Had to Phone Ya
| "Had to Phone Ya" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| A-side | "It's O.K." |
"Had to Phone Ya" is a song written for the American rock band the Beach Boys. It was released on their 1976 album 15 Big Ones, and was the b-side to the single "It's O.K.".
Composition
Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote the song, with Diane Rovell also contributing.[2] Diane was originally listed as a cowriter, but her name was removed from songwriting credits in subsequent releases.[3] She is still listed as co-writer in the Broadcast Music, Inc. database.[4]
Byron Preiss wrote of how it was written by Brian Wilson while his wife Marilyn was away in Europe.[5] Brian spoke about the song in 1995:
All I wanted to do was to make a person feel they were free to call at any time-if they felt the world was upside down, they could call and I could correct their world. In other words, I wanted to feel like I can call somebody and tell them, "Look, I’m swamped, I’m scared, I got all these emotions deep inside of me."[6]
All five members of the band take turns on lead vocals, with Mike Love handling the majority. Brian Wilson takes the closing segment, in which the key shifts from A to G. After an extended staccato vamp on a Gmaj7, the final section begins with an unusual chord sequence of Gmaj7, to B♭maj7, and E♭maj7, as Brian sings in a rough but passionate baritone, "Come on / Come on and answer the phone / Come on, come on!"
Lindsay Planer of Allmusic noted "Although the tune may sound uncomplicated, it is part of a larger sonic tapestry that combines the interaction of several simultaneous melodies." noting similarities to earlier Brian Wilson compositions "Good Vibrations" and "Love to Say Dada".[7]
Recording
The Beach Boys' version of "Had to Phone Ya" was recorded on March 30, 1976, at Brother Studios in the middle of the primary sessions for 15 Big Ones.[8] It was produced, arranged and conducted by Brian Wilson.
The instrumental track from was this session was made available on Made in California in 2013.
Personnel
- The Beach Boys
- Al Jardine – lead, harmony and backing vocals
- Mike Love – lead, harmony and backing vocals
- Brian Wilson – lead, harmony and backing vocal; acoustic grand piano
- Carl Wilson – lead, harmony and backing vocals
- Dennis Wilson – lead, harmony and backing vocals; drums
- Session musicians and production staff
American Spring version
| "Had to Phone Ya" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Had to Phone Ya" was originally recorded in 1973 by American Spring at Junior's Motel in Otho, Iowa.[citation needed] Their version was released as a bonus track for the CD reissue of the album Spring (1972).[citation needed]
References
- ^ Badman, Keith. The Beach Boys. The Definitive Diary of America's Greatest Band: On Stage and in the Studio Backbeat Books, San Francisco, California, 2004. ISBN 978-0-87930-818-6 p. 367
- ^ Lambert, Philip (2007). Inside the music of Brian Wilson: the songs, sounds, and influences of the Beach Boys' founding genius. Continuum. p. 311. ISBN 978-0-8264-1876-0.
- ^ Diken, Dennis; Buck, Peter (2000). 15 Big Ones/Love You (booklet). The Beach Boys. California: Capitol Records. p. 2. 72435-27945-2-2.
{{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter|titlelink=ignored (|title-link=suggested) (help) - ^ Had to Phone Ya, BMI
- ^ Preiss, Byron (1979). The Beach Boys (1st ed.). New York: Ballantine Books. p. 122. ISBN 0345273982.
- ^ "Brian Wilson interview". Record Collector. No. 185. January 1995.
- ^ Planer, Lindsey. "Had to Phone Ya - The Beach Boys". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-06-11.
- ^ Doe, Andrew G. (2012). "GIGS76". Retrieved October 26, 2012.
- ^ Diken, Dennis; Buck, Peter (2000). 15 Big Ones/Love You (booklet). The Beach Boys. California: Capitol Records. p. 2. 72435-27945-2-2.
{{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter|titlelink=ignored (|title-link=suggested) (help)
External links
- "Had to Phone Ya" review at Allmusic
