My Top 1000 Songs #221: Sloop John B

Sure, on the surface it's a silly Bahamian folk song set to pop music, an odd little trifle wedged among the seemingly more noteworthy Pet Sounds classics. But it's the expendability of the surface level song that allows you to focus on the remarkable vocal arrangements. Much like a Cocteau Twins song, the vocals are notable for their sound, not for what the lyrics do or don't convey. It's Brian Wilson earning the genius title, layers upon layers of vocals--and the 10-second a capella break in t...