Van Morrison’s 1967 classic “Brown Eyed Girl” is a generational classic and rock staple, making it the perfect choice for California™ feat. Les Fradkin’s latest cover.
The single release comes as a follow-up to their “Good Vibrations” EP which was constructed around the Beach Boys’ hit of the same name. For the most part, Brown Eyed Girl also borrows the same inspiration and takes on a distinct surf pop sound.
https://californiatm-featlesfradkin.bandcamp.com/track/brown-eyed-girl
The most distinct change in this version is the backing vocals and harmonies courtesy of Fradkin’s collaborators Tony Pernice and Richie Tuske. While Morrison’s original mainly relies on the guitar for accompaniment, the choral elements are clear evidence that this was inspired by Brian Wilson’s work.
Fradkin not only lends his unmistakable voice to the lead vocals but also builds a rich instrumental bed with his signature Mellotron alongside the synthesizers. As usual, even though he remains faithful to the tempo and vibe of the song, Fradkin is able to create a new dimension that was never evident in the original.
Bob Miller on percussion had an interesting job of his own as the band moved away from the traditional drum lines to something lighter with a lot of emphasis on clapping. Keeping the beat with your bandmates clapping is a nightmare for any drummer, but Miller manages to pull it off pretty impressively.
If you’re wondering about the chemistry and harmoniousness of the group, look no further than the fact that this cover was originally recorded in 1982 with Pernice and
Tusk joining in as well. While this release is tailored for newer audiences, the years of planning and discussion really shine through in the production.
Even though Fradkin’s production is pretty dense on this track, it’s never overbearing, with each element enhancing the single rather than overpowering it. While
Morrison’s version leaned on organic soul and simple rhythmic charm, this update needs to have great quality to thrive in the Spotify era. .
There’s no attempt to reinvent the wheel here; nor should there be. What California ™ achieves instead is a lovingly detailed reinterpretation that pays tribute to the original’s timeless warmth while updating it with the same “good vibrations”.
For longtime fans of the original, this version offers enough familiarity to sing along and enough sonic twist to be worth the revisit. And for newcomers, it’s a light-hearted treat that’s sure to brighten your day a little bit.