Experiment in randomness.
I have a large number of floppy disks floating around the living room now. They contain backup files, which will eventually be transferred to the computer on which I'm typing this self-referential message.
I've selected one at random. I will now post a file from it, also totally at random. I take no responsiblity for the laws of chance.
Here it is.
Your Imagination
(Brian Wilson / Joe Thomas / S. R. Dahl)
From Imagination, 1998
Produced and arranged by Brian Wilson and Joe Thomas
Brian Wilson: All lead and backing vocals, Hammond B-3 Organ
Joe Thomas: Keyboards, Tympani
The opening track of Brian Wilson’s solo album of this year, and likewise the opening track of this cassette. Listen for the clarinet and trumpet parts, and some interesting drum and bass patterns. Very definitely a “Beach Boys”-sounding track, and none the worse for it, at that. Most impressive are Brian’s multi-tracked harmonies, soaring into falsetto and descending into bass with ease. The S. R. Dahl in the credits is a Chicago radio host, longtime friend of co-producer Joe Thomas.
Our Prayer
(Brian Wilson)
From Smile [Unreleased], 1967
Produced and arranged by Brian Wilson
The Beach Boys: Vocals
This wordless a cappella “hymn” was open the legendary unreleased Smile album. (Or such Brian states in session tapes—it’s the closest thing to an authoritative statement around). Breathtaking in complexity and emotional feeling—and it shows that the Boys could really sing. It was later spruced up with some additional vocal parts for 20/20, a ’69 BB release. The version presented here is without those (non-Brian-supervised) overdubs.
Lana
(Brian Wilson)
From Surfin’ USA, 1963
Produced and arranged by Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson: Lead vocal, piano, bass
The Beach Boys: Backing Vocals
Back to the very beginning. Almost. “Lana” dates from the very second Beach Boys LP and is notable for several reasons. It’s one of the first Brian Wilson falsetto lead vocals, and shows him beginning to expand his scope as an arranger—with a piano (rather than guitar) based sound, and some distant horn parts. It’s also notable in that it doesn’t mention surfing—anywhere.
The Girls on the Beach
(Brian Wilson)
From All Summer Long, 1964
Produced and arranged by Brian Wilson
The Beach Boys: Vocals
Dennis Wilson: Lead vocal on bridge
One year after “Lana” in strict chronological terms, but an eternity removed in terms of complexity and richness. The song itself is similar to “Surfer Girl,” but with several layers of compositional and production sophistication added. The song changes keys with virtually every note, and the group vocals are spot on. Also interesting is the strong melodic resemblance to “When You Wish Upon A Star.” (I’m not kidding!)
Bicycle Rider
(Brian Wilson)
From Smile [Unreleased], 1967
TM Song
(Brian Wilson)
From 15 Big Ones, 1976
Here Comes the Night
(Brian Wilson / Mike Love)
From Wild Honey, 1967
Everything I Need
(Brian Wilson / Tony Asher)
From The Wilsons, 1997
I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times
(Brian Wilson / Tony Asher)
From Pet Sounds, 1966
Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) [Piano demo]
(Brian Wilson / Tony Asher)
From The Pet Sounds Sessions, compiled 1996
Funky Pretty
(Brian Wilson / Mike Love / Jack Rieley)
From Holland, 1973
Don’t Back Down
(Brian Wilson)
From All Summer Long, 1964
Male Ego
(Brian Wilson / Mike Love / Eugene Landy
From The Beach Boys, 1985
Barnyard
(Brian Wilson)
From Smile [Unreleased], 1967
Life is For the Living
(Brian Wilson)
From Adult Child [Unreleased], 1977
He Couldn’t Get His Poor Old Body to Move
(Brian Wilson / Lindsey Buckingham / Eugene Landy)
B-Side of “Love and Mercy” single, 1988
’Til I Die [Extended version]
(Brian Wilson)
Original version from Surf’s Up, 1971