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BBC unveils all-star version of God Only Knows, 17 years after Perfect Day

It’s been 17 years since the BBC first revealed a megastar-laden line-up performing Lou Ree...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.01 8 Oct 2014


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BBC unveils all-star version o...

BBC unveils all-star version of God Only Knows, 17 years after Perfect Day

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.01 8 Oct 2014


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It’s been 17 years since the BBC first revealed a megastar-laden line-up performing Lou Reed’s Perfect Day.

As the broadcaster continues to fight to retain the UK’s television licence fee, it has produced a fresh take on another beloved song God Only Knows. The message, while more subtle than that of its predecessor Perfect Day is still clear: “God only knows what I’d be without you.”

The new version aired across all BBC platforms at 8pm last night.

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The official reason for the new recording of the classic 1966 Beach Boys song is to mark the launch of BBC Music and as with Perfect Day, the song will be released as a single to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.

One thing is for certain, the song certainly doesn’t lack in star appeal. Joining the song's author Brian Wilson is an astounding array of big names and talent including: Sir Elton John, One Direction, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Jake Bugg, Lorde, Emeli Sandé, Chris Martin, Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, Sam Smith, Florence Welch, Chrissie Hynde, Brian May, Dave Grohl, Alison Balsom, Martin James Bartlett, Danielle de Niese, Nicola Benedetti, Eliza Carthy, Baaba Maal, Jamie Cullum, Jaz Dhami, as well as the BBC’s Zane Lowe, Lauren Laverne, Katie Derham, Gareth Malone and Jools Holland. They are joined by the Tees Valley Youth Choir and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Even the notoriously contrary Brian Wilson was complimentary about the result: “All of the artists did such a beautiful job I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “I’m just honoured that God Only Knows was chosen. God Only Knows is a very special song. An extremely spiritual song and one of the best I’ve ever written.”


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