"California Feelin'" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Stephen Kalinich that was recorded by the Beach Boys in the 1970s. Wilson recorded a solo version in 2002 for the Beach Boys compilation Classics Selected by Brian Wilson.[1] Wilson’s bandmate Al Jardine later recorded his own version for his debut solo album A Postcard from California. Two composite versions of the Beach Boys' original recordings – one complete and the other a piano/vocal demo – were included on the 2013 compilation Made in California.
| "California Feelin'" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Brian Wilson | |
| from the album Classics Selected by Brian Wilson | |
| Released | July 2, 2002 |
| Recorded | 2002 |
| Genre | White gospel |
| Length | 2:49 |
| Label | Capitol |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Brian Wilson |
| Licensed audio | |
| "California Feelin'" on YouTube | |
| "California Feelin'" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Al Jardine | |
| from the album A Postcard from California | |
| Released | 2010 |
| Genre | White gospel |
| Label | Fontana |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Al Jardine |
Background
The song was written by Brian Wilson and Stephen Kalinich for Wilson's American Spring side project.[2] Kalinich considered the song white gospel and added "I think it frightened him a little to let his defenses down and give the vocal all he had."[3] In 1976, Wilson said of the song, "It's got a feeling to it. ... There's something about it that's very warm. It's sort of a Bill Medley–Brian Wilson combination."[4]
Recording
It was first tracked as a demo in November 1974 by Brian Wilson in a session that was engineered by Chuck Britz.[5] Wilson, unhappy with his performance, instructed the engineer to scrap the tape,[5][6] but this was not heeded.[6] The Beach Boys' 1974 and 1978 versions of "California Feelin'" were eventually released for the 2013 compilation Made in California.[6] Compiler Alan Boyd explained:
That was one of the first songs recorded for the L.A. (Light Album) in 1978 at Criteria, the Bee Gees studio, in Miami. A rough mix has been circulating for many years but we did a little track editing and pulled some things out on it. I’ve always loved the song and there are multiple versions of it out there. There’s a version by The Honeys, Brian (Wilson) has recorded it. But we’re finally getting the Beach Boys master out. It features a beautiful vocal by Carl. The song almost has a gospel tinge to it. We even used part of Brian’s original first attempt at a lead vocal on it too, which no one has heard.[6]
Music video
An official music video was released in 2014.[7] It was the winner of a fan contest devised during the promotion of Made in California.[6]
Personnel
Credits from Craig Slowinski.[8]
The Beach Boys
- Al Jardine - backing vocals
- Bruce Johnston - co-lead and backing vocals
- Mike Love - backing vocals
- Brian Wilson - lead (intro) and backing vocals, piano
- Carl Wilson - lead and backing vocals, electric guitar
Additional musicians
- Ed Carter - bass guitar
- Bobby Figueroa - drums, tambourine
- Carli Muñoz - Fender Rhodes
- Phil Shenale - Oberheim synthesizers
- Sterling Smith - Hammond organ