surf's up

...are you sleeping, brother john ?

Brian Wilson on perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded:

"One night in early spring 1971 I drove to the beach, parked the car, and walked out onto the deserted sand. If Marilyn, sleeping in a separate bedroom that night, had known where I was going, she would've hidden the car keys, perhaps robbing me of the inspiration that led to one of my best and least-known songs. Of course, she would've had good reason. Lately, I'd been depressed, preoccupied with death. I'd ordered the gardener to dig a grave in the backyard and threatened to drive my Rolls off the Santa Monica pier."

Written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. The second arrangement is assembled from original 1966 studio sessions from the aborted "Smile".

▼ THE BEACH BOYS: SURF'S UP from "Surf's Up" LP (Brother) 1971 (US)

▼ BRIAN WILSON: SURF'S UP (ORCHESTRAL ARRANGEMENT) from "Smile" LP (No Label) 1967 (US)

SUNFLOWER / SURF'S UP

SMiLE (2004)