"The Beach Boys Today!" by The Beach Boys
"Today!" marks a significant evolution in The Beach Boys' sound and production style.
"The Beach Boys Today!" by The Beach Boys
Release Date: March 8, 1965
Recording Locations:
- United Western Recorders, Hollywood
- Gold Star Studios, Hollywood
- RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood
Producer: Brian Wilson
Historical Context:
"Today!" marks a significant evolution in The Beach Boys' sound and production style. Released in March 1965, the album came at a time when Brian Wilson was experiencing considerable personal and professional pressures. This period saw Wilson stepping away from touring to focus on studio work, allowing him to experiment more deeply with complex arrangements and sophisticated production techniques. The album is noted for its shift away from the band's earlier surf and car songs, instead featuring more introspective and emotionally nuanced themes. This stylistic transition laid the groundwork for their subsequent masterpiece, "Pet Sounds".
You can listen to this album on YouTube.
Musicians:
- Brian Wilson: Piano, Organ, Bass, Vocals
- Mike Love: Vocals, Percussion
- Al Jardine: Guitars, Vocals
- Carl Wilson: Guitars, Vocals
- Dennis Wilson: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
- Additional Musicians: Glen Campbell (guitar), Hal Blaine (drums, percussion), Leon Russell (piano, organ), Larry Knechtel (bass).
Track Listing and Descriptions:
Side One:
1. "Do You Wanna Dance?" – A cover of Bobby Freeman’s hit, featuring Dennis Wilson on lead vocals. The Beach Boys' version is richly produced, with a lively arrangement that reached the Top 20.
2. "Good to My Baby" – This track features an interesting rotating guitar riff and dual lead vocals by Mike Love and Brian Wilson, blending upbeat rock with complex harmonies.
3. "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" – An upbeat rocker with a bright guitar riff, transitioning into a more somber tone. The lyrics reflect Brian Wilson’s complicated feelings towards his wife Marilyn and her younger sisters.
4. "When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)" – A reflective song about the anxieties of growing up, featuring melodic harmonies and a distinctive vibraphone sound.
5. "Help Me, Rhonda" – The album version of this hit song features Al Jardine on lead vocals and became one of The Beach Boys’ most iconic tracks.
6. "Dance, Dance, Dance" – A pure rock track co-written by Carl Wilson, showcasing an energetic guitar presence and an upbeat rhythm.
Side Two:
1. "Please Let Me Wonder" – A mellow ballad with lush harmonies and a Western-like instrumental backing, reflecting Brian Wilson’s introspective songwriting.
2. "I'm So Young" – A doo-wop ballad cover featuring Phil Spector-like snare and tambourine hits, delivering a nostalgic feel.
3. "Kiss Me, Baby" – Known for its intricate vocal arrangements, this song showcases Brian Wilson’s growing sophistication in production and harmonies.
4. "She Knows Me Too Well" – A song where Brian Wilson stretches his vocal range, delivering emotional depth through its complex harmonies and arrangements.
5. "In the Back of My Mind" – A melancholic track in 6/8 time, featuring Dennis Wilson on lead vocals. It stands out for its introspective lyrics and sophisticated orchestration.
6. "Bull Session with the 'Big Daddy'" – A filler track consisting of a candid conversation with the band, providing a lighthearted end to the album.
"Today!" was a commercial success, peaking in the Top 10 on both the US and UK charts. The album represents a pivotal moment in The Beach Boys' evolution, showcasing Brian Wilson's growing mastery as a producer and songwriter, setting the stage for their later groundbreaking work on "Pet Sounds".
