By Jim Fusco
Here’s a great Beach Boys cover song originally done by The Crystals as “And Then He Kissed Me”. Brian Wilson loves Phil Spector’s music and re-did this tune (with Al Jardine on great lead vocals) with a Beach Boys touch. Of course, my version is stripped-down and it’s just me, but it’s a fun song to play and I think it sort of represents my project. Brian Wilson covered a song from his idol, and I cover songs from my favorite musicians here on the Laptop Sessions!
In 2013, Brian Wilson toured with Al Jardine and Al sang this song in concert. You wouldn’t believe it, but Al (in his 70s) still sings this song great! His voice is largely unchanged and he sings and plays it just like he did in the 60s. It’s great to see him out there with his white Fender Stratocaster, just like he did so many years ago. It’s actually a stark contrast from Brian Wilson himself. I guess it just goes to show you that if you take care of yourself, you’ll still look and sound great later in life. Paul McCartney seems to be that way, as does Ringo Starr. But, guys like Ozzy Osbourne and Keith Richards choce the rockstar lifestyle back in the day. Sure, they lived it up, but you can only stay that way for so long. Their talent is still there, but it’s masked under a cloud of slurred speech and horribly wrinkled skin!
One thing about the Beach Boys is that they always did amazing cover songs. From “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?” to “Cottonfields” and beyond, they always took songs and gave it the Beach Boys’ treatment. Take “Sloop John B”, for example. That was an old traditional song that Al Jardine brought to Brian Wilson’s attention. Brian turned it into a pop song and it became a Top 5 hit! The Beach Boys also had a Top 5 hit with their cover of Chuck Berry’s “Rock’n’roll Music” in the 70s, though that version isn’t too far of a departure from the original version back in the 50s. Later on in the 80s, the Beach Boys collaborated with Roger McGuinn (formerly of the Byrds) to do a cover of the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreamin’”. That version is a lot different from the original, mostly because of McGuinn’s amazing 12-string electric guitar (Rickenbacker) playing throughout.
So, sit back, relax, and watch my cover song version of the Beach Boys’ “And Then I Kissed Her” here on the Laptop Sessions acoustic cover songs music video blog. I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more!
NOTE: This video from 2007 has been remastered in 2020 for enhanced video and sound.