Other songs of note include “Girl Don’t Tell Me” with the first lead vocal by Carl Wilson which is remarkable given the number of songs that the Beach Boys had produced up to this point. “Then I Kissed Her” is a stripped down tribute to Phil Specter and his wall of sound that exerted such influence upon Brian Wilson. “I’m Bugged At My Old Man” may seem like a goofy throw-away song but given the relationship between Brian Wilson and his father there is some bite in this satire.
“Summer Means New Love” is an unusual instrumental for the group. It is far from their surf roots. It has a symphonic feel that plays on a simple theme yet is layered with varied instrumental sounds. It is a delicate and beautiful creation.
Summer Days concludes with the beautiful a Capella song “And Your Dream Comes True.” The Beach Boys voices always sounded so pure when they were presented without instrumental backing. This wistful ballad is a fitting conclusion to the simple and in many ways spectacular early Beach Boys career.
Summer Days (And Summer Nights!) is not the masterful album of Beach Boys Today, Pet Sounds, or even All Summer Long. What it remains is a pleasurable listening experience. Sometimes that is more than enough.
Article comments
1 - JANK
It does contain my favorite BB song, "Girl Don't Tell Me" - very poignant and wistful, excellent arrangement. Beautiful and rocking.
It's all about those Lost Summers, isn't it?