God Only Knows What We'd Be Without Them...
There are few people in every field, that once plant a precious seed into the ground which then gives life to a new, stronger, deeper rooted and wiser creation... I would like to talk about two of those men in the world of popular music. Men, who by their talents, energy and genius creativity gave life to a whole new way of thinking and creating music.
PART I
"The Painter of LOVE"
"Music is the highest kind of love we get"
BRIAN WILSON
First time I heard the name of Brian Wilson was at the history class, and from the first moment I bent in to hear every word about his genius.. Genius - that is how he was described by many greatest musicians of our time. What caught my attention was a history of his development as a musician, his incredibly reach harmonic knowledge deeply rooted in the harmonies of black jazz vocal quartets. He changed the whole approach to pop composition planting the seeds of Baroque like smooth bass lines, enriched harmonic substitutions and beautifully crafted melodies.
Then I heard The song*.. "God Only Knows" sung by his brother Carl Wilson. The recording was just a trial raw recording of a, perhaps, rehearsal. But I heard and saw so much!, that until now I can not believe that I never knew about this man and his genius. Carl's voice, even coming through this bad quality recording (just a pare of mikes maximum), was divine, the melody.. the harmonies, Brian's face, showing all the deepness of his feelings he lived through composing this chef d'ouvre, everything showed me that he was the composer, the poet, the painter of Love.
Learning more and more about him in history books and some interviews I understood, that it will be impossible to explain my affection with his genius in this short essay. But I think that if I will just dive into this one song you will understand my obsession.
I have transcribed the core of the song, let me reveal the genius of Brian as a composer in front of you, as I analyze the song.
Please follow me to the ANALYSIS:
* "This is the greatest song ever written"
Paul McCartney