The Fendertones - God Only Knows

[Cal4ripkin]

BW's arrangement, of course, is very nice -- although the earnest feel of the original is lost here. The lead vocal is quite weak and thoroughly pales relative to CW.

[timdidit]

This is amazing - simply amazing. It sounds like the originals were all somehow transported back to when they were 20 years old!

[OPNURISYDER]

I just turned 62, so I have been a fan of the BB's for many years. I absolutely agree with all the positive feedback that has been posted. You are amazing. How did you get together? I mean, do you go to the same school, live in the same neighborhood? There is so much talent involved here. How did you find and bring everyone together? I can tell you this, Brian Wilson would be damn proud to hear what you can do with his music! Keep on rolling. (That reminds me.....Roll Tide!)

[centralparocker]

All I can say is wow....you guys are so good.!!!!

[iwata308]

Great flutes

[themightyquinner123]

Excellent work ...great rendition.

[ceekay1952]

Ditto what beachcomber20 said!!!! EXCELLENT!! :)

[beachcomber20]

That was Excellent ! thank you for sharing ..

[ceekay1952]

@beachcomber20

Hey Bud! Thanks for sending this my way!! I LOVE it! :)xo

[Jmanheroboy16]

Damn, That is spot on!

[BeachBoysJanDean1]

Chad, After 50 years following the BB's , I've come to the conclusion that you don't have to look like a Beach Boy to sound like a Beach Boy. Man , you just simple nailed it!

[xdevildoc69]

Great job! The closest to the original version that I've ever heard. Well done!

[thevoiceoftheBBs]

To any of you who--like the person below (ibccvikes) who don't want to attend a BB or BW concert because you think 'age' has taken it's toll--do yourself a favor: run--don't walk--to the concert--a life changing experience regardless of whether or not its the complete 'original' group or not. I've seen Mike & Bruce, Alan, & BW recently. ALL did great performances of the classics. The bands are tops. it's all about the music--and I know--the BB's have been friends & associates for 48+ years.

[acoustic61]

Nice job!

[Neoeternauta]

voice up on a previos record...shame! playback

[lbccvikes]

Many years ago, I had a chance to see the Beach Boys in concert. I made the very hard decision not to attened because by that time, the rock n' roll lifestyle had taken its toll on their voices. But everytime I watch a Fendertones video, I'm 17 again.

[bamboosa]

Done damn right.

[JessieArmy]

I am very skeptical of cover songs but this just made me go WOW...

Really good!

[juanse024]

This is just great!!! Nothing left to say.

[likermusikk]

Great cover but, The guy who's singing stole Charlie Harpers shirt!

[getacan1]

These people are fantastic. 

[getacan1]

Is Brian Wilson aware of this group?

[TheToke4Ums]

the flute on "the world" and "so what good" is awesome, so good you have all the details covered. Great job

[summerswot]

This is Fantastic , well done gents , I think you covered all the parts here .... Great !!!

[lovedandhis]

no seriously, this is a difficult song bravomissio

[AllenOption8]

Heavenly version of this song. The string section really makes it, Charlie. Everyone is on.

[thecuckookid]

RIP Bill Henrickson from "Big Love". Heavenly Father awaits you.

[lovedandhis]

nerds!

[skyglamour25]

well done!! sounds great!

[lovedandhis]

hmmmm lovely! and who are theya bunch of talented nerds. me like

[trtaylor48]

WOW!!!

[mimmar3891]

Masterfully done. Wow.

[musicandmovieguy55]

What is the definition of the word "fabulous" Answer: The FENDERTONES!

[BeachBoysJanDean1]

What a great job covering the all time greatest song ever!

[PrimaDonnaBass]

Amazing.... 

[BrunoLS94]

The KEY iS PERFECT. So the harmony, and the instrumentals.

Sometimes it's so perfect it makes me thinks you're just professional lip sync'ers.

Great Job.

[harebellish]

dedicated to God

[grafleinsdorf]

That song just got nailed.

[agawam68]

who are these folks? are they still around/current? nice stuff.....

[woolburn]

C'est l'une de mes chansons préférées. Je n'ai jamais entendu des voix et un orchestre aussi géants. Bravo et congratulation guys.

Régis Pavy / Auteur Compositeur Interprète Français.

[goplad1]

Fantastic! I always thought the Wondermints, Brian Wilson's back-up band, were about the best Beach Boys cover group in existence. These guy blow them away! Simply sublime. How do I get in this group???

[RobertWaltz]

They even have a singer who can sound like Bruce!

[MrKite053]

A very,very good job! This kid singing the lead is right on key,so is the harmony.

[Wolfsky9]

I know I've said this earlier, but knowuing as I do, just how incredibly difficult it is to do this masterpiece well, this is a great effort--far better than Mr Elton John, & many others who've tried--myself included. Well done & KUDOS to the young guy doing Carl's Lead. I know he's smiling from Heaven. Wolfsky9

[lethaldosage6040]

what the

[JavierEmbora]

I cant undrstand. Is it double track? an effect? and if there is another lead singer why didnt they shoot him? Why dont we see him? was he ugly? Sorry my english

[coachnbluesnc]

@JavierEmbora This is a live performance. From other posts, the doubled lead is behind the hut, stage right. This was done so as not to detract from the lead on stage.

[Jouwl]

Lead singer is awesome!

[skibluiz]

after the masterful original...this is as good as it gets. terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AllThisIsThat]

These guys are to the Beach Boys what the Fab Faux are to the Beatles. Simply incredible.

[skibluiz]

who are they?

[webwillie1]

Excellant

[popnutty]

Sorry to say this but the Brian Wilson "wannabe" looks like your typical nerd!! Gaawd.. what a goof! No credibility whatsoever. Write an original song first, then we we can talk.

[garymichael1950]

@popnutty So...what have you done?

[dashofchutmeg]

@popnutty Have you ever actually SEEN the Beach Boys?

[Wolfsky9]

The one BW " hidden masterpiece" we've never heard live is " Keep An Eye On Summer". There's a reason for this: BW's & The guys harmonies are simply awesomely complex, & as close to impossible to do live, as there is. That said, if anyone could possibly do it--this amazing group o f talanted young men could It would be something to see them try . " Keep an Eye " has--hands-dwon--some of the most difficult vocal chord changes ever written; & to think, BW was 20 y/o when he did it!~ Wolfsky9

[Bebe500100]

they sound just like the beach boys XD

[wichopunkass]

FUDGE ! who the heck are these guys and why arnt they everywhere?

[Lineberrys]

Any musician knows how difficult it is to reproduce accurately a song as complex as "God Only Knows" , let alone performing it LIVE!!!. Kudos to these guys for nailing it!

[novapup2001]

Love this band because of the loyal authenticity they applied to the song. It also shows the complexity and brilliance of Brian Wilson's composition..the poster song for Valentine's Day.

[runeguldberg]

If this band went on a tour it will be a big hit. Does anyone know if their touring or...

[BeachBoysGuy1]

They are indeed a great band, but if they were not really marketed properly, I would not be sure they would be sold out. The Beach Boys ( the Bruce johnston and Mike Love show using that name) PLUS an entire symphony orchestra had a very poor attendance several years ago in Charlotte, NC. People love the music, they respect a good impersonation, but the the greed on the part of those who've kept the "name" on tour for the almighty dollar, have damaged what should've remained a superior legacy.

[Rickenbacker350V63]

At last! Someone who agrees with me! Yes, the current Beach Boys band (aka, Mike Love ...hate to think Bruce Johnston is in it for the almighty dollar only!) does no justice to Brian Wilson's music or the legacy that is The Beach Boys. The Fendertones have gone above and beyond given the respect and honor that this music deserves. Love and mercy!

[muskinilukun]

Well done!

[Wolfsky9]

Of all the versions I've ever heard of this Classic, these guys come as close to the original BB sound; No one can everreplace Carl's vocals but this is a great effort. Carl would have been Humble & Honored to hear this. Wolfsky9

[ShutThatDoor]

Wonderful, superb sounds from an era of eternal sunshine, blue skies and a joy of living.

[BeachBoysGuy1]

Very nice indeed. Why the delay on the lead vocal ? Just curious, not a complaint.

jhp

[TelePrinceton]

No delay, all the vocal parts were doubled, the lead "double" vocalist always at the Beach Shack at the side of the stage.

[BeachBoysGuy1]

Oh I see. well, great job. Great sound guys !! Good Vibrations JHP

[CreationArtist]

he has a great voice.

[Desoto875]

Before Seeing These Clips Of This Group I Had Not Imagined That There Were So Many Layers That Made Up The Unique Beach Boys Sound. This Is As Close As It Gets Without It Being Either Carl, Or Brian.

[garymichael1950]

I'd love some booking info!

[whiskytangofoxtrot1]

These guys need to put out a CD. They are excellent!

[sideways24]

This version sucks.....really, really, bad....

[yourmoment]

You're being immature. This version isn't great. It's missing something but I am not sure what. At least it's been done in the spirit of what Brian Wilson wanted to accomplish meaning that it is done in an orchestra fashion. I think it's missing emotion somehow. The horn section may be causing a problem.

[aliensporebomb]

You can tell when people care about the song they're covering. Bravo.

[xavierslowhand]

i get goosebumps! you should get this somehow to brian wilson

[gittahfiend]

@xavierslowhand ,I think if someone did that,his current band might get replaced.

[MrWhothefuck]

this is the only cover of this song that i love, does the song justice

[PrincesaPrimavera]

Fantastic! Excellent cover.

[BeautifulPast]

Beautiful song ... beautifully sung!!!

Thank you for posting!!!

[Wolfsky9]

No one ever did this like the Late-Great Carl Wilson, but this is truly, a noble effort. Wolfsky9

[hack1938]

These guys are great!  And we can also see just how great Brain, Mike and the Beach Boys were.

[carefulspaceman]

oh wow... just wow. that was so beautiful! i envy those people out there hearing this live!

this is so close to the original brothers singing it!

XD

[wblk]

Great job, without an ounce of soul or feeling.

[fromthedarkwater25]

it takes an army of music nerds to cover a beach boys song respectfully.

[novapup2001]

...and by doing so they show the intricacy and complexity of Wilson's compositions. These guys are pulling it off LIVE. Well done!

[BadCamera32]

Excellent Cover. Brian Wilson would be proud!

[SpliffPete]

sounds like someone tapping a pen on the desk..wheres the coconut shells?

[SpliffPete]

and wheres the dancing horse...cant have this song without one

[SpliffPete]

great job...whats the bastard child of bill gates and clapton doing at 1.20...:-)

[delis]

Incredibly difficult song to cover. Fantastic job!

[Wolfsky9]

I have to say this again: of the many, many covers I've heard of what many say is the greatest song ever recorded, this version by The Fendertones is absolutely a masterpiece, and the vocal is magnificent. No one ever did it like Carl, but this is very, very good, and these guys should take real pride in how they pulled this off. Wolfsky9

[Xman885]

Sounds like the vocals are doubled, idk if there's another guy singing back up or if it's done later after it was recorded live?

[RonPaulmer]

all the parts are doubled, but the we didn't want to draw attention away from the lead, so yes, he's just off-stage.

[Guedingen]

Wonderful many thanks

[newbec99]

i love it

[SoupBeardMan]

They're visually corny - at least the stage was - but sound wise it was pretty good.

[djmane1]

Visuals should never matter in the realm of music jack ass...it's all about what comes out of the speaker and what sounds good..

[djmane1]

and this family sounds dammm good!

[averynb1218]

Ya it's always risky to do a cover like this where you just try to play the song exactly as you heard it when it was released but these guys did a really fantastic job. Wow.

[musicmaker7]

Love the accordion!! Was there one on the original? Anyway, wow on the whole venture. I really loved the live acoustic intruments.

[AbuAvital]

According to the Wikipedia article, yes. Haven't checked anywhere else to verify this, perhaps someone with a copy could check the liner notes.

[qbbvtb]

Awesome!! I have never heard of you guys but I will check into it!! I would love to see you live!!

[Englishpop]

Brilliant, on a bunch of levels. Firstly, you get to see how many people it takes to actually reproduce all of Brian's arrangement if performed live. Secondly, you guys did a great job, and it's wonderful to see and hear strings, woodwinds, and all those vocals live - a rarity these days. Excellent.

[Stapler78]

Sounds quite nice but he is much more of a singer than a performer. He looks nervous/tense/does not want to be there.

[squirrelnut]

Can ya blame him for being nervous? He's got pretty big shoes to fill for Carl ;-)

[Beaglesock]

I saw this live and was in a class with the singer and I'm almost positive he's not nervous, he is in a band called "Fresh Cut Salads"... no need to perform when the audience is mesmorized by all the band members and instruments. It was one of the best things I've been to.

[nickhazfire]

Best Beach Boy cover i have heard.....so accurate.

[hujjesb]

these guys a great would love to see them live

[dadaved]

Very well done; it is a difficult song to do, but you did it!

[SHRINA17]

This is really, really great! Wow! This is a song that I feel should never be covered by anyone, but this is really great!

[weritauk]

excelente cover en serio muy pocos

saben interpretar esta cancion

como brian wilson maravilloso!

[Wolfsky9]

This is just a great cover of one of the most memorable, and distinctive vocals ever recorded. No one can do it like the great Carl Wilson, but I give these guys credit for a wonderful effort. Keep up the great work, guys! Wolfsky9

[LordFancourt]

Great cover and arrangement. Well done!

[LPluvPL]

Oh yeah!! Lead singer!! DO you know your cute????

[LPluvPL]

FREAKING AMAZING!!!!!

[gjralaska]

When they finish their DVD project and release it, they will become stars. People will respect how much work they are putting into this and buy their DVD. This is awesome!

[illnymo]

Well done. It almost sounds like there's a recording of the Beach Boys' version running along with the instrumentalist. Perhaps a testament to a good performance. My only criticism would be the soloist's bad habit of scooping on the word, "what" in "what I'd be without you...." It distracts from an otherwise good cover.

[c64c64c64]

stumbled on this...very impressive cover!

[antesto]

awesome !

especially the end, with the back vocals

[PancakePals]

one of the flautists is our TEACHER. well, band teacher. CREEPY!! HI MR. VERDEUR!!!!!!!

PS i love the beach boys.

[RonPaulmer]

You've got fan-mail Jim!

[PancakePals]

Tell "Jim" that Melanie and Lauren and Sarah say hi.

[peaceinside25]

tell the singer that he should be smiling during the song. this is a song about love

[wftjet]

I would have a tough time trying to smile and replicate one of the trickiest and best known vocal performances every.

[porgy1952]

good job keep it up i hope wilson has heared of you

[kwelch9999]

Brian wants the vocals to sound like a small choir, hence the doubling of parts and overdubbing for fullness and richness. This is the greatest reproduction of his work. Many thanks to the Fendertones! YOU ROCK!

[snwbrdr65]

I don't care how many people it takes to recreate the sound of the Beach Boys live or in the studio.  The point is to keep this timeless music alive. Bravo.

[marcusvfg]

BRAVO!!!

[Kdogdude26]

WOW ! Absolutely TERRIFIC !

[EvilMongrelMonkey]

Just wonderful, I've been waiting for good music to start making a comeback... this is a breath of fresh air.

[felliniesque2000]

So great to see young people digging our time's greatest composer, instead of ghetto crap. The Wondermints must be crapping themselves.

[atletico45]

Yeah, people are stunned but dont't forget

we've about 20 people here doing the same

The BB did being just 5!

[Rickenbacker350V63]

To re-create this masterpiece "live", remember Brian used the wall of sound method (courtesy of Phil Spector) and did alot of overdubbing on the vocals. These young men did a fantastic job on duplicate the studio version down to the last note! Bravo! Love and mercy.

[2UISEE]

Ha..Ha...Good Version..Funny,but the singer does not have that confusion Brian does..LOL,,,You Guys Rock,,JRingo

[explodingnipple]

That's 'cauce Carl sang lead in the original =D

[2UISEE]

That's so true..and Carl thought that was a great Honor,,Godspeed!..JRingo

[miniskirt69]

These guys are great, has Brian heard them? I hope then bring out a CD. I am a massive BB and BW fan and these guys would be great to bring this music to a new generation. Keep it up.

[geiger167]

Gorgeous version, in fact love all there covers, but this was always my favourite Carl performance so this is my favourite :)

[fryzie]

The Fendertones - God Only Knows

[bladesmark2]

Goose pimples all over thanks to you guys,lol thank you

[amccrory1]

Giving me the shivers - OMG -

[MangoZombie]

That was great.

[tragg2]

Brilliant

[miggalo786]

i am stunned......, they are equivilant to the beach boys.

[mkm576]

So pretty! Do you have a CD?

[Guedingen]

Given the sheer numbers these guys can't be in it for the money, which sets them apart from those awful copy bands. Just for the love of the music, I guess. Wonderful, and many thanks for the uploads.

[ncarolinaluv]

the guy on the rt. kinda looks like a very young Dennis Wilson.

[ncarolinaluv]

Don't bring this up on a Beach boys site!!

I got thumbs down about the backstreet boys tribute to Brian Wilson singing when i grow up to be a man -- and they were superb, professional and updated. Miss my Carl Wilson so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DaddyBog]

You should listen to all of these songs in here, these guys are talented.

[ncarolinaluv]

Daddy -- I have listened to all like 5 or so they have on the tube -- are there more under different names? Thank you so much -- i fav'd them all!!!

[ncarolinaluv]

I closed my eyes during this DaddyBog -- and could hardly tell the difference.

[pocketcharts12]

Basically you give the Beach Boys a lively contemporary sound ...very pleasing and FULL of harmony... Brian Wilson would be proud...

How would you like to do one of my songs?

[berniceave]

Beautiful.

[donnalk]

These guys are very, very, good, but need more stage presence.. how about a few smiles here and there? Really like them tho, been a BB fan since the inception.

[takenusername2000]

The singer looks like Jim Carrey a bit, in my opinion.

[duso254]

perfect, great, cooooooool

[novapup2001]

Simply, why wasn't this band at the Kennedy Center Honors for Brian Wilson?

Forget Jersey Boys. When "California Boys" gets done on Broadway, I wanna see THESE guys do that show!

[pocketcharts12]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT...these guys are the real deal!

[meyerjak]

impressive... thank you all for taking the time to study and reflect the incredable depth of Brain's songs...

[fenderbones]

It's two people -- I'm sure because I was there :>

[vonludwig84]

It sounds as if the second lead vocal track being used under the main lead is actually Carl's track take.

[JonnyRobert]

thats what i was thinking but im not sure

[fenderbones]

It's actually two people singing. All of the parts were sung by two people live to simulate the double tracking of the recordings. The person doubling the lead singer is usually obscured behind the beach shack on the left part of the stage, which isn't visible in this particular video.

[moonshinermsn]

sounds like his voice is reverbed or overdubbed for this perforance great job hope to hear more from these talented boys

[JonnyRobert]

sounds like hes either singer over brian wilson, carl wilson, or someone else is singing with him

[sigurheim]

Werry good song !

[estudioalonso]

Muy emocionante !! son muy buenos...congratulation from Argentina !!

[sander15]

Well done.

[barbeth17]

i really like this song and thanks for giving justice to the song...u sing it well......very nice voice...good luck to ur career......

[Rickenbacker350V63]

Sir Paul McCartney has said this is the most beautiufl song every written. This performance gives GOD ONLY KNOWS the justice it will always deserves. It is beyond a masterpiece. What impresses me is the age of these young men singing! The Beach Boys' music reaches across all generations. Love and Mercy.

[JohnnyNW]

These guys are great...thanks for posting!

[Rob113a]

How could anyone screw this song up?????

[spiked200]

It's refreshing when someone covers a song and gets it right.Nice work!

[sunray65]

Where was this show??? Brian and Carl would be very please!! Terrific!!

[nickstar76]

brilliant job

[muziclover1952]

Is that Horshak(sp) from Welcome Back Kotter?