Just back from a brief trip to Provincetown, Masssachusetts. After we visited one of the lovely beaches, we got back in the car and turned on WOMR (broadcasting from the historic schoolhouse on Commercial Street). I heard a jazz rendition of a song that sounded familiar, and gradually realized: it's "Surfer Girl" (a nice thing to hear after you've been to the beach, albeit not surfing). The artist was unidentified, so I'm still puzzled. Does anyone know what this might be? (It's not from Wouldn't It Be Nice: A Jazz Portrait of Brian Wilson.)
When I watch or listen to the Beach Boys I often feel (as I'm sure many of you do) a mix of elation and melancholy, not only because so many of the songs are infused with melancholy, but also (of course) because it becomes about missing Dennis and Carl and the sweeter, more innocent striped-shirt times before the drugs and loss and messy complications. You see an old clip, and you know what's to come and, well, it's just heartbreaking. (I've seen a couple of Brian's shows in the last few years, though, and, all things considered, they were fabulous.)
This clip, for instance. It's wonderful and sad at once. Come to think of it, that's often how it feels to be at a Provincetown beach. (Check out Edward Hopper's Cape Cod paintings to see how lonely the shore can be.) I didn't grow up around beaches, but these boys did, and they (or Brian, anyway) must have known that it's not only about bikinis and blondes and huarache sandals. But this "Surfer Girl" is simple and gorgeous.
My Trusted MOGs
Seconded. Love the melancholy in Brian's writing, and how the group tapped ito it and delivered. (I'm sure there were more than a few beach boys in Provincetown - if you get my drift...)
My Trusted MOGs
The only cover of this that I know is by Dave Alvin - have it somewhere but can't seem to find it at the moment, will perservere.....Doubt that this is the one you heard, but it's good anyhow....