The Smiley Smile Message Board

My favorite moment on the studio recording of "In My Room" is that whole-tone cluster they sing in the middle eight, on the syllable "sigh."  (Or in the German version, the syllable "Seuf.")  

But in most live versions I've heard, the vocal arrangement has been altered to replace that cluster with a more conventional chord.  For example, the concert video promoting Imagination had the new arrangement.  The more recent concerts by Brian I've been to, or heard recordings of, also have the new arrangement.  Why was the whole-tone cluster taken out?  I'm sure Brian's current group is capable of singing it.

Could the arrangement have been changed as early as the Sixties because the Beach Boys had difficulty singing it live?  I'm recalling the early TV appearance shown in the American Band film where they're gathered next to a table or desk and singing "In My Room."  Brian is sitting down, and just before the middle eight he turns around to the guys as if to say "Okay, here goes."  But when they get to that word "sighing," the harmony goes a little sour.  And maybe I'm imagining things, but I think Brian's face registers disapproval right after that happens; a slight wince or shake of the head.

Does anyone know the history of when and/or why that vocal arrangement was changed?

I don't think you're imagining Brian's disapproving face; I've always thought the same. Otherwise, I can't help you, but I like the question.

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