I only discovered this song last summer and it's now my favorite beach single ever. Oddly, I don't recall ever hearing it as a youth but when I went to Hershey Park in last August they were playing it on the Boardwalk!
B&T were sort of an "exploitation" group. I don't mean that in a negative way. More that B&T were following what was hot at the moment and putting out similar songs. They were actually production guys at Columbia and were recording music on the side. But pretty talented guys who really knew how to use the studio, since it was basically just them two overdubbing the vocals over and over. They also put out their singles under different names so they could have multiple songs on the radio.
Bullshit dude. Like there weren't a million bands in each genre in the early rock days. Hell, listen today, there's about 800 Katy Perry knockoffs who herself was a knockoff of someone else who was a knockoff of someone else, etc. And anyway, they didn't rip off this track, at least, from the BB. I think the Fantastic Baggys did it first. In fact, B&T, Jan & Dean, *and* the BB (live, at least) all ripped this one off. And the guy with the falsetto here? Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys.
@GeorgeVreelandHill Agreed, friend. Bruce & Terry's version is the superior one. Something about these guys that don't sound like it's from 1964. Must just be the production values.
PS – Even though I bought the CD because I knew Bruce was on it (Beach Boys fan here branching out to their solo stuff now), I was dumb enough not to realize that Bruce was on the falsetto vocals. Which makes sense as Bruce was hired to replace Brian live but they never really utilized Bruce that way with Al or Carl taking Brian's higher vocals (and today someone in the back-up band) and Bruce mostly just being used in the background mix on the albums. Bruce sounds absolutely awesome on this.
I actually heard the Bruce & Terry version before the Jan & Dean version and I have to say B&T's version is superior. Really great production, great tempo, lots of punch. J&D's version is great too. Got to go find the Beach Boys' live versions now. Bruce & Terry were really underrated. Lots of great great stuff from these two guys.
The best version.
This song reminds me of when times were so much better.
Great music, cars, respect, low crime, when family and friends meant something and on and on.
I live in Beverly Hills, but I would trade it to go back to the 1960's.
@FourHbcaps Yes, that's exactly what the world needs: More frivolous lawsuits…
This song starts with a VERY basic chord and melody progression. It's only natural that someone would think of some similar pattern sooner or later, and the two songs quickly go into their own directions.
Definitely not plagiarism! If anything, Alan Menken should actually sue himself for "part of your world" ripping off his own "Somewhere that's green".
Last night I saw a high school production of "Beauty and the Beast" and a song in the first act ("Me") sounded familiar. Then I realized that the tune was stolen from "Summer Means Fun". Bruce & Terry should sue Walt Disney!
Terry Melcher was a true talent.these days from his album with mum Doris is fabulous
Meicher was a genius, it shows in his work.
THANKS-AGAIN JOHN! (y)
I think the best version of this is by Jan and dean. A fun tune written by Sloan and Barri- The Fantastic Baggys!
hey that's hal blaine on the drum kit….blaine strikes again
Bruce Johnston and Terry Melcher made this record, one of my favorite summer songs. I never knew that. That is amazing to know.
A spectacular song!! It reminds me of the Beach Boys but these guys do an awesome job also!!.
the next Heatwave is in 2030 it's going to kill 11,000 people
spectacular
i hate the winter months
the first day of Summer is tomorrow
Start New Beingnning
I think is great fun finding new old summer songs is all about having a great time and kicking back kowabunga you all
I only discovered this song last summer and it's now my favorite beach single ever. Oddly, I don't recall ever hearing it as a youth but when I went to Hershey Park in last August they were playing it on the Boardwalk!
california sun wasn't so fun, melanoma caught up
just like a unreleased sond of The Beach Boys
wonderful
My fave version of this. Great mix / production. Go, Bruce!!
Perfect for a Summers day
B&T were sort of an "exploitation" group. I don't mean that in a negative way. More that B&T were following what was hot at the moment and putting out similar songs. They were actually production guys at Columbia and were recording music on the side. But pretty talented guys who really knew how to use the studio, since it was basically just them two overdubbing the vocals over and over. They also put out their singles under different names so they could have multiple songs on the radio.
Bullshit dude. Like there weren't a million bands in each genre in the early rock days. Hell, listen today, there's about 800 Katy Perry knockoffs who herself was a knockoff of someone else who was a knockoff of someone else, etc. And anyway, they didn't rip off this track, at least, from the BB. I think the Fantastic Baggys did it first. In fact, B&T, Jan & Dean, *and* the BB (live, at least) all ripped this one off. And the guy with the falsetto here? Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys.
Awesome! And Well Bruce DID Become A Beach Boy Soon After This! So I Dont Mind That Its Similar! <3
@GeorgeVreelandHill Agreed, friend. Bruce & Terry's version is the superior one. Something about these guys that don't sound like it's from 1964. Must just be the production values.
PS – Even though I bought the CD because I knew Bruce was on it (Beach Boys fan here branching out to their solo stuff now), I was dumb enough not to realize that Bruce was on the falsetto vocals. Which makes sense as Bruce was hired to replace Brian live but they never really utilized Bruce that way with Al or Carl taking Brian's higher vocals (and today someone in the back-up band) and Bruce mostly just being used in the background mix on the albums. Bruce sounds absolutely awesome on this.
I actually heard the Bruce & Terry version before the Jan & Dean version and I have to say B&T's version is superior. Really great production, great tempo, lots of punch. J&D's version is great too. Got to go find the Beach Boys' live versions now. Bruce & Terry were really underrated. Lots of great great stuff from these two guys.
@kaztouch1 Ha ha ha
The best version.
This song reminds me of when times were so much better.
Great music, cars, respect, low crime, when family and friends meant something and on and on.
I live in Beverly Hills, but I would trade it to go back to the 1960's.
George Vreeland Hill
@FourHbcaps Yes, that's exactly what the world needs: More frivolous lawsuits…
This song starts with a VERY basic chord and melody progression. It's only natural that someone would think of some similar pattern sooner or later, and the two songs quickly go into their own directions.
Definitely not plagiarism! If anything, Alan Menken should actually sue himself for "part of your world" ripping off his own "Somewhere that's green".
Last night I saw a high school production of "Beauty and the Beast" and a song in the first act ("Me") sounded familiar. Then I realized that the tune was stolen from "Summer Means Fun". Bruce & Terry should sue Walt Disney!
Great cover !!!
Occasionally The Beach Boys (Mike Love version) do this in concert — a great song
What's that black thing spinning around. I't's weird looking 😉
Glad to see this song back, this is one of my faves.
@angelofbebop I know what you mean, Angel. I look forward to the weekend and then it's gone. I miss the carefree summers of my younger days.