A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

Episode 142: “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys

Jan 31, 2022
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ANECDOTE

Campbell's Temporary Replacement

  • Brian Wilson, struggling with mental health, stopped touring with the Beach Boys.
  • Glen Campbell temporarily replaced him, showcasing a musical style that prefigured Wilson's later work.
INSIGHT

Wilson's Evolving Style

  • "Guess I'm Dumb" reveals Wilson's evolving songwriting, incorporating influences like Bacharach and Voobisson.
  • His melodies shifted from simpler, horizontal lines to more complex, vertical ones.
ANECDOTE

The Beach Boys and Session Musicians

  • Contrary to popular belief, the Beach Boys played on their early hits.
  • The use of session musicians became more prominent in 1965-66, marking a shift in their recording process.
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