brian Wilson and the creation of pet sounds. They used actual studio musicians and had them legitimately work in a studio recording the parts while Brian (Paul Dano) actually works with them and helps evolve the sound. It's a fantastic and totally unique biopic.

[@shadowgolem9158]

Watch "The Wrecking Crew" too. Amazing documentary on the studio musicians who worked on Pet Sounds

[@pleasemyplants3447]

Such a good movie! Made me love The Beach Boys even more :)

[@felixbillington6151]

I came to the comments to say this. It's an incredible film

[@SilentAttackTV]

yes

[@sensei48]

The whole film was good and moving, depicting BW's very real genius and descent into near madness. The scenes depicting the creation of "Pet Sounds" were manic and wonderful.

[@xus75]

Its amazing how he can listen to a complex chord progression and figure it out in a matter of seconds.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

Brian was and is a "savant". His chordal structures convey his emotions in the best way that he could find to communicate. We are blessed by his talent and disability.

[@boomkruncher325zzshred5]

Brian Wilson was a HUGE Gershwin fan, it likely influenced a LOT of his original works.

[@shadowgolem9158]

Bach too. You can hear Bach's chord changes and melodies all over Wilson's work.

[@andresemilfer]

Check out the album "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin", it's surprisingly good

[@AnnieEllora]

*is-he’s not dead. (Also yes, massive Gershwin fan and massive influence on him)

[@hotdog782]

ohh that makes so much sense

[@joemondello4312]

@@andresemilfer My recollection was the Gershwin family or foundation approached Brian with the "BW Re-Imagines Gershwin" project

[@lotus8key]

Brian Wilson was an extremely avantgarde pop composer. "This Whole World" for example in even one minute changes 4 keys. I love the feeling when he make you expect something and then your floor collapses.

[@lotus8key]

@@ainslieberrafella Oops

[@BeaverVision]

Warms my heart to see someone truly discover the genius of our favorite band for the first time.

[@gabrielmuniz008]

I'm hoping that he listens to "Surf's Up" and more other SMiLE tracks

[@HotStrange]

@@gabrielmuniz008 god surfs up is so good.

[@alexkaapa]

@@HotStrange instant goosebumps. especially the bass note on "too TOUGH to cryyyy" and then into the "surf's up mmmh aboard a tidal wave". soooo... aaargh

[@Gundrs]

So glad to see Busy Doin Nothin as the first track! I find it severely underrated as a Beach Boys song. The whole Friends album is great. It has such a cosy vibe

[@HotStrange]

It’s my second favorite of theirs after Surfs Up. Such a good album.

[@poopmcstuffins4417]

It makes me so happy to see so many people talking about these generally lesser talked about albums. Post-Pet Sounds Beach Boys work deserves much more love. Surf’s Up, 20/20, Smile, Sunflower, Friends, etc…

[@roan9914]

The lo-fi trilogy of smiley smile wild honey and friends are very influential in the world of lo-fi and bedroom music

[@elijahmichaelmusic]

Growing up in the music production world, The Beach Boys were always idolized alongside The Beatles. I've always loved their approach to their melodic and harmonic structure. Pet Sounds is also one of the first albums to have samples of "real-world" audio; which explains the title.

[@Dibblesoldhollywood]

I bought a pet sounds CD in hs and I expected like help me Rhonda but was pleasantly surprised and now it’s a staple in my household

[@thomasharris7881]

@gabriel Godwin I found my copy in an Oxfam charity shop for 50p when I was in my late teens, being vaguely aware that it was supposed to be a seminal album of the 60’s. It had a huge essay on the history of the album and how it was made in the booklet. 50p well spent I’d say lol!

[@Dibblesoldhollywood]

@@thomasharris7881 that’s so awesome man. The album changed my life and made me feel seen after heartbreak and some losses I went through. Such a good piece of music that is

[@JKBone]

It should not surprise you that Brian Wilson is a HUGE fan of the Four Freshman, and their style of vocal arranging shows up in Brian's work constantly.

[@griffinnovie4921]

Man, you've hardly scratched the surface of harmonically complex Beach Boys songs! Check out the song "Girls on the Beach" for some of the most complex harmonies in their early stuff and "Till I Die" for something a bit later on. Glad you've finally dipped your toe in the water.

[@gillianomotoso328]

“Wake the World”!

[@alexkaapa]

"til i die", yes! fucking awesome. also: "surf's up"

[@nippy7425]

Surfs Up and Til I Die have beautiful endings

[@poopmcstuffins4417]

@@alexkaapa surf’s up is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. I remember hearing the outro for the first time and being absolutely blown away

[@thomasbrower305]

Listen to "She knows me" backing tracks. Then just the music. Then put it together. Not so much the words of the lyrics, but the harmonies and overdubs. Pure genius.

[@literallyshaking8019]

Brian Wilson is a musical genius. Pet Sounds and Smile (which was tragically never released in its day) are masterpieces.

[@D1RTYD4N13L5]

If it weren't for the beach boys I wouldn't love music as much as I do and be here right now! All time greats

[@johntousseau9380]

The Beach Boys may have started out as surf rock and crooner music. But Brian Wilson is the reason we are still talking about them. He is a musical genius on a whole other level.

[@austinwakeman89]

Good Vibrations is one of my all time favorite songs and it also goes through all 7 degrees of the Eb minor scale in one song.

[@AntiComposite]

I can't decide if I like the original or the Vocal Spectrum barbershop cover more.

[@RainyCloud143]

Good Vibrations totally blew my mind every time I heard it on the radio as a kid!

[@horsygall]

The immense impact The Beach Boys had on the Laurel canyon scene and the 1960s British rock scene is so undersold. Pet sounds is pretty clearly the magnum opus, but Holland is still so slept on. Such a powerhouse band.

[@HotStrange]

As much as I love Pet Sounds, it’s only barely in my top 5. Surfs Up and Friends are their best, imo. But Holland is also amazing.

[@AS-wy6cl]

Don't forget the magnificent MIU Album, masterpiece Keepin' the Summer Alive, and magnum opus Summer In Paradise. /s

[@gertmd]

My favourite apple bottom jeans version is the Pavarotti one, everyone should grace their ears with it if possible. Quite lifechanging.

[@MarlinTheGaiboi01]

I completely agree! Thanks for reminding me of that beautiful work of memery :’)

[@Good_Hot_Chocolate]

I became a new man after listening to him

[@mrwassef]

Poor Pavarotti, that’s the first thing that comes up when you type his name in the YT search bar 😂

[@DongusMcBongus]

The Pavarotti one is sooooooooo good. He NAILS it.

[@jonah712]

When you heard the avengers theme at 11:06 ish i heard adele's skyfall instead! that semitone rise is a classic james bond leitmotif + those are the exact chords from skyfall

[@seragott6406]

I did too!

[@songokuboy10]

Yeah it's totally skyfall

[@kjdude8765]

Yep the Bond chords or at least the changes.

[@sleepyweepyasmr]

I transcribed Brian's bass line in I Get Around years ago and I was blown away at how complex it was for such a seemingly simple song. Nice video!

[@kaijublue1151]

was carol kaye on that track?

[@joncollins7129]

@@kaijublue1151 no, Glen Campbell or Ray Pohlman

[@user-ux1vj9vx7s]

Lol No, it’s isn’t. It’s just 1/8th notes for the main riff, then a bunch of start/stop notes for the verse

[@aperson8438]

would it impress you even more to know that there were actually 2 different basslines playing simultaneously on that song? a fender precision bass as well as a dano 6 string bass

[@elboel7339]

That's pretty cool but who asked?

[@classyraindrop]

Beach Boys has very intricate songs and the music production is actually insane especially for the time they were made

[@tilley163]

They were pioneers in analog music production techniques

[@MrMindmist]

I was laughed out of my common room at school in the early 90s for playing Beach Boys music. They have always been my favourite and there is nothing like them anywhere. Nothing quite as emotional and heart wrenchingly perfect as Brian Wilson's harmonies and falsetto. It's just beautiful man. I'm glad the world slowly started to come round to it. from about 65 they were on fire until about 1970. Summer days summer nights , Pet Sounds , Good Vibrations , Surfs Up and Sunflower albums. Holland , Wild Honey. Friends / 20/20 its knockout mate :) utter genius.

[@oldoddjobs]

Let's pretend one of the most popular bands of all time are a niche interest

[@nathanreiber6819]

"slowly started to come around to it" ??? they were the most popular American band of the sixties by far. Wilson wrote many songs that hit as soon as they came out and reached number one. Aside from that, his better efforts are almost universally loved by critics. The exception for the Beach boys might be Smiley Smile which was too wrapped up in the whole "what could have been" conversation, given it's relatively minimalistic production.BWPS is the definitive maximal version of that record. And critics and fans loved it (much more than one would expect for an artists that started makking music over 50 years prior to it's release. Pet Sounds, Smiley Smile, 20/20, Friends, Sun Flower, Holland, Surf's Up, Wild Honey, Love You are all AMAZING records that imho, got plenty love and continue to get that respect.

[@taylorallred6208]

I had this exact conversation with my uncle recently! We were talking about the Beatles and 60s music and he just wrote off The Beach Boys. It’s amazing what happens when you really listen to them.

[@NM-ir6wd]

I had this same realization about a year ago. As a kid I just assumed the Beach Boys were like an early boy band lol. 'Surfing' USA' was what I pictured whenever they were brought up. I now know that song was their first big hit when they were kids and Brian Wilson hadn't even slightly realized his songwriting potential.I think the name Beach Boys and their clean cut image early on prevented me from checking them out further. Their vocal melodies coupled with Wilson's unique chord progressions blew me away once I started listening to their later stuff. Brian Wilson is a genius.

[@cazgerald9471]

"Surfin' U.S.A." is actually a reworking of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen".

[@marln2157]

i absolutely loooove the beach boys! my favorite song has to be "'till i die". soo breathtakingly beautiful!

[@ods94065]

I think Charles would really dig this song if he hasn't heard it already, but man, this song is hard for me to listen to sometimes with how hard it lands.

[@DANNYGOLDBERG51]

The world wouldn’t be the same without the beach boys My dad told me once if you listen to the beach boys a little every day you’ll be a better person All the new stereo mixes that Mark Lynette and Allen Boyd put out are so amazing it blows my mind every time I listen to it I think it’s the greatest music ever created

[@gregm8522]

Your Dad was a wise man.

[@Nick9n]

I highly recommend watching the beach boys biopic Love & Mercy. It tells the quite heartbreaking story of how Brian Wilson wrote pet sounds amidst a mental breakdown and abuse.

[@leob4403]

Even if I don't dislike John Cusack I don't think he was quite right casting for Brian Wilson

[@Garrett_West]

Would definitely recommend you listen to The Warmth of the Sun by the Beach Boys! Awesome chords and harmony.

[@BilliesPetRock]

I love that song! Especially the orchestral version.

[@lowenbad]

I got into them on a deeper level this last summer and they have taken over my musical world. Not only that, their story is probably the most fascinating of any act in the history of popular music.

[@gregm8522]

Indeed! And consider the fact that Brian lost 90% of his hearing in one ear while a child due to an unfortunate “accident “.

[@markandrewhoran]

Your enthusiasm for music is infectious. The feeling of wonder and joy that hearing a great piece of music brings is really hard to beat. Great video!

[@galaxy_orchestra]

I'm so glad the first thing you looked at was something from Friends. It's not one of their most popular to the public, but is definitely one of my favorites. The jazz influence in that album makes for some incredible, and in my opinion, some of their best, songs.

[@officalhumblefish565]

The Beach Boys are one of the most incredible groups to have ever existed. Pet Sounds and The SMiLE sessions are some of the most beautiful albums of music ever written.

[@gabrielmuniz008]

Brian Wilson is a genius

[@officalhumblefish565]

@@gabrielmuniz008 my biggest inspiration

[@DongusMcBongus]

Child is the Father of Man into Surfs up, SO GOOD.

[@shadowgolem9158]

Saw them live in '84. Totally amazing. The Pet Sounds album changed music forever. Also, you are now obligated to do a cover of "God Only Knows". It's just a thing. You'll feel better once you get it done.

[@iloverush123]

I'd still recommend the entirety of pet sounds. It's such an incredible album from both a writing and production standpoint. Brian Wilson is truly a genius

[@officialFredDurstfanclub]

Some of the shit Brian and the boys were recording in 60s is so far ahead of the time, there’s nothing even like it. The Smile tapes are like a portal into the future that was recorded 50 years ago, and we still haven’t got to it yet

[@TAP7a]

Beach Boys really should be recognised as peers to the Beatles for mainstream pop genius and influence. Historically, they were absolutely up there going toe to toe Also, that B - Amaj9 - F#m13 - B turn is something we would describe in the UK scene as “fit”

[@arothmanmusic]

The Beatles certainly recognized them as such. Pet Sounds was a direct influence on Sgt. Pepper.

[@HotStrange]

They honestly might be even better. I love both but holy shit The Beach Boys are so good.

[@eritain]

McCartney says his favorite song of all time is "God Only Knows," so.

[@HotStrange]

@Joe I gotta disagree with you there but I do think he was overall the most talented of them all. Paul is very, very close though.

[@mjhilps]

There are some gem non-Brian Wilson songs in the Beach Boys catalogue, but let's be real, Brian Wilson elevated this brand to another level

[@melanieknight6352]

Yeah. And about the ones he wasn't so involved in, gotta remember....who taught the Boys?! So Brian is in most of 'em, whether he was actually there or not.

[@TommyLikeTom]

This is my favorite trend. It's expanding music along the y axis, essentially giving a new dimension to music that makes it _even more_ infinite. Soon we will be able to listen to any song by artist in history

[@owenpattaylor]

as a Beach Boys fan I came into this expecting, like, "oh Pet Sounds is really complex and Smile was too", very pleasantly surprised that you started it by talking about Friends, well done

[@charlestonson2200]

Thank you so much for shining some light on Busy Doin Nothing. Friends is such an amazing album, the real Beach Boys masterpieces were from the mid-late 60s to the early 70s.

[@alexchannon]

Our Prayer is one of my absolute favourite Beach Boys songs ever written, and I love hearing it on BWPS!

[@HotStrange]

The Beach Boys are an all time favorite of mine. So so so many good albums. Friends and Surfs Up in particular.

[@M1st3rB3nn]

5:59 The melody reminds me of XTC - Senses Working Overtime (English song from the 80s.) Amazing how you can not hear or think about a song for decades but the recognition is still instant!

[@sethpasquinelli3838]

Came to the comments to see if anyone else heard it lol. Amazing!

[@TheGerkuman]

Yeah, I heard it too. Made me happy to know at least 2 others did.

[@VictoriaWhitlock]

The Beach Boys are so good. I latched onto their music the way I thought it was supposed to latch onto the Beatles. Every note just feels better.

[@sparkybish]

In My Room has always been my favorite Beach Boys tune. It is so soothing to me.

[@nickluna5995]

Charles! You have got to check out their cover of “their hearts were full of spring” by the four freshmen! Brian Wilson cited the freshmen as one of his biggest influences.

[@dantimbol5379]

YES!

[@ronny.mp3]

We need a compilation of Charles turning everything into the Avengers theme

[@SheldonBird]

Yesss!

[@RoboMark]

Yes PLEASE!

[@davidius74]

That is why Brian Wilson was considered such a genius. He could hear sounds in his head that no one else would think possible and was always in search of that perfect sound. It is why Smile was how hard to conceive as an album and get right. Even the more popular songs that America's Band released are not as straight forward as they seem

[@dinglepringle1380]

Brian Wilson is perhaps one of the most genius composers to ever live.

[@melanieknight6352]

You just spoke the truth, thank you.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

you must check out the track "Surfs Up" or in your spare time the entire "SMILE" album that was lost for decades until it was released in 2011

[@grantgaidies2960]

Also they were HUGE in incorporating new music technology into their music. Like good vibrations using paul tanner’s electro-theremin!

[@susanhoward531]

The only way I can describe The Beach Boys harmonies is “lush”. I’ve been listening to them for almost 60 years and they never cease to amaze me!

[@EvilSkeptic]

It makes me so happy to see someone discover the genius of Brian Wilson. And yeah. It's better to be late to the party than to completely miss it.

[@marcpuyuelograndas1005]

Finally someone gives value to them in KZbin! They were a massive band, and composed many pop hits which were very interesting in a musical way (not only in the fantastic "Pet Sounds" album).

[@earlgray7003]

1:04 - It's really says a lot about how Bossa Nova influenced rock and R&B music for the next two decades.

[@PD_Swag]

11:00 This is also the progression used in that James Bond song Adele did called Skyfall, I remember when I first heard that song this progression totally blew my mind! It’s got a slightly different feel than the In My Room and Avengers Theme versions but it’s still the same thing at its core. You should check it out 😁👍

[@Skraboing649]

And that part of skyfall that you mention was done as homage to The James Bond Theme itself, which uses the same progression 😀

[@PD_Swag]

@@Skraboing649 Oh that’s sweet! It definitely has an epic spy-type theme to it! 😁

[@stefaandeleeck4380]

The Beach Boys song 'The warmth of the sun' is also a very good example of how they start like a common doo-wop song, with the usual chord progression going from major to minor. But then an unexpected change in harmony literally takes it to another level, going higher and then again even higher...

[@HeyLetsDoAThing]

I grew up with The Beach Boys. I grew up right in the transition from cassettes to CDs as a young kid, and back when our car had a cassette player, my mom always played either the Beach Boys cassette or the Grease soundtrack on cassette. Their form of harmony was so special.

[@MoneyCrespin]

And just to think that Brian Wilson was 19/20 years old when he was Writing, Arranging, and Producing their hits (songs). and 23 years old when he wrote and produced Pet Sounds.

[@karenrt8076]

I've been learning to play Sail On Sailor on piano and I have been amazed at how complex the chords are. It feels like jazz masquerading as pop.

[@marcusdawe4475]

beach boys is one of my favourite bands from the era - so imaginative and inspired in their writing. A particular favourite is Until I Die - such a beautiful and haunting song. Glad to see you analysing them!

[@markymarcm]

I'm so glad you did this. I grew up with the Beach Boys and have always thought they were genius and am super happy when people discover that they're more than their early surf rock stuff. Recently, I went through their entire discography again to make a 'best of' playlist on Spotify and realised that Surf's Up is hands down one of the most intricate and perfect records ever written. Anyone interested from watching this video should definitely also be sure to check out Brian and Dennis Wilson's solo stuff (the former just released a new album).

[@swish007]

yeah i always scoffed at the beach boys but i had a friend of a friend in the music world who became a die-hard zealot for them.. basically like a beach boys missionary. he wrote his dissertation on the amazingness of their music and it made me be like "huh maybe better give them another chance." very glad i did

[@cam4894]

Oh man, I'm so glad my dad is a huge Beach Boys fan, so I grew up listening to their ridiculously dense music! One of my favorite albums in general is At Last by Cyndi Lauper. Yes, Cyndi Lauper! You should definitely give it a listen!

[@jonamadatsu2918]

As a bassist, I 100% approve of the tri-tone sub. Always used to raise the eye brows of my piano player during his "rhythm changes" solos 🤣🤣

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

The Wilson boys’ father was an acclaimed professional jazz/swing musician himself - Brian especially inherited that musical talent and took it to new incredible levels with his gifts

[@sloopfan3706]

Brian Wilson is an absolute genius! I would absolutely love to see you make some more videos digging into more Beach Boys goodness!

[@bradsmack1]

It's all Brian Wilson. So many of the comments below just say, "Beach Boys" this'n'that, but what they're recognizing (and curiously, not saying!) is the genius of Brian Wilson. Proof? "Good Vibrations," composed at several different studios (with the Wrecking Crew backing) while the BB's were touring without Brian, ca. '66. Brian "patchwork-quilted" the pieces together in a production that has been lauded by engineers, musicians and producers for decades. More proof? Simplistic Beach Boys pap like "Kokomo" where Brian is nowhere NEAR the studio during composing, recording and production of the song. Next, do their "'Til I Die/"Surf's Up" from their '71 "Surf's Up" album. All Brian, except lyrics on "Surf's Up" by Van Dyke Parks.

[@HotStrange]

I agree with you but the other members were also talented as musicians and singers, and have a couple of really good writing credits too. Brian Wilson is an untouchable music genius though. Probably the greatest of all time.

[@bradsmack1]

@@HotStrange Well, of course. My flag-waving for Brian wasn't intended to diss the others. But, again, so many, if not most, of peoples' raves below seemed to sweepingly overlook Brian's dominant and very real contributions. Few groups could replicate the vocal dexterity/harmonies of the brothers and others! But, sans Brian's intricate and unusual harmony arrangements, they've got nothing to sing.

[@hristi.yanche8487]

Exactly! I was just gonna say that, thank you.

[@poeschmoe6499]

As good as Brian’s works are, I wouldn’t be so hard on the non Brian stuff. I have this very special place in my heart for Kokomo. The vibe from that song is so special

[@bradsmack1]

@@poeschmoe6499 Fine! And, good for you! But, as you're telling me "how hard you don't want to be on non-Brian stuff," you're implying I've got the power to take away your special feelings for "Kokomo" or any other song, for that matter! Nothing, you'll be happy to know, could be further from the truth! If you're aware, however, of Brian's compositional prowess (and defying-the-odds journey thru his life), you might be able to see how non-Brian tunes tend to score a little lower on the "sophistication" and "impressive" scales. Songs exist for people to find special grooves with, and if "Kokomo" has a special place in your heart, good on ya! But, for MY money, Brian's classics are too often overlooked and under-appreciated (as can easily be seen on this thread). A century from now, it's likely Brian's compositional and production work on "Good Vibrations," or heart-rending chord changes (and arrangements) on songs like "God Only Knows," "Til I Die," and "Surf's Up" will be appreciated and memorialized with a bit more urgency and studied dissection than BB songs that didn't have any of Brian's input.

[@ericheichelheim1864]

Right at the lyric “scrambled…” I appreciate that.

[@smithintern-tainment7868]

I’ve been getting better at listening to and analyzing Jazz music and I’m addicted. Your videos are pretty inspiring.

[@isaiha_77]

brians understanding of harmony is unbelievable and second to none

[@douglasparks8430]

Not necessarily musical masterpieces but a few of my Beach Boys faves include "Male Ego," "Isn't It Time," "You're So Good To Me," "Good Timin" and "Good to My Baby." But there are just so many more!

[@douglasparks8430]

As an aside, they seem to be fairly fond of the word "good."

[@justinguitarcia]

The unassuming bass players seem to always make incredible composers. Especially ones that sing. They see the entire spectrum of the harmony, top and bottom

[@Ewan_Smith]

I'm eagerly awaiting the day when you release a video on Steely Dan

[@aminthasangel6393]

Our prayer, absolutly perfect!

[@clrs6576]

thanks for this vid, ive been on a crazy deep dive since recently discovering beach boys music, and im completely addicted, i dont play keyboard and dont understand a word your saying lol but it confirms that my ears are not deceiving me and their really is something magical about their music

[@MIKELIN8]

For the most part, The Beach Boys' music is amazing. I've been a fan since the early 70s, and I'm always happy when somebody who knows music recognizes how amazing the music is.

[@Blend42]

Friends is a great album of the Beach Boys. It's my third favourite album after The Smile Sessions (Our Prayer was intended for Smile originally) and Pet Sounds. Check out also This Whole World (from Sunflower) as an interesting composition. Also Transcendental Meditation of the Friend's album is an interesting composition. The Harmonies are amazing from Surfer Girl through to the 1970's , particularly Brian's Wilson's work.

[@Agos226]

Brian had a natural talented for writing extremely complex music that sounded simple and listenable like nobody else

[@skiwlkr9928]

Once you start listening to The Beach Boys, you can’t stop

[@chrisbacos]

Many punk, heavy metal, indie, grunge, and even hip-hop artists have huge respect for the Beach Boys. Like the Beatles and Stones, they laid the ground work for later trends in rock music.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I have an aunt named Barbara so whenever I saw her, I teased her by singing Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys... It was annoying to her at first but she ended up loving it as much as I did

[@SeeleSO02]

I used to sing that same song to the Barbarian of my D&D group.

[@TrekBeatTK]

Fun fact: Barbara Ann is a cover.

[@badboychopsticks]

was a real treat watching some jazz heads digging the beach boys deeper cuts like busy doing nothing. there's so much in gold in the discography!!!

[@mmarcz]

From a lifelong BB fan, listen to the BB's "Please Let Me Wonder", it's Brian's musical and lyrical sequel to Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways". Both amazing.

[@philluanastiemke6770]

Smile was finally released in 2004 with Brian Wilson's band. Check it out.

[@gregm8522]

And well worth the wait - a masterpiece!

[@volts420]

As a Beach Boys fan, there are a lot of hidden gems in their albums and songs. Pet Sounds and Love You being my favorite albums. Brian Wilson is arguably the best musician of his era, and defienatlly the best in the mixing studio.

[@JoeySpiegel]

Brian Wilson, man. Incredible brain. Too many people sleep on his work, especially the stuff he did after TBB.

[@brigantics7686]

The beach boys are my favorite band ever!

[@FlightRiskWizard]

I’m so happy he covered Busy Doin’ Nothing. It’s honestly one of my, if not, my favorite songs by them. They were so much more than goofy beach songs.

[@nickchavez720]

If you want your mind blown look through more of the Beach Boys music. Brian Wilson is an underatted genius of the 20th century; arguably one of if not the greatest of his time.

[@Stratmanable]

"Underrated". One "t". "Underratted" means you don't have enough rats.