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Let the Wind Blow
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Wikipedia article
"'Let the Wind Blow'" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for American rock band the Beach Boys. It was released in 1967 as the ninth track on their thirteenth studio album 'Wild Honey'. The song is a ballad with lyrics that metaphorically relate nature to the essence of love. It is the first composition recorded by the group that is in time from beginning to end.
Critical reception
Music theorist Daniel Harrison called it "the most arresting and compositionally assured song on the album, and it echoes the formal and harmonic technique of 'God Only Knows'." 'Stylus Magazine' wrote: "'Let the Wind Blow' is a moody ballad that swirls and throbs with a subtle psychedelia more hinted at than indulged in; proof of a growing sophistication that improves upon the 'Smiley Smile' formula." In 1968, Gene Sculatti said the song was further evidence of Wilson's "weird ear for melody". 'PopMatters' wrote that, in contrast to the 'Wild Honey' single "Darlin'", "'Let the Wind Blow' ... is forlorn and urgent, with a gripping chorus and somber production. Its fantastic."
Variations
An alternate stereo mix of "Let the Wind Blow" was included on the rarities compilation 'Hawthorne CA' (2001). A live performance of the song appears on the album 'The Beach Boys in Concert' (1973).
Personnel
Sourced from Craig Slowinski.Slowinski liner notes, ESQ Issue 121
*Mike Love vocals
*Brian Wilson vocals, piano, organ
*Carl Wilson vocals, guitar, bass
*Dennis Wilson drums
Cover versions
*1995 Brian Wilson, 'I Just Wasn't Made for These Times'
References
Category:1967 songs
Category:The Beach Boys songs
Category:Brian Wilson songs
Category:Pop ballads
Category:Songs written by Brian Wilson
Category:Songs written by Mike Love
Category:Song recordings produced by Brian Wilson
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