Your Top 10 Beach Boys songs! Explain.

[runalot]

I know, I know, it's hard to pick your top 10 favorite Beach Boys tunes. But, that's the fun of it. Trust me, I could have picked my 50 favorites and still had a hard time. Just try your best and explain... even if it's just one sentence!

Pick for yourself. In other words, don't just pick Good Vibrations just because you respect the fact that it was madly produced... pick songs that make you smile, stop, and listen.

In no order:

LET THE WIND BLOW - Terrifying. Depressing. Beautiful. Even though I said "In no order," this song may be my favorite BB song of all time. Brian Wilson's heart sings with an angry/happy play on words. What a musician Brian Wilson is. I can't believe he still exists (thank God for that); He's such an enigma. 

ALL I WANNA DO - Not to be confused with 20/20's "All I Want To Do." This is Mike Love at his vocal best. Mike must have been wanting to make a psychedelic love song that sounded like a lot like The Beatles. It's a great, dreamy tune. And while we're at it, let's throw in "Meant For You" for the hell of it (besides, it's only a few seconds long). ALL I WANNA DO is easily the best album on Sunflower (relax... I like "This Whole World," too... but I listen to AIWD more).

WILD HONEY - I know, I know, BUT it's fun and has that strange "Ironside" theme song horn/string thing going. Poppy and soulful as it is, it doesn't sound like any other BB song! Also shows Carl's true vocal talent, as well.

THE WARMTH OF THE SUN - No explanation is needed. The Beatles never wrote ANYTHING as beautiful as this (and I'm just as big as a Beatles fan as I am a BB nut!).

YOU'RE SO GOOD TO ME - Another song that justifies their competition with the Beatles. It's happy. It's a love song. Harmonies are colorful and catchy. Almost sounds like Brian is singing like he's crying when he says "And I love it... love it!"

LET US GO ON THIS WAY - I was at a record store in Seattle recently and I came across a sealed copy of the LOVE YOU album. On it was a sticker, written by someone that worked there, and all it said was "the craziest sh*t we've ever heard." And that's exactly what this album is all about. There are some songs that sound so vulgar (in sound, not lyrics... wait, sometimes lyrics, too), yet it's no surprise the man behind Pet Sounds created it! As for LET US GO ON THIS WAY, what a song!!! The heavy synth plus Carl's drunken vocals... classic! I'd love to see Mike Love, on vocals, and Bruce Johnston, on moog, perform this song at a Chucky Cheese or something.

I JUST WASN'T MADE FOR THESE TIMES - I just wasn't made to write anything about this song, other than it's a sad masterpiece. Truly reflects what would happen (and was happening) to Brian Wilson during his darkest moments,

SURF'S UP - Note: The version I'm referring to is the all-Brian Wilson take (boxed set version) , NOT the "Surf's Up" album redux w/Carls' lead. Surf's Up is another song that needs no explanation. That footage of him singing/playing it on his piano is the image of a legendary musician. 

SURFER GIRL - A melodic love song with a hint of childish fantasy. Again, the Beatles never did ANYTHING as smooth as this.

CAN'T WAIT TOO LONG - A different, but awesome, song that screws with your head with its constant repetitive lyrics for very long periods of time. Then, just when you think it goes on forever, it changes in melody and tone.

[LaurieBiagini]

My top 10 favorite Beach Boys songs:

It was really hard to limit it to 10.  Most of my choices are from the earlier material, though I love the later songs too.  When I listen to the music of the Beach Boys, I'm not only hearing notes and rhythms... I also get these amazing visuals in my mind, and sometimes even can "feel" the music through it's vibrations.  It was hard to describe each song, since my listening involves the senses and the soul and it's sometimes hard to put this experience into words.

10.  I Get Around - One of the coolest intros in the history of music.  This is a total feel-good song, and a great driving tune. Tight vocals.. love the hand-claps in there. This is one of those great songs where you have a fast accompaniment and the lead vocal is has smooth sustained notes... gives the feeling of motion, I get quite a multi-dimensional experience when hearing this one. 

9.  Baby Blue -  This song is so romantic. So smooth and flowing.  Puts me in a dreamy mood when I hear it.  Dennis and Carl's vocals are wonderful. 

8.  Wouldn't It Be Nice - This song not only sounds beautiful, but it also has beautiful, romantic lyrics.  Love the innocence in it.  Gorgeous harmonies, such interesting chord progressions, can hear some wonderful instruments in there like mandolins, timpani, harp... Simply gorgeous.  The theme reminds me of daydreams... love it.

7.  Surfer Girl - Perfection.  Beautiful, romantic ballad, with full rich harmonies and a nice chord progression. The key change at the end is a nice touch.  The lyrics are very sweet with a beautiful innocence.

6  Dance, Dance, Dance - This one is an instant energizer.  I always want to get up and dance whenever I hear it.  I love how Brian sings "I wanna da-----nce" and holds the note while the background vocals and accompaniment are going double time to his chorus.  I love when songs do that.

5.  Catch a Wave - It was the chord progression that grabbed my attention when I first heard it at the age of 8.  I instantly went nuts when I first heard it, and I everytime I listen to it, it's like the first time again.  So many things about this song are great... the chord progression in the chorus "catch a wave and you're sittin on top of the world"... but also love all the little things about it.. like the splash of the cymbals, the fluorish of the harp,  love the toms in this one too.  Love the "ooh wah ooh wah" vocals, and that funky little organ also caught my attention... lyrics are funny too  "They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon"... This one should have been a single!!!

4.  Good Vibrations - Apart from all the attention this song has gotten from it's production,  I like this song because it's one of the most interesting songs that the Beach Boys have recorded.  Awesome vocals, so much to hear in the instrumental backing too.. lots of stuff going on.  Lyrics are great too. I never get tired of this one.

3.  In My Room - Gorgeous harmony, a beautiful melody, nice chord progression. This was the first song of theirs where I really sat back and took notice of how beautiful their vocals are.  I can really identify with the lyrics too.. as I have experienced the theme of that song when I was growing up. And I can't help but sing along when there's harmonies that perfect to accompany me.

2.  Good to My Baby - This one runs a close second to CCC in how it affects me.  Its those killer vocals... fast dance tempo, and love the guitar riff in there too. Such a contrast between Brian's falsetto and MIke's bass.  Love when they alternate singing the line "Good to my baby" in an awesome vocal chord progression.  There's just so many cool things about this song it's hard to put into words. Instant good mood song.

1.  Car Crazy Cutie - This song has a profound effect on me (as I have mentioned before in other threads). Very cool intro "Run a run a doo run run", simple classic chord progression with some wild chords thrown in.  Love the bass in this one.  But most of all it's those VOICES!  When you hear this one coming out of 6 speakers surrounding you at a decent volume, it's freakin'' amazing.  I can hear them all individually.  Love Brian's lead.  I can feel the testosterone in this one (if you can believe it).. and it makes me a little crazy myself.  (I better stop there before I say something embarrassing). 

[Chris Brown]

Also in no particular order:

Surf's Up- I'm with runalot here, as I greatly prefer Brian's solo piano version.  It's beauty is unparalleled in all of pop.
A Day In The Life of a Tree- probably the most poignant and sad song Brian ever wrote.  I feel his pain when I listen to this song.
Wouldn't It Be Nice- perfect lyrics, perfect vocals, perfect arrangement.  Everyone can relate to these feelings, and Brian puts them to music flawlessly.
Caroline, No- okay so technically it's Brian solo, but this song just has to be mentioned.  Wonderful melody...Brian singing "break my heart" is classic.
Kiss Me Baby- sweet romantic song that just aches like young love tends to do.
It's Over Now- this song should be a standard.  Chords are fantastic, and Carl's voice is perfect for it.
Don't Worry Baby- Brian's best vocal, in my opinion.  Classic melody, even if some of the lyrics are somewhat trite.
Good Vibrations- still blows my mind when I listen to it.  Production is top notch and its originality shines through brightly.  
Forever- Denny's best...lyrics are beautiful, and the harmonies bring it to life.
Time To Get Alone- classic Brian gem here...Carl's vocal is fantastic.  Beautiful song

[shelter]

1. God Only Knows
To cut a long story short: this is the best song ever made by anyone. It's absolutely perfect.

2. Time To Get Alone
An absolutely beautiful song. I think I prefer the alternate version of "Hawthorne, CA." because I love the rawer vocals and the whistle part. I do really miss the "DEEP and WIDE" in that version though.

3. Forever
I don't think the Beach Boys (or anyone else for that matter) ever came closer to making a second "God Only Knows". I think it has a very similar feel. And it's not even Brian's.

4. I Get Around
Great energetic track. Has perhaps the most powerful group vocals they ever recorded and the falsetto is my all-time favorite Brian vocal.

5. This Whole World
Amazing melodies and chord progressions. Doo wop taken to a whole new level.

6. Surf's Up
The album version, because I love the rich arrangement. Very impressive piece of music.

7. Good Timin'
One of my favorites, despite the lame and uninspired sounding backing track (especially those drums...). Vocally this is easily one of their most beautiful songs.

8. Break Away
Great, powerful song with an amazing drive and probably my favorite lyrics in any Beach Boys song.

9. Our Prayer
It just blows my mind that something this good was made with just oohs, aahs and mmms. I want this song on my funeral, very loud and right at the start before anyone has said anything. Should be very impressive.

10. Don't Worry Baby
Very touching, nice lyrics too.

[Jaco]

1. God Only Knows
Beautiful musical inventions, every second of it. Upside down bass harmonies in optima forma. Pure magic!
2. Cool, Cool, Water
Relaxing, peaceful, a blessing for the ears!
3. Cabinessence (20/20)
Especially because of the instruments below "Over and over, the crow cries...", the climbing piano motiv, the heavy fuzz bas, the tinkling percussion, the quasi sitar sounds (on banjo), the eastern woodwind, the eastern 7(sus4) chords...etc.
4. You Still Believe In Me
One of the greatest melodies and a beautiful chorus.
5. In My Room
Pure harmony, with a modal touch (the chord on the 7th note). Simple=beauty
6. Good Vibrations
Bag of tricks in a stunning mini pop symphony!
7. I Went To Sleep
Mystical atmosphere.
8. Break Away
Jump for joy!
9. 'Til I Die (Desper mix)
It has the greatest tag, it could live forever.
10. Time To Get Alone (Hawthorne, CA version)
With that very nice smileyesque trumpet (and/or horn?) solo, and the beautiful a capella end

Al this is that! (another hint)

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

Ugh, this is always hard. And my list fluctuates all the time. Like, Time To Get Alone usually makes the list, but at the current moment I’m burned out on it, so it’s going to be bubbling under for now. And what about Solar System? Add Some Music? This Car of Mine? Cuckoo Clock? Wake The World? Cabinessence?

The top 5 seems to remain fairly consistent, though…..

10. Airplane – one of Mike’s best lead vocals, and Brian almost manages to sound like his old self on this touching little number.
9. Catch a Wave – Like a stick of dynamite. Just a perfect song. Great opening vocal riff, majestic harp riff, and fun surf lyrics. Brilliant. The most sophisticated surf song ever written.
8. Wouldn’t It Be Nice – How can you beat this piece of perfection? It’s the great horns that seals the deal on this one.
7. Do It Again – No matter what’s going on at the time, this song is guaranteed to make you feel great. Roll down the windows and rock out.
6. Warmth of The Sun – One of my earliest musical memories. I remember really being turned on by Brian’s voice when I listened to this cut on Endless Summer at a very young age.
5. Caroline No – Brian’s singing is so great, and the lyric is something you can really identify with. At least I can.
4.  Don’t Talk – Again, this one is great because of Brian’s wonderful voice.
3. Sloop John B – Just plain fun. When I hear it on the radio it always picks things up. One of Brian’s best productions. Great sound.
2. Wonderful (Boxset) – My favorite lyric, and sung by Brian.
1. God Only Knows- What more can be said? The greatest song ever.

[runalot]

Thanks for the replies, guy/gals! Many descriptive explanations that are very interesting!

[LaurieBiagini]

This is a great thread! 

[JRauch]

I will limit myself to non-PS-BWPS-songs, because then my whole list would consist of them. Anyway:

10. Dance Dance Dance
The sound of punk-music, only ten years earlier and of course more sophisticated. 2 minutes of pure energy.

9. Don´t Worry Baby
Brian´s message to Spector: I can do this too!!! Just a beautiful song that helped me through a lot of bad times.

8. When I Grew Up To Be A Man
The chord-changes are mindblowing. Beautiful coda. In some way the earliest Pet Sounds-song.

7. California Girls
Great melodie, great song, bla bla bla...BUT...that intro...THAT INTRO!!!

6. Cool Cool Water
Stunning harmonies. Great to sit back and relax to. Like "spiritual peace", dressed as sound.

5. The Little Girl I Once Knew
A very progressive pop-song. That´s when Brian started to experiment with editing, cutting sections together. The bridge is amazing.

4. In My Room
One of those songs where everyone says "this song was written about me!". I first heard it on my first BW-concert, during the unplugged-section. For some reasons, out of all the songs on that evening, "In My Room" was the one that stucked in my head after the concert.

3. All Summer Long
The ultimate sommer-song. Makes me feel good whenever I hear it. One of these songs where everything is just right.

2. Surfer Girl
That´s the first song Brian ever wrote?!?! The word "wunderkind" comes to my mind. As beautiful as anything Bach or Mozart have ever written.

1. Til I Die
You know, there are songs that go deep. Some go very deep. This one goes to the bottom. The best and most honest lyrics Brian has ever written. Emotion, put into music.

[busy doin nothin]

In chronological order:

1.  YOUR SUMMER DREAM -- One of the most beautiful ballads ever recorded.  An underappreciated gem.  Great chord progressions, sweet, intelligent lyrics, Brian's youthful voice is beautiful.

2.  LET HIM RUN WILD -- An absolutely incredible piece of songwriting, as well as production.  Love the vibraphone (or whatever it is) in the mix of the chorus, love the "guess you know I've waited" part.  I've always interpreted the words as being addressed to Audrey regarding Murry (a little Oedipal, I know).

3.  LET'S GO AWAY FOR A WHILE -- Magical.  Unlike any other pop music recording I've ever heard.  This is what the soundtracks of movies in heaven are like.

4.  GOD ONLY KNOWS -- The pinnacle of Brian's genius.  Macca was right when he called this the greatest song ever recorded.

5.  SURF'S UP (1966) -- A haunting, utterly original song.  I can't imagine the full production would have had any more impact than this version.

6.  BUSY DOIN' NOTHIN' -- Brian does Bossa Nova?!  Yes, he does, and makes it work perfectly for him.  Relaxed, catchy, and beautiful -- the lyrics are classic Brian.

7.  THIS WHOLE WORLD -- The vocals are breathtaking, especially the a capella tag.  The Beach Boys never sounded better than they did on this track.

8.  A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TREE -- Obviously an acquired taste, it has become one of my all-time favorites over the years.  I love the simple, yet powerful arrangement -- a precursor to Love You -- and the massed vocals at the end ("oh Lord I lay me down") blow me away.

9.  I WANNA PICK YOU UP -- An utterly perfect pop confection with classic bizarre "Love You" lyrics.  Dennis's vocals are so perfect.  I only wish the chorus was Brian and Dennis instead of just Brian double-tracked.

10.  MY DIANE -- This song is like a strangled cry of anguish in the midst of the otherwise slick "M.I.U."  Denny's vocal is pure authenticity.  Love the sweet, sweet strings deep in the mix on the second verse.

[I. Spaceman]

8.  A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TREE -- Obviously an acquired taste, it has become one of my all-time favorites over the years.  I love the simple, yet powerful arrangement -- a precursor to Love You -- and the massed vocals at the end ("oh Lord I lay me down") blow me away.

9.  I WANNA PICK YOU UP -- An utterly perfect pop confection with classic bizarre "Love You" lyrics.  Dennis's vocals are so perfect.  I only wish the chorus was Brian and Dennis instead of just Brian double-tracked.

10.  MY DIANE -- This song is like a strangled cry of anguish in the midst of the otherwise slick "M.I.U."  Denny's vocal is pure authenticity.  Love the sweet, sweet strings deep in the mix on the second verse.

Yep. Wonderful stuff.

[Evenreven]

Roller Skating Child - a perfect song. Bouncy, joyous and creepy beyond belief. I wish all music was like this. Contains some of the best Brian lyrics ever, "We'll make sweet lovin' 'til the sun goes down / We'll even do more when your mama's not around."

Lonely Sea - utterly beautiful. The narration in the middle is a marriage of goofiness and heartbreak made in heaven. Wonderfully creepy backing vocals too.

I Get Around - a musical revolution; a deeply harmanious shot to the head; kicking your butt with great singing. Sums up all that is great about 60s music, and what drew me to it in the first place. People also forget to acknowledge the obvious relation between I Get Around and Good Vibrations, both have so crazy arrangements, they're almost not songs anymore - Brian creates moments for the listener, fragmenting the songwriting into repeated vignettes, greater with each listen, yet strong enough to change your life in a heartbeat. As such, I rate this higher than Good Vibrations since it came out earlier. A good candidate for best song ever, by anybody.

Do You Like Worms? (box set version) - for me, it's the summation of what SMiLE is about, and a big part of the reason why SMiLE is my favourite music. The lyrics go deep, and are augmented by the silly, cartoonish treatment on the first chorus and both silliness and beauty on the second. Then BANG! the bizarre Hawaiian chant coming from nowhere and everywhere, an utterly deep sound from a voice knowing no bounds; Brian is in his element, voice coming from beyond. When the tinkling theme returns, it will make you dream.

All Dressed Up For School - great rock 'n roll track, fab vocals. The wordless bridge vocals are perfect.

'Til I Die - few songs plow this deeply. Other people have discussed the greatness of this song more eloquently than I ever could.

With Me Tonight - an irresistable ditty. Carl's voice is too good for words.

Heroes and Villains - this is a great song, in any incarnation and mix. Great and funny lyrics, it rocks hard and leaves you wondering what hit you.

Surf's Up - do believe the hype, this is every bit as great as claimed.

You Still Believe In Me - the best song off Pet Sounds, automatically making it one of the greatest songs ever written.

[busy doin nothin]

8.  A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TREE -- Obviously an acquired taste, it has become one of my all-time favorites over the years.  I love the simple, yet powerful arrangement -- a precursor to Love You -- and the massed vocals at the end ("oh Lord I lay me down") blow me away.

9.  I WANNA PICK YOU UP -- An utterly perfect pop confection with classic bizarre "Love You" lyrics.  Dennis's vocals are so perfect.  I only wish the chorus was Brian and Dennis instead of just Brian double-tracked.

10.  MY DIANE -- This song is like a strangled cry of anguish in the midst of the otherwise slick "M.I.U."  Denny's vocal is pure authenticity.  Love the sweet, sweet strings deep in the mix on the second verse.

Yep. Wonderful stuff.

Ian -- Glad you agree.  I have to ask -- is "Cpt. Howdy" an Exorcist reference?  And is your avatar Mark Hamill?

[Newguy562]

10. I'm So Young.. (Though it's a cover it still has some of the best vocals by the group and really fits their sound perfectly)
9. Don't Worry Baby.... (I Love It More Than "Be My Baby" Good Job Mr. Wilson)
8. God Only Knows.... (I Don't Think I Need 2 Speak On This Masterpiece, Self Explanatory)
7. That's Not Me.... (Amazing Instruments and Lovely Vocals By Mike)
6. I Do Love You... (Beach Boys + Stevie Wonder = Such a Breezy Song)
5. Surfer Girl..... (The  First Beautiful Song Brian Wrote In My Opinion)
4. Please Let Me Wonder ... ( The is one of the few songs that gives me the chills...in a great way though.)
3. The Night Was So Young ....(Gorgeous Guitar Riffs & Melody)
2. Caroline No... (My Fav. Song On Pet Sounds)
1. Wouldnt It Be Nice.... (This Song Is The Reason I Ever  Looked Into The Beach Boys Music)

[runnersdialzero]

10. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
09. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
08. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
07. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
06. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
05. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
04. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
03. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
02. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
01. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me

[Curtis Leon]

In no particular order...

Early Period/1962-1965

1. The Warmth of the Sun. I've always thought that this was the best song on Shut Down Vol. 2. Yes, even better than Don't Worry Baby.

2. Please Let Me Wonder

3. In the Back of My Mind. It was either this or Let Him Run Wild, and I think this just barely edges out over the other.

Middle Period/1966-1970

4. Wouldn't It Be Nice

5. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder). This is a really, really tough call to narrow down Pet Sounds to only two or so tracks.

6. Heroes and Villains. Duh.

7. Cabin Essence.

Late Period/1971-

8. Til' I Die.

9. Surf's Up

10. Lady (Fallin' In Love) - Better than Forever in my honest opinion.

[Griffmanr]

This might change but...

All I Wanna Do - Sunflower: This song is unbelievably beautiful.  The production is just mind blowing.  Countless Indie bands today have tried to capture the essence of this song and have not succeeded.

This Whole World - Sunflower:  One of the most entrhalling compositions I have ever heard.  In less than 2 minutes it takes you on a larger journey than any prog-rock epic could.

That's Not Me - Pet Sounds: Mike's best vocal ever.  Amazing lyrics, fantastic chord progression.

Til' I Die - Surf's Up: Chilling, phenominal vocals, the best lyrics Brian ever wrote, awesome Tag

Good Vibrations - Smiley Smile: The Greatest Pop Song of All Time

Wouldn't It Be Nice - Pet Sounds: The other greatest pop song of all time.  Great arrangment touches.  The slow down at the end is just so powerful.

Surf's Up  - Various: Every version of this song has something I love.  The 71' version has the moog synth during the end which I love, and while Carl's vocal is generally not quite as wonderful as Brian's is, I prefer his "Columnated Ruins Domino"  Right Now my favorite might be the 67' version.  It's the first time I really perceived the sadness of the song. 

Anna Lee, The Healer - Friends: Love the chillness of this.  The vocals are the prettiest group vocals I've ever heard.

Please Let Me Wonder - Today!: The Best Ballad Brian ever wrote.  It's so powerful and beautiful.

Slip on Through - Sunflower: The best rockin' number the Beach Boys ever did.  Amazing chorus and bridge.  Love the backing vocals...

Though I really doubt this list would look like this tomorrow...

[shelter]

Funny to see my list from five years ago again. 'Good Timin'' and 'Don't Worry Baby' probably wouldn't even be in my top 50 now.

[Smilin Ed H]

1.  Surf's Up
2.  'Til I Die
3.  Sail on Sailor
4.  Heroes and Villains
5.  God Only Knows
6.  I Get Around
7.  Don't Worry Baby
8.  All I Wanna Do
9.  Please Let Me Wonder
10.  Caroline No

Inevitably, I'll change my mind about some of these tomorrow...

[SBonilla]

I'm Waiting For The Day
(She's Not The) Little Girl I Once Knew
Kiss Me Baby
My Diane
All I Wanna Do
Little Deuce Coupe
California Girls
Salt Lake City
This Car Of Mine
Till I Die
Song that would have placed, had it been a Beach Boys record: The New Girl In School.

[nickdunning]

I Just Wasn't Made For These Times (stereo mix)
Surf's Up (in any permatation)
Be With Me (magnificent song/production)
That's Not Me (magical, the 'session highlights' on the box set rate highly on their own)
Can't Wait Too Long (Just so sad it was never quite finished, magical)
Let The Wind Blow
Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
Cabinessence (the new mono mix on the Smile Sessions box is possible definitive)
The Little Girl I Once Knew
Mrs. O'Leary's Cow

[bossaroo]

this is so hard but here goes:

Warmth of the Sun otherworldly. never fails to instantly transport me within the first few notes. how the hell did he do that?

In the Back of My Mind this one is like a trip into the back of Brian's mind. the subject matter deals with feelings that few writers if any ever attempted to convey. some of Brian's finest and most touching work. and I love Denny's vocal.

Little Girl I Once Knew cutting edge and modern even today, yet SO sixties! it's a shame this one didn't become a hit, but i'm glad it gets some love in Brian's live shows.

That's Not Me why do I love this song so much? it does some really cool modulating, but it's way more than that... I just love it SO much.

Wonderful/Look/Child/Surf's Up might be cheating here but the 2nd Movement of BWPS is one of Brian's crowning achievements, although I disagree with the key change at the end of Look and the newly written music which covers up the stark piano and horn line at the end of Child. Still, the sequencing of these 4 songs is possibly the greatest thing ever. Wonderful is so achingly beautiful and evocative. Look is so unique and so Brian... I wish it had been completed in 1966. Child is such an oddity, the opening guitar chords and harmonica line is like floating away on a musical raft. Utterly gorgeous and I wish it too had been finished back in the day. Not much to say about Surf's Up that hasn't been said already. The backing track alone blows my mind.

Wind Chimes another one that transports me to such a peaceful place.

Little Pad From the bust-up at the beginning to the glissando at the end I absolutely love it. I was just thinking how it's kind of the super-mellow fraternal twin of 'Good Vibrations'... recorded in seemingly unrelated sections, and the humming part is a lot like the '"gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations" part. Good Vibes has cellos and theremins, Little Pad has ukuleles and steel guitars.

Here Comes The Night Brian gets funky with a little help from Baldwin. This song is simple, infectious, and f*cking ROCKS. I really enjoy Brian's lyrics too.

When A Man Needs A Woman pure, honest Brian singing about the joys of marriage and becoming a dad. Puts an instant smile on my face every single time.

Busy Doin Nothin I'm a bossa nova and a Brian Wilson freak, so it's impossible not to mention this merging of the two. Brian's lyrics continue to crack me up.

Breakaway the demo version. I really prefer it to the finished product. It lost something special when the boys added all their parts. It lost Brian.

This Whole World what a song. the chord progression is crazy and complex, but you'd never really know from just listening to it. It flows so magically.

Trombone Dixie/Had To Phone Ya Trombone Dixie is quite a piece of music. I'm glad Brian did something with it eventually.

Matchpoint of Our Love that's right! this song holds a special place in my heart. Brian's voice is soft and smooth, and the tennis-themed lyrics are him at his quirky best. this song makes the entire disco era alright in my book.



what? that was way more than 10??!!! my bad.  
I could go on and on...

[Newguy562]

this is so hard but here goes:

Warmth of the Sun otherworldly. never fails to instantly transport me within the first few notes. how the hell did he do that?

In the Back of My Mind this one is like a trip into the back of Brian's mind. the subject matter deals with feelings that few writers if any ever attempted to convey. some of Brian's finest and most touching work. and I love Denny's vocal.

Little Girl I Once Knew cutting edge and modern even today. it's a shame this one didn't become a hit, but i'm glad it gets some love and attention in Brian's live shows.

That's Not Me why do I love this song so much? it does some really cool modulating, but it's way more than that... I just love it SO much.

Wonderful/Look/Child/Surf's Up might be cheating here, but the 2nd Movement of BWPS is one of Brian's crowning achievements, although I disagree with the key change at the end of Look and the newly written music which covers up the stark piano line at the end of Child. Still, the sequencing of these 4 songs is possibly the greatest thing ever. Wonderful is so achingly beautiful and evocative. Look is so unique and so Brian... I wish it had been completed in 1966. Child is such an oddity, the opening guitar chords and harmonica line is like floating away on a musical raft. Utterly gorgeous and I wish it too had been finished back in the day. Not much to say about Surf's Up that hasn't been said already. The backing track alone blows my mind.

you can hear my sequence here and here.

Wind Chimes another one that transports me to such a peaceful place.

Little Pad From the bust-up at the beginning to the glissando at the end I absolutely love it. I was just thinking how it's kind of a super-mellow twin to 'Good Vibrations'... recorded in seemingly unrelated sections, and the humming part is a lot like the '"gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations" part. Good Vibes has cellos and theremins, Little Pad has ukuleles and steel guitars.

Here Comes The Night Brian gets funky with a little help from Baldwin. This song is simple, infectious, and f*cking ROCKS. I really enjoy Brian's lyrics too.

When A Man Needs A Woman pure, honest Brian singing about the joys of marriage and becoming a dad. Puts an instant smile on my face every single time.

Busy Doin Nothin I'm a bossa nova and a Brian Wilson freak, so it's impossible not to mention this merging of the two. Brian's lyrics continue to crack me up.

Breakaway the demo version. I really prefer it to the finished product. It lost something special when the boys added all their parts. It lost Brian.

This Whole World what a song. the chord progression is crazy and complex, but you'd never really know from just listening to it. It flows so magically.

Trombone Dixie/Had To Phone Ya Trombone Dixie is quite a piece of music. I'm glad Brian did something with it eventually.

Matchpoint of Our Love that's right! this song holds a special place in my heart. Brian's voice is soft and smooth, and the tennis-themed lyrics are him at his quirky best. this song makes the entire disco era alright in my book.



what? that was way more than 10??!!! my bad. 
I could go on and on...

your top 10 is the most interesting one i've seen on this message board so far

[stack-o-tracks]

In no particular order, with two bonus tracks!!!:

Carl's Big Chance - The lead guitar and the rest of the track just sound so damn tight.
Here She Comes - My favorite off CATP
The Trader - I like the lyrical content and the background vocals starting second verse.
Johnny Carson - Ridiculous and awesome. The sound of Mike Love's voice. Totally doesn't want to sing it.
Let's Put Our Hearts Together - Awesome vocal performance by Brian.
Hang On To Your Ego - Doesn't have the commercial appeal of the one that made it to the album but I like them.
She's Goin' Bald - A song about Mike Love
Little Pad - I can actually visualize the little pad, u no?
Long Promised Road - Carl's best song but tempo could have been a little faster like the live versions.
Surf's Up - every version of this song is mindblowing.
Slip On Through - Dennis' best Jim Morrison impression. This song rocks hard
She Knows Me Too Well - THe melodies and harmonies and vocal performances are great.

This list doesn't seem right and my reasons are terrible,. terrible terrible reasons. But the songs are great. Probably the ones I listn to th e most

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

1. All Summer Long: The Beach Boys definitive statement of purpose. Great melody, great lyrics, GREAT backing track. It instantly encapsulates all that The Beach Boys and the California myth are all about. Kidnap an alien from a far of galaxy and after hearing 30 seconds of this, he'll know what's up.

2. Kiss me Baby: perhaps the most lovely and truthful love song ever written. Incredible drum part as well.

3. The Girls On The Beach: I tell ya, I grew up in Southern CA and spent me entire childhood/teenage years on the beach. And whenever I hear this song, I'm taken right back and reminded that what was once within reach is now in the distant past, but WAS in reach and reach I did and in that...... brings us to the next song.

3. The Warmth Of The Sun: translate this song's sentiment into pretty much any life situation and it will make you feel good and reassured despite the pain. Is there any greater honor one can bestow on a work of art than that?

4. God Only Knows: Need I explain?

5. Wouldn't It Be Nice: Once again, need I explain?

6. Sail On Sailor: Rockin track, great lyrics (they make little sense, but flow like butter and somehow make perfect sense .... when sung) GREAT vocal by Blondie. Just an all-time classic.

7. All I Wanna Do: THIS might be the Beach Boys real pocket symphony? A mini masterpiece and Mike's definitive proof of greatness.

8. All This Is That: Supernova Carl!

9. Surf's Up: No matter what version this one just kills. Brian simply owns the universe with this one and the lyrics are the BEST to ever grace a pop rock song IMHO.

10. California Girls: Mike's lead is one of the greatest ever committed to tape and who can argue with a single aspect of this song and it's production? One of the bright shining lights in pop music history.