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Busy Doin' Nothin'
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Wikipedia article
'"Busy Doin' Nothin'"' is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1968 album 'Friends'. Written by Brian Wilson, the lyrics reflect the minutiae of his daily social and business life, while the music, Wilson said, was inspired by "bossa nova in general".
Recording
, where Wilson lived in the late 1960s and 1970s.
"Busy Doin' Nothin'" was recorded over two dates, one for the basic instrumental track and another for overdubs, including the vocal track. The basic instrumental track was recorded at Beach Boys Studio on March 26, 1968, under the working titles "Even Steven" and "Even Time". The session used several members of the Wrecking Crew.
Overdubs and the vocal track were recorded on April 11, 1968, at ID Sound, California. The vocal track has Brian singing the lead vocal, briefly joined by his then-wife Marilyn Wilson who sings with Brian during the second bridge.
Biographer John Tobler noted a resemblance between Wilson's vocal performance and that of Chris Montez's on the latter's 1966 rendition of "The More I See You".
Live performances
"Busy Doin' Nothin'" was performed in the early 2000s by Brian Wilson during his 'Pet Sounds' solo tour as well as the 'No Pier Pressure' tour in 2015. The song was performed as part of the 'Brian Wilson & The Zombies: Something Great From '68' 2019 tour.
Cover versions
* 2000 Camping, 'Caroline Now!'
Personnel
Per Craig Slowinski.Endless Summer Quarterly, Spring 2018 Edition
'The Beach Boys'
* Brian Wilson - lead vocals, backing vocals
'Guest'
* Marilyn Wilson - lead vocals (doubled with Brian in some places), backing vocals
'Session musicians'
* Jim Ackley - keyboard
* Al Vescovo - guitars
* Lyle Ritz - upright basses
* Alan Estes - vibes & blocks
* Gene Pello - drums
* David Sherr - oboe
* Tom Scott - bass flute
* Don Englert - clarinet
* Jay Migliori - bass clarinet
References
Category:1968 songs
Category:The Beach Boys songs
Category:Songs written by Brian Wilson
Category:Song recordings produced by Brian Wilson
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