Guess I'm Dumb

Following up on my post about God Only Knows (and the frightening amount of versions I have) . . .

I was listening to the Wondermints recently. Two members, and one pseudo member, of the Wondermints are members of Brian Wilson’s band. These guys can play Pet Sounds live. They are so good, in fact, that in 1996, before Brian went back to touring or even thought about approaching SMiLE, he saw the Wondermints perform “Surf’s Up” at a tribute to him. Brian said, "If I had these guys in 1967, I could have taken Smile on the road."

Anyway, back in 1996 the Mints were popular on the LA pop scene, but weren’t doing much else in the US. This was before Brian anointed them, so they didn’t get much press. But, as the cliché goes, they were big in Japan. So much so, in fact, that the Japanese asked them to record an album of covers (which are very popular in Japan). And they did.

I got this disc before it was available in the US. I listened to it intently. I know every note on the album.

And I am a complete fool.

I love the album. I know every note. I love Pet Sounds. I know every note.

Then explain to me why the other day, when I was listening to this part of the Wondermint’s version of “Ooh Child”, I never noticed what the horn line was quoting. Not transparent enough? It’s this part of “God Only Knows.”

I’m an idiot. I’m kicking myself right now. Probyn, I apologize for not picking up on your sly references.