Kick-Ass Beach Boys Song #1: "Surfin' U.S.A."

So...I figured I'd do a series of posts called "Kick-Ass Beach Boys Song." And it's just what you think. No, the Beach Boys aren't my favorite group, but they're definitely up there, although I'm more of a Brian Wilson fan rather than of the band he created. The numbers are simply numbers, no ranking or anything.

I figured since June is just hours away here in the U.S., I'd start with a pretty rockin' little number that most people know.

I know what you're thinking. "Surfin' U.S.A." is very dated, with the nasally vocals, the "oooooooh" background vocals, the chiming Fender Jaguar that is sooooo 1963. The organ solo is kind of cheesy. In fact, most people would probably say, "Beach Boys? Kick ass? HA!" Mind you, these are the same people who've never heard, say, the concert version of "Marcella" or the single version of "Cotton Fields." I pity them.

If you fall into the category of those who find "Surfin' U.S.A." cheesy and dated, I strongly advise you to do this: listen to Chuck Berry's original "Sweet Little Sixteen." Listen to it again. And again and again and again. Listen to it over and over and over for an hour, or at least to the point that you can't get it out of your head, whichever comes first.

Now, listen to "Surfin' U.S.A.," the Beach Boys' re-make of the Chuck Berry song. If you can find the mono mix, I strongly recommend that over the stereo, as the mono mix is pure Brian Wilson production in all its glory, and somehow actually sounds like you're hitting the surf. The "inside, outside, U.S.A." background vocals will catch you off-guard...in a good way. The excitement is almost tangible.

And how can you not love these lyrics: "...we can't wait 'til June. We'll all be gone for the summer. We're on safari to stay. Tell the teacher we're surfin'." Wow. Really, think back to when you were in school and couldn't wait to get out. Tell me this sentiment doesn't still flow through your veins.