music.wikisort.org - Composition

"Heads You Win–Tails I Lose" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1962 album Surfin' Safari.[1]

"Heads You Win–Tails I Lose"
Song by The Beach Boys
from the album Surfin' Safari
Released	October 1, 1962 (1962-10-01)
Recorded	September 6, 1962 (1962-09-06) Capitol Studios
Genre	Surf rock
Length	2:17
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Brian Wilson Gary Usher
Producer(s)	Nik Venet

Composition

According to lyricist Gary Usher, "Heads You Win–Tails I Lose" resulted from an effort to turn contemporary expressions into songs.[2] The song is in AABA form. In the A sections, the typical doo-wop chord patterns are split in half, and then repeated: I-vi-I-vi-IV-V-IV-V. The B section is a more traditional pattern, much like other songs from Surfin' Safari[3]

Recording

"Heads You Win–Tails I Lose" was recorded at the last Surfin' Safari session, on September 6, 1962.[4] While Nik Venet is officially credited as producer, some of the participants claim that Brian Wilson did the production work.[5]

Personnel

The Beach Boys

• Mike Love – lead vocals
• David Marks – rhythm guitar
• Brian Wilson – harmony and backing vocals; bass guitar
• Carl Wilson – harmony and backing vocals; lead guitar
• Dennis Wilson – harmony and backing vocals; drums

References

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