The BEACH BOYS History Part One |

[@JOHNWLOUCKS]

Before the Beatles or the Byrds there was for me, The Beach Boys. My number one band til this day and I am 74.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I am traveling for a couple of days but will be back to complete part 2. I have a 3 day train ride ahead of me and I’ll be working on parts 3&4 as well so stay tuned!

[@pennyparkin]

So glad to hear you refer to "In My Room" as a masterpiece. It truly is.

[@waynesilverman3048]

Yes a favourite beach boys song of syd Barrett s in the 60s

[@ms8596]

David Crosby said when he heard it, it was over. He could never top it.

[@DW_Harwich]

Brian Wilson was one of only a handful of songwriters at the same level as Lennon and McCartney. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@GStraitKISS1]

Only Matt Williamson brings the 60s back for us!! Another great documentary Matt!!!

[@erniericardo8140]

Yes indeed 👍

[@peterjohnson1761]

Great start to conveying the history of the Beach Boys. Enjoyed it .

[@BegToDiffer99]

He's a gem.

[@bobfennell3717]

Thank you for this. The Beach Boys were never "hip" in the UK in the way that other 60s bands were, but the quality of their music and its production were second to none. Only the Beatles wrote melodies and harmonies that could compete with Brian Wilson's and when you remember that he also sat in the producer's chair, it was a formidable achievement.

[@davidm7840]

It seemed like that started to turn in the UK in the mid to late 60s though. The reputation of Pet Sounds made a dent.

[@ChromeDestiny]

Keith Moon from The Who was the exception, he loved early Beach Boys and Jan and Dean and lost interest when they got more sophisticated later.

[@philipgibbard304]

I agree with this Bob. It's possibly because surfing was such a novelty in Britain in the 1960s, the early Beach Boy's music being rather too well produced for the British audience. Perhaps the British favoured grittier songs in the early 60s. Nevertheless, the Beach Boys were certainly successful here, especially of course later with Good Vibrations, Pet Sounds, etc.

[@bucksdiaryfan]

Even though it is a cover song, I consider the Beach Boys rearrangement of "Do You Wanna Dance" as one of the greatest pop songs of all time... just a masterpiece

[@tinydancer62]

I agree 💯. Also their version of " Why do Fools Fall in Love".

[@kpoleary1]

You nailed it, bucksdiaryfan! It is clearly Brian's greatest "Wall Of Sound" production ever! When I briefly met him in 1999, I was going to tell him that, but I froze up and was speechless..

[@swahilijs]

Kids now days can’t relate to how cool it was to grow up in the 60’s. We only had 3 tv stations, no video games, no internet, and lots of great music on the am radio. My parents thought I’d lose my hearing listening to rock music. I’m 74 and my hearing is ok. They might have been a little right on this point. But what great music we listened to every day. Matt you do a great job. Keep up the great job. Have you ever thought of doing a expose on Neil Sedaka? He had lots of great music in the 50-60’s and beyond.

[@dazzlingdavedainty]

Matt is so laid back he's horizontal, relaxing voice full of great info 👏👏

[@erniericardo8140]

-and he also makes you crave a beer 🍺

[@saml302]

he should start a podcast

[@bezoekers]

They released three albums a year for their first three years. Ten albums in just over three years. Unfathomable.

[@suzannevilicich7637]

So professional and well done! I knew Dennis Wilson well. Met all of The Beach Boys in 1977. Dennis had so many girlfriends yet I was a close friend to him from 1977- 1983. “The Lonely Sea” I’ve always loved. Astounded by the content here. Thank you!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Suzanne!

[@dennismason3740]

From 1959 to 1961 I attended George Washington Elementary school, grades one through 3. The Beach Boys were practicing one mile to the northeast (house removed years later for a freeway) and as I type I am literally a mile due east of Brian's first apartment (still there) on Hollywood Boulevard in West Hollywood. Pop - thanks for this in the future please provide the years once in a while. I couldn't afford a surfboard growing up so I learned to body surf. Years later I would adopt a few Beach Boy songs in my repertoire, especially Good Vibrations and Heroes and Villains.

[@ttoille765]

Gotta respect the Beach Boys for withstanding the crush of the Beatle onslaught. It certainly encouraged Brian to create stronger music but possibly at the cost of group unity - I guess we'll find out in Part Two.

[@daletrue822]

Wonderful, fact-filled episode. Did not know the group did not pick their name. Ironic that the moniker that served them so well on the way to stardom, became an unwanted barrier as they shifted gears to more serious compositions.

[@mwheeler138]

I'm very happy you're covering the Beach Boys in what i expect to be another fantastic series that I'll watch more than once. While The Beatles are my favorite band The Beach Boys hold spots on my favorite songs of all time. Some of Brian's compositions I find indescribably beautiful.

[@saml302]

gotta tell ya, while I agree w your comment, I was not expecting to see a Misfits skull in a Pop Goes The 60s comment section

[@kulturkriget]

It is interesting how a driving force of Beatles was the competition between Paul and John, and then that the driving force for Brian is the competition with the Beatles.

[@seed_drill7135]

Interestingly, the early albums were released in true stereo but when Brian started producing their records they stopped being in true stereo because he's deaf in one ear.

[@oldermusiclover]

one of my fav Beach Boys songs came from that Car LP No Go Showboat

[@Steve68858]

Wow. Can’t wait for the rest. What a group.

[@lowenbad]

I’m excited to hear about the 65-73 era.

[@Neal_Schier]

Absolutely fantastic Matt! Very glad that you are covering them. Taking the harmonies of doo-wop, a hint of barbershop quartet, the influences of the Four Freshman, and then putting propulsion behind them was the genius of Brian Wilson. All too many dismiss the early BB catalog as being a bit simplistic, but Lonely Sea, Farmer's Daughter, In My Room, Surfer Girl etc. are melodic masterpieces. Thank you for covering the BB!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure Neal - stay tuned for the next episode!

[@SurferJoe1]

Brian actually planned "Surfin' USA" as an explicit re-imagination of "Sweet Little Sixteen" and asked his girlfriend's little brother for a list of surfing locations to name. Perhaps with a naivete of publishing at the time, either this didn't get communicated or Murry just plowed ahead. The credit was quickly changed from just 'Brian Wilson' to just 'Chuck Berry'. Some time in the seventies, I think, it finally became 'Berry-Wilson' (check an original pressing of "Endless Summer"...?). In the early nineties Mike Love decided the lyric was his, sued, and it became 'Berry-Love'. Then in 2000 Berry's pianist Johnny Johnson sued Chuck Berry, claiming the melodies of a number of Berry hits including "Sweet Little Sixteen"...but it was ruled that he had filed too late. So accurate credits for "Surfin' USA" will probably continue to elude us. My guess would be 'Johnson-Wilson-Love'.

[@BryersMusicShowcase]

Definitely looking forward to his series! The Beach Boys have one of the most interesting careers in music. 😁

[@greggildersleeve3484]

It amazes me how you can breathe fresh life into these old stories, Matt. I feel I'm getting to know the Beach Boys as individuals and as a group in a new way. What they accomplished was truly remarkable for anyone, let alone five guys in their late teens and early 20s. Brian suffered a lot of mental health issues, but he truly could step up his game and compete with the Beatles. Very few people can say that.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Greg. They had an incredible run and through a lot of adversity. I'm working on part 2 now, so stay tuned!

[@KingHarvestHSC]

I was born in Hawthorne, CA in 1954. Those early pictures look just like the places I lived in back then.

[@markcorcoran482]

Cassius Love vs Sonny Wilson, “Yeah…well at least my nose doesn’t sound like it’s on the CRITICAL list,” features a tantalizing snippet of a Farmer’s Daughter with the oomph it deserves. And aside from the glorious trifecta of Fun, Worry, and Sun, there is, for me at any rate, the sheer delight of Pom Pom Playgirl: “She’s a head cheer-leader, she dates a quarter- back, and her best friend’s going out with a full-back, she might even run for an office this Spring, and that outa really make her telephone ring.” Looking forward to chapter two, Matt. “Four Seasons, you better believe it!”

[@strose2002]

Great job Matt. Genius switching to The Kingston Trio look! The Beach Boys are a national treasure. They've never gotten the respect they deserve. I'm super glad you're covering them. You always do a tremendous job Matt!

[@austinskaggs4184]

I’m glad you’re covering the beach boys. I can’t even tell y’all how much I love that band.

[@susanhoucke3220]

I’m 67 and always liked The Beach Boys but recently I’m obsessed. Ty for more info on this incredible group.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Plenty more to come!

[@davidg2122]

Awesome! Thank you for takin a deep dive into this national treasure.

[@cameronlewis1218]

OMG, Mike Love was a sheet metal worker!? Roger Daltrey did the same thing across the pond!

[@stevej532]

As usual,brilliant, Matt. I was lucky enough to interview original member David Marks.

[@clevebaker8399]

Simply the best on KZbin!! Pop goes the 60s!! Matt is the best! 😘🥳😉

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Much thanks, Cleve! I really appreciate it.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

The English band "The Shadows" also brought instrumental music to the radio, with similar themes. The Beatles absolutly loved The Beach Boys, their production, recording techniques, their vocal harmonies and song writing.

[@TheBitterSweetgr]

What a group, what a genius musician and composer. Brian Wilson is the Number One Mastermind of Pop. He changed popular music for good.Thanks for this,Matt.

[@Chiggerticky]

Matt helps me understand why sitting around the campfire listening to the wise ones telling oral histories brought our species across tens of thousands of years. Keep telling us the story, Matt! Thank you!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure! Thank you for the comment!

[@dmichaelelkins1]

Thanks for featuring my favorite American band, Matt! Looking forward to the rest of your series.

[@THECLARENCES]

Long live the memories of Dennis & Carl Wilson. xoxo The Clarences

[@joeshmoe7789]

I wasn't going to watch this until I realized it was Pop Goes the 60s. I'm glad I did. Very, very good. I can't wait for next part!

[@tmrezzek5728]

Great video! 'Chug-a-Lug' from the first album is one of my unabashed guilty pleasures--it's such a fun tune. And I love how they emphasize that they're chugging ROOT beer! And 'Lonely Sea'..it blows my mind to think that Brian at age 21 - 22 could write such a beautiful, moody piece.

[@amandagerrish5892]

Terrific video! I've always wanted to know more about the Beach Boys history. I remember back in 1963, early 1964, I saw the Beach Boys as being a bit "tame" compared the better British Invasion bands. Their early surfing songs were often catchy, but a bit "corny", as you say. But as their big hits came starting coming out in 1964 ("I Get Around", "Don't Worry Baby", etc.), I started to take notice. Just like all the best bands, they were evolving and developing a more sophisticated sound. I'm very much looking forward to part 2!

[@haretonic]

All Summer Long was instrumental (in my life anyway) as a precursor to the “oldies” wave that came in on the tail of the George Lucas movie, American Graffiti in the early 70’s…it plays at the end of the movie as the credits roll. Soon after there was a resurgence of 50’s-60’s music and memories that Baby Boomers were clamoring for. The TV show Happy Days hit the airwaves and we had 50’s Day at school. The Beach Boys really bridged the gap between the previous decades crooners and the British Invasion on to the psychedelic S.F. sound to come. Great work, Matt👍

[@michaelrochester48]

One thing about the beach boys that they were the first group to actually allow extraneous talk and mistakes to stay in the mix. Wendy an audible cough in instrumental break, Do it again has talking during the opening intro music, here today has talking also during the instrumental break

[@RATCLIFFE-LISTENS]

I AM A KZbin ADDICT. I SPENT THE 70’s WORKING FOR SEVERAL RECORD LABELS. YOUR PROGRAM IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF AN EXPRESSION OF INSIGHT -HARD WORK-AND MASTERY. THERE ARE VERY FEW WHO UNDERSTAND THE FUNDAMENTAL CRITERIA OF WHAT IT TAKES TO EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN REAL MUSIC FANATICS OF OUR GENERATION. YOU SPEAK TO US NOT AT US AND YOUR OPINIONS ARE PRESENTED FROM A VERY PALATABLE POSITION. THE AUDIENCE IS PART OF YOUR PROGRAM. THE EDITING IS 1st CLASS. THE FIRST ITEMS I CHOOSE TO AVOID ARE CRITICS AND LECTURERS WHO PONTIFICATE WITH LITTLE HEART AND ABSOLUTELY NO MUSIC. PLEASE KEEP UP YOUR VERY FINE WORK!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Ratcliffe - I really appreciate that. I really enjoy creating these videos and it gives me great purpose. Some of my topics come from long discourses with my viewers and the collaboration really helps me to improve my content. Plenty more to come!

[@darrowcelaya4310]

Another great documentary and brings back so many memories. The Beach Boys are one of my all-time favorites growing up in the 60s. I bought all of their records along with the Beatles. Both influenced me to take up the guitar.

[@BrixtonTone]

Really looking forward to this journey Matt. I have to admit I couldn't stand the Beach Boys in their early years. Thought their vocals were all of a sameness and their songs lyrically were saccharin , a clean cut white choir with no soul, and as some of the band members said they were not "Hip". (I was busy listening to the Beatles, the Stones and Jefferson Airplane) The Beach Boys of course went on to produce some masterpieces of music which changed my opinion. I've got a great story about two of them in my house but i'll save that for an appropriate moment in your review of their history.

[@ShelleeGraham]

Nicely 👍 done history of The Beach Boys. - nice pictures, songs clips. Great job! Looking forward to part 2!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the comment, Shellee!

[@jimk2000]

Yes indeed I grew up in the middle of the US and as you stated we lived "vicariously " thru the Beach Boys music of surfing and hot rods...I remember my friends and I going to see all the Funicello and Avalon Beach party movies at the local neighborhood theater...also had all their early 45 singles...in addition to building or putting together plastic model cars/hot rods and spent all one summer watching my neighbor rebuild a '54 Chevy into a street legal mean machine (which he totaled several weeks later but that's another story). Alas, the Beatles came on the scene and that put an end to my California dreaming and I never looked back

[@TheLukeDiamond]

NO WAYYYYYYY!!!!!! so excited youre finally doing a beach boys series!!!!!! killing!!!!!

[@johnyarusso4953]

The Beach Boys were my second favorite band in the 60s after The Beatles, and I had so many of their singles. By 64 the wrecking crew were already starting to be used on some recording sessions. You reminded me of the show Karen which I totally forgot about! 😅

[@keithlelacheur2055]

I had no idea Glen Campbell filled in for Brian Wilson at one point. I am curious to know more about the Wrecking Crews input to their work though and how much influence they had on the directions the Beach Boys were taking with their sound and music.

[@John_Fugazzi]

I'm really looking forward to this series and I'm glad you are giving them multiple chapters but then I expect that kind of thoroughness from you. The graphics for the various single and album releases are really well done. Murry was a real piece of work - he forbade Brian from seeing Gary Usher when they became good friends and began writing songs together and went ballistic on Brian for giving Surf City to Jan & Dean. The Beach Boys had Top 10 albums in an era when rock and roll was almost entirely a singles market and the album charts were dominated by Broadway shows, movie soundtracks and easy listening artists.

[@keithlelacheur2055]

It also really struck me how album focused Brian Wilson became very early still in the 60s when that wasn't the norm. I wonder if that was driven by him or the record company.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Good points John - especially them selling so many albums in the singles era. I appreciate you mentioning the graphics. I enjoy doing those even though they take too much time!

[@SanderAnderon]

you da man, Matt --- big stoke on for this series

[@nickwebb9290]

So pleased you’re doing a Beach Boys series Matt and it’s excellent. I have so many of those albums on vinyl from my teens years, later to get them all on CD too. Luckily our three sons, now grown up have a love and respect for the BB’s too and the Christmas Album still comes out every Christmas, it’s a family tradition. Looking forward to Pts 2 & 3 😁

[@markwilliams2434]

I always thought that was funny that when they put surfin was on the first album on side two, that it's faster then the 45 rpm is. Great job on this video. Bravo

[@Borella309]

I know I'm only one of many of your subscribers who have been eagerly waiting for your take on the amazing Beach Boys story! As expected, a top-rate presentation Matt. As always, thanks for your work and looking forward to the upcoming instalments of their story. All the best, Terry.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Terry - I am already working on part 2 so stay tuned!

[@kellypeterson2625]

Great job Matt. I have watched many Beach boys documentaries. but you have managed to unearth some things that I had not heard before. Thank you!

[@scottbubb2946]

Just imagine what it would be like competing with The Beatles.

[@ricjan58]

Got a pleasant surprise this morning when I found your opening segment of the Beach Boys band history ready to view. Another superb piece of work Matt.Thank you and I'll be eagerly awaiting the rest.

[@KneeAches]

Thanks Matt. Great job. You sort of confirmed what my little 12-13 year old brain thought at the time: The Beach Boys were the biggest band in America, and even after The Beatles hit town, the Beach Boys were still the big American band. That was how I felt in 63-64 and you just told me that I was pretty right. Never bought a BB LP though. They felt like a singles band, at least through 64 and early 65.

[@cthewave9955]

Very cool. Nice way to end another summer on Labor Day weekend. Well done 👍🏻

[@johnbandhauer9224]

Thanks, I really enjoyed this first part. The gem here that was new to me is "Your Summer Dream". I don't know how that didn't find its way into any of the various greatest hits albums I have on vinyl and cd. The Concert album has been a favorite for me since my childhood.

[@keithlarson9304]

Forgive spelling and punctuation errors. I've read many books on the Beach Boys and watched many specials and biographies and yet Matt brings us something that is interesting beyond all that's come before. This is the first time I've ever heard the filler tracks on Beach Boys albums. Of course I love the hits and I get bored with filler but I'm happy to hear it just to know what it was. I can see now why they call it filler. I'm 69 years old and Matt always brings something new to the table.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, I am a poor proof reader and as the say, "haste makes waste." I appreciate the support.

[@markwestervelt9708]

Once more. Great job Matt. 👍

[@misternewoutlook5437]

Watched it twice. Another great journey with a group that had no small part in the texture of 1960s music and culture. Surf music is such a "happy" and "feel good" style of rock, which is hard to dislike. The Beatles gave them a real shock though, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" was devastating. There are many anecdotes of the effect this song had on the Beach Boys and other American artists - all interesting reads. To Brian Wilson, it was the bar the Beach Boys were determined to reach. So yeah, the British Invasion with the Beatles in the vanguard posed a huge challenge. Thanks Matt for taking up this series! Can't wait for the next! Edit: Can I also say that Surfer Girl is a real beauty of a song.

[@guibezerra]

Wonderful video. Looking forward to the next episodes!

[@davidm7840]

This is the one I’ve been anticipating for a few years. As expected, loved Part 1!

[@johnnytheg]

Lonely Sea was the earliest sign of the depth of what was to become Brian Wilson's artistry. There were a couple of other indicators in subsequent albums as well. In My Room on the Surfer Girl LP and In The Back of My Mind on Today for example.

[@kirby_craft]

beach boys are my favorite band, very excited to watch all of these videos!

[@willharris3798]

I'm so looking forward to this. Matt goes deep in the ways I know you can. Do it. I'm a massive Beach Boys fan.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Will!

[@RobScuremusic]

Your content is absolutely incredible. I know The Beach Boys story very well but I’m still enthralled by your presentation. Keep up the good work!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Rob. Part 2 will be out next week so stay tuned!

[@jimclemente6546]

I think this is one of your Mona Lisa classics. Another excellent episode Matt, thank you!!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Jim... lots more to come!

[@michaelmccollister7482]

Thanks Matt! Nice way to end the summer. Great research and fascinating details. Can't wait for part 2!

[@thomasguild8675]

FANTASTIC JOB MATT!!! I remember reading somewhere that being the Beach Boys and Beatles both start with "BEA" Brian thought the Beatles were getting better promotion from Capitol records then the Beach Boys were.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Brian claimed they made up the name "Rhonda" but I don't believe him, because for a while in the early 70's I lived on 120th St in Hawthorne, a few blocks from their old place, and in the sidewalk was etched the name "Rhonda." I grew up in Michigan, and from the time I could talk I knew I should be in California. I used to come home from school in 8th Grade and immediately put "I Get Around" on the old Motorola Hi-fi. It's a wonder I didn't wear that record out, and to this day I can't think of another record that got a sound like that. A girlfriend of mine gave me a copy of their live concert album, and that was an amazingly good live album--I mean those guys DELIVERED. "All Summer Long" is, to me, a signature tune for the Beach Boys. I can't wait for Part Two.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Excellent as always! I enjoyed every second. 🙂

[@vicbertfartingclack4559]

Looking forward to seeing how you tackle the Brian Wilson vs Mike Love thing and all the rest in that mine field.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I will be tackling it in full pads.

[@michaelkenny7467]

I like how Matt does things like point out how an album cut like Lonely Sea stood above others on the Surfin’ USA album. I think it was a very early song that showed Brian Wilson’s brilliance.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That is a heavy song. Well worth highlighting!

[@Diggers5]

See the film clip of Brian singing it in the movie "Girls On The Beach".

[@rogertinker1813]

Great episode, I was born in 1960 . The beach boys was always my feel good or driving music.i have never done a deep dive into their music like I have other bands, so thank you for doing it for me years later

[@bucksdiaryfan]

I used to get into arguments at parties in college in the 1980s by arguing that the 1960s did not begin until Side 2 of "Beach Boys Today!" ... over the years the conventional wisdom has moved toward me as the record is now widely considered a classic

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That is a good starting point - when music started to get serious.

[@bucksdiaryfan]

@@popgoesthe60s52 When I was making that argument, the Beach Boys were about the squarest band you could mention, but the newer generations consider them very cool

[@JDKingStratslinger]

My second LP was Surfer Girl! Christmas, 1964. (First was The Animals.) Boomer proud!

[@pedrorocha9722]

Now this is a serious undertaking....And I'm sure good work will be done through their hard times, from 1966 onwards. I look forward for it. Great early days here. Even if they ended aroud this time, late 64, they wouldn't be a music footnote in pop musc history.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I have a lot of work ahead of me, but it is always rewarding to finish a big series.

[@jonnuanez7183]

My mom told me a story once about how her and her best friend went to this school dance in Hawthorne, CA. My mom was walking down a hallway looking for the dance when, she said, this tall and clean cut kid asked her if she knew where the backstage area was as he and his friends were to play that night. She didn't know, he said "ok, thanks" and just walked off. A very few short years later, she was watching Ed Sullivan and noticed that the kid that asking her about the backstage area was on the TV singing I Get Around (she said the song sounded familiar from the dance, as in they played it then) It was Brian Wilson that she spoke with. This was 1961 when her brush with pre-fame took place.

[@Ms.W529]

I’ve just discovered your channel, and I love it. It’s my generation.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Welcome and thank you for subscribing!

[@craigharrell7144]

Love to see one on Steppenwolf or The Beau Brummels.

[@Doctor_Robert]

11:42 "In My Room" is definitely more sophisticated as far as arrangement, but I think "There's A Place" on Please Please Me is very similar... similar vibes.

[@ernestoborrego5102]

Ah, Brian Wilson, my favorite! Can’t wait for the rest!

[@artsahobby123]

I am currently reading "I Am Brian Wilson." I grew up in Hawthorne as well.

[@marky.mark.g]

I once heard someone say, "The difference between the Beach Boys and the Beatles is that the Beatles had three Brian Wilsons". Great video; looking forward to the rest of the series

[@matthewashman1406]

Brian was a genius, the rest were also rans

[@ms8596]

5 Brian Wilson's - don't forget how much George Martin's arranging and producing was to the Beatles sound and success.

[@marky.mark.g]

@@ms8596 Calling Ringo a Brian Wilson is a little bit of a stretch, so let's meet in the middle and say four ;)

[@ms8596]

@@marky.mark.g Didn't even think of Ringo. He was along for the ride. I meant one George Martin as arranger to Brian Wilson, plus the other George Martin as producer to Brian Wilson. Two separate and huge activities George Martin performed for the Beatles and Brian performed for the Beach Boys.

[@marky.mark.g]

@@ms8596 Very astute analysis

[@Sp33gan]

I was looking forward to this installment, Matt, and I'm definitely not disappointed. A deep dive into the background as well as the multitude of tracks I've loved for so many years. While Murry Wilson can be credited for instilling in Brian the drive to be competitive, it was also Murry who drove into Brian's head that if he had to be the best. While Brian's competitive nature gave us so many incredible songs, the toll on Brian was immense as, time after time, The Beatles would top him or would push themselves to produce something better than Brian had just done. The thin line between genius and madness is a treacherous tightrope to walk. From The Beach Boys' early albums, I love a large number of the filler tracks. A lot of these could be A-sides to lesser bands. Sometimes there were ones I'd happily lift the needle and skip to the next track. Thankfully, there were less of these as time passed. Over time I learned that, while I love the early hits where Mike Love sings lead vocals, I'm always especially thrilled when Carl takes lead. Carl Wilson had the voice of an angel. For me personally, I was blessed with the ability to sing and I learned harmonies mostly from three groups - The Everly Brothers, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys. I sang in various choirs and with the exception of some scatting solos in my high school Jazz choir, harmonies becoming a specialty. I helped form my first band at 40 (it's never too late!) Over the years, like Brian Wilson, I had to fight my natural shyness to stand on a stage and get used to people looking at me. When we recorded our (one and only) album, I found I could hear arrangements before we did them. With one exception, our album was all original and so much fun to make. While I am certainly no Brian Wilson, I think I felt a little of what he must have when his 'babies' became actual recorded music. There's a joy in making music. There's a joy in hearing these old Beach Boys tracks again, accompanied with your well researched dialogue. Thank you, as always, Matt ☺♥ P.S. - I'm not sure if you're planning on getting into the wealth of contributions the Wrecking Crew provided but, if you've not seen it, I highly recommend the documentary called The Wrecking Crew. The work of this studio group would make a fascinating video or two for you. Or three. heh heh

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the kind words. And congrats on your lone album - that is one more than I have! I do play a bit and even that is a joy so I can imagine what it must feel like to make music the masses love. I have seen the wrecking crew doc and what's more, I have read the book! I may do a doc on them at some point.

[@NoviJimB]

Nice job. I've seen documentaries and read many articles, etc. over the years about them, but this is a nice summation of what went on in those earlier days, with some detail you don't normally get. They were one of very few bands who were big before The Beatles who kept going, and even progressing, after Beatlemania. And Brian had to come up with all the music. I can see why he had some issues, it was up to him to not only write the music but arrange and produce and forge the direction of the band. That's a lot to handle. Who knows what might have happened later on if his issues hadn't becaome so serious. There was a best of compilation that a friend's brother had in the early 70's. I tried to find it on the web and couldn't. It was a huge collection of songs, four or five albums. My friend brought it over to our house in about 1972 and we listened to that a lot. Not sure when it was released, it might have been from the late 60's. I'd be curious to know if anyone else remembers that. If I remember right it was packages similarly to 'All Things Must Pass', in a sort of 'box'. It had all their hits and a lot of deeper album cuts.

[@kengemmer]

Loved the show! The Beach Boys seemed as essential to our life in the 60s as the air we breathed. You brought back the music and visual style of their early days. That recording of dad, Murray, in the studio succinctly captured the challenge to the groups reative process posed by his abusive narcissism. Brian's insecurities reminded me of those of another creative genius of the 60s--John Lennon.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Ken! I appreciate the comments.

[@jackybluj]

My husband is a big Beach Boys fan. I was watching a documentary about Brian Wilson today on KZbin and accidentally closed the app. Here comes Matt to the rescue! If there is anything I want to know about my favorite time in music, I can count on you, Matt. I always have a nice visit with an interesting friend.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Jacky... that is very nice of you to say.

[@gasgaslex_photos]

Another enjoyable video

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

Dang! I was all settled in to watch the whole series tonight.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I WISH I had them all done! Very soon though.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Looking forward to you covering the "Sunflower" album.

[@heinkle1]

Credit to you for taking on this behemoth!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It was very intimidating to do and I began work on it about 2 years ago, so I am near the end of my journey.

[@zachespinoza1794]

OH MY GOD IT'S HAPPENING- THIS IS MY SUPERBOWL EVERYBODY

[@frankmarullo228]

I gotta tell you my friend being that I'm almost 70 years old. I remember all the songs and groups you do videos on. EXCEPT FOR THE BEATLES I never forgot anything I know about them.. Gotta tell you I miss the hell out or those days. PS still waiting for the rotery phone to come back. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.....

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Frank! Thank you for the support.

[@frankmarullo228]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I'll always support you and your channle

[@johnnymac4997]

smashing...you're covering my favourite at last!!! TY

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for the feedback Johnny! Working on the next part now, so stay tuned.

[@daddybog7189]

Nicely put together, continued success.

[@soulfoodie1]

Thank you so much for doing this. This is going to be excellent! The music of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys means a lot to many people

[@wyliesmith4244]

Matt, 30 seconds in only, but BIG thanks for starting the music with "'Til I Die."