We’re introducing a new trial-feature today called Friday 90s Focus. Hopefully this becomes a normal thing. It involves highlighting a song or record from the 1990s. The inspiration for this feature comes from an NPR All Songs Considered feature.
I guess I’m a loser – I had never heard this song until a few days ago. My friends were discussing it and their jaws dropped when I admitted my non-encounters with “Brian Wilson” by Barenaked Ladies. So they quickly fixed that problem and got me attached to this video.
And now I’m wondering how I missed this in the first place. The song has the typical BNL qualities – strong melody, amazing vocal work and harmonies, and insane catchiness. But what pushes this over the top is lyrical and emotional weight. Steven Page spins a great tale about a man living a life like the titular Beach Boy. The song has aged brilliantly since 1992 (I’ve only just heard this and it sounds fresh and exciting) and is the first entry in our Friday 90s Focus. Give it a whirl and get drawn in.
