(John) Lennon's enthusiasm is evident in his reaction to the Beach Boys single "Little Girl I Once Knew" (November, 1965): "This is the greatest! Turn it up, turn it right up. It's GOT to be a hit. It's the greatest record I've heard for weeks. It's fantastic. I hope it will be a hit. It's all Brian Wilson. He just uses the voices as instruments. He never tours or anything. He just sits at home thinking up fantastic arrangements our of his head. Doesn't even read music. You keep waiting for the fabulous breaks. Great arrangement. It goes on and on with all different things. I hope it's a hit so I can hear it all the time."
Cited in The Beatles as Musicians: The Quarry Men through Rubber Soul by Walter Everett, page 276
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Recent article on John Lennon gushing over "Little Girl I Once Knew."
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1612380/the-beatles-john-lennon-the-beach-boys-brian-wilson
From Surf’s Up: A Beach Boys Podcast Safari - my partner Mark Dillon posted:
ReplyDeleteThis one goes out to the great John Lennon, who would have been 80 today. He loved this song by The Beach Boys, as he told Melody Maker: “This is the greatest! Turn it up, turn it right up. It’s fantastic. It’s all Brian Wilson. He just uses the voices as instruments. He never tours or anything. He just sits at home thinking up fantastic arrangements out of his head. You keep waiting for the fabulous breaks. Great arrangement. It goes on and on with all different things. I hope it’s a hit so I can hear it all the time.” I think Brian was more of an influence on John than people realize. Bless you, Mr. Lennon.
Recent article on John Lennon gushing over "Little Girl I Once Knew."
ReplyDeletehttps://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1612380/the-beatles-john-lennon-the-beach-boys-brian-wilson
"12 Best Brian Wilson Songs"
ReplyDelete#8. “The Little Girl I Once Knew” (1965)
Written by Brian Wilson
Though “The Little Girl I Once Knew” was a decent hit in its time, its status as a standalone single not included on an original Beach Boys album may account for its fading legacy. This is tragic, because it’s the perfect transition track from early Beach Boys to Pet Sounds-era experimentation. Like many of the songs on Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), “The Little Girl I Once Knew” mixes an up-tempo summer sensibility with unusual arrangements and harmonies. Most notably, there is a two-measure pause before each chorus, occupied only by the ringing out of a single vibraphone note. The pause makes the track distinct, and it prevented many radio stations from embracing it, fearing the few seconds of dead air during their broadcasts.
The lyrics of the song may have held it back from being as universally appealing as the similar-sounding “California Girls”, too. Whereas “California Girls” has its problems with objectification, it still comes across as inclusive and jubilant. “The Little Girl I Once Knew” feels more predatory in its excitement for a young girl who’s growing up before your eyes. Still, the intricate arrangement, powerful layers of vocals, and distinctive pre-chorus pause make it a strong stand-out song.
https://www.popmatters.com/12-best-brian-wilson-songs
MORE TO THE JOHN KENNON QUOTE:
ReplyDelete“Lennon continued, noting Wilson’s extraordinary eye for melody and song structure. “He just sits at home thinking up fantastic arrangements out of his head,” he continued excitedly. “Doesn’t even read music. You keep waiting for the fabulous breaks. Great arrangement. It goes on and on with all different things. I hope it’s a hit so I can hear it all the time.”
Jordon Potter • Far Out