The Smiley Smile Message Board

Does anyone know the story behind recording the Spanish version of Kokomo, and how Brian got involved with that version of the song?

In case you haven't heard it, here is a link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGw46nJXdA

I don't really know the answer to your question, but I prefer it to the English version. Carl sounds incredible. Great to hear Brian as well on it, and he's very noticeable.

Yes, Brian's much more noticeable on the Spanish vs English version. One reason may be because he's not on the English version at all.  :)

Oh I knew that, was just saying that having Brian there elevates the song a bit, even with his late 80s voice.

Say what you want about the original lyrics, but the Spanish ones suck big time. To make things worse, they pronounce the "c" before an "e" or "i" as they do in Spain, which is annoying as hell everywhere except in that country. As far as I know, this is a rarity even in Spanish-speaking countries.

They should have released a double-sided 45 of "Kokomo (Spanish Version)" b/w "Ganz Allein"... and maybe throw in a brief hidden track of just the Japanese lyric parts in "Sumahama".

Call it "Beach Boys Sing Around the World"  ;D

But seriously folks, I can't hear Brian on this Spanish "Kokomo" version (maybe my ears are failing me today). Can someone point out a timecode where he's clearly audible?

0:57-0:59 is most definitely shouty Brian.  Similar sections thereafter seem to reveal the same thing.

I totally thought that shouty part was Al at first listen. But I guess you're right!

I always had a hard time understanding what are they singing, and Spanish is my main tongue. Oddly, it sounds like Carl had a different coach than the rest: he's singing like he's coming from Spain.

I have raised the question several times on this board and have still not received any answers. If Brian was stopped from being on Kokomo for Landy unless Gene was given a production or co-writing credit (accrording to Mike Love in Endless Harmony), why was he allowed to be on the Spanish version.

That is a big part of why I asked the question.

Consider this possibility, one which I feel has merit:

no-one knows.

"No one knows" seems the best bet.

But i'd imagine that because the BBs showed that they could have a hit #1 single without Brian, Landy's bargaining position was weakened, and it would benefit Brian and his profile to be on the Spanish version (cut at a later date?).