Length 1:52 Writer(s) Brian Wilson/Mike Love | Label Capitol | |
Released July 13, 1964 (1964-07-13) Recorded April 2 / 10, 1964, United Western Recorders, Hollywood Genre Pop rock, hot rod rock, car song | ||
"Little Honda" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for the American rock band the Beach Boys. It was released on their 1964 album All Summer Long, and featured on their EP, Four by The Beach Boys. The song pays tribute to the small Honda motorcycle and its ease of operation, specifically the Honda 50.
Contents
Immediately following its appearance on All Summer Long, the song was covered by The Hondells, whose recording produced by Gary Usher peaked at #9 on the U.S. Billboard 100. Capitol Records then later released it as a single for the Beach Boys, and their version peaked at #65 on the U.S. Billboard 100.
Recording
Regarding the song's "fuzzy" sound, Carl Wilson recalls:
[Brian] does exactly what he wants to do. I remember [sits back and laughs] — this is so funny — when we did "Little Honda," Brian wanted me to get this real distorted guitar sound, real fuzzy. "This guitar sounds like shit," I said. "Brian, I hate this." And he goes, "Would you fucking do it? Just do it." When I heard it, I felt like an asshole. It sounded really hot. That was before fuzz became a big deal.
Personnel
Per Craig Slowinski.