"Little Honda" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1964 album All Summer Long. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, it pays tribute to the small Honda motorcycle and its ease of operation, specifically the Honda 50.[3]
| "Little Honda" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Beach Boys | |
| from the album All Summer Long | |
| Released | July 13, 1964 |
| Recorded | April 2 / 10, 1964 |
| Studio | United Western Recorders, Hollywood |
| Genre | Pop rock,[1] hot rod rock,[1] car song[2] |
| Length | 1:52 |
| Label | Capitol |
| Songwriter(s) | Brian Wilson/Mike Love |
| Producer(s) | Brian Wilson |
Immediately following its appearance on All Summer Long, the song was covered by The Hondells, whose recording produced by Gary Usher peaked at No. 9 on the U.S. Billboard 100.[citation needed]
Recording
In a 1976 interview, Carl Wilson recounted an anecdote about "Little Honda",
[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.[4]
Personnel
Per Craig Slowinski.[5]
- The Beach Boys
- Al Jardine – backing vocals, electric rhythm guitars, electric bass guitar
- Mike Love – lead vocal
- Brian Wilson – backing vocals, upright or grand piano, Hammond B3 organ
- Carl Wilson – backing vocals, electric lead guitars, electric rhythm guitars
- Dennis Wilson – opening voice, backing vocals, drums
- Additional musicians and production staff
- Brian Wilson – arranger, producer
- Chuck Britz – engineer
- Ray Pohlman – 6-string electric bass guitars
Charts
- Beach Boys
| Chart (1964–65) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Norway (VG-lista)[6] | 8 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[7] | 65 |
| West Germany (Official German Charts)[8] | 44 |
Covers
- 1964 – The Hondells, single "Little Honda"
- 1965 – Jan & Dean, Command Performance
- 1973 – Dove, single "Little Honda"
- 1974 – The Carpenters, ‘’Live In Japan’’ (Live concert recording)
- 1996 – The Queers, Bubblegum Dreams 7", Lookout!
- 1997 – Yo La Tengo, I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
- 2003 – Travoltas, Party!