Song: "Heroes and Villains"
Writers: Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks
Original Release: July 24, 1967
Band: The Beach Boys
In truth, I've never been much of a Beach Boys fan. I own Pet Sounds - practically obligatory - and willingly acknowledge that "Good Vibrations" is a masterpiece. But as for their old school surf music, it just doesn't do it for me. I know, practically un-American!
So, perhaps it's not surprising that my favorite among their songs is out of character. "Heroes and Villains" was intended as a follow-up on the success of "Good Vibrations." While it enjoyed moderate commercial success - #12 on the charts - it was widely panned by critics. Jimi Hendrix famously referred to it as a "psychedelic barbershop quartet." While that sounds awesome to me, Jimi didn't mean it as a compliment.
I will admit that from a production standpoint, the song's kind of a mess. But I think it represents a nice mix of the group's older vocal harmony charm and their late-sixties trippy frolics.
Also notable for being part of the quagmire that was the Smile album; "Heroes and Villains" was the single released from the version of the album released at the time, but Brian Wilson's vision wasn't realized for four decades.
ReplyDeleteTony's a fan!
DeleteMy mom had a couple of Beach Boys albums when I was a kid, but they were never listened to. She didn't really like the Beach Boys, so I was never sure why she had the records. I don't think she knew either.
ReplyDeleteMy parents didn't have any Beach Boys. Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Simon and Garfunkel, Mamas and Papas... but no Beach Boys.
DeleteThis was my music along with the Beatles.
ReplyDeleteLove the Beach boys.
cheers, parsnip
I will always favor the Beatles in that pairing but I know that for many, to love one is to love the other. The two groups evolved together - one more successfully than the other.
DeleteI do like a bit of Beach Boys nonsense, never heard of this track though - will have to find on my phone, still don't have speakers :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun romp.
DeleteYeah, this is an odd song. When I first heard it, I thought there was something wrong with my radio... I was young, didn't know any better. It's not a bad song; I do like it, but my favorite of theirs is God Only Knows.
ReplyDeleteI like that one, too. Again, Pet Sounds is a must-have in any respectable music collection.
Delete