Good Vibrations

Eggy, Dr. Dog, Justin Vernon, and the Beach Boys

God only knows what I'd be without you
God only knows what I'd be without you

—The Beach Boys

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What’s your take on the Beach Boys? Kody used to mock them, but this week’s Bonus Track guest set him straight a few years ago. We’ve invited her to pay tribute to a true national treasure.

But first, Adam, Mat, and Kody offer you their recs for your weekend playlist.

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Broken Bluff by Eggy (Adam)

In my constant search for new jam bands, I recently stumbled across Eggy. They are a four-piece jam band from Connecticut and their live shows are mesmerizing. A song that I keep going back to is Broken Bluff. The lyrics are beautifully crafted and lead to deep reflection. Have you ever bluffed and fooled yourself? Deep stuff.

It’s just my luck, I’ve been fooled by my own bluff

I’ve been fooled enough by my own bluff

Also available on Apple Music.

Abandoned Mansion by Dr. Dog (Mat)

Dr. Dog brings the funky, twangy, slow burn vibes as good as anyone. This song feels a little brooding but still has a jangly feel. Spotify says I like a genre called “Stomp and Holler” which I am pretty sure is made up. While we are making up genres, let’s go with “Haunty and Jaunty.” Lyrically, I dig the line, “You did it to yourself, but you did it to me too.” It’s a good reminder none of us live in a vacuum. Anyway, enjoy Dr. Dog, my favorite Haunty and Jaunty artist.

Also available on Apple Music.

Bruised Orange (Chain of Sorrow) by John Prine Covered by Justin Vernon (Kody)

This week marked six years since my dad passed away. As long as the Swap is running, you can expect me to serve up a John Prine song for you the week of Feb. 21. Prine was my dad’s favorite artist and informed most of the soundtrack of my early childhood. When I hear his voice, it feels like home.

Prine’s genius is on full display here. Outside of the Sermon on the Mount, no collection of words has given me perspective on letting go of anger and bitterness like this song.

Also available on Apple Music.

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Bonus Track: Beyond the Waves: The Beach Boys' Enduring Impact on Music by Lindsey Imler

In the pantheon of legendary bands, The Beach Boys hold a place of honor. A group that transcended the boundaries of surf music to create a sound that was both uniquely American and universally appealing, they stand as a testament to the enduring power of innovative music. Central to their acclaim is Brian Wilson, a once-in-a-generation songwriter and musician whose influence on the music industry is immeasurable.

Formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961, The Beach Boys initially captured the zeitgeist of the sunny, surf-obsessed California culture. Songs like "Surfin' USA" and "California Girls" became anthems of an era, epitomizing the carefree spirit of youth. However, reducing The Beach Boys to mere purveyors of surf rock does a disservice to their groundbreaking contributions to music (ahem, Kody Gibson).

The genius of The Beach Boys, and particularly Brian Wilson, lies in their ability to evolve and innovate. Wilson's ear for complex harmonies, unconventional structures, and the incorporation of unusual instruments transformed the band's sound. Albums like "Pet Sounds" and the single "Good Vibrations" were revolutionary, both in their production and their emotional depth. "Pet Sounds," in particular, is frequently cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, with its intricate layers of sound and introspective lyrics. It’s my go-to album for those days that I just need to live in my feelings, which is most days for this Enneagram 4. 

Brian Wilson's talents extended far beyond his ability to craft a catchy tune. He was a pioneer in the studio, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in recorded music. His use of the studio as an instrument in itself set new standards in the music industry. The meticulous arrangements and harmonies he engineered were unprecedented, blending elements of jazz, classical, and pop in ways that had never been heard before.

Wilson's influence extends far beyond the surf genre he helped popularize. He paved the way for countless artists and bands who followed (just ask Paul McCartney), showing that pop music could be both artistically ambitious and commercially successful. His struggles with mental health, while heartbreaking, also brought a poignant humanity to his work, making it resonate with a depth and authenticity rare in the world of pop music.

The Beach Boys' enduring legacy is a tribute to their innovative spirit and musical prowess. At the heart of this legacy is Brian Wilson, whose extraordinary talents as a songwriter and musician redefined what popular music could be. The Beach Boys are not just one of the greatest bands of their era; they are one of the greatest bands of all time, with a sound that continues to inspire and captivate listeners across generations.

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Lindsey Imler is a Kentucky native currently residing in Columbia, MO with her husband Henry and 6 month old daughter, Dorsey. She currently can't stop listening to Bleachers and would give anything to see Bruce Springsteen live. When she's not doing her marketing day job, she's probably singing "My Girl" by The Temptations to Dorsey on repeat. 

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What a Bonus Track. Well done, Lindsey! Enjoy the Beach Boys this weekend everyone. Until next time…

-TheMusicSwap