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.
