I’ve tried this week to expand the definition of the Beach Boys beyond the image of America’s Band. I find that image trite and, quite frankly, just not all that interesting. I understand if you’re the sort of person who loves “Be True To Your School” and “I Get Around,” and there’s nothing wrong with those songs. Some people love the Beatles for “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” I don’t; I love them in spite of it.
I don’t blame the Beach Boys themselves. They were kids when they started. Here are the ages of the band members at the time of their first hit record: Brian Wilson (19), Carl Wilson (14), Dennis Wilson (17), Mike Love (20), Al Jardine (19). Writing songs about how fine your 409 is or how one should be true to your school (like your favorite girl) is perfect understandable. Brian created the brilliance of Pet Sounds when he was 23 years old. He was fried by his mid-twenties.
[Y'know, if you already knew all about the brilliance of the band, then this conversation isn't targeted at you. But I once was lost and now I'm found and I'm trying to lead others to the Promised Land.]
The influence of the band can be heard in all kinds of places. Today, I’ll finish up the week by posting a couple songs that illustrate how their sound can be heard in other artists’ songs.
Roy Wood (discussed previously here) was clearly influenced by the Beach Boys, particularly the Carl Wilson era of ‘65-’73, when he recorded his 1974 hit “Forever.” In fact, he came right out and said so. Read this 1994 interview, wherein he describes how the song led to his meeting the group and then performing on their song “It’s O.K.” Also, see Wood do a lip-synch performance on British television. Rick Price, who played with Wood in The Move and Wizzard, can be seen “accompanying” him; Price looks like a younger, slimmer John C. Reilly.
June & the Exit Wounds is a band from Champaign, IL. It is a band, but it’s mostly the product of Todd Fletcher, who had formerly fronted the band Twiggy. They produced one album (“a little more Haven Hamilton, please”) in 1999. A follow-up never saw the light of day. The work is a little bit chamber pop, a little soft Seventies rock, a trifle bubblegum and indie. The Beach Boys sound is all over this thing, but particularly on the track “Let’s Shack Up Together.” (By the way, that album title is a reference from Nashville, if you didn’t catch it.) Read more about the band here.
Roy Wood – Forever — BUY
June & the Exit Wounds – Let’s Shack Up Together — BUY
Tags: Beach Boys, Roy Wood, June & the Exit Wounds, Todd Fletcher, MP3s
One Response
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The Riverboat Captain Says:
Have a listen to NZ band Ryan McPhun & The Ruby Suns, at http://www.lilchiefrecords.com (there’s a jukebox page where you can do that)… very Wilson-like, very good.