God Only Knows - Semi-Obscure June 1967 R&B Cover Version

[Beach Head]

All years, but here's a list of versions I've found so far... 
( some Wiki, some YouTube, some... ) 
God Only Knows by Andy Williams  ( 1967)
God Only Knows by Claudine Longet (1967)
God Only Knows by  Ava Cherry and the Astronettes (1973)
God Only Knows by Betty Everett (1975)
God Only Knows by Glen Campbell (1977)
God Only Knows by Neil Diamond (1977)
God Only Knows by David Bowie (1984)
Pirun Kaunis Nainen by Clifters (1992)
God Only Knows by The Nylons (1996)
God Only Knows by Langley Schools Music Project (2001)
God Only Knows by Jonatha Brooke (2004)
God Only Knows by Joss Stone (2005)
God Only Knows by The Swingle Singers (2009)
God Only Be Without You by Alvarius B. (2011)
God Only Knows     Holly Kirby 
God Only Knows    Mathew Jordan     
God Only Knows    The Flaming Lips 
God Only Knows    Julie Nunes  ( Ukelele version, on YouTube)
God Only Knows     Dean Drouillard   
God Only Knows  by Elton John 

Great list, bgas! I've never heard most of 'em. (There goes my weekend, listening to  YouTube!)

One that escaped your list, though, is a cover by Jack Jones, produced by none other than Bruce Johnston himself. Years ago, I had the album with the track, but it's long gone now, so I can't even tell you the title. My recollection is that it was really terrible MOR that diverged from Brian's basic arrangement about halfway through, at which point it went downhill FAST!

[Beach Head]

Hey, found it on Discogs.com!

The album title was THE FULL LIFE, released on RCA in 1977. "God Only Knows" was the last track on Side 1 ... right after "Send In The Clowns." 

Something I didn't remember is that the album also included covers of two of Bruce's songs, "Don't Be Scared" (from his Bruce & Terry days) and "Disney Girls." I have absolutely no memory of either one!

[Iron Horse-Apples]

All years, but here's a list of versions I've found so far... 
( some Wiki, some YouTube, some... ) 
God Only Knows by Andy Williams  ( 1967)
God Only Knows by Claudine Longet (1967)
God Only Knows by  Ava Cherry and the Astronettes (1973)
God Only Knows by Betty Everett (1975)
God Only Knows by Glen Campbell (1977)
God Only Knows by Neil Diamond (1977)
God Only Knows by David Bowie (1984)
Pirun Kaunis Nainen by Clifters (1992)
God Only Knows by The Nylons (1996)
God Only Knows by Langley Schools Music Project (2001)
God Only Knows by Jonatha Brooke (2004)
God Only Knows by Joss Stone (2005)
God Only Knows by The Swingle Singers (2009)
God Only Be Without You by Alvarius B. (2011)
God Only Knows     Holly Kirby 
God Only Knows    Mathew Jordan     
God Only Knows    The Flaming Lips 
God Only Knows    Julie Nunes  ( Ukelele version, on YouTube)
God Only Knows     Dean Drouillard   
God Only Knows  by Elton John 

Great list, bgas! I've never heard most of 'em. (There goes my weekend, listening to  YouTube!)

One that escaped your list, though, is a cover by Jack Jones, produced by none other than Bruce Johnston himself. Years ago, I had the album with the track, but it's long gone now, so I can't even tell you the title. My recollection is that it was really terrible MOR that diverged from Brian's basic arrangement about halfway through, at which point it went downhill FAST!

Avoid the Bowie version.

I really liked this Brenda And The Tabulations version though.

[Smilin Ed H]

Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet!

[BergenWhitesMoustache]

I picked up the Robb Storme Group version of here today on 45 yesterday...

At this point I'm really umming and aahing over whether I think this is better than The Beach Boys original. I know the arrangement is basically the same, but somehow the performance feels more exuberant to me.

Brian and the wrecking crew, of course, did a terrific job, but the Pet Sounds take feels more spooky and tentative - especially the middle eight. I might be crazy, but it feels like the musicians played it,but didn't really understand what they were going for, if that makes sense.

The middle eight on the Robb Storme version is so powerful...really pounding drums

Here it is again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqoCMn8z4zU

Any thoughts? 'Your an idyut' type comments not welcome.

[BergenWhitesMoustache]

Incidentally, the Robb Storme Group evolved into Orange Bicycle who hid away this charming BB soundalike on a french ep, in '67. I love the tone of the guys voice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQSNPS4zIBg

[EgoHanger1966]

I think the Bobby Vee version of "Here Today" is better than any other version I've heard. The stereo mix (as found on the otherwise dreadful (sound wise) Singles Collection hasn't been uploaded on Youtube, but it's the best way to hear it. That version changes "good love with her" to "bit of a whirl" to a good effect.