A Vermont Tribute to Brian Wilson: Watch Trey Anastasio Sing "God Only Knows" Duet
The stars of Phish and Lake Street Dive joined on stage at the 2019 Newport Festival to pay tribute to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.
In an article for Relix magazine detailing the songs on Traveler, Trey Anastasio identified his album's opening track, "Corona," as "a kind of nod to Brian Wilson, whom he considers a genius."
He elaborated that the intro to "Corona," with its distinctive "xylophone and piano arrangements," particularly reminded him of Wilson's work.
Wilson's reputation as a studio innovator, renowned for his intricate arrangements and ability to craft what have been described as "pocket symphonies," is well-established. His work on albums like Pet Sounds involved pioneering recording techniques and a meticulous layering of sounds, often incorporating orchestral instruments and unconventional timbres. Anastasio's focus on the "xylophone and piano arrangements" in "Corona" suggests an appreciation for this very aspect of Wilson's artistry – the sophisticated, almost architectural, construction of sound.
On July 28, 2019, at the Newport Folk Festival, Trey Anastasio joined Rachael Price, lead singer of Lake Street Dive, for a duet on "God Only Knows." This rendition was part of an all-star tribute set titled "If I Had A Song," honoring the legacy of Pete Seeger.
"God Only Knows," a cornerstone of the 1966 album Pet Sounds, is widely hailed as a masterpiece of songwriting and vocal arrangement, with figures like Paul McCartney citing it as one of the greatest songs ever written.
Enjoy.