"California Feelin'" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Stephen Kalinich that was recorded by the Beach Boys in the 1970s. Wilson recorded a solo version in 2002 for the Beach Boys compilation Classics Selected by Brian Wilson.[1] Wilson’s bandmate Al Jardine later recorded his own version for his debut solo album A Postcard from California. Two composite versions of the Beach Boys' original recordings – one complete and the other a piano/vocal demo – were included on the 2013 compilation Made in California.
| "California Feelin'" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Brian Wilson | |
| from the album Classics Selected by Brian Wilson | |
| Released | July 2, 2002 |
| Recorded | 2002 |
| Genre | White gospel |
| Length | 2:49 |
| Label | Capitol |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Brian Wilson |
| Licensed audio | |
| "California Feelin'" on YouTube | |
| "California Feelin'" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Al Jardine | |
| from the album A Postcard from California | |
| Released | 2010 |
| Genre | White gospel |
| Label | Fontana |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Al Jardine |
Background
editThe song was written by Brian Wilson and Stephen Kalinich for Wilson's American Spring side project.[2] Kalinich considered the song white gospel and added "I think it frightened him a little to let his defenses down and give the vocal all he had."[3] In 1976, Wilson said of the song, "It's got a feeling to it. ... There's something about it that's very warm. It's sort of a Bill Medley–Brian Wilson combination."[4]
Recording
editIt was first tracked as a demo in November 1974 by Brian Wilson in a session that was engineered by Chuck Britz.[5] Wilson, unhappy with his performance, instructed the engineer to scrap the tape,[5][6] but this was not heeded.[6] The Beach Boys' 1974 and 1978 versions of "California Feelin'" were eventually released for the 2013 compilation Made in California.[6] Compiler Alan Boyd explained:
That was one of the first songs recorded for the L.A. (Light Album) in 1978 at Criteria, the Bee Gees studio, in Miami. A rough mix has been circulating for many years but we did a little track editing and pulled some things out on it. I’ve always loved the song and there are multiple versions of it out there. There’s a version by The Honeys, Brian (Wilson) has recorded it. But we’re finally getting the Beach Boys master out. It features a beautiful vocal by Carl. The song almost has a gospel tinge to it. We even used part of Brian’s original first attempt at a lead vocal on it too, which no one has heard.[6]
Music video
editAn official music video was released in 2014.[7] It was the winner of a fan contest devised during the promotion of Made in California.[6]
Personnel
editCredits from Craig Slowinski.[8]
The Beach Boys
- Al Jardine - backing vocals
- Bruce Johnston - co-lead and backing vocals
- Mike Love - backing vocals
- Brian Wilson - lead (intro) and backing vocals, piano
- Carl Wilson - lead and backing vocals, electric guitar
Additional musicians
- Ed Carter - bass guitar
- Bobby Figueroa - drums, tambourine
- Carli Muñoz - Fender Rhodes
- Phil Shenale - Oberheim synthesizers
- Sterling Smith - Hammond organ
References
edit- ^ Wilson, Brian (2002). Classics Selected by Brian Wilson (CD Liner). The Beach Boys. Capitol Records.
- ^ Dillon, Mark (2012). Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys: The Songs That Tell Their Story. ECW Press. p. 322. ISBN 978-1-77090-198-8.
- ^ Chidester, Brian (January 30, 2014). "Brian Wilson's Secret Bedroom Tapes". LA Weekly. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ^ White, Timothy (1996). The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys, and the Southern Californian Experience. Macmillan. p. 189. ISBN 0333649370.
- ^ a b Carlin, Peter Ames (2006). Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. Rodale. p. 331. ISBN 978-1-59486-749-1.
- ^ a b c d e "Beach Boys Producers Alan Boyd, Dennis Wolfe, Mark Linett Discuss 'Made in California' (Q&A)". Rock Cellar Magazine. September 4, 2013. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
- ^ The Beach Boys - California Feelin' on YouTube
- ^ Slowinski, Craig (Spring 2015). Beard, David (ed.). "THE BEACH BOYS' - L.A. (Light Album)". Endless Summer Quarterly Magazine. No. 109. Charlotte, North Carolina.