Recorded 51 years ago today
Artist, album and year: The Beach Boys, All Summer Long, 1964
Why is it a Classic? : Based on lyrics alone, this tune is the ultimate expression of teenage freedom, partying and a carefree attitude.
When you’re listening to the song, Wilson’s evocative words almost paint a picture of a guy that’s bored with his small town life on a Friday night and desperately wants to taste some adventure elsewhere.
Girls, cars and freedom have seldom been this infectious or captivating.
In strictly musical terms, idiosyncratic genius Wilson has often been hailed as the main talent in the band but it’s actually Mike Love on lead vocals here.
Wilson does sing the chorus though and gets the most memorable part, that soaring falsetto.
The songs structure is unique because it starts with a chorus, working its way back-to-front, and it only has two short verses in between that joyous chorus.
While it may sound simple and straightforward, it experiments with different styles and tones.
‘I Get Around’ is equal parts surf rock classic, uplifting barbershop quartet and classic pop melody all rolled into one.
The stop-start nature of the song is incredibly infectious while The Beach Boys were pioneers when it came to using reverbed guitars, Hendrix, Clapton and Richards would soon follow through their amps.
The interplay between guitarists Al Jardine and Carl Wilson provides the canvas for which Wilson paints a timeless anthem that captures a very unique time-period in American, musical and personal history.
Did you Know? : During the recording of this song, Wilson actually fired the bands manager, his own father.
The lyrical hook: “Round round get around, I get around”.
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