God Only Knows

The Beach Boys are recording and touring again. They've had a complex, storied past, not the least part of which has been the personal trials of Brian Wilson. But for quite some time now, Wilson has had a productive solo career, and seems to be in good shape. We can only wish him continued prosperity.

Of all the songs he has written, one stands out as, perhaps, the best of the best. You might have other favorites, but listen to the vocals, removed from the accompaniment.



Here's Brian looking relatively unhappy, performing it in 1981. He was not in the best of shape, but this song conquers its creator.



Brian got himself together and started performing again, and was looking good in 2002. He still doesn't look like a happy performer, though.



But Elton John, by contrast, is an ecstatic performer. You feel like he's holding himself in, but also you feel like he's doing exactly what he needs to do for this song. (Stick with it for the second number.)



There are other versions of the song out there, including one by David Bowie that is way too Bowie and way not enough Wilson. But mostly, no matter who performs it, it's a beauty. Too bad the McCartney/Wilson collaboration that's on YouTube doesn't sound too good; "Pet Sounds" was one of McCartney's great inspirations, and he claims it gave him the spiritual nod to experiment on Sgt. Pepper.

There's plenty of other amazing Wilson music in addition to this. It's nice that the Boys are on the road again, with Wilson a part of them. Sometimes there really are happy endings.

[Inspired by The 25 Best Beach Boys Covers.]
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