The Beach Boys , Good Vibrations - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@guillermomenehanez2476]

I want you to listen to " God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys. I think it is their best ever

[@bruceschmidt8752]

I opened up the comments to ask this also

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

Pet Sounds in its magnificient entirety

[@williamthelast1]

The song that Paul McCartney wishes to write.

[@opentuned289]

Yes, i also think so. There are many beautiful pop songs and then "god only knows".

[@feminist5641]

Agreed. Brian Wilson created a masterpiece

[@elypevets5633]

This 3 minute track was finally completed after more than 100 working hours in the studio. Brian Wilson is a genius

[@downeybill]

pretty sure that was more than 100 hours, unless you are talking about one marathon session.

[@darrylprice3444]

Paul McCartney said God Only Knows is the perfect song. Listen to the original version please.

[@pointlessmanatee]

paul mccartney is a cia psyop

[@violoncelo1000]

agreed. i though exactly the same..

[@johndennis5233]

.... and to think its from brother to brother - very moving.

[@stuBdoc]

Brian Wilson was a true genius of writing and arranging. Unexpected chord changes, key changes, bizarre harmonies, etc., even in their oldest and simplest songs. This, of course, is really a suite, and I can never forget the impact that this song had upon its release.

[@PrixtoTNT]

The Beach Boys's harmonies are so beautiful to listen to

[@drmauriciodiaz]

Carol Kaye’s bass line in this song is just priceless.

[@orcaflotta7867]

She da bestest!

[@garytorresani8846]

She is the goat in bass guitar.

[@dobs407]

Carol Kaye played some unused sessions but the actual bass parts on record were Carl Wilson, Bill Pittman, Ray Pohlman, and Lyle Ritz

[@glennlove295]

@@dobs407correct.

[@glennlove295]

Brian wrote the bass line.

[@nedwards58]

Musically speaking, this song is a master piece. So many variants: Different octaves, different tempo, off beat, on beat, great orchestration...and let's not forget the lyrics

[@robertlear2712]

I was in my car listening to the radio in 1966 when this song came on. It made such an impression that could show you where I was on the road when I heard it.

[@hellooutsiders6865]

Man, no matter how much I listen to this song, it gives me goosebumps.

[@ricardorgomez]

Wow... I thought I had listened to every song and version of Beach Boys songs. This extended version is completely new to me. When I started listening to music and discovering my taste, Beach Boys was definitely on my list. They just capture the vibe of youth so perfectly. Of course, the music has a beauty and artistry to it. It's complex while sounding simple. Brian Wilson I consider to be a musical genius who wrote most if not all of their songs. Beach Boys are eternal. So happy you so adamantly enjoyed them.

[@mfb3042]

Never heard this long version. Some sounds shocked me. It's a smoother ride with the single that was aired all the time.

[@k2peek]

This is the version on the newer release of the "SMiLE Sessions". Essentially the album version.

[@davidbeattie4294]

I was 12 when this song broke. It uplifts me every time I hear it. There's a magic in the melodies and in the sheer energy the song creates. Love it.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

She is such a nice lady! Hard to believe she hasn't heard this beyond-iconic song before, but she's way too young to have been around when it was popular. And classical musicians are very absorbed in their own musical world. She has a very expressive face. The soul of an artist, I believe. Thanks for the video. I haven't heard this version of Good Vibrations before. I'm not used to it.

[@bbb462cid]

The Beach Boys are astounding. People seem to not know how deep their catalog is, and think they are only 'Fun Fun Fun Ooooh Beach Girl Sand Sun'. Brian Wilson is a genius.

[@earinsound]

100%

[@crtune]

There were some amazing musicians on this recording. The soaring electronic instrument is Theremin, which is played by Paull Tanner who was for decades the Trombone Professor at U.C.L.A. and before that was the principal trombone with the Glenn Miller Orchestra during 1938 to 1942 or its entire formal run under Miller. He was a respected part of the studio trombone community in Los Angeles, and one of a very few who played Theremin. As trombonists we are a bit like cellists in the sense that we have no fret or valve reference, but have "positions" which guide us as to pitch. But we can hit infinite possible specific pitches just like with the string family. And like with cello we have a lengthy "throw" of our hand or arm to move from spot to spot on the instrument. Nonetheless, we have to get very precise as to WHERE we put our hand (with the slide; like with pressing on the string on a cello). This means playing an instrument which recognizes how close our hand is to a bar (like Theremin) will seem similar to our horn once we work with it and get used to it.

[@FSAPOJake]

Beach Boys were FULL of complex, beautiful compositions like this. Even during their "Beach, surfing, girls, fun fun fun" days they had beautiful songs like "In My Room"

[@jerryjohnson4625]

I've been loving and digging this song since 19 68. I've never heard the hum de hum version.. A genius at work. Love your open mind and your reactions. I couldn't have said it better.

[@mickfoster7140]

The Beach Boys and the Beatles had a friendly rivalry and mutual admiration. I actually saw the Beach Boys live at Wembly in 1975, I wasn't expecting much as they were supporting Elton John but they stole the show. Fantastic.

[@warnersf]

What a joy to see her react with such genuine delight.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

This song is one of greatest most brilliant pop tunes ever. It makes me stop and listen and marvel every time...cello, theremin, farfisa organ, tamborine...its just brilliant.

[@dunki-dunki-dawg]

Love the bass harmonica.

[@geraldspencer8679]

The Beach Boys were the first rock and roll group I fell in love with when I moved to the States in the early 80's. This must be the first time I've heard Good Vibrations at this length. This must be an extended version. Loved it!

[@banditski]

I'm in my 50s now, but I grew up listening to the Beach Boys (and even more Beatles) because my dad played them all the time. Of all the memories of this song, the one that stands out the most is how absolutely hilarious it was in the original Superman in 1978 when Christopher Reeve first makes his appearance as Superman, he interrupts some random bad guys stealing a boat or something, and one of the bad guys smashes a crowbar across Superman's back. The crowbar starts vibrating wildly as if he struck a brick wall, and Superman turns around and looks at the would-be attacker and simply asks "Bad Vibrations?" Eight year old me thought that was just the funniest thing such that I still remember it these many decades later.

[@redadamearth]

"God Only Knows" is Wilson's masterpiece (although there are definitely some others that would compete for that title, especially from the "Smile" sessions), but "God Only Knows" is the most beautiful pop song ever recorded.

[@bolder2009]

The Beatles's She's Leaving Home is on the same level. I think both songs are perfect. Brian has other contenders that's for sure.

[@larrybremer4930]

Wouldn’t It Be Nice is also a great song and composition. So many of Brian Wilsons catalog are like classical compositions composed of multiple movements instead of the normal verse, and maybe a bridge, and a chorus. Also lots of use of non traditional instrumentation which I think both the Beach Boys and Beatles both were some of the original groups to do that. I am still waiting for a pop song to feature a Didgeridoo.

[@mikedonoghues4018]

Brian Wilson says that “Darlin’” is his best song - and I’m inclined to agree. But “God Only Knows” runs it very close.

[@bolder2009]

@@larrybremer4930 I believe Kate Bush did that on The Dreaming.

[@NancyPollyCy]

I'm so glad you immediately picked up my favorite thing about the Beach Boys' music: It's FUN! I'm 70, and I still love driving down a country highway in the summer, with my sunroof open, blasting the Beach Boys as loud as my Harmon Kardon car stereo can go. Well, almost as loud. After which, of course, I go home and return to my normal staid and dignified self, my secret obsession unsuspected.

[@aliciahager2961]

Definitely a toe-tapper!

[@OZRIC1985]

I have always loved everything about this masterpiece of a song! The "chugging" of the triplets on the cellos was such an amazing idea as they really get the song going. Of course, the vocal harmonies are just unparalleled, and the great Carol Kaye's bass line is so creative, and absolutely perfect for the song. :)

[@kentroskelley1389]

The tight harmonies and falsetto voices blend as only relatives voices can. Grew up with The Beach Boys music. Great songs that lift your mood.

[@davelister6085]

You really should do the entire PET SOUNDS album. It is complete genius. It was so original it inspired the Beatles. Not many can say that

[@billythedog-309]

lt had 3 or 4 good songs.

[@scooternutmick]

I totally agree. I still listen to Pet Sounds all the time.

[@sonic1971va]

A perfect album, and a perfect encapsulation of Brian Wilson's genius. It's so good.

[@levindy6]

@@billythedog-309 just like sgt pepper

[@hippydippy]

I was just gonna type that. It's a masterpiece.

[@LeeKennison]

I'm so glad that you have finally returned to the Beach Boys with this song. This is the first time you have heard one of their big hits (they have several), since you had only heard a deeper cut early in the channel. They and the Beatles had a friendly rivalry and mutual admiration. The Beach Boys were the quintessential sunny Southern California beach music band. I'm really glad that you enjoyed this so much and found so many qualities to like about it. I loved all your descriptions and imagery of how you were experiencing this song. You picked up on their positive upbeat, have fun and embrace life quality. They have several more with a similar vibe that I think you will also enjoy. A really enjoyable reaction!

[@Blend42]

Thank you for coming back to the Beach Boys, your first video ever was This Whole World and I for one have been waiting a long time for you to hear some more Beach Boys. Good Vibrations is in many ways the most realised Beach Boys song and huge hit at the time (1966). I will mention that the edit you listened too has an extra part of the sessions that wasn't in the 66 single mix towards the end (humm dee da section) that was released a bit over 10 years ago and an extended outro. As much as I love that bit (and I've enjoyed a fan edit XXXL 13 minute version of this song) , the original edit is slightly tighter and historically correct as 66 Brian Wilson's vision) People should understand the scale of the musical production of this song. It took mostly 4 months to create and there was supposedly 90 hours of tape recorded between multiple takes of multiple parts and sessions for the lead and backing vocals. This song was done in a modular way, with 4 different studios being used and all the pieces done separately and then spliced together on tape which was revolutionary for pop music. The cost of this song was unpreceded for the time. Brian Wilson wrote the entire melodic structure and arranged all the instruments and almost all the vocals for this song and produced on it. His voice can be prominently heard during the chorus on the high part as well as doubling the lead singer Carl Wilson's verse lead briefly in the verse. I have to say the cellos go hard in this song in the chorus and outro. Not sure if you noticed the electro-theremin going on in the chorus and in the bridge/outro but it's certainly a unique instrument. I hope you don't wait so long to do another Beach Boys song, you should definitely consider high profile hits/critical favourites like God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, I Get Around, Sloop John B, When I Grow Up (to Be a Man), Heroes and Villains (Smile edit), Don't Worry Baby, Surfer Girl, Surf's up, Don't Worry Baby, etc but you should also consider excellent deeper cuts like you did for This Whole World including, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, Cabin Essence, All I Wanna Do, Vega-Tables, The Night Was So Young, Cool, Cool Water, Please Let Me Wonder, Funky Pretty, Busy Doin' Nothin' and Time To Get Alone (for starters :P ). The Beach Boys have an impressive body of work that will reward you.

[@Blend42]

Might add the "bio pic" of Brian Wilson covering 2 periods of his life interspaced is quite excellent, here is part of the scene covering this song (I don't think it spoils anything) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4HQZaGNZ8qbma8si=Rm47DzBRfWLLiWx8

[@susanneg2824]

Please honor Til I Die. Beautiful. Makes you FEEL!!!!

[@markcorcoran482]

YES!

[@trishlarocca]

There has never been a day in my life I haven't known this song. Your reaction made me so happy. To grow up with this joy in my life for so many years is such a blessing! So glad you found it!

[@susanneg2824]

The Warmth of the Sun!!!! Gorgeous.

[@brettdrought6181]

What you hear is the Beach Boys on the vocals. The music is played, as so much of the music from this era was, by the incredible studio musician group called The Wrecking Crew. The Wrecking Crew played on most every hit of this time. From Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to The Monkees and Sonny and Cher. Many of the musicians from the Wrecking Crew went on to have very successful careers on their own. Glen Campbell, Leon Russell and Daryl Dragon (The Captain from Captain & Tenille) all were very successful.

[@sallymarkey3759]

The Wrecking Crew were my generation’s unsung heroes. So pleased that I finally know of them.

[@martyjansing2675]

Come on now you can't forget Carol Kaye on BASS.

[@brettdrought6181]

@@martyjansing2675 You are right. How could I ever forget Carol Kaye. The Beat Goes On.

[@manlioyllades]

The Electro-Theremin! That Carol Kaye's electric bass line in counterpoint with the double bass! The cello triplets! The Wrecking Crew shining with their musicianship! And of course the genius of Brian Wilson producing. This is what makes masterpieces.

[@EddieFunkowitz]

No, that's not Carol Kaye. Her parts didn't make the final cut of the song. Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman and Lyle Ritz play the Fender bass on the released single. At various points in the song they switch to upright bass, joining Jimmy Bond and Arthur Wright on that instrument.

[@manlioyllades]

@@EddieFunkowitz Thanks for the correction. So who came with the bassline idea then? Carol has always said it's hers.

[@TheStacanova]

You should really check out the entire “Pet Sounds” album by The Beach Boys! Brian Wilson was a genius. You can also find instrumental & Vocal Only mixes for pretty much every song on the record, which may be an interesting way to further dissect the music. There’s so much to the vocal & musical arrangements, listening to them as a whole and then separating them make’s different things stand out, that you may not notice on first listen. I would also recommend the remastered Stereo Mix of the album. Thanks!

[@TheFlowNetwork]

As a classical musician you will appreciate the song "Surf's Up" from the "Smile" album. It was analyzed and featured by Leonard Bernstein in a TV documentary about Pop music in the 1960's. One of Brian Wilson's most sophisticated compositions.

[@stuart_oneill]

That show was Brilliant. It should be shown and duplicated with modern artists today.

[@samdoherty2284]

It was actually the director David Oppenheim who talks about Surf’s Up” by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks for the 1967 tv documentary “Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution”, not Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein talked about The Beatles songs like “Good Day Sunshine” during the documentary.

[@mfield2921]

You have to give "Surf's up" by Beach Boys a listen.

[@booneh]

Surf’s Up is probably Brian Wilson’s masterpiece. Which is not an easy choice.

[@modernworldiscrap]

from smille sessions (2011)

[@loomer2256]

​@@modernworldiscrapnah, 1971 version is better

[@hellooutsiders6865]

Til I Die is great too....well, the whole album is great.

[@QBRX]

Yeah, absolutely love Surf's Up. Never given the appreciation that it deserved

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Psychedelic Love Buzz Beauty. Vibrations abound. Great commentary. I knew you’d like this one. Thanks Virgin Rock. Odd mix in this release but it’s all good. Amazing song

[@daveking9393]

Very very enjoyable. Thanks so much for all you do!

[@hays9008]

Utter masterclass

[@rongoad2581]

I've been listening to this song ever since it was new. You have perceived aspects I've appreciated but nobody else has ever expressed. Wow!

[@jgperez]

What you listened to is not the original from the 1960s! It is an alternate version with additional instrumental and vocal parts not in the original release. Compare, for example, the ending stating at appx 7:50 in your clip with the original ending from 3:14 in the official version you have in the link you provide. Did you do this consciously? Could you do a little addendum to this clip commparing, for example, the two endings? Thereis a hugely complicated history to this song and the album it was intended for, SMILE, but my point is this is not the version that had such an impact at the time and since, I'd love you take on what was originally released.

[@timothystockman7533]

The original mix is in mono, also, as are many of the Beach Boys hits.

[@Blend42]

This edit also has the hum dee dum section inserted differing from the 66 mix.

[@megamancards]

Yeah and the uneasy/unsure nature of the original at the one point in the song is kind of left behind in the new version.

[@WayneKitching]

I expected the lush vocal chord after the harmonica (?) solo, not hum dee dum. Still a great song and it's wonderful to see Amy's joy at her first listen. Probably similar to people in the 60s hearing it for the first time.

[@sharonsnail2954]

There is a lack of understanding among reactors that through the 1960s AM radio and the 45 single in mono was the currency and THAT'S what they should react to. That is the version which made the impact, made #1 etc. (Also Vlad doesn't seem to research anything.)

[@goatuscrow4135]

“Caroline, No” is sublime BEACH BOYS.

[@stefanb6539]

Beach Boys are a weird starting location to search for the sublime. They seem so firmly rooted on the side of beauty.

[@goatuscrow4135]

@@stefanb6539 Nice! But the definition of “sublime” is “great excellence or beauty”.

[@user-ky6vw5up9m]

I saw Brian Wilson play this live. I recall three hired-in Cellists (whom Brian said were from Sweden) frantically playing the chorus part with their long hair flying.

[@BrianRandall-v8c]

The quacking sound is a bass harmonica. They were used a lot in harmonica bands in the 1950s but not used a lot after that.

[@StepsOfStPhilips]

There is a Beach Boys covers band here in Brighton called “Brighton Beach Boys” that is so authentic they actually employ a bass harmonica. They are all musicians with chops, including members of Electric Soft Parade and The Divine Comedy, and was started by Ralph Brown, who played the drug deale, Danny, in Withnail and I.

[@booneh]

Also used to great effect throughout Pet Sounds. There’s even a solo on I Know There’s An Answer.

[@jmkqfnvyl87]

The top voice in that section is also a harmonica. I love the sound.

[@five5x]

Til I die will always be my favourite Beach Boys song.

[@samuellowekey9271]

I'm so glad you listened to this song, it's an absolute classic

[@robertmills8640]

You should check out Heroes and Villains, and/or Surfs Up. Very creative tunes.

[@wildsmiley]

And 'Mrs. O'Leary's Cow' ( aka Fire)'

[@Felonious_Punk]

I think I cried. Thank you for helping me relive my first time hearing this. Or first time, really, hearing it!

[@Ranseler]

I'm nearly 60 and that's the first time I'd ever heard this version. I think I prefer the original, but this was interesting.

[@andylove9961]

I think this version is from the Smile sessions box-set rather than the released version from 66/67. There's other versions on the box-set including one with a fuzz guitar ending. Apparently took Brian Wilson six months to finalise the single version using many different studios.

[@danl.909]

Agree that the original is better. Somebody vandalized the fade, adding a tasteless bit of electronic noodling that spoiled the ending.

[@neil993]

This version (that every reactor seems to react to sadly) just doesnt have the impact of the original single release, too many unnecessary additions, and the dum de dum bit in the middle is criminal. It's better in mono I think too. Its still great obviously, but this version could never be considered a contender for greatest single ever released.

[@ChrisMcKeown560]

Whoa. I'm 44 and today I learned that this isn't the original version! I'll go check it out, thanks!

[@airbrushpower]

I'm 50 and same. We had the LP growing up and thats the only Version I've ever heard. This was new. To quote you "prefer the original, but this was interesting"

[@RealisticMusicFan]

I love that you're loving this. It blows my mind that someone can live their entire life and not come across this song somehow, somewhere- on radio, in a grocery store, on a CD player, in a car, etc. It was one of the biggest hits of the 1960s! a stone, classic. Dive deep into the Beach Boys catalog. There's much to discover from 1964 to 1971!

[@venisontron]

I am here to echo what I'm sure many others are saying, which is that you should listen to "God Only Knows". If I remember correctly, Paul McCartney said it was the greatest rock song ever.

[@Richard2003]

Paul said it was the greatest love song.

[@brianbell3836]

'If you would ever leave me, though life would go on, believe me.' A beautiful couplet, summing the loss of love. This is a person who has known loneliness.

[@aliciahager2961]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful musical journey through this Brian Wilson - Mike Love piece of work! I enjoyed your descriptive reaction. It's often difficult to hear through all the various layers built into any piece of music, and I appreciate the value of your musical experience walking us through this piece. Thank you! Lookinf forward to more of your reactions!

[@Veritas-TheGoader]

Everything the Wrecking Crew is involved with is golden!!!!

[@bbraun4966]

Yes-they made this possible.

[@anthonygriffin9275]

I second that! The Wrecking Crew provides the backing of SO many songs that are the soundtrack of my life!

[@FloweredUp-n4t]

The OP obviously hasn't ever heard Sonny Bono's Inner Visions album.

[@MichaelDaley-l6i]

Not everyone,Carl played some guitar,& Brian played some organ & piano.But for me,it’s not only the music,that makes this,one of the greats,it’s the vocals too.

[@Cap6302]

Right on. The greatest group of musicians of the time

[@edgarsnake2857]

I feel good every time I hear this. Loved your reaction.

[@ifandwhen-kl2cr]

This track deserves a follow-up analysis. It takes more than one listen to digest, and needs a deeper dive!

[@Stantonv]

This my favorite video of yours. I feel your joy!

[@kohula1]

I always found the Beach Boys to be an evolution of a barbershop quartet per se, with Brian Wilson taking the forefront and the addition of instrumentals to supplement their voices. The music they put together makes me think that they loved to experiment with various instruments and that they had fun with it! Good Vibrations all around.

[@danmayberry1185]

Barbershop, absolutely. Heroes and Villains, Warmth of the Sun, Sloop John B. ...

[@mkilptrick]

I love your approach to these songs. Thankyou Amy.

[@daveheesen9174]

I ALWAYS learn something when is watch your videos...for me the lyrics of a song are usually just voice sounds Ive know this song since I was 8 years old..always liked it but never paid atteniion to the words...it seems to be thematically simelar to the Flower Girl ( I know thats not the title) song...have a whole new apprecation for this song thanks

[@beesleyc]

It's wonderful watching someone get as much joy as I do from listening to this, all face and fingers and arms. Somebody's probably already pointed it out, but towards the end there, those sweet little yearning notes up there and the quacking duck are both harmonicas. If somebody hasn't already suggested Cabinessence... There's even a backing track of it on the Good Vibrations box set. Piano, banjo, flute, harmonica on the verses; sawing cellos, electric fuzz bass and little 'up there' harmonic things that I believe are guitar strings being plucked up by the tuning keys on the chorus. For another wondrous suite from across the pond a year later, try The Kinks' Autumn Almanac. Thanks again, keep it up.

[@69Mucci]

One of the greatest songs in history, Brian Wilson spent several months piecing this song together. This is a slightly longer mix of the song.

[@johnmontonye9660]

Great review. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Love how you recognized it for the wonderful song it is right off the bat. I have to admit it was fun seeing your joy in hearing it for the first time. Some songs take time to appreciate. Others you know immediately, and this is one of those.

[@pestergaines]

Speaking of letting the sunshine in... how about checking out Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In by the 5th Dimension? That's certainly a classic that should provide plenty of entertainment. :)

[@pirobot668beta]

Just about every song from the musical 'Hair' was solid gold.

[@Upe-f9c]

It´s been on my playlist since it was released. One of the great ones.

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

The beach boys "surfs up"...a masterpiece

[@antikdeela5625]

Agreed, owned the vinyl since the 70's

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

@antikdeela5625 I think who ever is actually running this channel is not a Beach Boys fan....some of these songs/bands I'm like WHO???

[@edwardbanane9643]

Once again Virgin you have outdone yourself with this ecxpert analysis.😁

[@armindogomes5553]

You must listen (and see) to "Heroes and Villans" (with the introduction "Our Prayer"/"Gee" ) 2004 version from "Brian Wilson Presents Smile"!!!!!

[@mercurywoodrose]

Every composer alive should listen to this album whether you’re a classical composer, a jazz composer, opera rock country you name it if you skip Brian Wilson’s smile, you’re not listening to music

[@KJ-4321]

I was so happy to see this song today! The Beach Boys harmonies are incredible & Brian has so much talent & creativity. He is deaf in his right ear. I also will mention “God only knows” & “Sloop John B” I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction & information. I never thought about the organ part like you did… I love it!

[@garytorresani8846]

Knew that. I’m deaf in my left ear and Brian was an inspiration for me to have a music career. He is my hero along with Annie Haslem of renaissance who is also severely hearing impaired.

[@BlindGordie]

Hearing this song reminds me, any consideration for a series on The King's Singers? I know they've covered songs which you have heard and some songs, which you haven't yet as well as the usual repertoire of spirituals and other things outside rock. Hearing the song done by both The Beach Boys and The King's Singers one after the other gave me the idea, as their rendition is done a half step lower.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Didn't The Kings' Singers do one of my favourite comedy songs, their version of the Highway Code (That's the UK manual for new drivers)?

[@BlindGordie]

@@robertwilloughby8050 I haven't heard it, but I'm not surprised if they did.

[@jeffkooistra264]

So glad you found your way to Good Vibrations! It's been my all time favorite song for 50 years.

[@brianbenny6790]

God only knows, you need to react to God Only Knows.

[@altair8598]

Spot on Amy. It's a dilemma showcasing new bands versus digging deeper into their output. But you are doing a great job. This in is inarguably a lasting classic. At this time The Beach Boys and The Beatles were continually being inspired by and leaf-frogging each other with each successive album.

[@mmanes100]

Amy, you should listen more Beach Boys songs. The song God Only Knows is the Paul Maccartney prefer one ever.

[@wkmphoto]

I so love this song, and it pulls me into the feeling of it. I like it even more now that I watch your reaction to it, so priceless.

[@ClandOp]

The modulations in this song are at another level. Really more like Pink Floyd than any American band. You can see why there are comparisons to Bohemian Rhapsody because of all the melodic and lyrical themes that are introduced. Brilliant. And this was released at the acceleration of the Vietnam War and was like a balm to soldiers overseas.

[@danclark745]

yes, very cool, this is done in the mix and this particular version is nuts, had my head spinning, I thought it was the original, what instrument plays for the most bars all the way through? Brian clearly had George Martin in his sites, it is more like Syd's Floyd, it could've been on Piper at the Gates of Dawn!

[@brockmiles6597]

Todd Rundgren released an album called Tribute which was an homage to the songs he loved. On it he covered Good Vibrations and got it note for note AND played all the instruments.

[@ghost79ish]

I love this band. I feel like if I was around when them in the Beatles were both kind of competing for whatever they were competing for, I probably would have been more into the Beach boys than the Beatles. Don't get me wrong, love the Beatles as well. Be sure to check out 'God only knows'... Absolute masterpiece.

[@kmars21]

I loved it! the looks on your face hearing this for the first time was priceless !

[@henryvanderzwan9134]

Legendary Carol Kaye on bass guitar ladies and gentlemen.

[@EddieFunkowitz]

Not quite. While Carol Kaye is indeed a legend who played on many Beach Boys hits, she doesn't actually play bass on Good Vibrations. During the months-long recording process for that record she did play some bass guitar parts that weren't used in Brian Wilson's final edit. The hit single released in 1966 ultimately features FIVE bass players: Jimmy Bond, Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman, Lyle Ritz and Arthur Wright.

[@henryvanderzwan9134]

@@EddieFunkowitz Oh my! That I didn't know. Thanks for clarifying. Five bass players that's incredible.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

Your joyful reaction was so immediate. I love it. :) I think this is one of the very best songs of this era of music. I hear it as a celebration of life, which a lot of their music was, but it's on such a large scale and with so many different sounds that it feels like they're trying to capture all of life's joy in one piece. It doesn't feel frivolous (even if it's still fun) like some of their early stuff can. It feels real. The whole Pet Sounds album is really like this too. Other commenters have recommended God Only Knows, and I do too.

[@alanpeterson4939]

If you want a happy rock song…. Mr. Blue Sky by ELO is probably the happiest song ever written.

[@Jamie_E_Pritchard]

And scientifically proven to be so too! 😁

[@paulcollins5586]

Theres loads better.

[@rods6741]

@@paulcollins5586please tell us. we might be thinking of the same songs.

[@vs4798]

To each his own. Hearing Ozzy sing " Sweat Leaf " during his Sabbath days puts a big smile on my face. 🎸🎵🎶

[@averageaimer8533]

Good Day Sunshine is more happy for me. Mr blue sky is a fleeting celebration . He’s been gone, he comes back, then he has to go again.

[@hellooutsiders6865]

I haven't watched your channel in forever but I always used to recommend the Beach Boys to you. I'm glad this came up in my feed, I just wish it was 13 days sooner!

[@EddieFunkowitz]

More Beach Boys songs please!!

[@troye43]

I love how into this song you were! That's why music is so amazing and impactful.

[@frankshannon340]

The drums, that will be Hal Blaine from the Wrecking Crew.

[@EddieFunkowitz]

Unless it is Jim Gordon, who also played drums on this track -- along with Frank Capp on bongos. All members of the Wrecking Crew.

[@frankshannon340]

@@EddieFunkowitz Hal Blaine talks about playing on Good Vibrations and there is some film footage of him playing on the track. I came to learn later that so much of the music I loved was a kid was actually the Wrecking Crew.

[@surfohio]

there is footage of Brian directing Hal to really hit the drums, its awesome seeing them work together

[@dawngraham8241]

I cannot believe that have never heard this version ever before! I was born a few months before this song was released. It's my favorite songs from The Beach Boys. 58 years and it's like a new song to me now!

[@geopapa80]

Listen to "the warmth of the sun"

[@susanneg2824]

I know, it’s simply lovely.

[@ian-nz-2000]

I love the way you bring new insights into songs that I have known and loved my entire life!

[@ashtar8630]

The fact that it’s not the “original” version and she’s still completely blown away by it says something about the song.

[@fredkrissman6527]

I'm not wanting to be a stick in the mud, but I like the "original" release version better...

[@Ki11erAce]

Great reaction, Amy. The Beach Boys started out as a "Surf Music" band, but grew to be so much more, but It got me thinking maybe it would be fun to do some other surf music. The Ventures "Wipe Out" with it's duelling drum solos is a fun song, for example. Loving your Channel. I take a break from work every morning, and can't wait to get home to watch that day's Virgin Rock. Keep up the great work. :D

[@robertgomori7913]

I never heard that version before, sounded kinda wierd.😮

[@stephensmith3111]

You say weird like it's a bad thing.

[@josiahcole3186]

It’s from the Smile Sessions, would’ve been included as the album version on Smile

[@donjindra]

@@stephensmith3111 Bad, no. It's not as good, that's all.

[@sallymarkey3759]

Loved watching you enjoy this lovin’ good group.

[@7rd8]

That "vibration" you hear during the chorus is a theremin. A unique instrument worth reading about.

[@georgezee5173]

While it sounds pretty much like a theremin, it actually was a "tannerin", which is an even more unique instrument. The main difference is that while the theremin is a "contactless" (you play with your hands moving in the air), the tannerin is played sliding your finger on it, so it's actually easier to play (they would even have a reference keyboard drawn on top to know which note the were playing). Very interesting stuff

[@avlisk]

I was thinking Vivaldi, and then you said it! I feel you must be teaching me something after all these videos. Thank you.

[@user-ky6vw5up9m]

The weird whinny sound in places is an old electronic instrument related to the better-known "Theremin"

[@BigSky1]

Not technically a Theremin. Look it up.

[@booneh]

@@BigSky1 Technically it was a Tannerin, also called an Electro-Theremin. The only difference from a real theremin was it was played on a metal strip with a picture of a keyboard that made it easier to intonate.

[@Jontor11]

I LOVE this one. The song is complex and I especially adore the verses at the beginning...they give me fluffy vibes that makes me just want to take off and fly!!🤗

[@bmille2121]

The beach boys were not only genius, but extremely gifted. I gave you a like on your video before I even watched it because I know you’re intelligent analysis is always accurate You could go down a rabbit hole with the beach with Brian Wilson and Mike love. The vocal harmonies were unsurpassed.

[@videomaniac108]

I was in 10th grade when this song charted on AM rock radio in South Florida and it was an instant hit with me. I had always liked the Beach Boys but this song was more intricate in its multi-part harmony and use of different instruments. It's definitely my favorite BB song.

[@johnlarrinaga4560]

I want to echo what JG Perez said. This is NOT the classic version that the world fell in love with back in the 60s and have revered ever since. You need to listen to the original, which doesn’t have the odd instrumentation and vocals that has been added toward the end of the song, which, in my opinion, radically alters the listeners experience and undermines the overall impact of this rock masterpiece. Just my two cents.

[@barnett25]

See this is my first time hearing this version and I immediately thought it was better than the original. The original seemed like they made editing decisions that were not in keeping with the other themes of the song, where this version seems like a masterpiece to me where every decision makes sense and does it's job in concert with all the rest of the parts to form a whole that is larger than the sum of it's parts. I think as great as the original was, it was a compromise for the radio format it was built for.

[@markcorcoran482]

I began to worry, and sure enough, the “hum-Dee-oh” bit, and instrumentation during the fade. However, positively, Amy did have a wonderful experience of it. But, yeah …

[@zarbnet]

I think this is the version that was intended for the Smile album, but never actually released until the 2000s when the Smile project recordings were made available. The original 7" single version is an edit of this slightly longer mix, I think? I agree that the 7" mix is tighter, and absolutely perfect. I love both, the Smile project has always fascinated me and I was very pleased to finally hear it but the 7" single version of Good Vibrations has the edge for me. It was the one I grew up with, after all...

[@thecreepyllama]

​@markcorcoran482 You people boggle my mind. This version is beautiful, and, by the way, an official version of the song - released officially by the Beach Boys - and one which was completed in its entirety in 1966

[@thecreepyllama]

My god stop whining. This is a legitimate version of the song, and it's breathtaking, mind you

[@Firstname.Lastname]

FINALLY, I’ve been waiting for this one for ages! Once you listen to Pet Sounds, watch the film Love & Mercy; it’s all about how Brian Wilson composed these songs and utilized the recording studio and session musicians during this era. He is truly one of the most unique and talented musicians of the 20th century and there are just so many unexpected layers to everything he creates.