Ding Dang (song)

Last updated
"Ding Dang"
Song by the Beach Boys
from the album The Beach Boys Love You
ReleasedApril 11, 1977 (1977-04-11)
Recorded1973–1976
Studio Brother Studios, California
Length0:57
Label Brother/Reprise
Songwriter(s) Brian Wilson, Roger McGuinn
Producer(s) Brian Wilson
Licensed audio
"Ding Dang" on YouTube

"Ding Dang" (alternately known as "Rollin' Up to Heaven", "Clangin'", "Brian's Tune", and "Hard Time" [1] ) is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1977 album The Beach Boys Love You . It was written by Brian Wilson and Roger McGuinn during an impromptu jam session after Wilson had visited McGuinn's home to acquire amphetamines.

Contents

Wilson spent years working on different recordings of "Ding Dang", and, at one point, had it earmarked for singer Annette Funicello. The song has a 57-second runtime and the only lyrics are "I love a girl and I love her so madly / I treat her so fine but she treats me so badly".

In later years, Wilson cited "Ding Dang" as one of his best songs, and one of his most inspired and underrated. [2] The song may have kickstarted his lifelong obsession with the folk standard "Shortenin' Bread", leading him to record numerous permutations of the "Ding Dang" riff in various songs over the subsequent decades.

Background

"Ding Dang" was co-written with Roger McGuinn (pictured 1976) Roger McGuinn 1976.jpg
"Ding Dang" was co-written with Roger McGuinn (pictured 1976)

"Ding Dang" is a short song, consisting of a single verse and chorus, that Wilson had written with the Byrds' Roger McGuinn in the early 1970s. [3] McGuinn recalled that Wilson had one day visited his home asking for amphetamines. After they worked together on the song, McGuinn went to bed. The next morning, he found that Wilson was still awake playing "Ding Dang" on the piano. [4] Wilson offered a slightly different account, saying that he "didn't stay all night" at McGuinn's house. [5] He credited McGuinn with writing the song's only lyric: "I love a girl and I love her so madly / I treat her so fine but she treats me so badly". [2] [4]

Al Jardine surmised that Wilson's longtime obsession with the folk standard "Shortenin' Bread" may have originated from this impromptu writing session for "Ding Dang". [6] Music journalist Brian Chidester reported that "the basic 1-to-4-up bassline [...] seems to have endlessly percolated in Wilson’s head throughout 1974-75 on versions of 'Ding Dang' and 'Short'nin Bread' too numerous to count." [7]

"Ding Dang" was considered for inclusion on the album that became 15 Big Ones (1976). In July 1975, NME journalist Nick Kent wrote, "Carl Wilson was able to give me some actual titles to new Brian Wilson songs recorded for the next Warner/Reprise album", one of which included "a track entitled 'Rollin’ Up to Heaven' which had originally been called 'Ding Dang' – a number that Brian had wanted Annette Funicello to record." [8]

Recording

"Rollin' Up to Heaven"

Brian recorded "Ding Dang" in the studio on numerous occasions during the mid-1970s. [10] One of these versions, recorded in late 1974, is known as "Rollin' Up to Heaven", although it was labelled as "Brian's Tune" on the tape box. [11] Biographer Peter Ames Carlin characterized it as "a funky rock 'n' roll song with blazing guitar from Carl, in-the-pocket drums from Dennis, and full group vocals chanting a rudimentary but instantly memorable chorus of: 'Alley-oop—fuck her! Big tits!'" [9]

"Clangin'"

In 1976, another version of "Ding Dang" was recorded under the title "Clangin'". It has a riff similar to Wilson's "I'm the Pied Piper" from Mount Vernon and Fairway (1972). Brother Records archive manager Alan Boyd explained the contents of the recording, "Brian has overdubbed himslef [ sic ] a couple of times singing 'Clangin' clangin', dingin' a dangin' and-a clangin' clangin'....' over and over and over again. And again. And again." [11] In a 1976 interview with the group, members of the band began reciting a background part, "Mow mama yama holly hallelujah". Asked what song it belonged to, Brian answered, "That's from a song called 'Clang.' [ sic ] We haven't really got it together yet, so we can't talk about it. It's a spiritual sort of rock 'n' roll song." [12]

For the 1976 television special The Beach Boys: It's OK! , the band were filmed performing two takes of "Clangin'", but this footage was not used for the program. [13] Andrew Sandoval, an archivist for the Monkees, reported that Micky Dolenz possessed a recording of "Clangin'" that featured some participation from Harry Nilsson. [7]

Love You sessions

Band engineer Earle Mankey recalled that his first session with the Beach Boys had involved a recording of "Ding Dang", as he said, "At one session of Carl's, somebody said to Brian, 'Let's cut a track,' and he said, 'I have this great song, it's called "Ding, Dang."' It was a legendary track, and it was around, as I understand it, for a long time." [14] Wilson again revisited the song, by then a few years old, during the recording of Love You. [3] [4] Mankey noted that "everybody who showed up [to the sessions] got subjected to 'Ding Dang'." [6] It appeared on the album with a less than one-minute runtime, virtually unaltered from how Wilson and McGuinn originally left it. [3]

Legacy

Reflecting on The Beach Boys Love You in a 2000 interview, Wilson said that "Ding Dang" was one of his two favorite tracks on the album. He added, "it was a good cut, wasn't it? Just a very short song, that's all. One of the shortest records we have ever made." [15] Asked for his favorite songs he ever wrote, as well as the songs he felt were most underrated, Wilson included "Ding Dang" in his answers. [2]

Cover versions

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Beach Boys</span> American rock band

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Distinguished by its vocal harmonies, adolescent-oriented lyrics, and musical ingenuity, the band is one of the most influential acts of the rock era. The group drew on the music of older pop vocal groups, 1950s rock and roll, and black R&B to create its unique sound. Under Brian's direction, it often incorporated classical or jazz elements and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Wilson</span> American musician (born 1942)

Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to pop composition, extraordinary musical aptitude, and mastery of recording techniques, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century. His best-known work is distinguished for its high production values, complex harmonies and orchestrations, layered vocals, and introspective or ingenuous themes. Wilson is also known for his formerly high-ranged singing and for his lifelong struggles with mental illness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Johnston</span> American musician (born 1942)

Bruce Arthur Johnston is an American singer, musician, and songwriter who is a member of the Beach Boys. He also collaborated on many records with Terry Melcher and composed the 1975 Barry Manilow hit, "I Write the Songs".

<i>20/20</i> (The Beach Boys album) 1969 studio album by US band The Beach Boys

20/20 is the 15th studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released February 10, 1969 on Capitol Records. The LP was named for being their 20th overall release when factoring in live albums and compilations. Much of 20/20 consists of outtakes from earlier albums. It reached number 3 on UK record charts and number 68 in the U.S. Brian Wilson was absent during most of the album's recording after admitting himself into a psychiatric hospital, requiring brothers Carl and Dennis to retrieve several outtakes he had recorded years earlier. While Brian does not appear on the front cover, the inner gatefold of the original vinyl release features him alone, behind an eye examination chart.

<i>Holland</i> (album) 1973 album by the Beach Boys

Holland is the 19th studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released January 8, 1973 on Brother/Reprise. It is their first album recorded without Bruce Johnston since 1965, their second with Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar, and their final studio album created under the de facto leadership of Carl Wilson and manager Jack Rieley. The LP was originally packaged with a bonus EP, Mount Vernon and Fairway, which consisted of a 12-minute fairy tale written and produced by Brian and Carl Wilson.

<i>Carl and the Passions – "So Tough"</i> 1972 album by the Beach Boys

Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" is the 18th studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released May 15, 1972 on Brother/Reprise. The album is a significant musical departure for the band and is the first to feature the Flames' Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar as additions to their official line-up. It sold poorly and was met with lukewarm reviews, but later gained stature as a cult favorite among fans.

<i>15 Big Ones</i> 1976 album by the Beach Boys

15 Big Ones is the 20th studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released July 5, 1976, by Brother/Reprise. It includes a mix of original songs and renditions of rock 'n' roll and R&B standards. The LP was the band's first album with production credited solely to Brian Wilson since Pet Sounds (1966). As such, its release was accompanied by a controversial media campaign that declared his comeback as an active member of the Beach Boys' recording and touring group.

<i>The Beach Boys Love You</i> 1977 studio album by the Beach Boys

The Beach Boys Love You is the 21st studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released April 11, 1977, on Brother/Reprise. Sometimes called the band's "punk" or "synth-pop" album, Love You is characterized for its pioneering use of synthesizers and its juxtaposition of adolescent-oriented lyrics with the adult band members' gravelly vocals.

<i>L.A. (Light Album)</i> 1979 album by the Beach Boys

L.A. is the 23rd studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released on March 16, 1979, and their first issued through CBS Records. Recorded during a period of acrimony between the band members, it was a critical and commercial failure, peaking at number 100 in the U.S. and number 32 in the UK.

<i>M.I.U. Album</i> 1978 album by the Beach Boys

M.I.U. Album is the 22nd studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released on September 25, 1978. Characterized for its easy-listening sound, the album was produced by Al Jardine and touring member Ron Altbach during one of the most acrimonious periods in the band's history. It sold poorly, peaking at number 151 in the U.S, and was met with confused reactions from critics and fans.

<i>All Summer Long</i> (album) 1964 album by the Beach Boys

All Summer Long is the sixth album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released July 13, 1964 on Capitol Records. Regarded as their first artistically unified collection of songs, as well as one of the first true concept albums, it marked the Beach Boys' first LP that was not focused on themes of cars or surfing. Instead, the songs are semi-autobiographical and relate to the experiences of a typical Southern Californian teenager, a theme encapsulated by the title track, "All Summer Long", and the often-imitated front cover, a modernist style photo collage depicting the band members fraternizing with young women on a beach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wouldn't It Be Nice</span> 1966 single by the Beach Boys

"Wouldn't It Be Nice" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys and the opening track from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson, Tony Asher, and Mike Love, it is distinguished for its sophisticated Wall of Sound-style arrangement and refined vocal performances, and is regarded among the band's finest songs. With its juxtaposition of joyous-sounding music and melancholic lyrics, it is considered a formative work of power pop, and with respect to musical innovation, progressive pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford</span> American singer and first wife of Brian Wilson

Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford is an American singer who is best known as the first wife of Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson. She was also a member of two girl groups, the Honeys in the 1960s and American Spring in the 1970s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Worry Baby</span> 1964 single by the Beach Boys

"Don't Worry Baby" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their March 1964 album Shut Down Volume 2. Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, Wilson's lead vocal on the track is considered one of his defining performances, and he later referred to "Don't Worry Baby" as perhaps the Beach Boys' finest record. It was issued in May 1964 as the B-side of "I Get Around", and charted separately at number 24.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honkin' Down the Highway</span> 1977 single by the Beach Boys

"Honkin' Down the Highway" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1977 album The Beach Boys Love You. It was written by Brian Wilson and sung by Al Jardine. The lyrics describe a man driving to a woman, at her father's behest, for an engagement that the narrator states will conclude with himself "Takin' one little inch at a time, now / 'Til we're feelin' fine, now".

"Shortnin' Bread" is an American folk song dating back at least to 1900, when James Whitcomb Riley published it as a poem. While there is speculation that Riley may have based his poem on an earlier African-American plantation song, no definitive evidence of such an origin has yet been uncovered. A "collected" version of the song was published by E. C. Perrow in 1915. It is song number 4209 in the Roud Folk Song Index.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Time (American Spring song)</span>

"Good Time" is a song by American pop music duo American Spring from their 1972 album Spring. It was written by Brian Wilson and Al Jardine originally for the Beach Boys' album Sunflower (1970). In 1972, Spring released "Good Time" as their second single, recording their voices atop the Beach Boys' instrumental track. In 1977, the Beach Boys released their original version of the song on the album The Beach Boys Love You.

<i>Adult/Child</i> Unreleased Beach Boys album

Adult/Child is an unreleased studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys that was produced in early 1977. Similar to the release it was meant to follow, The Beach Boys Love You, the album is essentially a semi-autobiographical solo effort by the band's chief songwriter and producer, Brian Wilson. The title refers to a theory that one's personality can be split into "adult" and "child" modes of thinking.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Beach Boys' unreleased and bootleg recordings</span>

Many recordings and performances by the Beach Boys have attained some level of public circulation without being available as a legal release, and several albums by the band or its individual members were fully assembled or near completion before being shelved, rejected, or revised as an entirely new project. Since the early 1980s, numerous rarities compilations and album reissues have been released with studio outtakes included as bonus tracks.

<i>Mount Vernon and Fairway</i> 1973 EP by the Beach Boys

Mount Vernon and Fairway is an EP by the American rock band the Beach Boys that was included as a bonus record with their 1973 release Holland. It is a 12-minute musical fairy tale, primarily composed by Brian Wilson, assembled by Carl Wilson, and narrated by manager Jack Rieley. Brian provided the voice of the Pied Piper and drew the sleeve cover.

References

Citations

  1. Badman 2004, pp. 322, 341.
  2. 1 2 3 Sharp, Ken (January 2, 2009). "Brian Wilson: God's Messenger". American Songwriter .
  3. 1 2 3 Dillon 2012, p. 32.
  4. 1 2 3 Badman 2004, p. 368.
  5. Wilson, Brian (May 1977). "I'm a Pooper, Not a Buzzer". Crawdaddy! . p. 63.
  6. 1 2 Beard, David (Spring 2007). "Ding Dang". Endless Summer Quarterly.
  7. 1 2 Chidester, Brian (7 March 2014). "Busy Doin' Somethin': Uncovering Brian Wilson's Lost Bedroom Tapes". Paste . Retrieved 11 December 2014.
  8. Kent, Nick (July 12, 1975). "Brian Wilson: The Last Beach Movie part 3" . NME .
  9. 1 2 Carlin 2006, p. 195.
  10. Badman 2004, pp. 348, 340, 343, 350, 367.
  11. 1 2 Boyd, Alan (March 18, 2006). "Re; The Alan Boyd Thread". Smiley Smile.
  12. Felton, David (November 4, 1976). "The Healing of Brother Bri". Rolling Stone .
  13. Badman 2004, p. 365.
  14. Leaf 1978, p. 164.
  15. "Brian Wilson - Caroline Now! Interview". Marina Records . April 20, 2000. Archived from the original on November 19, 2008.
  16. Dillon 2012, p. 167.

Bibliography