"Cuckoo Clock" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1962 album Surfin' Safari.[1] The song was written about the myna bird of Brian's father Murry Wilson.[2]
| "Cuckoo Clock" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Beach Boys | |
| from the album Surfin' Safari | |
| Language | English |
| Released | October 1, 1962 |
| Recorded | September 6, 1962 Capitol Studios |
| Genre | Surf rock |
| Length | 2:08 |
| Label | Capitol |
| Songwriter(s) | Brian Wilson Gary Usher |
| Producer(s) | Nik Venet |
Composition
edit"Cuckoo Clock" relates the story of a teenage couple trying to spend time together. When things start to get romantic, however, they are interrupted by a cuckoo clock. In the final verse, the teenage boy dismantles the clock so they will not be bothered again.[3] The song is in basic verse-chorus-bridge form. The organ solo in the bridge points the way towards future Beach Boys songs.[4]
Recording
edit"Cuckoo Clock" was recorded on September 6, 1962, at the last Surfin' Safari session.[5] While Nik Venet is officially credited as producer, some of the participants claim that Brian Wilson did the production work.[6]
Personnel
edit- Mike Love – vocals
- David Marks – guitar
- Brian Wilson – bass guitar, organ, lead vocal
- Carl Wilson – guitar, vocals
- Dennis Wilson – drums, vocals
References
edit- ^ Elliott, Brad: "Surf's Up! The Beach Boys On Record 1961-1981", page 18. Popular Culture Ink, 1991.
- ^ Carlin, Peter Ames: "Catch a Wave", page 35. Rodale Inc., 2006.
- ^ Lambert, Philip: Inside the Music of Brian Wilson, page 46-47. Continuum Publishing, 2007.
- ^ Doe, Andrew G. & Tobler, John: "Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: The Complete Guide to their Music", page 10. Omnibus Press, 2004.
- ^ Doe, Andrew G.: "gigs6162." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-10.
- ^ Doe, Andrew G.: "Album Archive Archived March 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine." Bellagio 10452. Retrieved on 2012-02-10.