Top 6 Beach Boys Cover Songs

With the anticipated theatrical release of "Love & Mercy" chronicling the life of troubled musical genius Brian Wilson, now is the time to re-visit your Pet Sounds and Smile records....or just about any other Beach Boys/Brian Wilson gems you own.  If you need a more proper introduction to the Beach Boys catalog other than those surfing singles you know by heart, perhaps these few stellar cover songs will do the trick.


6.  Farmer's Daughter - Fleetwood Mac

Originally recorded during an impromptu backstage concert, this cover was solid enough to release on their Fleetwood Mac Live album.  Perhaps the fact that drummer Dennis Wilson was romantically involved with Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie in the late 70's may have led to the inspired cover.





5.  Girl Don't Tell Me - The Shins

Lucky fans that caught The Shins on tour in 2009 got to witness this longtime indie powerhouse provide their own jangly take on the 1965 ditty.





4.  Little Bird - Of Montreal

Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes shreds his provocative glitter and glamorous disposition to produce a tender cover of "Little Bird" which was originally recorded on the Beach Boys' 1968 "Friends" album.





3.  I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - Aimee Mann & Michael Penn

This performance mastered by Aimee Mann and husband Michael Penn was broadcast during the 2001 "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson."  Backed by Brian Wilson's touring band, Mann and Penn's Pet Sounds cover provides a convincing and genuine melancholy nature that lingers with listeners long after.




2.  Don't Worry Baby - Ronnie Spector

There is a mutual musical admiration that exists between Brian Wilson and Ronnie Spector.  Brian Wilson's all time favorite song is Spector's (Ronettes) "Be My Baby."  As soon as Wilson discovered Spector's cover of his very own "Don't Worry Baby," Wilson was truly blown away.  The two would eventually perform the Beach Boys tune "I Can't Hear Music" in a live performance in 2000.




1.  Heroes and Villains - Van Dyke Parks with Clare and the Reasons

As the co-author to Brian Wilson's arty masterpiece Smile, Van Dyke Parks is more qualified to re-interrupt Wilson's Americana/psychedelic symphony better than most anyone else.  Parks' innovative "Heroes and Villains" cover will entice you to further investigate Parks' own musical archives.

California Dreamin' As Rent Prices Soar

There has always been something mythical about heading out west to California.  However, with rent rising as quickly as I change my own laundry, it makes me wonder how many impressionable folks will make the trek to California unless they score a coveted tech job in Silicon Valley.  California may be brimming with opportunities, however, those opportunities may not necessarily pay the rent for the (almost extinct) middle class.

For those of us that have grown up in California, it is difficult to imagine a life outside of our fantastical state.  Don't get me wrong, I have lived outside of California, therefore, I am not completely out of touch with reality.  Also, a number of the California towns I have dwelled in are anything but desirable.  Still, there is something magical about living a stone's throw away from the ocean, mountains, desert, and some of the greatest cities known to man.

Yet, with astronomical rent prices, are we to leave home in order to sustain a comfortable life?  I look at myself and many of my California homegrown pals, and realize that we may not be able to purchase a modest house regardless of our professions.

Regardless of whether or not we would like to purchase a house someday, rent alone is troublesome. I am currently a newly wed, however, if I had been single in my mid-thirties or forties, I can't imagine I would want to share a pad with roommates I discovered via Craigslist.  It makes me wonder if my career could support a studio in most any sought-out California city.

Last January, NPR provided a rising rent price analysis, yet they couldn't provide a groundbreaking solution for "there is very little you can do about it."  I would definitely prefer to stay in California, but only time will tell how pragmatic that decision may be.  Making this choice is almost like deciding whether or not to linger at a festive all-night party or to turn in early.

I can't imagine that I am the only Californian feeling torn, for I realize that this is something most of my peers have grappled with one time or another.  If any Californian readers stumble upon this page and are considering an out-of-state move, there are a few things you may need to consider.  Should you choose to leave, prepare to say goodbye to the following:

The treeman at Venice Beach who now has his own documentary:

Free in-store performances (i.e. Aimee Mann) at the largest independent record store (Amoeba):

The greatest (growing) burger chain: Umami burger.  It even has its own stamp of approval!

Sharing an intimate moment with Ryan Gosling: 

....and ending the perfect day with a perfect sunset: