A number of months ago I wrote a post about, what I consider, the greatest love song ever written. The song I’m speaking about is “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. I’m not going to restate my reasons for it but, instead, I want to talk a little bit about Brian Wilson, the composer of the song.
I think about this kind of stuff all the time, yeah, pretty weird, and I’ve come to the conclusion that Brian Wilson is the single greatest pop music composer ever. Strong statement, except for people that care about normal things, but it’s true. This guys life story is amazing on it’s own. Add to it that he just happened to write, record and produce many of the world’s great pop songs and the story is even more incredible. Add even more to that, the fact that he can’t write music and is deaf in one ear and it seems we may have some sort of savant here.
Here’s a guy that was the victim of child abuse, both physical and mental, so much so that there are stories that allude to the idea that the loss of hearing in one ear was due to the abuse of his father. He’s also been the victim of a well-documented mental breakdown while he was right at the top of his game, so to speak. Yet, even with all the troubles, the bottom line was, and is, he happened to compose these amazing songs. And the songs are what we really should be talking about.
I mentioned that I consider “God Only Knows” the greatest love song ever, there are, however, so many more. Of course there are the basic surf tunes that made “The Beach Boys” famous. We all remember those songs and we also remember the other hits they had. The problem I have with the non-surf hits is that nobody seems to realize what amazing pieces of work they not only were but also still are.
The song I’ve already spoken of, “God Only Knows” is a great example of what I’m trying to say. If we didn’t know this was a Beach Boy song I really believe it would make the top ten of most peoples lists when it comes to naming their favorite songs. I don’t know anyone in my age group that doesn’t think highly of it.
Another song written by Brian Wilson that just amazes me is “Don’t Worry Baby”. I consider this tune to be the perfect pop song. It’s got it all, teenage angst, girls and cars. Add to that the most basic beat you’ll ever find throughout the entire song and harmonies that are just perfect and what more could one want? Two verses separated by the most basic of bridges and followed by the last verse that completes the story. The bridge itself is so simple yet I can’t imagine trying to put a guitar solo or drum roll or anything but the way it is on the record into it. It’s really quite amazing. If you listen to it closely you’ll notice that the drum beat never changes throughout the whole song. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard an entire song be so complex with it’s harmonies and so simple with it’s beat. Truly, the mark of a genius.
The thing about Brian Wilson that I just find astounding was that he couldn’t write music. He had these songs in his head, knew exactly what he wanted to hear on the record and didn’t quit until he heard, on record, what he was hearing in his head. The songs “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls” are another example of this boy genius just making sure it wouldn’t be released until it was just right. Just listen to the songs and if you’re really paying attention you’ll see what I mean. The stories are legendary about how many takes and how many days were spent in the studio until Brian thought it was just right.
When you listen to one of the songs mentioned above or even any other song he’s written, keep in mind that he was deaf in one ear. Those harmonies were written and produced by someone who couldn’t even hear it like he wanted you and I to. This kind of stuff just gives me goose bumps. There’s something truly amazing going on in this guys head and I think it’s time that not just his legions of fans realize it but also those who just write the songs off as being done by those surf music guys. Just listen and forget the band and any preconceived notions you have about them. You’re gonna be amazed.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Meaningless Drivel.
Once again, Facebook has inspired a post. There are all kinds of lists being floated around and I saw someone push this one out there. I know, this is absolutely meaningless stuff but each of these records have a place in my life story. There are so many others that I could have put here but I figured this would be a good start. I could easily write a short story about each one of these and many others.
The Beatles, “Meet The Beatles”.
Whether you’re a fan or not, this album changed the world. Yes, the songs are simple and the lyrics are pretty basic but nothing like it had ever been heard on these shores before. Just look at what it spawned, just everything you’ve listened to since.
The Who, “Who’s Next”
If you’re within 10 years of my age, there isn’t one song on this album that you don’t know. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it.
Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton was The Beatles of the 70’s and this is the album that shot him into the stars. There are a number of other albums of his that I think are better, but most of us would have never even thought of listening to them had it not been for this disc.
Squeeze, “East Side Story”
I’m a huge pop music fan and these guys were masters of it. The song “Tempted” was the only semi-hit on the album but I can listen to this one from beginning to end on a weekly basis and not get tired of it. If you can find the song “Labelled With Love” give it a listen. Elvis Costello produced and sang backing vocals on a number of the songs.
Bruce Springsteen, “Born To Run”
If you haven’t felt the power of this one, well, you just haven’t been listening. From the opening notes of “Thunder Road” to the close of “Jungle Land” this record just plain smokes. I still get chills every time I hear the title song. “I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight in an everlasting kiss”. Man that’s strong.
Todd Rundgren, “Something, Anything”.
Introduced to me by a fellow facebooker when I was around 13, thanks Tina, this record has been a part of every single faze of my life since. Remarkably soothing, trashy and humorous all at the same time. Todd’s truly the wizard of the studio and this is what started it all for me when it comes to really paying attention to who and what was involved in the music I listen to.
Peter Frampton, “Frampton Comes Alive”
Yeah, I know, we all got so sick of this thing that many can’t even imagine putting it on a list like this. Think about it though. Think about when you first heard it back in ’76. It really was a great album; we can’t help what we all did with it afterwards.
The Beatles, “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”
Lose the song “Within You Without You” and you have what could be the perfect album. Nuff said.
Aerosmith, “Get Your Wings”
The band’s second album, and at least to me, their best. This is a great rock n roll record. An outstanding version of “Train Kept A Rolling” along with “Woman Of The World”, and “Same Old Song And Dance” are just three of the songs on this that still hold up after all these years.
Pablo Cruise, “Worlds Away”
I can almost promise you that I’m one of the only folks around that feels this album belongs on such a list but I really do. I can put this in the player and just totally relax. There truly isn’t one bad song on the record.
Alice Cooper, “Billion Dollar Babies”
The first record I ever bought with my own money. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Barenaked Ladies, “Disc One, All Their Greatest Hits”
Probably my favorite record ever. I just think these guys are the best.
The Tubes, “Love Bomb”
For 99% of you out there this is probably the greatest record you’ve never heard of. Side two is simply a masterpiece. For a band to put “Wooly Booly” and “Theme From A Summer Place” into one tune, well, you’ve just got to hear it.
Pink Floyd, “Dark Side Of The Moon”
Not sure how this one wouldn’t be on everyone’s list. Great music, great lyrics and outstanding sound, this here’s a great one by any standards.
The Beatles, “Meet The Beatles”.
Whether you’re a fan or not, this album changed the world. Yes, the songs are simple and the lyrics are pretty basic but nothing like it had ever been heard on these shores before. Just look at what it spawned, just everything you’ve listened to since.
The Who, “Who’s Next”
If you’re within 10 years of my age, there isn’t one song on this album that you don’t know. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it.
Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton was The Beatles of the 70’s and this is the album that shot him into the stars. There are a number of other albums of his that I think are better, but most of us would have never even thought of listening to them had it not been for this disc.
Squeeze, “East Side Story”
I’m a huge pop music fan and these guys were masters of it. The song “Tempted” was the only semi-hit on the album but I can listen to this one from beginning to end on a weekly basis and not get tired of it. If you can find the song “Labelled With Love” give it a listen. Elvis Costello produced and sang backing vocals on a number of the songs.
Bruce Springsteen, “Born To Run”
If you haven’t felt the power of this one, well, you just haven’t been listening. From the opening notes of “Thunder Road” to the close of “Jungle Land” this record just plain smokes. I still get chills every time I hear the title song. “I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight in an everlasting kiss”. Man that’s strong.
Todd Rundgren, “Something, Anything”.
Introduced to me by a fellow facebooker when I was around 13, thanks Tina, this record has been a part of every single faze of my life since. Remarkably soothing, trashy and humorous all at the same time. Todd’s truly the wizard of the studio and this is what started it all for me when it comes to really paying attention to who and what was involved in the music I listen to.
Peter Frampton, “Frampton Comes Alive”
Yeah, I know, we all got so sick of this thing that many can’t even imagine putting it on a list like this. Think about it though. Think about when you first heard it back in ’76. It really was a great album; we can’t help what we all did with it afterwards.
The Beatles, “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”
Lose the song “Within You Without You” and you have what could be the perfect album. Nuff said.
Aerosmith, “Get Your Wings”
The band’s second album, and at least to me, their best. This is a great rock n roll record. An outstanding version of “Train Kept A Rolling” along with “Woman Of The World”, and “Same Old Song And Dance” are just three of the songs on this that still hold up after all these years.
Pablo Cruise, “Worlds Away”
I can almost promise you that I’m one of the only folks around that feels this album belongs on such a list but I really do. I can put this in the player and just totally relax. There truly isn’t one bad song on the record.
Alice Cooper, “Billion Dollar Babies”
The first record I ever bought with my own money. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Barenaked Ladies, “Disc One, All Their Greatest Hits”
Probably my favorite record ever. I just think these guys are the best.
The Tubes, “Love Bomb”
For 99% of you out there this is probably the greatest record you’ve never heard of. Side two is simply a masterpiece. For a band to put “Wooly Booly” and “Theme From A Summer Place” into one tune, well, you’ve just got to hear it.
Pink Floyd, “Dark Side Of The Moon”
Not sure how this one wouldn’t be on everyone’s list. Great music, great lyrics and outstanding sound, this here’s a great one by any standards.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Rather Confused Post
So Steve called last night and gave me the news that we’ve all been hoping for. He was told that he was definitely a candidate for a transplant and it could be at any time. He was told to be ready as they could call today, tomorrow or in a month or six months. They just don’t know. I was making dinner when he called and was really excited, as was he, about the news. He sounded so up. It was refreshing to hear his voice in that way.
I went to the computer and changed my status on my Facebook page to let friends in on the good news and as I was typing it up I started to lose my composure and started crying. It was just a short outburst but it brought the whole enormity of the situation right into my face again. Incredibly uncomfortable. I know that there’s nothing wrong with the reaction I had and it’s to be expected in times like these but it brings so many thoughts into my head about what’s going on that it’s sometimes hard to deal with.
I’m not sure if worried is the right word to describe what I’m feeling. It’s all just so real, so intense, so damn ridiculous. I’ve sort of been able to push the thoughts to the back of my mind lately and though this is great news, it brings it all right back to where it started. It’s really conflicting. I mean, I want this transplant to happen, it’s the best possible scenario. On the other hand, obviously, I wish it never even had to be an option. Sounds rather childish and immature but that’s what’s happening upstairs.
I’ve always had a problem understanding how things like life work. I’m not a man of faith by any definition so looking to a God like figure for answers has never even crossed my mind. Boy, that sounds much colder than I mean it too. Anyway, my problem here is how something like this happens to a guy like Steve. I mean, here’s a guy that loves life and truly has tried to live it to the fullest. He’s always made sure that he tried everything at least once. Me, on the other hand, have never really cared about life. I really hope I can explain this well. I don’t want anyone to think I’m about to jump off a cliff or anything but, I have never really worried about whether or not my life was going to end at any time soon. Never been one to make sure I do this or that before I die. I know, that’s what depression does to someone and I totally understand that.
That still doesn’t change the fact that I would gladly give my life for Steve’s in a heartbeat. I would also do it for anyone that enjoyed life as much as he does. Man, this isn’t making the sense I want it too. It’s why I was so willing to be a donor if needed. The thought that I could possibly die from the surgery never crossed my mind. Not because I’m some sort of hero, but because I just don’t worry about it. Anyway, I see that I’m having a real hard time explaining what I really mean here so I’ll end this. Please know that I’m very happy that Steve got the news he did and I hope more than anything that everything works out in the best possible way. I’m still just as confused by it all as I was on the day we all found out he was ill.
I went to the computer and changed my status on my Facebook page to let friends in on the good news and as I was typing it up I started to lose my composure and started crying. It was just a short outburst but it brought the whole enormity of the situation right into my face again. Incredibly uncomfortable. I know that there’s nothing wrong with the reaction I had and it’s to be expected in times like these but it brings so many thoughts into my head about what’s going on that it’s sometimes hard to deal with.
I’m not sure if worried is the right word to describe what I’m feeling. It’s all just so real, so intense, so damn ridiculous. I’ve sort of been able to push the thoughts to the back of my mind lately and though this is great news, it brings it all right back to where it started. It’s really conflicting. I mean, I want this transplant to happen, it’s the best possible scenario. On the other hand, obviously, I wish it never even had to be an option. Sounds rather childish and immature but that’s what’s happening upstairs.
I’ve always had a problem understanding how things like life work. I’m not a man of faith by any definition so looking to a God like figure for answers has never even crossed my mind. Boy, that sounds much colder than I mean it too. Anyway, my problem here is how something like this happens to a guy like Steve. I mean, here’s a guy that loves life and truly has tried to live it to the fullest. He’s always made sure that he tried everything at least once. Me, on the other hand, have never really cared about life. I really hope I can explain this well. I don’t want anyone to think I’m about to jump off a cliff or anything but, I have never really worried about whether or not my life was going to end at any time soon. Never been one to make sure I do this or that before I die. I know, that’s what depression does to someone and I totally understand that.
That still doesn’t change the fact that I would gladly give my life for Steve’s in a heartbeat. I would also do it for anyone that enjoyed life as much as he does. Man, this isn’t making the sense I want it too. It’s why I was so willing to be a donor if needed. The thought that I could possibly die from the surgery never crossed my mind. Not because I’m some sort of hero, but because I just don’t worry about it. Anyway, I see that I’m having a real hard time explaining what I really mean here so I’ll end this. Please know that I’m very happy that Steve got the news he did and I hope more than anything that everything works out in the best possible way. I’m still just as confused by it all as I was on the day we all found out he was ill.
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