By any chance, is there an uptick of stations playing this song after the recent Big Bang Theory "earworm" episode?
Since most '60s music is gone from classic hits playlists, I wouldn't think there'd be any increase in exposure for this largely forgotten (but excellent) Beach Boys non-chart topper. I don't think it was on the playlists of too many oldies stations even 20 years ago, when the format could still attract advertisers.
I'm a pretty big Beach Boys fan but couldn't remember this song until I actually listened to it on YouTube. I think you are correct it is largely forgotten. I do faintly remember it but don't ever remember hearing it on the radio - ever.
I remember it as a current when I was a kid, and as an oldie, since WDRC-FM Hartford used to play it in the '90s before the '60s music started to disappear. DRC was a pretty interesting oldies station for a while, going quite deep on a lot of acts, Beach Boys included. "Warmth of the Sun" and "Be True to Your School" would also get airplay.
FYI Brian has been doing this song and a few others from this period in his current tour. Thankfully, he doesn't attempt the vocal. The lead was originally done by Carl Wilson, who generally took the more soulful songs. When he died in 98, a lot of his songs got shelved. Brian is touring with a huge band that features a lot of great young singers who can deliver his complicated songs with a lot of the original feeling. Brian's opening the show with Heroes & Villains, which might also qualify as a forgotten classic. Al Jardine is with him, so they do Help Me Rhonda. Blondie Chaplin takes the lead on "Wild Honey." If you like that late 60s Beach Boys, the current tour might be one to see.
And you can add 1973's "Sail On Sailor" to the list.
Of course with Blondie in Brian's band, they do that one every night on his current tour.
FYI Brian has been doing this song and a few others from this period in his current tour. Thankfully, he doesn't attempt the vocal. The lead was originally done by Carl Wilson, who generally took the more soulful songs. When he died in 98, a lot of his songs got shelved. Brian is touring with a huge band that features a lot of great young singers who can deliver his complicated songs with a lot of the original feeling. Brian's opening the show with Heroes & Villains, which might also qualify as a forgotten classic. Al Jardine is with him, so they do Help Me Rhonda. Blondie Chaplin takes the lead on "Wild Honey." If you like that late 60s Beach Boys, the current tour might be one to see.
Since most '60s music is gone from classic hits playlists, I wouldn't think there'd be any increase in exposure for this largely forgotten (but excellent) Beach Boys non-chart topper. I don't think it was on the playlists of too many oldies stations even 20 years ago, when the format could still attract advertisers.]
"Darlin" maybe wasn't a "chart topper" but it did make the Top 20 (#19). "God Only Knows" was a much lower ranked song (#39), and not a very good one, but it seemed to get more airplay than it deserved.
Since most '60s music is gone from classic hits playlists, I wouldn't think there'd be any increase in exposure for this largely forgotten (but excellent) Beach Boys non-chart topper. I don't think it was on the playlists of too many oldies stations even 20 years ago, when the format could still attract advertisers.]
"Darlin" maybe wasn't a "chart topper" but it did make the Top 20 (#19). "God Only Knows" was a much lower ranked song (#39), and not a very good one, but it seemed to get more airplay than it deserved.
"God Only Knows" was the B side of "Wouldn't It Be Nice," which hit No. 8, so it was getting airplay at the same time, and selling lots of 45s. And I happen to think it's one of their best pre-"Pet Sounds" songs, but of course all musical taste is personal.
Also, there apparently was some resistance to playing a secular song with "God" in the lyrics at radio stations in conservative areas of the country, so that would have limited its airplay somewhat.
"Darlin" maybe wasn't a "chart topper" but it did make the Top 20 (#19). "God Only Knows" was a much lower ranked song (#39), and not a very good one, but it seemed to get more airplay than it deserved.
Since most '60s music is gone from classic hits playlists, I wouldn't think there'd be any increase in exposure for this largely forgotten (but excellent) Beach Boys non-chart topper. I don't think it was on the playlists of too many oldies stations even 20 years ago, when the format could still attract advertisers.]
"Darlin" maybe wasn't a "chart topper" but it did make the Top 20 (#19). "God Only Knows" was a much lower ranked song (#39), and not a very good one, but it seemed to get more airplay than it deserved.
Paul McCartney said that "God Only Knows" was the best song ever written!
Just so people will know, this was on America's Best Music. I can't speak to whether it still is because I haven't heard the format since September."God Only Knows" was the B side of "Wouldn't It Be Nice," which hit No. 8, so it was getting airplay at the same time, and selling lots of 45s. And I happen to think it's one of their best pre-"Pet Sounds" songs, but of course all musical taste is personal.
Also, there apparently was some resistance to playing a secular song with "God" in the lyrics at radio stations in conservative areas of the country, so that would have limited its airplay somewhat.
Living on the west coast, "Darlin'" was played semi-regularly for years, as an Oldie. The Beach Boys had several good songs that didn't chart very well but you could say the same thing about The Beatles, for instance.
Paul McCartney said that "God Only Knows" was the best song ever written!