The Beach Boys Love You Month: The History of Love You

[@davidnissim589]

Even at his lowest point, Brian was still inventing countless genres. This album was a precursor to new wave, synth-pop, indie, and more. Plus it's probably his most personal work lyrically, even more than Pet Sounds.

[@TomCwimpRock]

“Love You” is my second favorite Beach Boys album after “Pet Sounds” 🏖

[@Giggens]

Awesome!

[@NOWtheband]

I think it's my favourite, then Smiley Smile. :-)

[@ronsaunders7294]

same here

[@holodais9067]

' Love You has been recognized as a work of "proto-synth pop" a forerunner to new wave experiments, and an idiosyncratic and creative oddity in the Beach Boys' canon. After being asked where somebody should begin with the Beach Boys discography, Brian Wilson answered: "Pet Sounds first, then listen to The Beach Boys Love You." '

[@Giggens]

Totally!

[@cazgerald9471]

He sits behind his microphone Gi-ggens Gi-ggens

[@Giggens]

Hahahaha!

[@andygaines9686]

I love this album and in many ways a lot of the things that would put people off it. The ravaged voices of Brian and Dennis have an attraction to me, the "farty" synth sounds, and also the subject matters. "Johnny" Carson who meant nothing to me in the UK was and is one of my favourites. It also took on an extra meaning when critics talked about it on the DVD about Brian's songwriting, and they pointed out how the synth parts are like a treadmill and how it connects to Brian being on the treadmill of having to write hit after hit etc. After 2 box sets and a couple of albums of outtakes there is still a wealth of material out there to be released!

[@Giggens]

There are so many demos out there of this album!

[@mulcairs123]

Great to hear you are spotlighting Love You. It's a strange but pretty endearing record that really has a great backstory.

[@Giggens]

Very well said Dave!

[@BoydProductionGroup]

Carl Wilson deserves serious credit for his production of the final mixdown. He really brought some dynamics to a lot of the tracks, for instance, holding back some of the parts on the first verses of “Let Us Go On This Way” and “The Night Was So Young” so that the songs build in intensity... and I love the way he dials in the Moog bass and the drums, giving it a really edgy quality. Engineer Earle Mankey, who recorded most of the tracks, was a founding member of the group Sparks, and an influential figure in the burgeoning LA punk/alternative scene, and he was really into capturing the ambience of the room when miking drums, especially, and he had a lot to with that the way that record ultimately sounded. When “Love You” came out it blew me away - I’d never heard a record that sounded like that, and I’ve never heard anything quite like it since. There’s so much... texture... the buzzing of the Moog bass, the sandpaper rasp in the vocals... It’s the opposite of smooth, almost like a punch in the gut to the softer “yacht rock” pop that was getting popular at the time, yet it’s all wrapped around some of the richest chord progressions and prettiest melodies this side of “Pet Sounds.” No wonder Lindsey Buckingham cited it as a major influence on his work on “Tusk” for Fleetwood Mac. “The Beach Boys Love You”’ was a high point for Brian, absolutely. He knows it, too. In recent years he’s often said it’s his favorite Beach Boys album. Man, I love this record. Thanks for shining a light on it!

[@Giggens]

Excellent comments, I totally agree!

[@johnhammond1572]

Once we accepted that there wasnt going to another Holland. This masterpiece turned out to be a major step foreward in the history of the BBs. A brilliant review of a brilliant album. Once again you've naild it. The Beach Boys back to their very best after the disappointment of 15 Big Once. Thanks again Giggens. Any chance of a video on the Falame album?.

[@Giggens]

Hopefully soon!

[@elliotmann9787]

I'm pretty sure I heard Brian Wilson sing Solar System or Roller Skating Child when he performed with the Beach Boys in San Diego back around 1977. I bought the album when it came out, and remember thinking that it sure doesn't sound like the Beach Boys. But I gradually started to like the songs more and more over the years.

[@Ncp2666]

fell recently in the Beach Boys rabbit hole, and really appreciate your channel! I obsess over Pet Sounds and the Smile Sessions, of course... but "Love You" holds a special place in my heart. So uniquely...weird and beautiful and funny and moving and completely Brian-esqueI I love everything about it.

[@Giggens]

Well said! One of their best albums!

[@stanleyferdinand5979]

The timing of this is perfect.I've been listening to this album every day for the last month.Discovering your channel is such a treat. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and passion for the Beach Boys.

[@Giggens]

Happy to help as always!

[@robertzastrow4648]

When I first got this album, I thought the instrumentation (heavy synthesizers) was strange. Over the years, I've grown to appreciate the album more. Think The Night Was So Young and I'll Bet He's Nice, as well as Roller Skating Child, could have been hit singles with the right promotion. Have seen concert clips of the band performing killer versions of Roller Skating Child. On the original record sleeve with this album, there are B/W photos of the band at their Sweet 16 anniversary party, as well as a big B/W photo of Brian with Marilyn, underneath which says "To Brian, who we love with all our hearts . . . "., with the names of the other BBs printed.

[@Giggens]

Yup! Very cool inner sleeve!

[@ChromeDestiny]

I remember my first impression listening to this album was that some of it sounded like Smiley Smile but with 70's instrumentation.

[@Giggens]

Oh man I can totally dig that!

[@TheStarclipse]

Same Here!

[@Bswinmo1]

Now that I have Apple Music, I am going to listen to this album. I heard nothing but positive reviews on this album.

[@ginnyhowles6005]

I think it's probably in my top 3 BBs albums. An astoundingly fun slab of melody and lyrics.

[@Giggens]

Such a great album!

[@subg8858]

Brian was clearly at the helm for wild honey and friends

[@chrisrainbow2393]

Hi Giggens Happy Memories for me, i remember when i purchased Love You for the very first time back in 1977 after lots of publicity and excitement from Capital Radio in London, who played various tracks and all kinds of specials and bearing in mind 20 golden greats had been in the charts for most of the previous year, this was billed as something very special because Brian had produced it, something which fans here had been hoping to see for a long time. I hadnt realised that Love You was planned as a solo album, so i have learned something here. It cerainly was a far cry from Holland and Surfs Up, very different.

[@Giggens]

Oh man yeah, two different worlds for sure!

[@orbyfan]

You're absolutely right about lack of promotion. "15 Big Ones" sold well in the summer of 1976 as a result of the "Brian is back" hype. In the early spring of 1977 I was in a record store and suddenly noticed a new Beach Boys album on display. I hadn't heard any thing about it. A lot of people like this album, but it's never been a favourite of mine.

[@chrisfreeman4457]

Just a comment on "15 Big Ones" and "The Beach Boys Love You." You're obviously right about "15 Big Ones" coming out during the "Brian is Back" campaign. The Beach Boys were red-hot again. In 1974, the platinum-selling "Endless Summer" double album came out, followed by 1975's double album "Spirit of America"...maybe also platinum. The Beach Boys were especially popular among teenagers, who loved both albums. I think many of them who loved the music on those albums didn't realize that all of it had been previously released the decade before, representing the best of their 60's hit-making years, as well as the albums from that period. They thought it was new music. So those kids were primed for "15 Big Ones" when it came out, it obviously was a latter-day rush job, and I think many of the kids were stunned by the difference, and the Boys lost quite a bit of young fans as a result. So when a much better album, came out, "The Beach Boys Love You" came out, the label they were about to leave didn't promote it, and their younger fans were looking elsewhere. Sad, but it could have been otherwise...

[@ashleys.1720]

Awesome video! I really enjoyed learning more of the history to this album😄

[@Giggens]

Thanks Ashley! Much more to come about this era!

[@joelgoldenberg1100]

I first saw this album in the early 1980s in a Canadian record store called Discus for $3.99. I resisted getting it for years because I assumed bargain record =garbage (and the store's other bargain records were pretty garbage-y). Then I read reviews, got the album, and loved it. Just wish Brian's voice was a little less hoarse. Also, I'd love to hear the pre-Carl Wilson mixdown version.

[@Giggens]

Oh totally!

[@moodringcinema839]

I always vacillate between Love You and Pet Sounds as my favorite Beach Boys record. Vastly different, I know, but both albums are Brian at his best.

[@Giggens]

Two incredible albums!

[@jhun0719]

Great job! Thank you for this.

[@semmcstevenson]

Amazing album. I agree with u on everything on your review. One of my fave BB albums

[@cardboardheadguy7814]

Brian Wilson: Brian Loves You The Beach Boys: Copys* The Beach Boys: The Beach Boys Loves You

[@Giggens]

Exactly!

[@riversjackson1]

Love your beach boys stuff man. Keep up the good work

[@Giggens]

Thank you for watching!

[@deanomandrums]

I say this quietly ;-) Love You is my 2nd Fav BBs Album and NO Pet Sounds is not 1st in my eyes - This is how much i appreciate this album

[@Giggens]

I can dig it!

[@tylergalindo1278]

Just came back from my grandmas memorial. This is making it better. Thanks, Giggens. ❤️

[@Giggens]

Sorry for your loss Tyler, my condolences

[@Agos226]

This will always be the best beach boys album to me

[@Giggens]

It's incredible!

[@matthintz9468]

I love the bridge of Roller Skatin' Child. I don't know why, but it's just catchy. I think it's Al on vocals.

[@Giggens]

One of the best parts for sure!

[@feltongailey8987]

For the sake of brevity, I will liken this album to Velvet Underground's (but really chiefly just Bob Yule and some help) Squeeze. Squeeze is, in my humblest opinion, a fun, playful and quite well crafted album, just such a departure from the bands typical dreary (but hauntingly beautiful at times), smacked out sound that it ruffled the eardrums. This is stunningly similar to what Mr. Wilson crafted here. And we are, after all, creatures of habit.

[@domvaia2585]

Great video stoked for more!!!!!

[@Giggens]

I think there's 5 or 6 more videos to come before the month ends!

[@tomjones5650]

I remember Brian commented that listening to George Harrisons 33n 1/3 influenced the Love You style.

[@Giggens]

Interesting!

[@carlrudd1858]

So many GREAT BB's albums. This one is the quirkiest and fun to listen to. My favorite post SURF/DRAGS Lp is the amazing FRIENDS... I never listen to Pet Sounds (Just like I rarely listen to Sgt. Peppers Lonely Harts Flea and Tick Band) LOL... sorry. You're the best, Giggins. I don't care what all those other people say.

[@Giggens]

Me either! haha

[@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444]

Great video, Giggens! Thanks! That's a BEAUTIFUL copy of "Love You." Is it a recent pressing? I think the colors look more vibrant than the original. (I also think it's pretty difficult to find originals that aren't cut-outs!) Thanks again and looking forward to more!

[@Giggens]

It's an original for sure, it must be my lighting rig!

[@neldinsky]

Love you is a very strange record....in the best possible way. Brian likes it a lot. Friends is his fave though. Love You is a complete listening experience. The synths are great, Solar System blows my fucking mind every time. It is one of my fave songs by Brian...a top 10 song. It's a funny album. We played The Night Was So Young during the Smile tours and we played Honkin Down The Highway in 2017 Pet Sounds tour. No other Love You songs were ever played live by Brian's Band. We ALMOST played Ding Dang,...no shit. Al was up for it. NB So here are my top 5: 1) Friends 2) Smile 2011 3) Love You 4) Smiley Smile 5) Pet Sounds.

[@orcapodmedia]

This one took me many many listens before I got it. I was confused and genuinely thought it was "stupid." But then I realized that I should stop taking things so seriously. "Airplane" is so good, lyrics and music makes me feel like I'm the guy they're singing about. It's me, I'm in the airplane!

[@Giggens]

I can dig it!

[@ronsaunders7294]

side 2 of Love You is probably on my top 5 list for best album sides of all time

[@Gildedowlmedia338]

This is actually the first beach boys album I owned on vinyl

[@Giggens]

That is awesome!

[@jacqueshenry267]

A very strange album this one! Weird synthesizer's sounds, weird granular bass sounds, snare drums played very simply, alcoholic and bearded men's voices, weird lyrics (pat, pat on your butt)...I love it! One of my favorite BB albums.

[@Giggens]

Truly a classic!

[@lowenbad]

I recently scored a mint condition original pressing and dove head first into this album. My God, this is album disturbing. It’s growing on me and I appreciate it within context of the overall story, bit it is a trip.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

This and the 1985 album, could be classed as solo albums.......never heard it, will do...

[@butlem12]

Just discovered your channel, and I love it! Wondering if there is a The Beach Boys Today! Review in the works

[@Giggens]

Hey Mick! I'll be doing one for sure!

[@michaelguccione6865]

Spot on review, as usual, Giggens. I love BB Love You Month!! One day I hope you tackle Landlocked, Group Therapy and Adult Child. I'd love to hear your take. Any chance of a livestream in the works?

[@Giggens]

Livestream probably won't be till after the new year with my schedule, but an Adult Child video is totally happening!

[@michaelguccione6865]

@@Giggens Can't wait, thanks so much and Merry Christmas!

[@impalaman9707]

This was my least favourite BB album besides "Friends", but I added both to my collection as a 'completist". Its good for a laugh. I always said it was the album Brian was writing for Sesame Street so Jim Henson could give each song to a muppet to sing!🤣🤣🤣

[@Giggens]

Haha!

[@paulharvey7223]

I’m enjoying your “Love You” month! I bought Love You the day it came out. After the first listen ,I just couldn’t work out who the “ old man” was who was singing most of the tracks. To cap it all the background vocals sounded shaky in places and nothing like Pet sounds my previous Beach Boys album ! 😂. No internet back then to check out the details. Now it’s one of my favourite Beach Boy albums. There is something very endearing in the almost nursery rhyme style songs (Solar System) and the brilliant use of synthesisers and that wonderful moog bass. It was just so Brian and ahead of it’s time. It was almost a ‘SmiLe’ for the seventies . Looking forward to your review. 🤟🏻👍🏻😁

[@Giggens]

Oh man that is awesome! Yes, those pre-internet days were something else haha

[@alexanderd.driftwoodoffici2128]

I' ve seen this video and the Love You/Smile....i know what you mean but maybe the Smile of 70's...to me is Adult/Child....more Smile than L.Y. in many sad ways...the same "BrianKiller", just 10 years after...and the lyrics for STILL I DREAM OF IT...the final drop of Brian Genius....until the 2000's resurrection...

[@doorsfan48]

love this album

[@Giggens]

So awesome!

[@mudhoney110283]

I like the song "Good Time" a lot, but being from Sunflower sessions, it's a little out of context here in Love You. Instead i always thinked that "Had To Phone Ya" from 15 Big Ones would have fitted better on Love You

[@jdd3786]

I love this album. In a way, it's like history repeating it's self whereas Love You is like Pet Sounds 2.0, and the failed release of Adult Child is like Smile 2.0. After this happening to Brian for a _second_ time, no wonder alot of stuff that followed was very sterile and uninspired sounding for some years.

[@Flapperdame16]

Carl Brian and Dennis kind of sound so similar on this record. Honest I thought it was Brian going UHHH on the opening!

[@Giggens]

Their voices are impossible at this point to tell apart haha

[@daniel.holbrook]

this is a ding dang good album

[@Giggens]

Woo!

[@NOWtheband]

@@Giggens - Ha ha, perfect!

[@libeluladelcielo]

WOW!!! FINALLY!!

[@Giggens]

More to come!

[@finkaiser3994]

Great review as always!

[@Giggens]

More to come!

[@terryowen1308]

It's a fascinating album but often think the band suffered just for being called the Beach Boys. If it wasn't the surf sound they just switched off. Their loss!

[@Giggens]

Completely!

[@McGarvey_music_1]

Something tells me that Brian works well when the years end with the same two numbers 1966 1977 and 1988 are when he seemed the most on top

[@Giggens]

Now that's interesting!

[@marcofalzone6469]

1999?? 2000?? 2011?? 2022😄😃

[@McGarvey_music_1]

@@marcofalzone6469 I just found it funny that some of his biggest project either released or not happen to end with repeating numbers. It doesn’t happen all the time just something that I’ve notice

[@mbgaomo]

Yeah, it's ok but it wouldn't make my top 5 BB albums, hell may not even make my top 10. I'd take any album from Wild Honey through Holland over Love You.

[@marckustin9531]

The last must have Beach Boys album. There were some decent songs after, but the albums were a mess.

[@johnhammond1572]

Sorry!, That should've been the FLAME ALBUM

[@subg8858]

Pretty sure Bruce Johnston appears nowhere on this album

[@NOWtheband]

He does some background vocals on Good Time and I'll Bet He's Nice. :-)

[@jhun0719]

Good Time was recording during the Sunflower era (circa 1970) while Bruce was still in the band. Not sure about I’ll Bet He’s Nice.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Lifetime fan, just bought into all the "Brian is Back" bullcrap and had too-high of expectations for "15 Big Ones." which was a letdown of an album, to me. "Holland" was really the last great album, for me, until the "Brian Solo" era really began with "Imagination." There HAVE been a few isolated moments ("Good Timin', for one) but overall, the group's albums starting with this one just quit doing it for me.

[@petersmith4202]

I bought it and its crap and I like the beach boys

[@charlie50201]

this is terrible

[@Giggens]

LOLLL