Perhaps one of the best songs ever written..performed around the world...Sail on Brian..sail on Sailor, he created this piece for all to enjoy, years from the writing of it....Timeless, and truly emotionally charged...
Sean Lennon on Brian Wilson: "Brian once described how drinking water after his first hash joint felt like his “first glass of water,” and I felt the same way when listening to “God Only Knows” at that moment. This was the first time I’d ever heard a song. It was the beginning of my true musical education. No longer would I be self-taught; from now on I would be attending a graduate course at the Brian Wilson School of Music. I ravenously consumed each song on the album, overcome by a sort of madness. I couldn’t stop listening to “God Only Knows” until I knew every single note of every instrument and vocal. I’d never played a major 6 or a minor major 7; I’d heard those colors before, but Pet Sounds made me see them and desire them, and to this day I hunger for them; for the intricacies of counterpoint, of suspending chords by avoiding the root note on the bass, and for the interlocking molecular geometry of well-composed harmonies. Brian Wilson is my Bach. I could’ve learned these things from the Beatles perhaps, but that music was so primordial and fundamental to me-it had always been there, like the sun or the moon. Of course, after I returned to Revolver and Sgt. Pepper’s armed with the X-ray goggles I’d been given while making my way through Pet Sounds, I suddenly heard that music for the first time as well. I can’t imagine a greater gift. Nothing has ever made me feel more connected to the universe and ultimately to the work of my father. For this, I have Mr. Wilson to thank. "
A lot of us grew up with the likes The Beatles, Manfred Mann, The Roll Stones , The Monkees even The Beach Boys in the late sixties but the album that made me stand up and take notice was the one, this song is from, The Beach Boys album Holland it has continuity to it, which while having a number of "Beach Boys" type songs it had a great different ebb and flow to it.
It’s never easy to perform a lyrically complex song live, singing and playing an instrument. Add to that the constant comparison by fans to his dad and you get close to understanding just how much people should appreciate this performance and what it took to pull it off.
There is a very very proud father looking on from the spirit world with a great smile on his face they definitely do this classic justice well done fellas
A most wonderful Brian Wilson song performed with the utmost respect by the son of a Beatle. Credit to Mark Ronson for his understanding of a great song and to Sean for giving the song great credit. Amazing original vocals from Blondie ChaplinThe last word is to the great Brian Wilson....You really are the best of the best
As a life long BB fan (I'm now 78) and amateur lead guitarist, Sean did an awesome job on this lyrically complex song featuring time and progression changes. Well done fellas
@Lori Holloway - So true! Sean's other vocals are often high-register and sound strained. Here he sings in his natural voice and has surprising command of the lower range. A really solid performance!
Have seen numerous covers of this, but these guys got an edge over the rest - they grew up in rock in roll families, it's in their blood - and they are both quirky and offbeat in their own way, as is Brian Wilson and this song. Match made in heaven and a fun and electrifying listen.
Yes. I saw this on You Tube several years ago but it disappeared. Thanks for retrieving it so that this rendition of wonderful song can be enjoyed again !
The original and best version was recorded by The Beach Boys with Blondie Chaplin singing lead. Not hating on Carl, dude had the voice of an angel, but the version you hear on movie soundtracks and on classic rock stations is the one with Blondie singing lead.
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good on you 2 for performing this AMAZING song!! Thank you! I've never heard Sean sing in this lower register. You killed it, Baby!! ❤ @SeanLennon
I remember seeing this on the BBC at the time, and then it disappeared! Thank you for uploading this, this was the standout performance of the whole show and it introduced me to this remarkable song!
Mark Ronson’s stock just jumped through the roof with this one! Hey Mark, you should have lived when this song (album) came out. Despite the controversy surrounding the mixed reviews and troubled (album) personnel and musicians, the (recorded in) Holland tapes won out…leaving this song to soar above the rest on the record. Complete with nary a Wilson or a Love at the lead mic. Definitely a stellar and seaworthy choice 💕. You have excellent taste and kudos to your Dad for bringing it to your attention. Your buddy’s vocals do it justice as well 😉
It would sound better if I had been there with a big Orchestra and all Smartphone without headphones for sound Quality just doesn't give the song justice
"Sail on Sailor" was also written & produced by the gospel group Mustard Seed Faith in the 70's. I like their eternal lyrics much more than this Beach Boys song.
