God only knows how we expected to cover this song in our usual timespan. We parse Brian’s marriage to Marilyn Rovell, the qualities of a Great American Songbook standard, and the mystical tonal shifts that make this baroque-pop B-side the jewel in the band’s crown. Is a realistic love song better than a fantastical one? Can Beach Boys lyrics be read in a queer or non-heteronormative context? What is the Brian Wilson Two-Note Fall, and why should you care about it?? Cameos from Tchaikovsky, Bach, Brahms, Herman’s Hermits, Kendrick Lamar, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and every other musician who ever lived. Sing it, Carl!!
(CW: mention of suicide ideation ~43:00)
