The Beach Boys — Good Vibrations
Album: singleAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 4578
Length: 3:34
Plays (last 30 days): 1
share
tweet
I, I love the colorful clothes she wears
And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair
I hear the sound of a gentle word
On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air
Im pickin up good vibrations
Shes giving me excitations
Im pickin up good vibrations
(oom bop bop good vibrations)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Close my eyes
Shes somehow closer now
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When I look in her eyes
She goes with me to a blossom world
Im pickin up good vibrations
Shes giving me excitations
Im pickin up good vibrations
(oom bop bop good vibrations)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
(ahhhhhhh)
(ah my my what elation)
I don't know where but she sends me there
(ah my my what a sensation)
(ah my my what elations)
(ah my my what)
Gotta keep those lovin good vibrations
A happenin with her
Gotta keep those lovin good vibrations
A happenin with her
Gotta keep those lovin good vibrations
A happenin
Ahhhhhhhh
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
(Im pickin up good vibrations)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop)
(excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes na na...
Na na na na na
Na na na
Na na na na na
Na na na
Do do do do do
Do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do
And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair
I hear the sound of a gentle word
On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air
Im pickin up good vibrations
Shes giving me excitations
Im pickin up good vibrations
(oom bop bop good vibrations)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Close my eyes
Shes somehow closer now
Softly smile, I know she must be kind
When I look in her eyes
She goes with me to a blossom world
Im pickin up good vibrations
Shes giving me excitations
Im pickin up good vibrations
(oom bop bop good vibrations)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop excitations)
(ahhhhhhh)
(ah my my what elation)
I don't know where but she sends me there
(ah my my what a sensation)
(ah my my what elations)
(ah my my what)
Gotta keep those lovin good vibrations
A happenin with her
Gotta keep those lovin good vibrations
A happenin with her
Gotta keep those lovin good vibrations
A happenin
Ahhhhhhhh
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
(Im pickin up good vibrations)
Shes giving me excitations
(oom bop bop)
(excitations)
Good good good good vibrations
(oom bop bop)
Shes na na...
Na na na na na
Na na na
Na na na na na
Na na na
Do do do do do
Do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do
Comments (513)add comment
aspicer wrote:
Thank You for the info. I will check them out.
The documentary, on Netflix I believe, is definitely worth watching, as is the movie rendition.
Thank You for the info. I will check them out.
The documentary, on Netflix I believe, is definitely worth watching, as is the movie rendition.
"I don't know where but she sends me there".
Now that's some song writing.
Hey, I'll join in on the trivia contest. I once heard Brian Wilson interviewed describing what it was like recording this song. He said, "It took 6 months to complete and it was utter HELL". You wouldn't know just by listening, being a true masterpiece.
Another example of art-creation experiencing pain, going through the birthing process.
Another example of art-creation experiencing pain, going through the birthing process.
We need more tambourines in songs from the 1960s.
I can't believe I'm as young as this song ... 
The Beach Boys are as close to The Beatles as any americn band got. Kind of!
obispo wrote:
If you do a Google search, you will find that there a various iterations of stereo mixes /remixes of Good Vibrations available!
Is there no stereo remix of this masterpiece?
If you do a Google search, you will find that there a various iterations of stereo mixes /remixes of Good Vibrations available!
What a sweet memory and thank you for the share.
RParadise wrote:
Not if he was Kool....
I was in the boy scouts in the Mid-west and we were on our way to a weekend campout, one adult driving at night and five boys who all knew different parts to this song, which came on the radio about once an hour back then. We sang the whole thing at the top volume we could as our car barrelled through the night. I had a good falsetto then and took the high line. I believe we drove our poor adult driver crazy.
Not if he was Kool....
I'm an 80's boy, with memories borrowed vicariously from my father's time spent in perpetually ideal sunny San Diego weather. He, growing up in the 60's.
Good lord! Did he and Mama have it good as a Grossmont grads living on Mt. Helix in La Mesa. Hitting La Jolla and Mission Beach waves listening to this true masterpiece. A never-before-imagined confluence of perfected musical tapestries showcased here ⛱️🌊
They moved to Washington State two months after I was born in '68.
ಠಿ_ಠ
Ive never forgiven that fateful decision, lol!
❤So fun to visit tho♥
♬〜(꒪꒳꒪)~✿♪
Good lord! Did he and Mama have it good as a Grossmont grads living on Mt. Helix in La Mesa. Hitting La Jolla and Mission Beach waves listening to this true masterpiece. A never-before-imagined confluence of perfected musical tapestries showcased here ⛱️🌊
They moved to Washington State two months after I was born in '68.
ಠಿ_ಠ
Ive never forgiven that fateful decision, lol!
❤So fun to visit tho♥
♬〜(꒪꒳꒪)~✿♪
For one brief moment the Beach Boys outshone the Beatles and achieved with this track what the Beatles were only hoping to do in the studio at the time. It spurred the Fabs to create Strawberry Fields Forever and all the studio trickery that went into Sgt. Pepper's.
https://www.culturesonar.com/e...
https://www.culturesonar.com/e...
just cant with the BBs
old_shep wrote:
this comment is a buzz kill ! LOL
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
this comment is a buzz kill ! LOL
DW4554 wrote:
Thanks for your service.
First heard in pilot's ready room aboard USS Midway (CVA 42) off San Francisco coast.
Another Brian Wilson masterpiece. Swept the country to #1.
Thanks for your service.
Is there no stereo remix of this masterpiece?
The arrangements continue, all these years later, to amaze...Wilson had this in his head which simply astounds me...
Props to the session musicians who were largely responsible!
Had to hit PSD, can’t stand this POS
old_shep wrote:
Ol' Shep. As in Jean?
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
Ol' Shep. As in Jean?
h8rhater wrote:
This song is a National Treasure. Not many bands influenced the Beatles in the creation of their masterpiece Sgt. Pepper, but the BB did with this very song:
"Beatles producer George Martin heard the recording, he knew that in Brian
Wilson the Beatles had met their match, and for the moment—as “Good
Vibrations” ruled over the airwaves—they may have even been bested by
the Californian. After all, Wilson was accomplishing exactly what Martin
and the Beatles aspired to do in the studio. For McCartney, the
gauntlet had been thrown. But it would be John Lennon who would answer
the challenge. In mid-September 1966, he began composing a dreamlike
tune that would go by the title of “Strawberry Fields Forever.” By
November, when the Beatles rejoined Martin at EMI Studios, it would be
the first song under consideration for their new, as of yet untitled long-player."
Isn't it amazing. The Beatles had Lennon and McCartney and Martin and some George and some Ringo.
The Beach Boys had Brian.
This song is a National Treasure. Not many bands influenced the Beatles in the creation of their masterpiece Sgt. Pepper, but the BB did with this very song:
"Beatles producer George Martin heard the recording, he knew that in Brian
Wilson the Beatles had met their match, and for the moment—as “Good
Vibrations” ruled over the airwaves—they may have even been bested by
the Californian. After all, Wilson was accomplishing exactly what Martin
and the Beatles aspired to do in the studio. For McCartney, the
gauntlet had been thrown. But it would be John Lennon who would answer
the challenge. In mid-September 1966, he began composing a dreamlike
tune that would go by the title of “Strawberry Fields Forever.” By
November, when the Beatles rejoined Martin at EMI Studios, it would be
the first song under consideration for their new, as of yet untitled long-player."
The Beach Boys had Brian.
This song always gives excitations.
Brian Wilson Genius
Grammarcop wrote:
The airemin? ;-)
We be playin' the air theremin in the kitchen.
The airemin? ;-)
old_shep wrote:
I hear that Dick Cheney is looking for a new duck hunting partner. I would like to offer you this wonderful opportunity to get in touch with a side of you that may or may not exist. I'm willing to take on the costs for your adventure.
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
I hear that Dick Cheney is looking for a new duck hunting partner. I would like to offer you this wonderful opportunity to get in touch with a side of you that may or may not exist. I'm willing to take on the costs for your adventure.
HowieRoll wrote:
Overrated? Extremely overrated? The Beach Boys are an American icon. They were the best in the business for a long time at vocal harmonies. They defined a musical era and genre. There are not many American musical acts that have been able to attract a crown like they do 5 decades after their hay-day. So IMHO, quite to the contrary, their importance to and impact on American music cannot be overstated.
I agree completely!!
Overrated? Extremely overrated? The Beach Boys are an American icon. They were the best in the business for a long time at vocal harmonies. They defined a musical era and genre. There are not many American musical acts that have been able to attract a crown like they do 5 decades after their hay-day. So IMHO, quite to the contrary, their importance to and impact on American music cannot be overstated.
I agree completely!!
salice wrote:
Overrated? Extremely overrated? The Beach Boys are an American icon. They were the best in the business for a long time at vocal harmonies. They defined a musical era and genre. There are not many American musical acts that have been able to attract a crown like they do 5 decades after their hay-day. So IMHO, quite to the contrary, their importance to and impact on American music cannot be overstated.
awesome song by an extremely overrated band
Overrated? Extremely overrated? The Beach Boys are an American icon. They were the best in the business for a long time at vocal harmonies. They defined a musical era and genre. There are not many American musical acts that have been able to attract a crown like they do 5 decades after their hay-day. So IMHO, quite to the contrary, their importance to and impact on American music cannot be overstated.
Easyrider wrote:
I Agree!! And, I love that Theremin! ...Google Theremin. It was used in a lot of 50s- early 60s Sci-Fi movies.
Fabulous vocal arrangement and such a cool groove ✌️
I Agree!! And, I love that Theremin! ...Google Theremin. It was used in a lot of 50s- early 60s Sci-Fi movies.
awesome song by an extremely overrated band
This song is a National Treasure. Not many bands influenced the Beatles in the creation of their masterpiece Sgt. Pepper, but the BB did with this very song:
"Beatles producer George Martin heard the recording, he knew that in Brian
Wilson the Beatles had met their match, and for the moment—as “Good
Vibrations” ruled over the airwaves—they may have even been bested by
the Californian. After all, Wilson was accomplishing exactly what Martin
and the Beatles aspired to do in the studio. For McCartney, the
gauntlet had been thrown. But it would be John Lennon who would answer
the challenge. In mid-September 1966, he began composing a dreamlike
tune that would go by the title of “Strawberry Fields Forever.” By
November, when the Beatles rejoined Martin at EMI Studios, it would be
the first song under consideration for their new, as of yet untitled long-player."
nope.
Surprised there's room for this song here. * skip *
Fabulous vocal arrangement and such a cool groove ✌️
Wasn't this tune on their Pet Sounds LP?
Pass another song that got played to death
We be playin' the air theremin in the kitchen.
They made a few songs like this that have always been...fun to listen to.
old_shep wrote:
Interesting thought having grown up then and there. For awhile we thought that the rest of the country was just like us but without the beaches. I found out how wrong I was when I moved back east at the end of the 60's.
Was from new and still now a 10.
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
...
Interesting thought having grown up then and there. For awhile we thought that the rest of the country was just like us but without the beaches. I found out how wrong I was when I moved back east at the end of the 60's.
Was from new and still now a 10.
I was four years old when I first heard it. 1960.
Canadese wrote:
Also take heart in some great alliteration old shep- "critics count coup". I am one of those who let what I don't like pass or skip altogether. What options.
old_shep wrote:
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
You are absolutely right, but take heart in the fact that the whiners are a small minority and most listeners take the music as it comes, most we like, some we just let them pass. When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
Also take heart in some great alliteration old shep- "critics count coup". I am one of those who let what I don't like pass or skip altogether. What options.
Nahh, all's well.
nah nah nah nah nah nah - doo doo!
nah nah nah nah nah nah - doo doo!
The first time i heard this song I had stopped my my dad's work, an army chapel in Mannheim Germany, on my way home from school. One of his assistants was a surfer from Cali who was there alone and told me "you have to hear this song!". He proceeded to play Good Vibrations over the chapel's sound system in the main sanctuary, absolutely blew my 14 year old mind...
markybx wrote:
Drugs helped.
When I heard this on the radio as a kid, I thought this must have been created by space aliens. I couldn't understand how humans could have created such out of world sound.
Drugs helped.
old_shep wrote:
Didn't read the rest of the comments as this likely summarizes things well. Music is not a competition. To the present song: It's one of the most brilliant pop songs ever written and recorded. "Pop" is pretty nonspecific for a genre descriptor. For some, it's a negative, a synonym for what we used to call bubblegum music - sing-songy tunes that really don't evoke emotion, though they might be fun. But to me, pop songs are those with a refrain, chorus and bridge. That can range from A Hard Day's Night to Seven Nation Army to the unlistenable crap you hear in a Walgreen's. Just about everything RP plays is pop music. But Bill plays the stuff that grabs you. That resonates. The good stuff is its own broad category. It can be Carry Fire or California or I Wanna Be Sedated or ... Good Vibrations. This is music the Beatles heard and are said to have thought, in essence, "We have to up our game." I frankly can't see how someone who loves RP and the amazing variety of pop and other music Bill plays can fail to recognize this. But these folks have options. A.) Fast forward. B.) Don't comment. Cheers!
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
Didn't read the rest of the comments as this likely summarizes things well. Music is not a competition. To the present song: It's one of the most brilliant pop songs ever written and recorded. "Pop" is pretty nonspecific for a genre descriptor. For some, it's a negative, a synonym for what we used to call bubblegum music - sing-songy tunes that really don't evoke emotion, though they might be fun. But to me, pop songs are those with a refrain, chorus and bridge. That can range from A Hard Day's Night to Seven Nation Army to the unlistenable crap you hear in a Walgreen's. Just about everything RP plays is pop music. But Bill plays the stuff that grabs you. That resonates. The good stuff is its own broad category. It can be Carry Fire or California or I Wanna Be Sedated or ... Good Vibrations. This is music the Beatles heard and are said to have thought, in essence, "We have to up our game." I frankly can't see how someone who loves RP and the amazing variety of pop and other music Bill plays can fail to recognize this. But these folks have options. A.) Fast forward. B.) Don't comment. Cheers!
When I heard this on the radio as a kid, I thought this must have been created by space aliens. I couldn't understand how humans could have created such out of world sound.
jmjohall wrote:
I actually find it amusing that this comment is made. Trying to understand how polarizing The Beach Boys can actually be to evoke such a strong reaction.
This may be my least favorite band of all time! And especially this song!
I actually find it amusing that this comment is made. Trying to understand how polarizing The Beach Boys can actually be to evoke such a strong reaction.
old_shep wrote:
I find the overwhelming majority of comments here to be thoughtful, amusing, or generally positive. Not sure what set off this diatribe or why everyone is upvoting it.
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
I find the overwhelming majority of comments here to be thoughtful, amusing, or generally positive. Not sure what set off this diatribe or why everyone is upvoting it.
jmjohall wrote:
Have you always had poor taste in music?
This may be my least favorite band of all time! And especially this song!
Have you always had poor taste in music?
This may be my least favorite band of all time! And especially this song!
Time tunnel...time tunnel... time tunnel...
Warmth.... sunshine... laughter... darkened party rooms sitting in smoke and holding my girl close... great books...conversations... life....
How is this not a 10? It is, in every universe my being populates...
Warmth.... sunshine... laughter... darkened party rooms sitting in smoke and holding my girl close... great books...conversations... life....
How is this not a 10? It is, in every universe my being populates...
SmackDaddy wrote:
Well it is about half the song.
??
is that meant to be sarcastic?
Well it is about half the song.
??
is that meant to be sarcastic?
Alright; still a nice song - but how is this mellow?
Paddy_Hannan wrote:
Well it is about half the song.
The utter pleasure I get from hearing this remarkable record is only slightly soured by the thought of Mike Love getting 50% of the songwriting royalties for his "it's giving me excitations" line. What a cretin that man is.
Still - ten. God-like.
Still - ten. God-like.
Well it is about half the song.
The utter pleasure I get from hearing this remarkable record is only slightly soured by the thought of Mike Love getting 50% of the songwriting royalties for his "it's giving me excitations" line. What a cretin that man is.
Still - ten. God-like.
Still - ten. God-like.
b_bebbington4139 wrote:
If you like the Theremin, check out a band called Project Pimento
tcseeley wrote:
Probably 10 or 15 years ago Bob Boilen did a story on NPR's "All Things Considered" about the writing and recording of this song. A fascinating piece. In the middle of it he talked about the guy playing the Theremin which he invented. I, along with thousand of others I'm sure, wrote NPR to point out that the Theremin was invented by a Russian physicist named Leon Theremin.
Low and behold I actually got a response back from Bob Boilen himself, which made me feel important. He explained that he had condensed the complete story for time. What actually happened is that whoever was playing it had played an actual Theremin but found it too difficult. So he invented the device you hear playing on the record where instead of moving your hands in the air in the electromagnetic field between two antennas you moved a slide attached to a wire fixed onto a surface. He also said he has no idea whatever happened to it after the recording.
I thought it was interesting. One of the great American pop songs of all time.
I went to a Beach Boys performance in Leicester (UK) in 1966, not long after this came out, but before they stopped using the Theremin. It ruined the whole night as it was totally out of tune.Low and behold I actually got a response back from Bob Boilen himself, which made me feel important. He explained that he had condensed the complete story for time. What actually happened is that whoever was playing it had played an actual Theremin but found it too difficult. So he invented the device you hear playing on the record where instead of moving your hands in the air in the electromagnetic field between two antennas you moved a slide attached to a wire fixed onto a surface. He also said he has no idea whatever happened to it after the recording.
I thought it was interesting. One of the great American pop songs of all time.
If you like the Theremin, check out a band called Project Pimento
1966?
The words "ahead of its time" come to mind.
The words "ahead of its time" come to mind.
GOD LIKE! ....I was 11yrs old, during the summer that this got extensive play on AM radio! ....it even sounds much better in FLAC with great headphones & DAC!
tcseeley wrote:
Probably 10 or 15 years ago Bob Boilen did a story on NPR's "All Things Considered" about the writing and recording of this song. A fascinating piece. In the middle of it he talked about the guy playing the Theremin which he invented. I, along with thousand of others I'm sure, wrote NPR to point out that the Theremin was invented by a Russian physicist named Leon Theremin.
Low and behold I actually got a response back from Bob Boilen himself, which made me feel important. He explained that he had condensed the complete story for time. What actually happened is that whoever was playing it had played an actual Theremin but found it too difficult. So he invented the device you hear playing on the record where instead of moving your hands in the air in the electromagnetic field between two antennas you moved a slide attached to a wire fixed onto a surface. He also said he has no idea whatever happened to it after the recording.
I thought it was interesting. One of the great American pop songs of all time.
I went to a Beach Boys performance in Leicester (UK) in 1966, not long after this came out, but before they stopped using the Theremin. It ruined the whole night as it was totally out of tune.Low and behold I actually got a response back from Bob Boilen himself, which made me feel important. He explained that he had condensed the complete story for time. What actually happened is that whoever was playing it had played an actual Theremin but found it too difficult. So he invented the device you hear playing on the record where instead of moving your hands in the air in the electromagnetic field between two antennas you moved a slide attached to a wire fixed onto a surface. He also said he has no idea whatever happened to it after the recording.
I thought it was interesting. One of the great American pop songs of all time.
The transition into this from "What's He Building In There" was surreal. Bill and Rebecca are on the ball!
First heard in pilot's ready room aboard USS Midway (CVA 42) off San Francisco coast.
Another Brian Wilson masterpiece. Swept the country to #1.
Another Brian Wilson masterpiece. Swept the country to #1.
Whoa. You never hear the middle section on the radio. Never heard it before. Thank you Bill!
An instant 10 from me. This song is what sent me on the trail of Hi-Fi music reproduction. When in my 1st year at college, we had a'Social Studies' lesson and the tutor took us to a basement room where there was a basic Hi-Fi setup, although at the time I thought it not basic, but amazing, and it sounded such. Garrard SP25 MKII TT with a Goldring cart, a Leak Delta 70 amplifier and a pair of Goodmans Maxim speakers. When this track started playing, I swear my jaw hit the floor. I couldn't believe what was available on a vinyl record. 50 years on and this song still 'does it' for me.
LaurieinTucson wrote:
True observation. It's definitely an original start to finish.
this song is in a class by itself
it doesn't follow any standard template
which makes it one of the coolest I've heard
it doesn't follow any standard template
which makes it one of the coolest I've heard
True observation. It's definitely an original start to finish.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
Could be worse...were you never a teenage boy? Pretty much a universal situation, or at least semi universal.
Let's face it, it's a teenage boy looking for sex. Waaah!
Could be worse...were you never a teenage boy? Pretty much a universal situation, or at least semi universal.
BW Genius!
Probably 10 or 15 years ago Bob Boilen did a story on NPR's "All Things Considered" about the writing and recording of this song. A fascinating piece. In the middle of it he talked about the guy playing the Theremin which he invented. I, along with thousand of others I'm sure, wrote NPR to point out that the Theremin was invented by a Russian physicist named Leon Theremin.
Low and behold I actually got a response back from Bob Boilen himself, which made me feel important. He explained that he had condensed the complete story for time. What actually happened is that whoever was playing it had played an actual Theremin but found it too difficult. So he invented the device you hear playing on the record where instead of moving your hands in the air in the electromagnetic field between two antennas you moved a slide attached to a wire fixed onto a surface. He also said he has no idea whatever happened to it after the recording.
I thought it was interesting. One of the great American pop songs of all time.
Low and behold I actually got a response back from Bob Boilen himself, which made me feel important. He explained that he had condensed the complete story for time. What actually happened is that whoever was playing it had played an actual Theremin but found it too difficult. So he invented the device you hear playing on the record where instead of moving your hands in the air in the electromagnetic field between two antennas you moved a slide attached to a wire fixed onto a surface. He also said he has no idea whatever happened to it after the recording.
I thought it was interesting. One of the great American pop songs of all time.
I was in the boy scouts in the Mid-west and we were on our way to a weekend campout, one adult driving at night and five boys who all knew different parts to this song, which came on the radio about once an hour back then. We sang the whole thing at the top volume we could as our car barrelled through the night. I had a good falsetto then and took the high line. I believe we drove our poor adult driver crazy.
I can't remember the first time I heard this song, I was too young
But for people who were older the first time they heard it, what was that like?
I imagine it was quite stunning, no? So different from the standard radio fare of the time
I would love to know what it was like the first time people heard this song!
But for people who were older the first time they heard it, what was that like?
I imagine it was quite stunning, no? So different from the standard radio fare of the time
I would love to know what it was like the first time people heard this song!
Don't know where I heard this but I heard that it took them almost a year to write this song.
Good Vibrations following Tom Waits What's He Building In There? Whoa--puts a different spin on it!
I remember exactly when I first heard this song on the radio, when it was released in 1966 - I stopped doing my school homework and was transfixed by what I was hearing. This was new, this was magical. It made me realise that popular music could be more than just pleasant background noise - it could be a portal to a different level of consciousness. It still thrills me everytime I hear it. 10, of course.
Sadly, (or perhaps happily,) I often remember parodies better than originals. This conjures up a parody ad for "Why-Tell Records presents... Popeye Meets the Beach Boys!"
(Why-Tell being a parody of K-TEL.)
(Why-Tell being a parody of K-TEL.)
Nextf wrote:
Feel free to keep that to yourself...
everyone seem to enjoy this song , except me .
Feel free to keep that to yourself...
this song is in a class by itself
it doesn't follow any standard template
which makes it one of the coolest I've heard
it doesn't follow any standard template
which makes it one of the coolest I've heard
mgtom wrote:
Indeed, though after Chopin I was only able to give this a 9 and in 1966, I was 10 years old, this has never gotten old for me. :-)
Geeze, 1966? I was ...... well that was a long time ago.
How does anyone listen to this song without singing along? This is what 10's are about!
How does anyone listen to this song without singing along? This is what 10's are about!
Indeed, though after Chopin I was only able to give this a 9 and in 1966, I was 10 years old, this has never gotten old for me. :-)
everyone seem to enjoy this song , except me .
Will be in California in a few weeks and will drive the Pacific Coast Highway and this song will be on my playlist. Quality and timeless.
even millenium is beautiful who likes this song... 2019 cold shower still best. :D
old_shep wrote:
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
You are absolutely right, but take heart in the fact that the whiners are a small minority and most listeners take the music as it comes, most we like, some we just let them pass. When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
Who knew this was the perfect song after a Chopin Nocturne?
Chapeau, Bill!
Chapeau, Bill!
Geeze, 1966? I was ...... well that was a long time ago.
How does anyone listen to this song without singing along? This is what 10's are about!
How does anyone listen to this song without singing along? This is what 10's are about!
Splendid on the hook and melody. It needed a bit more in the lyric department, but like a few other listeners noted, it's no mystery what the song is about.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
Let's face it, it's a teenage boy looking for sex. Waaah!
Like about 80% of pop music - sex, drugs and rock & roll!
Let's face it, it's a teenage boy looking for sex. Waaah!
Brian, what a brilliant musician! Sweet memories.
There was a time many moons ago that I was oft listening to Todd Rundgren's version of this
BCarn wrote:
Upgraded to a 10. Just a masterpiece.
Welcome to the club, BCarn! I've had this one as a mental 10 since my youngest days listening to music - probably somewhere around 1982 as a 5 year old.
I've always loved the line "I don't know where, but she sends me there." And even as the years have passed and the lyrics seem a bit juvenile it's that damn WALL OF MUSIC that seals the deal for me and in 1966 at that...
10→11!! Long Live RP!!
Definition of a true American classic.
Carol Kaye is beast on this bass. Song is killer. Always will be.
Upgraded to a 10. Just a masterpiece.
I've always considered the reverb on "Ahhhhhhhh" as the absolute standard to judge the quality of a sound system. If you can't hear it right, then your system is bad. And MP3 is absolutely destroying it compared to the analog original or the CD. Even the so-called lossless formats are unable to render this effect properly. ANY kind of compression just kills good vibrations.
Very nice transition from Alt-J Hunger of the Pine to Good Vibrations
Steely_D wrote:
I wasn't expecting to enjoy that as much as I did!! Thank you for the link
I wasn't expecting to enjoy that as much as I did!! Thank you for the link
old_shep wrote:
Amen, Old Shep! You said it all...
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
Amen, Old Shep! You said it all...
I seldom join this online trivia contest, but.....
When this song came out it listening to it transported to the listener to a magic realm vaguely known to the rest of the country only as "California". Music was a bonding experience and drew listeners into new and exciting experiences.
It appears to me that music appreciation has devolved into some sick online version of American Idol where listeners do nothing but continually critic someone else's art to puff up their own egos. In this scheme, critics count coup by pointing out some ever insignificant piece of arcane trivia to show they must be some sort of genius.
Only because of the dedication of the station organizers does Radio Paradise exist, despite this army of know nothings hiding behind anonymity. Doesn't anyone appreciate anything here?
Pure genius.....
This one goes to 11.
Steely_D wrote:
Yes. Pure liquid ear candy. My favorite version since it was released. The whole Smile album works from beginning to end.
Yes. Pure liquid ear candy. My favorite version since it was released. The whole Smile album works from beginning to end.
To me this is 8 -Most Excellent
as kid when these guys were on the radio all of the time I just couldn't accept them.
I mean not when there was "real" Rock N Roll.
But now, of course "10"
I mean not when there was "real" Rock N Roll.
But now, of course "10"
grahamdillabough wrote:
Actually, surprisingly, it does. Brian Wilson's version is better than this.
Doesn't get much better than this! :-)
Actually, surprisingly, it does. Brian Wilson's version is better than this.
JsDad wrote:
Well, technically it doesn't, according to Wiki:
The theremin is an early electronic musical instrument controlled without contact from the player. It is named after its Russian inventor, Professor Léon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928. The controlling section usually consists of two metal antennasoscillator(s) for frequency with one hand, and amplitude (volume) with the other. The electric signals from the theremin are amplified and sent to a loudspeaker.
Contrary to popular belief, the theremin was not used on the 1966 recording of "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, which featured Paul Tanner's "box", later called the electro-theremin. However, for concert appearances, an oscillator slide-controller was designed and built for Wilson by Robert Moog. Wilson helped to popularize the instrument when he recorded Paul Tanner playing his electro-theremin — for the first time in recorded music history—on the song "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times." The song appeared on The Beach Boys' 1966 album Pet Sounds, considered one of the most influential albums in popular music history.
And a more recent entry:
The Beach Boys' 1966 single "Good Vibrations" – though it does not technically contain a theremin – is the most frequently cited example of the instrument in pop music. The song actually features a type of theremin invented by Paul Tanner called an Electro-Theremin. Upon release, the single prompted an unexpected revival in theremins and increased the awareness of analog synthesizers. In response to requests by the band, Moog Music began producing their own brand of ribbon-controlled instruments which would mimic the sound of a theremin.
. . . In other words, some variation of a theremin, but not the genuine article.
When you argue this song's place on the all-time lists, consider this: greatest song that includes a theremin.
Well, technically it doesn't, according to Wiki:
The theremin is an early electronic musical instrument controlled without contact from the player. It is named after its Russian inventor, Professor Léon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928. The controlling section usually consists of two metal antennasoscillator(s) for frequency with one hand, and amplitude (volume) with the other. The electric signals from the theremin are amplified and sent to a loudspeaker.
Contrary to popular belief, the theremin was not used on the 1966 recording of "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, which featured Paul Tanner's "box", later called the electro-theremin. However, for concert appearances, an oscillator slide-controller was designed and built for Wilson by Robert Moog. Wilson helped to popularize the instrument when he recorded Paul Tanner playing his electro-theremin — for the first time in recorded music history—on the song "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times." The song appeared on The Beach Boys' 1966 album Pet Sounds, considered one of the most influential albums in popular music history.
And a more recent entry:
The Beach Boys' 1966 single "Good Vibrations" – though it does not technically contain a theremin – is the most frequently cited example of the instrument in pop music. The song actually features a type of theremin invented by Paul Tanner called an Electro-Theremin. Upon release, the single prompted an unexpected revival in theremins and increased the awareness of analog synthesizers. In response to requests by the band, Moog Music began producing their own brand of ribbon-controlled instruments which would mimic the sound of a theremin.
. . . In other words, some variation of a theremin, but not the genuine article.
When you argue this song's place on the all-time lists, consider this: greatest song that includes a theremin.
Doesn't get much better than this! :-)
AhhtheMusic wrote:
The segue from Barenaked Ladies' Brian Wilson makes sense, but from my POV is from the very best to the very worst. :( Bummer.
Opinions are opinions. And we dont have objective facts when it comes to popular music. So - thanks for expressing yours.
BUT - OH MY GOD - THIS IS SUCH A BRILLIANT WORK OF ART BY ONE OF THE GREAT MUSICAL GENIUSES OF MODERN TIMES. HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT.!!!!!!
Sorry - my apologies, got carried away there. You are totally entitled to your opinin.
The segue from Barenaked Ladies' Brian Wilson makes sense, but from my POV is from the very best to the very worst. :( Bummer.
Opinions are opinions. And we dont have objective facts when it comes to popular music. So - thanks for expressing yours.
BUT - OH MY GOD - THIS IS SUCH A BRILLIANT WORK OF ART BY ONE OF THE GREAT MUSICAL GENIUSES OF MODERN TIMES. HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT.!!!!!!
Sorry - my apologies, got carried away there. You are totally entitled to your opinin.
Brian Wilson put this out a year or so ago, he brought in singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHTuo_MVul0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHTuo_MVul0
So much complexity veiled in a simple toe-tapping melody. It really is unmistakably brilliant at anything more than a casual listen. Among the best modern compositions in the realm of popular music, ever.
2020sk wrote:
Ahh the miracle of google. It seems many others have misheard exactly the same thing. Apparently it's "my, what elations!" Makes more sense, but I'm only partly convinced. I don't think I've ever replied to myself before!
Just before the slow bit, does he really say "my ovulation"?
Ahh the miracle of google. It seems many others have misheard exactly the same thing. Apparently it's "my, what elations!" Makes more sense, but I'm only partly convinced. I don't think I've ever replied to myself before!
Just before the slow bit, does he really say "my ovulation"?
Larrygrrl wrote:
I haven't seen the movie but this piece is certainly genius. Too bad his Father was an asshole.
Originally I gave this song a 1, but then I saw the film about Brian Wilson and my eyes have been opened. I now give it a 10! Pure musical genius.
I haven't seen the movie but this piece is certainly genius. Too bad his Father was an asshole.
Originally I gave this song a 1, but then I saw the film about Brian Wilson and my eyes have been opened. I now give it a 10! Pure musical genius.
Google you tube> Rare footage Good Vibrations. Amazing footage of the recording with the studio musicians, Carl, Mike. Watch Brian and giving his soul to this
Lampje99 wrote:
Ol' brother Bill, still knows how to swing from one song to another in the sonic jungle…
Nice cross over from bnl to bb
Ol' brother Bill, still knows how to swing from one song to another in the sonic jungle…
AhhtheMusic wrote:
The segue from Barenaked Ladies' Brian Wilson makes sense, but from my POV is from the very best to the very worst. :( Bummer.
I'd be perfectly content if I never heard a Beach Boys song again in my life, thanks much. ;)
The segue from Barenaked Ladies' Brian Wilson makes sense, but from my POV is from the very best to the very worst. :( Bummer.
I'm surprised this isn't rated a 10. One of the defining songs of the era is a low 8?
Dude.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
AhhtheMusic wrote:
I'd be perfectly content if I never heard a Beach Boys song again in my life, thanks much. ;)
I'd be perfectly content if I never heard a Beach Boys song again in my life, thanks much. ;)
Steely_D wrote:
I agree. The lyrics took some getting used to, but musically, lights years better.
Sorry, but this is a better version.
I agree. The lyrics took some getting used to, but musically, lights years better.
Nice cross over from bnl to bb
Is there no stereo remix of this masterpiece?
https://open.spotify.com/track...