I Can Hear Music

I can hear music
Sweet sweet music

All three of the Wilson brothers were talented singers and musicians; Brian had that great falsetto, Dennis the husky, textured voice, and Carl-- the perfect-pitched choir boy-- a voice almost painful at times in its sweetness.

"I Can Hear Music," from the album 20/20 (notable for the inclusion of the Smile session tunes "Cabinessence" and "Our Prayer") was Carl's first go at being the leader of The Beach Boys in his oldest brother's absence. While 20/20 is an odd, transitional album (check it out at allmusic.com), it contains gems.

The attractiveness of "I Can Hear Music" --a song one Mr. Spector was involved in writing, and which was originally recorded by The Ronettes-- is largely due to Carl's singing and production of the track. Other versions of the song are just not as compelling. The Beach Boys' version has a wall of sound feel at the beginning, with sleigh-bells, drums, and the guys' harmonies filling up the track. Layer Carl's soulful vocal over that, and it's two and a half minutes of perfection.  A romantic song, originally sung from a woman's point-of-view, is totally believable in Carl's hands. "I Can Hear Music" is a song that makes being able to hit the repeat button immensely satisfying.

Loving you, it keeps me satisfied

...

the sound of the city seems to disappear