Good Vibrations
It's kind of hard to exaggerate how big a deal "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys is - when it was released in October 1966, it was the most ambitious single ever released by a pop group or rock band, and arguably among the most ambitious singles ever released. It then topped multiple charts - including both the UK and US charts - and went Top 5 or Top 10 in many other countries. Unlike most art music, it was actually heard by millions of people, making it among the most impactful works of art pop ever made. Though other bands had released psychedelic singles earlier in 1966, and hits with them, none of those songs were as complicated, as ambitious or as expensive as "Good Vibrations". It's a landmark in popular music.
Arrangement and Performance
The Beach Boys
- Mike Love – co-lead vocals
- Brian Wilson – vocals, production, mixing, tambourine during chorus
- Carl Wilson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar during fadeout, shaker during 2:13–2:56, possible bass
- Dennis Wilson – Hammond organ during 2:13–2:56
Additional musicians and production staff
- Hal Blaine – drums, timpani, other percussion
- Al De Lory – piano, harpsichord]]
- Jesse Ehrlich – cello
- Larry Knechtel – organ in verses and choruses
- Tommy Morgan – harmonica
- Al Casey – guitar
- Ray Pohlman – electric bass
- Lyle Ritz – double bass
- Jim Horn – piccol
- Paul Tanner – Electro-Theremin
