Here’s an outtake from the vocal session for The Beach Boy’s “Help Me Rhonda,” that’s interesting for a number of reasons:

1. You can hear the sophistication of their harmonies. There sure was a lot for them to remember.

2. You can hear how flat they are in the beginning of the session and how they get better as it goes along.

3. Murry Wilson (Brian, Carl and Dennis’ father and early producer) giving them several “pep talks.” You can already hear the resistance to his suggestions, leading to frustration all around.

My favorite quote (right at the end): “You guys are coasting. Chuck and I used to make one hit after another in 30 minutes. You guys take 5 hours to do it.” To which Brian replies, “Times have changed.”

It’s long, but a good listen.