"BackTracking" the Beach Boys
Yes, I imagine you probably have a puzzled expression on your face? "What is SquareTex TALKING about?!?" Well, to put it simply, backing tracks are simply the music that a singer sings over to create a song. So what we have HERE is some backing tracks I made to some of my favorite Beach Boys songs.
I'm sure you may not recognize some of these titles...in fact, they may seem quite obscure except to the hardcore fans. My taste in Beach Boys music extends beyond their surfing and cars success, to their lesser-known times. Buried in these times are some pretty good tunes themselves.
Let's roll 'em out, shall we?
Do It Again from 20/20
Actually, this take has a saxophone playing the lead vocal part. Mainly, I was experimenting with electric guitars to get that "buzzing" sound heard in the original version.
Funky Pretty from Holland
The closing track from this albums a good tune, but not quite as "funky" as you would expect. So I rocked it up a little. :)
Good Vibrations from Smiley Smile
Yes, I expect MIDIs of this are a dime a dozen. But as a musician I had to take the challenge. :) Besides, what other version was especially built for karaoke-type singing?
Gettin' Hungry from Smiley Smile
Rather than the sometimes-draggy, sometimes annoying pattern of the original, I opted for one style throughout...solid rock.
You're So Good to Me from Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!)
This clapping, stomping, la-la-la'ing tune is one of my favorites.
Whistle In from Smiley Smile
I absolutely ADORE this little vocal groove. But I think in my version, I got a little carried away... :)
Wild Honey from Wild Honey
Great, happy, soulful song. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a theremin, so a guitar will have to do. ;)
Good Time from The Beach Boys Love You
Love You is an oddly lovable album in its own way. The Good Vibrations box set gave me a pretty good preview of what to expect but THIS one particular song surprised me. The upbeat, happy nature hooked me after a few listens. So here's my take on it. I made it very danceable. :)
Be Still from Friends
The original was one of Dennis Wilson's first songs, a simple organ piece with his longing style of vocals. This version takes the song and gives it a modern, "pop" flavoring.
She Knows Me So Well
A really beautiful track from Today!, considered by many to be the best album before Pet Sounds. This track was a sorrowful ballad. The treatment given here is once again modern, lowered several keys for those who can't sing as high as Brian used to. :)
...And that should do it for now!
All these pieces are copyright of the respective holders of the Beach Boys material. I forgot exactly who that might be... :S