There are two aspects to the Beach Boys. One way of positioning this (not necessarily fair, but it is simple) is as Mike Love v. Brian Wilson.
Here’s the nickel version of the Beach Boys’ history. Three brothers, a cousin and a school friend start a band. They have sunny hits based on the California youth lifestyle. Brian Wilson takes a greater creative role, while also going through emotional and mental problems. Eventually, he guides things in the studio and stops touring. The band reaches creative heights in the mid Sixties and then seems to fall apart. They stumble through the early Seventies, making artistic albums that don’t sell as well. In 1974, the Endless Summer compilation comes out, during a period of revival of the Fifties sound (e.g. the movie American Graffiti, the musical Grease). The image of the Beach Boys as a fun band locks in.
But both Mike and Brian were responsible for those early hits, like “Surfin’ Safari,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” and “California Girls.” It’s just that Brian moved to a different place and Mike wanted to stay where he was.
It’s commercialism against art. It’s the professional countering the personal. It’s “Surfer Girl” versus “Surf’s Up,” which, if you know those two songs, says it all right there.
Brian started dropping out by the late Sixties, but his brothers stepped up to the plate and continued the lush romanticism that he started. “Be With Me,” off the album 20/20 (1969), was written and sung by Dennis Wilson. “Long Promised Road,” is from Surf’s Up (1971), written and sung by Carl Wilson (with lyrics from Jack Rieley, the band’s manager).
“Be With Me” is an expression of pure emotion, an aching heart crying out. “Long Promised Road” balances a more traditional rock sound with sections of quiet lyricism. Ain’t no “409.”
The Beach Boys – Be With Me — BUY
The Beach Boys – Long Promised Road — BUY
Tags: Beach Boys, MP3s