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1972 single by the Beach Boys

"You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1972 album Carl and the Passions – "So Tough". It was written by Brian Wilson and Jack Rieley, and was issued as the album`s lead single with the B-side "Cuddle Up". The single failed to chart.[2]

Background

An earlier, unreleased version of the song was titled "Beatrice from Baltimore".[3]

Asked about the song in 1972, Mike Love commented, "I like the track, it`s one that requires a few plays to get into it. A point about a lot of Brian`s things is that they are so oblique and often complex. His music is something that you have to listen to, because he`ll put in subtleties that you can listen to for a year and not hear."[4]

Record World said "The sound here is a bit confusing the first time around, but after a few listenings it becomes clear what`s going on: another superfiine Beach Boys song."[5]

Alternate releases

A track and backing vocals mix of "You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" was included on the 2021 box set Feel Flows as a teaser for the band`s next archival release, Sail On Sailor – 1972 (2022).[6]

Legacy

• In 1993, Saint Etienne adopted the song title for their album You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone.

• In 1999, Hefner released a cover of "You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" as a bonus track to their single "The Hymn for the Cigarettes".

Personnel

Credits from Craig Slowinski, John Brode, Will Crerar and Joshilyn Hoisington.[7]

The Beach Boys

• Ricky Fataar - drums, tambourine
• Al Jardine - backing vocals
• Mike Love - backing vocals
• Brian Wilson - backing vocals, tack piano, Hammond organ, producer
• Carl Wilson - lead and backing vocals, electric lead and rhythm guitars, producer

Additional musicians

• Tandyn Almer - bass guitar
• Doug Dillard - banjo
• Billy Hinsche - electric rhythm guitar
• Gordon Marron - electric violin w/ ring modulator