I Get Around - The Beach Boys | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@ricknbacker5626]

The Beach Boys were in Australia when the Beatles broke in the USA. Upon their return, Brian Wilson felt the pressure to keep the BB's relevant in the face of a changed musical landscape. I Get Around was the first song Brian Wilson wrote to directly challenge the Beatles phenomenon. I Get Around became a worldwide smash #1 hit. It put Brian at the forefront of the music industry as a songwriter and producer. His innovations would change the way a song could be recorded and his use of the studio(s) (and his innovation there in) became the gold standard for the next 3 years. Even the Beatles and George Martin were inspired by the product Brian was turning out Brian was now recognized as a musical genius. A title he well deserved. Nice reaction lads, I really enjoyed it. Best wishes, RNB

[@mrsteve3527]

The Beach Boys were a little before my time, so I had no idea that I Get Around was that popular. Really informative post- good stuff!

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Brian co-wrote it with Mike Love. Brian took full credit for this song, and *35* others than Mike Love co-wrote, but Love sued him and won, finally getting all the songwriting credits he deserved. And It's a good thing Love co-wrote this song, as he changed Brian's original lyrics which he described as, "pussy lyrics", to make them the more masculine lyrics we all know in the recorded version.

[@ricknbacker5626]

@@Cosmo-Kramer No question that lyrics weren't Brian's strength. They seemed almost an afterthought in his songwriting process. But rightly or wrongly, few hang the "Genius' label on Roger Christian, Tony Asher, Van Dyke Parks or Mike Love Even though all 4 were instrumental in helping Brian achieve his status as the legendary songwriter he became. That Murray Wilson was a piece of work, wasn't he C K? Sheesh!! Cheers, RNB

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@ricknbacker5626 Genius or not, I don't like that he didn't willingly give credit where credit was due. I mean...THIRTY-FIVE songs?? And that's just Love! Who else did he cheat, that never made a stink about it? Love TBB music, but not a big Brian Wilson fan. He obviously had serious mental problems, but that doesn't excuse his piss-poor ethics.

[@ricknbacker5626]

@@mrsteve3527 Thanks MR STEVE. The BB's were before most peoples time! You obviously have great taste in music. Have a great summer, RNB

[@thewal1ofsleep]

"Don't Worry Baby" was the B side of this single and I think it might be my favorite Beach Boys song, primarily due to Brian Wilson's vocals.

[@Wordsmyth8]

Yes!

[@nj1639]

Love that song, it should have more words to lengthen the vibe it gives although it is complete for what it conveys.

[@markr.devereux3385]

I was trying to remember the B side. That was it . I remember being at my classmates house and we talked about having not only one no1 hit but 2 on the 45 Unheard of except maybe the Beatles.

[@girlmidgard9571]

Beautiful piece...if only it wasn't about a car race...

[@margaritakmp]

100% my favorite Beach Boys song, a diamond among jewels

[@johnhughes3214]

The British invasion decimated the American popular music landscape starting around 1963. "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys hit number one on the Billboard charts in 1964, breaking a period of six straight months of strictly British band number 1 songs in the US. The Beach Boys would prove they were more than a surf music band, would survive the British invasion and go on to later strongly influence none other than the Beatles.

[@David-iv6je]

But make no mistake: THIS is a surf music band. 🤣

[@jayyoung5423]

Church!

[@michaelgreenberg106]

Deano Martin kicked some of these bands off the Number One ranking or so (Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes, and Sinatra).

[@pscelzo]

The Beach Boys, Four Seasons and then Motown had American group success through the British Invasion. The Beatles started the British invasion in January '64 and had the #1 song on Billboard for 15 weeks between the end of January and end of May. The British duo Peter & Gordon had the #1 song for one week in June (written by McCartney who was dating Peter Asher's sister). I Get Around hit #1 during the week ended July 4, 1964. The other '64 #1 songs prior to that were by Lois Armstrong, Mary Wells and the Dixie Cups.

[@jdw5678]

After months of Beatles dominance in America, this record went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the 4th of July, 1964. 'Murica!

[@mattshaw6180]

"Surfer Girl" is the Beach Boys at their sweetest, slow-dance best, and then there's "Sloop John B" for a groovy vibe on a pretty dark song.

[@jeffclinton9289]

I have always been partial to "in my room" over "surfer girl" ,though i really like that one, too

[@Straydogger]

@@jeffclinton9289 I remember both of those tunes from 7th grade dances. All the boys seated on one side of the gym and the girls seated on the other side. Almost everybody afraid to cross the gym and ask a girl to dance. LOL Great times!

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

"Warmth of the Sun".

[@michaelgreenberg106]

Howz about " In my room for harmony??

[@markr.devereux3385]

@@j.kevvideoproductions.6463 yes and the lesser known GIRLS ON THE BEACH. WOW such a feel. Proud that they hailed from So California USA and became worldwide phenomena.

[@johnfod7200]

Beach Boys were backed up in the studio by "The Wrecking Crew", an amazing bunch of L.A. musicians. If you haven't seen the documentary about the Wrecking Crew, you need to check it out.

[@pete4988]

Was Hal Blaine the drummer on this one?

[@johnfod7200]

Pretty sure it was Hal Blaine. The film will blow your mind with all od the famous track they played on. A who's who of music!!

[@sinenominecc]

@@pete4988 No, it's not Hal on the drums. That's Dennis. Hal played percussion instruments for this. And Ray Pohlman played the bass. Carol was not at this session. The boys could play this without any assistance. Here is a live performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKaudKptbpx9g5Y

[@sinenominecc]

No, This is primarily the Beach Boys playing the instruments supplemented with Wrecking Crew. In the next album The Wrecking Crew pretty much takes over while the band tours without Brian, and lays down tracks for the group to sing over when they get back in the studio. Oddly, Hal Blaine was at the session but didn't play the drum kit. He played supplemental percussion instruments. This was a song the band could play without any assistance, and here is a live performance to prove it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKaudKptbpx9g5Y

[@adobbs92117]

@@johnfod7200 yes he was. And Glen Campbell on guitar !!

[@g.e.5723]

Brian Wilson is, and was at a very young age, a Genius. That word is used very loosely, so it loses impact, but Brian was and is, respected by anyone in music who had a clue. As brilliant as he was, he was equally a sensitive artistic soul. Professional jealousy meant Brian suffered horrible abuse from his father. Extreme emotional abuse rooted in a man being jealous of his teenage son. God Bless Brian Wilson.

[@michlkwitz]

Not to mention the physical abuse which left Brian deaf in one ear.

[@craenor]

I prefer the mono mix of Pet Sounds, because of Brian.

[@charlenetherrien3788]

Not was, is!

[@jeffmorse645]

Los Angeles and Southern California back in 1960s had a huge car culture. Huge. Plus surfing was really coming into its own there at the time. Mix the two together with all the boomers and you have the perfect setting for this kind of music. Its a totally different world now from what it was say, from 1950-1980. Back then there was tons of middle class families moving there from all over the country for the good jobs, cheap houses and nice weather. The "California Dream" (that's long gone).

[@SandraHof]

Completely agree with your comment. I was born and raised in So Cal 5 miles from the beach, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles county. I am 67 years old now. That California is long gone unfortunately.

[@jeffmorse645]

@@SandraHof Yep, I know things change, but its still kind of sad for those of us born and raised in California in the 1960s and 1970s. Time marches on though.

[@SpuzzyLargo]

I lived in the San Pedro/Long Beach area 1960-1963. It was a great time for a little kid like me with a bike, transistor radio plugged into an ear, and listening to the great LA music of the day, with lots of Girl Group, Beach Boys and other pre-Beatle musical gems. 1963 in particular was a great year, then Nov 22 happened.

[@freebirdtony]

Excellent commentary.

[@kenhoyer8601]

Yeah the Beach Boys caught the fun in the sun and beach culture, back when we all got burnt and peeled before we tanned.

[@P-M-869]

The creator of the Beach sound was Dick Dale. He performed in most of the Frankie and Annette Beach movies. Dick Dale & The Del Tones - Surfin' and a-Swingin' (1963) - Feat. Frankie Avalon - HD

[@ChadWiggin]

Almost all the tracks on these early Beach Boys songs were recorded using the Wrecking Crew-and amazing group of studio musicians who played on thousands of hits throughout the sixties and seventies.

[@jeffmcvey1665]

You beat me to it!

[@ClayLoomis1958]

There is a great video on The Wrecking Crew. I highly recommend it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vKc5iup7-pg5I

[@helenespaulding7562]

More like fifties and sixties I think. Seventies The Section took over

[@t05393]

Actually, this was the first track to start involving some of the Wrecking Crew. The stuff after this had more and more Wrecking Crew, but all of the really early stuff was them. Al Jardine - harmony and backing vocals; bass guitar Mike Love - lead, harmony and backing vocals Brian Wilson - chorus falsetto lead, harmony and backing vocals; piano; harpsichord; Hammond B3 organ Carl Wilson - harmony and backing vocals; electric lead and rhythm guitar Dennis Wilson - harmony and backing vocals; drums Session musicians (also known as "the Wrecking Crew") Hal Blaine - timbales with brush, rim with thin stick Glen Campbell - 6-string electric bass guitar Steve Douglas - tenor saxophone (uncertain credit) Jay Migliori - baritone saxophone (uncertain credit) Ray Pohlman - 6-string electric bass guitar

[@cazgerald9471]

The Beach Boys played on this track, Brian (piano, Hammond B3, harpsichord), Dennis (drums), Carl (lead and rhythm guitars), Al (bass guitar), along with Hal Blaine (percussion), Glen Campbell & Ray Pohlman (6 string bass guitar), plus two sax players (tenor & baritone)

[@johnhughes3214]

The vocal harmonies in this song are amazing. The chorus hits like a sudden burst of intense musical flavors. Brian Wilson's lyrically distict high register falsetto chorus vocal melody superimposed on the lower register distinct chorus melody is really quite spectacular.

[@allisonreed7682]

Very few could harmonize as seamlessly as The Beach Boys.

[@michaelgreenberg106]

It's funny, but after years I came to the view that Carl had the best voic.

[@leighnapier4505]

Was Glen Campbell used on this album as a guitarist?

[@dmgiliam]

@@leighnapier4505 probably.

[@lizroberts6257]

@John Hughes Sigh. Never to be repeated...

[@peterstilla8733]

The lyric "the bad guys know us and they leave us alone" was a big deal at the time too. It meant the suburban kids had won the city kids respect and they learned to coexist. Doesn't seem like much now, but it was a real statement of cool in 1964.

[@razor3683]

Endless Summer (essentially their greatest 1960s hits compilation) is a must for anyone who wants to fully appreciate the genius of Brian Wilson and magic of The Beach Boys. A full album reaction perhaps???

[@hiturbine]

'Endless Summer' is the absolute "BOSS" when it comes to the "sufer" cult songs of the era; and no album collection is complete without it.

[@michaelgreenberg106]

Could not have finished college without it. God Only Knows!

[@tombrearton3435]

Or to really go BB crazy, try this playlist - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWLCqGStfa97qNU

[@oglefamily]

Please do a full Album reaction to Endless Summer

[@RichardDicksondlyrch68]

You guys need to do American Graffiti as your movie one month. Plenty of this kind of music and a movie that really captures what music can mean to people in their lives.

[@leeroth5604]

Yeah... I second a review of American Graffiti, with the wonderful Beach Boys tune "All Summer Long" over the closing credits - a touch of class Mr. Lucas.

[@spicy321]

I third! They are doing Star Wars so they should see the movie that made it possible.

[@blanewilliams5960]

An all time favorite of mine, with popular music a constant in the background or right up front.

[@chrish926]

Check out “Wishing You Were Here” by Chicago. Terry Kath on lead vocals, with The Beach Boys singing background harmonies. Brilliant song.

[@hollyodell4012]

Yessss👍

[@stantheman9072]

Sweet!

[@davecummings2424]

Yes! Saw the Beach Boys & Chicago together in concert. They each did a set then came out for a combined set/encore and it was sublime. I swear the upper deck at Oakland Collesieum was swaying when they did "Fun, Fun, Fun".

[@mjd6199]

They should definitely do that song!

[@GreenMother1]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@christopherpohl8743]

Dudes, you gotta understand that these were truly innocent times. Cars, girls, surfing, summertime in California. That’s it. Not too much beer and almost no drugs. Jan & Dean did the same.

[@leeroth5604]

@@llw1066 ...and we still haven't recovered.

[@SavoyBRG]

The flip side is also a classic, "Don't Worry Baby."

[@joelsanoff8228]

The flip side of "I Get Around" was "Don't Worry Baby," one of the most beautiful recordings from the band. Listen to it.

[@williamtallman9816]

Keith Moon was a huge fan. Best Beach Boys song is Girl Don't Tell Me. My Dad sang it all the time.

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you’ll love their “Surfin’ USA”, “California Girls” and “Help Me Rhonda”!!!

[@mikep6222]

"Help Me Rhonda" is so good because the dude is actually admitting to using her as a rebound girl.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

Great song. Their harmonies are so good in this song!

[@alexjbennett1017]

I don't know why more people aren't talking about "California Girls." To me, after "Get Around" and "Surfin USA" this was easily their best song. Definitely canonic.

[@TTM9691]

This was the first song The Beach Boys put out after The Beatles invaded America. The Fabs came over in February and by early April they had fourteen songs in the Top Hundred, including the top FIVE tracks. So Brian Wilson KNEW this single had to deliver because ENTIRE CAREERS were wiped out OVERNIGHT when The Beatles/ensuing British Invasion hit the scene. And man oh man, did it deliver! An instant classic the day it was released, May 11, 1964! Just that intro alone is killer, and the rest of the song has so many hidden surprises.....so the Beach Boys lived to fight another day!!! (they hung on commercially for a few more years before competing with The Beatles, Dylan and the rest of the 60s onslaught pushed poor Brian into a nervous breakdown and they ceased to be the commercial force they had been during the 62-66 period). (He had other problems, of course, but that was a major factor).

[@glawnow1959]

Brian Wilson said that Keith Moon always wanted to be a Beach Boy. He even sent them a letter asking them if he could be their drummer.

[@greggw.brevoort]

There's a deep-cut Beach Boys song that you HAVE to hit: "Sail On, Sailor" especially off of the 1973 Beach Boys In Concert album (studio cut is off of the Holland lp). For many, this is a favorite BB song - but totally different than anything else they've done. The live version is wonderful (recorded during the tour that I saw them on - my very first rock concert), so I'm impartial to that version.

[@kmorri9]

I've read that Brian Wilson hates this song lol.

[@MichaelClearyBand]

The live version kills!

[@spicy321]

My second favorite BB track, after God Only Knows and then tons of very close thirds, fouths, fifths, etc.

[@krzychuka]

written for Ray Charles

[@greggw.brevoort]

@@kmorri9 While there's a clip of him (on KZbin) saying how much he dislikes it - there are many other accounts of his saying that it's one of his favorites. Go figure - but then again, BW's stability hasn't always been consistent. He wrote it with Ray Charles in mind. The lead singer on it is Blondie Chaplin, who he still works & tours with today. They still do "Sail On Sailor" in their current sets.

[@CycolacFan]

The reason it seems ahead of it’s time is that Brian Wilson was rewriting the rules of music. The Beach Boys tended to get labelled as just another 60s surf band but later their music was recognised as being so much deeper and more intricate. As musicians yourselves you’re perfectly placed to understand just how inventive Wilson was. This is also damn good rock’n’roll.

[@donrogers1337]

They were the most fun group ever, and probably the most beloved.

[@topgazza]

Brian Wilson's songwriting was groundbreaking from day one. He had a sound in his head, the complete song, and experimented which for him was normal. True, true, musical genius

[@tomh1754]

Fun Fun Fun and Help Me Rhonda are 2 of my favorite songs. Fun Fun Fun is an up tempo tune like I get Around

[@tomcoyle7676]

It sounds mind-blowing even now - has more ever been packed into a couple of minutes? It's an S all day long but whatever- glad you enjoyed it. The flip side (was it a double-A side?) Don't Worry Baby, is just as good

[@richardmichael1237]

Brian Wilson’s musical innovations are widely recognized, but the lyrics of Don’t Worry Babyexpress a male vulnerability like no song pop song did before it

[@tomcoyle7676]

@@richardmichael1237 agreed, it's a great counterpoint to I Get Around, musically and emotionally.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Such a deep dive into the Beach Boys music. Great summer songs. Surfin USA, Little Deuce Coupe, 409. Be True to Your School.

[@bobrob2004]

Some of my favorite Beach Boys songs: "Don't Worry Baby" (the B-side of "I Get Around") "Surfer Girl" "Dance, Dance, Dance" "Help Me, Rhonda" "I Can Hear Music" I also really like their cover of "Then I Kissed Her" (originally done by the Crystals as "Then He Kissed Me").

[@rubbersole79]

I think "Warmth of the Sun" is one of their best.

[@patrickmichaelrosser6287]

Some of the best Wrecking Crew guitar (I think Glenn Campbell) and Carol Kaye overdubbing Brian's bass lines. Classic BB harmonies. Still stands up today!

[@stpnwlf9]

Wasn't sure which guitarist it wason this, but it certainly sounds like Carol Kaye and Hal Blaine on the rest of the rhythm section.

[@jeffclinton9289]

Glen campbell and tommy tedesco are the guitarists and carol kaye is, indeed the bass player. She did not overdub brian's bass line as he had it written out for her to play. He does not play any instruments on this song. He did not have to do so as these are the first call musicians during that era. Writing it out was enough.

[@ericminch]

@@jeffclinton9289 Brian did however play bass on this song in live concerts.

[@stpnwlf9]

By the mid-60s, Brian Wilson's chord structures were starting to become more complex and impressively unpredictable - not the usual changes, but they work perfectly. His arrangements were impeccable. The drums on this were probably Hal Blaine who, like the rest of the Wrecking Crew, was superb at knowing exactly what to add to a song.

[@davidschecter5247]

In many cases, Brian would write out parts for them ahead of time. Or he'd hum or play in the studio to let them know what he was looking for.

[@JimReuterskiold]

According to Wikipedia it's Dennis playing the drum kit with Hal Blaine playing "timbales with brush, rim with thin stick." I love Hal Blaine; he's played on hundreds of my favorite records.

[@susanhoward531]

Interestingly, Dennis Wilson got the drums credit, Hal Blaine just got a percussion credit on wiki.

[@nevetstrevel4711]

They are one of the few bands that can legit fill a greatest hits album

[@christianman73]

True! In 1974, they actually released a *two-album set* of their '60s hits called "Endless Summer." It was a huge success, a number one album in the U.S. and Canada, and it helped to make them popular with a whole new generation! I was a very small child at the time, but I remember seeing that album in so many peoples' record collections in the '70s. It had a great fold-out album design.

[@robland6804]

Beach Boys, Doors, CCR, Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel -- those are the legit Sixties American greatest hits albums

[@Laurasiana]

Brian Wilson was like the Quentin Tarantino of 60’s pop music. He takes a fun, goofy, often cheesy genre, and uses it as a springboard for a multilayered work of art.

[@richardkazmier9414]

Context is the key. When this song dropped no one had ever heard a sound like this. The same can be said of Stone’s Satisfaction, Animals House of the Rising Sun, CCR Proud Mary, etc.

[@trajan6927]

The Who My Generation and I Can See For Miles.

[@jeannie177]

❤️ ANDY’S smile when he’s diggin a song 🥰

[@markmurphy558]

I spent my early childhood in LA, and one thing about SoCal is that it was summer all the time. Teenage car culture was also at it's zenith because car insurance wasn't required until 1974, so cars were easily affordable to teens(esp those that built their own "hot rods". Cruising down the main drag on Saturday night was the high point of the week for greasy haired teenagers. Watch AMERICAN GRAFFITI by George Lucas to catch the vibe.

[@Joshuadgog]

Fantastic beach boys song. God only knows, good vibrations, wouldn’t t be nice, and I get around are my favorite beach boys songs. It’s summertime!

[@johnhughes3214]

"Don't Worry Baby" was the b side of this record and is a brilliant song as well. Think about hitting that song next.

[@bellalugosi5853]

I am so a B side kinda girl

[@biggriz2211]

Best (only) tender drag racing ever.

[@peterbarbera5485]

All Summer Long! A great song that was never a single (I don’t believe) but is a great summer song. Was the last track on the American Graffiti soundtrack.

[@lambokarabeekian6192]

Hard to believe this song has been overlooked as the quintessential summer song by The Beach Boys.

[@mrDK1951]

I’m 70 and appreciate the Beach Boys talent even more now.

[@daddyguerrero]

The Beach Boys were the epitome of the summer vibe. A great banger in the vain of I Get Around is Fun, Fun, Fun. It was the intricate harmonies that they introduced to music that makes them great. You never, ever hear harmonies like this today, and maybe never will. They influenced so many artists, including the Beatles.

[@robertlear2735]

"Summer in the City" by the Lovin' Spoonful would have to be included for the 60's

[@bonniebaltz5717]

They already did it and were'nt real impressed.

[@notmyrealname1730]

That was the #1 song when I was born. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[@helenespaulding7562]

The Beachboys were omnipresent on AM radio in early:mid sixties. And yeah, their music WAS summer vibe…driving songs. So many memories I have of driving around with my best buds with The Beachboys blaring on the radio…windows rolled down. Life was good. Another one like that is Help Me Rhonda

[@TheCornishCockney]

Darlin by the BB’s is so warm and soulful,I recommend you wrap your king lears (ears) around it asap. Greetings from London fellas.

[@lambokarabeekian6192]

“The bad guys know us and they leave us alone.” My favorite lyric!

[@davidwalsh7128]

That was really A Thing in the 60’s.

[@TheCornishCockney]

“So cool……..for the year” Bro,let me explain. The WHOLE DECADE was ultra-cool.

[@lisamorrison2149]

A+ is a fair rating, A&A. Great energetic, atmospheric summer tune. It never gets old, (although some of the words and phrases date it quite obviously). The harmonies, and instrumentation were distinctly era defining. "Help Me Rhonda", and "Do It Again" are my suggestions. But any Beach Boys song will do.

[@Bobbyv0]

"California Girls" has got to be the next song you hit by The Beach Boys

[@williameckert1623]

That's Brian Wilson on the high vocals. It's probably Hal Blaine on drums.

[@surlechapeau]

yup, Hal Blaine on drums

[@crazydale1000]

Just a grand Summer song. I was 14 in 1964. Always brings back good memories.

[@aileenturrietta7553]

Co-Written with Mike Love cousin to the Wilson brothers and co founder of the BB. It may have come out in '64 but it also carried us through the '70s and beyond. The B side to this was "Don't Worry Baby". Beach Boy Greatness. Your reaction was spot on this time!!! .

[@kevingrady8736]

The best song to listen to while driving is the Who's "Going mobile"

[@allisonreed7682]

The backing musicians on this song were The Wrecking Crew, including Hal Blaine on drums and Glen Campbell on bass. You’ve heard Hal Blaine before-he played for just about everyone during that era from The Mamas and the Papas to Simon and Garfunkel. In addition to being a session musician, Campbell also had a stellar solo career. He is channel-worthy without question. One of his biggest hits, “Wichita Lineman,” was written by Jimmy Webb and is highly regarded by many for its composition. Campbell’s version is considered the standard.

[@Shadowrider1872]

Happy Friday Allison!

[@allisonreed7682]

Hey, @@Shadowrider1872!!! Thank you and Happy Friday to you, too! 🤗

[@t05393]

Here's the personnel: The Beach Boys Al Jardine - harmony and backing vocals; bass guitar Mike Love - lead, harmony and backing vocals Brian Wilson - chorus falsetto lead, harmony and backing vocals; piano; harpsichord; Hammond B3 organ Carl Wilson - harmony and backing vocals; electric lead and rhythm guitar Dennis Wilson - harmony and backing vocals; drums Session musicians (also known as "the Wrecking Crew") Hal Blaine - timbales with brush, rim with thin stick Glen Campbell - 6-string electric bass guitar Steve Douglas - tenor saxophone (uncertain credit) Jay Migliori - baritone saxophone (uncertain credit) Ray Pohlman - 6-string electric bass guitar

[@johnhughes3214]

They have to react to "Wichita Lineman." Among the greatest songs ever written.

[@allisonreed7682]

@@t05393 that's an amazing line up!

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

My Dad reminded me that I used to dance to this in our living room... I was about 3 or 4. 'Course I pretty much danced to everything, but this evidently was one of my favs. My big bro's album that I insisted they played all the time.

[@562goodguy]

Another great summer song is "Summer" by War from the 70's. The rhythm is so laid back, it's a vibe. 👍

[@jeremiahrose4681]

Beach Boys one of my favorite bands all time.

[@susanaltman5134]

Wild Honey and Darling are two great BB songs!

[@ivylady13]

This is real summer, dancing in the sand, surfin' and just having fun!

[@davidwalsh7128]

Their first pure special studio Sound recording. Their first Beach Boys #1 hit. (Brian gave his Surf City song to Jan & Dean who made it a #1 earlier). This was also their breakout in England, the Stones promoted this song to their fans...

[@neurons0nfire]

Don’t Worry BAby .. end of summer vibes

[@lynnbowers4722]

"Fun, fun, fun" is my quintessential Beach Boys summer song.

[@stephenmolnar3393]

When I was 6 in 1966 and living in Southern, Ontario Canada, they used sell singles in packages of 5 or 10 and cheap. Record companies or stores were getting creative by trying to sell singles that they had in stock that they were trying to get rid of. They would put popular songs bookend in each package but you did not know what the rest of the singles you were getting. My brother bought one package of 10 from Towers department store and one song that was in there was a single by the Beach Boys called Barbara Ann. Side B was a song called Girl Don't Tell Me. We listened to both sides of the single over and over and after a while I realized that I loved side B better than side A. If you guys get the chance to listen to Girl Don't Tell Me, please do. It is one of my favorite Beach Boys songs. The instrumentation reveals the Byrds and Beatles influence in the Rickenbacker sounding 12 string guitar at the bridge. Brian Wilson is a musical genius!!! Period!!!

[@dshingle6]

“Hot Fun in The Summertime” by Sly and The Family Stone. Summer slowed down to enjoy the season in the breeze and the shade with a cold glass of iced tea.

[@lindawulfkoenig4907]

This song was played so much that summer and we never got tired of it. Still haven't.

[@samueltabo3390]

That was the Beach Boys first # 1 single, the California dream of sun, surfing, girls 🌞🌞 coincidence or not, the music business in time, moved from NY east coast to LA, west coast. The record companies and the best studio musicians relocated to LA

[@glenndespres5317]

This song made The Beach Boys a household word very quickly after the British Invasion and the Beatles were at the top in America. It actually was a source of division prior to the hippie culture taking over. I remember an uncle pushing The Beach Boys records on my brother and me on a visit, saying how his son Tommy liked them and how ‘clean cut and American’ they were compared to those mop top Beatles from England that we loved.

[@garywilson5103]

Man, I love watching and listening to these guys... discovered them at the beginning of the pandemic while looking for something to help me maintain my sanity. I especially love that they talk about music like people who actually know something about music. Thank you!

[@edwardthorne9875]

For innocent, gobsmacked love, it's hard to beat Surfer Girl. So sweet and pure. Also brilliant harmony.

[@syater]

The Beach Boys had already released their first five albums in less than a year and a half. Surfing, but also songs about cars (Hot Rods) were popular with teens for obvious reasons. "I Get Around" is probably their best "car" song. It was definitely taken to be about "getting around" in a car. (Listen to "Little Honda, about motorbikes, on the album as well) Brian Wilson's energy was still firmly focused on releasing hit singles but the quality of their sixth album, All Summer Long, set a new standard for Beach Boy albums until Pet Sounds was released at an even higher standard in 1966. But in 1964 the new-ish band The Beatles made a point of praising All Summer Long. It was released in March but was THE album of the summer of 1964 until A Hard Day's Night changed the game entirely.

[@profjohnfrinks]

Fun note, John and Keith of the who loved the beach boys... i believe keith and dennis would pal around california!

[@trajan6927]

Watch the vid of The Who playing Barbara Ann.

[@NYBredBamaFed]

For a 60’s summer song how about “Grazing in the Grass” by Friends of Distinction? It’s not about summer but was a hit in the summer of 1969 and has that summer vibe to it.

[@AjaxCaper]

Good one 👍 👏 👌

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

I was twelve that summer -- this song anchored my summer. This was JUST before the Beatles changed everything. I encourage you to hit "Fun, Fun, Fun" -- in the same groove, a little earlier -- another great summer song.

[@davidbaron8330]

5-part harmonies, sung in real time, mixed in mono. Amazing stuff.

[@hankamania]

This was a phenomenal single. Mick Jagger has cited I Get Around as his all-time favorite song, and the flip side, Don't Worry Baby, was Keith Moon's.

[@johnhughes3214]

Exceptional use of hand clapping in "I Get Around".

[@sherryheim5504]

This song reminds me of beach days in So. Cal. All the Woodie Wagons lined up along PCH with surfboards sticking out the back window and tied to the roof. Hot sand that burns your feet and cold pacific ocean water to cool you down. I just love this song, it is so catchy, it is easy to sing it for days after hearing it. The perfect song for when you are just driving around, it is an absolute mood elevator and it really makes me want to bounce around or dance. "I get around" was a term that really meant that you are always showing up somewhere to meet up with friends and consequently meeting new people. Everybody knows you and everyone wants a piece of you, is probably the simplest definition. You become popular with those you meet so now you have even more places to go and more people to meet. That was what the term meant in 1964. Just for the nostalgia factor, I am putting this song at the S Tier, but lyrically, it is so classically Beach Boys Garage Band music. You need to check out Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys. It is such a vibe but the lyrics are so base that even Pete Townsend commented about how it is impossible to predict what people will want to hear and what will make it to a number 1 hit in the USA when things like Barbara Ann top the charts.

[@leeroth5604]

Just to give due credit... "Barbara Ann" is a Beach Boys 1966 cover of the Regent's "Barbara-Ann", which peaked at #13 on the US pop charts in 1961. I like both versions.

[@-R.Gray-]

If you want to know where the Beach Boys' harmonies came from, see Brian Wilson talk about the group's copying of the harmonies of The Four Freshmen in this 5 min. video. The present day lineup of the Freshmen are aware of this, and there is a part of the video where it segues between both groups singing "Surfer Girl" : kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2KukpqOabqFadk

[@dianelockwood9282]

Ah, the distinct sound of the Beach Boys....cruisin town on a Friday night with the Boys!

[@NoviJimB]

As has already been mentioned about 1,000 times, the Wrecking Crew was usually providing the instrumentation in the studio in the early days. According to WIki, The Beach Boys did play on this, with help from the crew. Not sure if that's really accurate or not, I was under the impression that way back then Brian and Carl were usually the only ones playing in the studio, but I've been known to be wrong. :) One of their very best. I think Brian was inspired by The British Invasion, especially The Beatles. For several years back when I was a kid I thought this and 'She Loves You' were the two greatest songs ever. As a side note, per Wiki Glen Campbell was one of the Crew members who played on this, Dennis Wilson played the drums, Hal Blaine provided some other percussion.

[@alexjbennett1017]

It's been a long time since I've advocated for an S-tier, but this sure deserves it. As many here have documented more analytically, this blew a hole in the Beatles' dominance. I was 9 in 1964. I saw the Beatles first performance on Ed Sullivan. To me, all other music was just going through the motions. The harmony in "She Loves You" on "yeah, yeah, yeah" was the first time the sun had ever shone. I lost myself in the light. It's all I wanted to do. I worshipped the Beatles. "I Get Around" didn't change that, but the light coming out of "I Get Around" despite its cheesy aspects proved the Beatles could be matched or exceeded on an individual song. The lift I got from the chorus blew everything else away. The richness of the music felt superhuman. It was years before I felt anything like that again, perhaps not until "Close to the Edge" (Yes adored the Beach Boys; they were first to really push past them). Anyway, everything I love about "I Get Around" I saw on Andy's face -- you could see the light taking hold and lifting him. What a great moment!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

"Cabin Essence" and ""Surf's Up" are masterpieces... both from the aborted "SMiLE" album. That whole album (now available is brilliant from beginning to end. Other great songs to check out: "Surfer Girl" and "In My Room." Brian Wilson is legendary for a good reason.

[@beverlyoyarzun3326]

If you haven’t seen the documentary on the making of Smile and the performance in England, it’s worth the time.

[@Magravated]

My older sister had this album. It's about dragging the gut (Main St USA) picking up girls and racing their muscle cars. It's classic Americana.

[@evillemike2009]

Just the fact that they could work out such tight harmonies and fluid counterpoints over the kinds of "weird" chord progressions Wilson came up with continues to be a mysterious thing for me. Great song-writing, and a level of musicianship the Beach Boys didn't get a lot of recognition for at the time.

[@markgrant5305]

Fantastic harmonies and sophisticated arrangement from 1964…remember it like yesterday. I was 11!!!!

[@johndrx165]

You should still check out In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry. Video is cool too.

[@johncagnettajr344]

FUN FUN FUN is the next Beach Boys song to react to.

[@robland6804]

7:00 so glad that Alex singled out that high-pitched vocal hook by Brian Wilson -- unforgettable ear candy. Vocal harmonies are inspired by DOO WOP. Check Runaround Sue by Dion.

[@Northrnsnow]

"409" another great driving song of theirs. Muscle Cars

[@RadCenter]

The 1973 movie "American Graffitti," produced and directed by George Lucas and winner of 9 Oscars, captures the youth culture of the early 1960s perfectly. It featured a lot of young actors who would later become stars. You should check it out!

[@-Ricky_Spanish-]

"I don't like that surfin' shit. Rock and roll's been going down hill ever since Buddy Holly died." Not a great commentary on the Beach Boys themselves, but that was just that character's opinion I guess.

[@leeroth5604]

@@-Ricky_Spanish- John Milner.

[@kentzepick4169]

So, true, Alex. It’s important to know WHEN this was recorded to appreciate what The Beach Boys accomplished here.

[@allisonreed7682]

PLEASE check out the 1974 song “Wishing You Were Here,” a sublime collab between Chicago and The Beach Boys. It has Terry Kath on lead vocals, members of The Beach Boys providing harmony vocals for the chorus, and Peter Cetera singing the bridge. It’s atmospheric and mesmerizing!

[@johnhughes3214]

Such a great song. Written by Peter Cetera, who oddly has never been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. James Pankow and Robert Lamm have been inducted, and deservedly so. However, the absence of Cetera is a huge oversight.

[@allisonreed7682]

@@johnhughes3214 I had no idea! That is a huge oversight, without question!

[@1jamyc]

That song, and subsequent Beach Boys/Chicago tour, really changed Chicago's music. They moved away from rockin 25 or 6 to 4, and moved into the 80s with Another Rainy Day in NYC and the sappy 80s Chicago.

[@tommathews3964]

Man, what a fun time this was! I'm sorry you guys will miss hot rods, ragtops, street racing, drive ins (cinematic and eateries), beach blanket bonfires, sock hops, pegged jeans and saddle shoes or penny loafers, letter jackets, ducktails, and on and on.......such a different time!

[@robland6804]

Pet Sounds gets all the critical adulation, but for me, the early Beach Boys singles (like this one) are where it's at. A Beach Boys greatest hits compilation, like 2003's Sounds of Summer, is as impressive as CCR's Chronicle. In their chosen subgenre of California surf rock, the Beach Boys bang as hard and as consistently as CCR.

[@CycolacFan]

And album cuts like Don’t hurt my little sister, Girl from NY City, don’t back down, Salt Lake City… that no one but the fans even know.

[@lynnehatton1239]

'Darlin' (1967), 'Break Away' (1969), 'Sail on Sailor' (1972), such memorable songs from such talented musicians!

[@elizabethfranco1284]

This band has often referred to as the American Beatles. Even the Beatles idolized them as did so many others

[@newremote]

Not only are they drivin' around but they're changing up through the gears in the chorus … and the wondrous Don't Worry Baby on the flip side! What a record!

[@HamiltonRb]

This would be one of the best summer songs but I would put Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams and Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf as my favourites

[@AjaxCaper]

LOOOOVE that Bryan Adams song. Its got a mood

[@sylvanm4216]

"I Get Around" b/w "Don't Worry Baby" - maybe the best pop single ever released.