Following the death of Brian Wilson, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong decided to release his never-heard-before solo cover of the Beach Boys’ 1964 song. The rocker stated in his Instagram post, “I recorded a cover of ‘I Get Around’ a few years ago… Never got to share it. One of my all-time favorite songs ever.”
Armstrong’s voice fits the ’60s bop perfectly. Every three-part harmony hit right on the head. By the time the intro opens up into “Drivin’ up and down on the same ole strip,” his timbre transforms into a pop-punky talk-sing sound a la his ‘Know Your Enemy’.
The lively snare drum and distorted guitars create a wonderful synergy underneath the soaring vocal lines. Listeners are treated to a guitar solo that is reminiscent of “Johnny B. Goode” against his bright ‘Wha wha-oo’s”. The cover honors the sounds of Wilson’s songwriting while simultaneously keeping it in his wheelhouse, as if Green Day and the ’60s had a love child.
Check out our list of The 40 Best Beach Boys Covers Ever!
