From posing surfers and shaggy-haired skaters, to cheesy grins and young romances, the 50s and 60s gave life to the term, ‘easy-going’. This laid-back groove can be traced back to its origins in sunny California, where a young band known as, “The Beach Boys”, were about to reap the benefits of this sunny optimism. Formed in 1961, with writing inspired by ‘such wholly California pursuits as surfing and hot-rod cruising’¹; their sound became known as surf-rock, and immediately clicked with the youth. The breezy lyrics and ragged beats catapulted them into the spotlight when their single, “Surfin’,” became a hit on the local airwaves.

The driving force behind the creativity that was the Beach Boys, was Brian Wilson. Growing up, The Four Freshman and Phil Spector were his idols, and Brian’s techniques certainly pay tribute to their work. 1963 saw their first top ten single after signing with Capitol Records, and it was around this time that Wilson decided to become sole producer of the band. When put in charge, Brian reached his pinnacle in Westerns studios; producing and creating an album that would become a staple of California sound for many years. His techniques were one of kind, and his double tracking of the vocals created the ‘exceptionally bright, hallmark sound’² that the band became known for.

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One of the most influential albums for Brian in the 60s was not one of his own, but rather Rubber Soul, from a little band called The Beatles. The Beatles were blowing up across the pond, and upon hearing it, Brian felt a tremendous amount of pressure to release an album on a similar, if not higher level. The masterpiece he created was entitled Pet Sounds, an album in which music and art coexisted. For the first time, this was an album that followed only one theme. In this case, it was the transformation of California’s dreamy boy band. Between himself and Tony Asher, they created a story that evolved throughout the album, beginning in innocence, and ending in loneliness. Pet Sounds delivered the same harmonies that the Beach Boys were known for, but its instrumentation was an entirely new production style. The sound was huge and vast, and the instrumentation itself expanded to an entirely new level previously not heard in their genre.

Personally, I have always loved the classics that came from Pet Sounds. The stereo imaging, reverb use, and harmonies in this record are amazing. I especially love their use of instrumentation in ‘Good Vibrations’, with the whirring instrument in the background directly relating to the ‘vibrations’. This album provides something for everyone, and it truly is a work of art.

Please refer to the References page for notes 1 and 2 located in the above paragraphs.

Hi!

My name is Sammy Davis, and I'm from the little island Barbados, in the Caribbean. My entire family has lived there since the 17th century, so I grew up in a 17th century plantation house and I completely love it.

The Caribbean is based on soca, reggea and calypso; but my taste has always been more indie-rock and pop. Florence & The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Adele, El Parro Del Mar and Sia are just a couple of my favourites. 

Eventually, I would like to work in the Music Supervision realm of things. It really is the best of both worlds, and I can't imagine a more fun work environment in the music industry. To get to grow with local indie bands, and see them reach success through your placement must feel so gratifying. My main inspiration is Alexandra Patsavas. After I graduate I would like to work with her company, Chop Shop.