And you can work through six decades of Brian Wilson's singular (complimentary and painfully) genius. The penultimate episode explores Brian's love for “Shortenin’ Bread,” one of the most specific and spectacular musical obsessions in human history.

Song 177: “Never Learn Not to ...

Song 177: “Never Learn Not to Love” by the Beach Boys, Part 4: “Sometimes I Have A Great Notion”

For those who haven’t heard the announcement I posted, songs from this point on will sometimes be split among multiple episodes, so this is the third and final (and very, very long) part of a multi…

^{A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs}

And along the way, you'll find songs that live like museums in our minds.

Episode 117: “Don’t Worry Baby...

Episode 117: “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys

Episode one hundred and seventeen of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs looks at “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys, and how the years 1963 and 1964 saw a radical evo…

^{A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs}

Get mythic with Good Vibrations.

Episode 146: “Good Vibrations”...

Episode 146: “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys

Episode one hundred and forty-six of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs looks at “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys, and the history of the theremin. Click the full post to read liner n…

^{A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs}

Oh shit, double back and savor "the greatest song ever written," according to Paul McCartney.

Episode 142: “God Only Knows” ...

Episode 142: “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys

Episode one hundred and forty-two of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs looks at “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys, and the creation of the Pet Sounds album. Click the full post t…

^{A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs}