Today’s classic song of the day is one of the best Beach Boys tunes you’ve probably never heard. The song is “Please Let Me Wonder” and it easily ranks among Brian Wilson’s top ten, maybe even top five, tunes for the group.
“Please Let Me Wonder” was written by Brian Wilson with Mike Love contributing lyrics. It was included on the group’s 1965 album, The Beach Boys Today!, and was released as the B-side to the “Do You Want to Dance?” single. Given its B-side status, it’s not surprising more people don’t know it; most kids didn’t flip over their 45s back then or buy albums.
That’s a shame, because “Please Let Me Wonder” is a terrific song and and even better recording. Brian’s vocal and instrumental arrangements sound like they belong on Pet Sounds, which would be recorded and released the following year. The instrumentation includes acoustic guitars, electric guitars, grand piano, tack piano, organ, horns, bass, vibes, harmonica, timpani, tambourine, and drums, all provided by members of the Wrecking Crew. The musicians included Glen Campbell (12-string acoustic guitar), Barney Kessell (classical guitar), Billy Strange (acoustic guitar), Don Randi (grand piano and Hammond B-3 organ), Billy Lee Riley (harmonica), Carol Kaye (bass), Steve Douglas and Plas Johnson (tenor saxes), Jack Nimitz (bari sax), Jerry Williams (vibes and timpani), Ron Swallow (tambourine and woodblock), and Earl Palmer (drums and timbales).
Brian said he wrote “Please Let Me Wonder” as a tribute to Phil Spector, even though it isn’t very of Wall of Soundish in its production. He also said he wrote it while under the influence of marijuana, so there’s that, too.
“Please Let Me Wonder” has one of Brian’s most beautiful melodies, enhanced by his sophisticated arrangements and production techniques. It’s a hidden gem treasured by true Beach Boys fans, a song that should have been an A-side and should have been a huge hit.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, the Beach Boys (with Brian Wilson singing lead) performing “Please Let Me Wonder” live in 1965. This is just a terrific song.
