I CAN HEAR MUSIC
1969

Today’s session sees The Beach Boys covering the Barry/Greenwich/Spector classic “I Can Hear Music”. The first attempts today feature Carl Wilson singing a vocal accompanied by just his occasional guitar and light drums from Dennis Wilson, while the second shot features a heavier drum sound, tambourine, sleigh bells and Carl’s acoustic guitar. Once a satisfactory guide vocal has been completed, several attempts are made to add vocals by the group, and Carl’s first serious lead vocal. Additional backing vocals are then taped but these are deemed not good enough, so a fresh backing vocal is is recorded. Carl then records a new double-tracked and quite breathtaking lead vocal after several attempts.

Carl and the full Beach Boys line-up then begin a series of insert vocal recordings for the song. Next Carl takes charge of a series of guitar, drums, piano and keyboard inserts designed to pad out the sound. After watching and listening to brother Brian intently over the past six years, Carl emerges today having completed his first released session as a sole producer. His developing expertise in the studio bodes well for the future, with Brian set to remove himself from recordings as well as the concert stage.

Pictured: Spanish variant (Top) French variant (Bottom)