"409"is a song written byBrian Wilson,Mike Love,andGary Usherfor theAmericanrock and rollbandthe Beach Boys.The song features Love singing lead vocals. It was originally released as the B-side of the single "Surfin' Safari"(1962).[3]It was later released on their 1962 albumSurfin' Safari,and appeared again on their 1963 albumLittle Deuce Coupe.
| "409" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Singlebythe Beach Boys | ||||
| from the albumSurfin' SafariandLittle Deuce Coupe | ||||
| A-side | "Surfin' Safari" | |||
| Released | June 4, 1962 | |||
| Recorded | April 19, 1962 | |||
| Studio | Western Studios,Los Angeles,California | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 1:59 | |||
| Label | Capitol | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Murry Wilson | |||
| The Beach Boyssingles chronology | ||||
| ||||
The song is credited for initiating thehot rod musiccraze of the 1960s.[1]
Composition
edit"409" was inspired by Gary Usher's obsession withhot rods.[4]Its title refers to an automobile fitted withChevrolet's409-cubic-inch-displacement "big block"V-8 engine.[3]The song's narrator concludes with the description "Myfour speed,dual-quad,positractionfour-oh-nine. "This version of the engine – at 409hp,achieving 1 hp per cubic inch – featured twin "D" seriesCarterAFB (Aluminum Four Barrel) carburetors ( "dual-quads" ). It was offered in new vehicles (Impala SS[ "Super Sport"];Bel Air;Biscayne) and as replacement units in the 1962model year.[5]
It stayed one week on theBillboardHot 100,at number 76, in October 1962.[6]
Personnel
edit- Mike Love–lead vocals
- David Marks–rhythm guitar,background vocals
- Brian Wilson–bass guitar,background vocals,car sound effects tape
- Carl Wilson–lead guitar,background vocals
- Dennis Wilson–drums,background vocals
References
edit- ^abBreitenstein, Jeff.Ultimate Hot Rod Dictionary: A-Bombs to Zoomies.MotorBooks International. p. 107.ISBN978-1-61059-235-2.
- ^Hoffmann, Frank W.; Bailey, William G. (1990).Arts & Entertainment Fads, Volume 1.Binghamton: Haworth Press. pp. 61–62.ISBN978-0866568814.
- ^abProfile at Songfacts
- ^"The Beach Boys: 409".allmusic.Rovi Corporation.Retrieved10 December2012.
- ^Marion, Doug (January 11, 2008)."40 Years of 348 and 409 W-Engines – W-ow!".superchevy.RetrievedSeptember 27,2016.
- ^Hot 100 – The Beach Boys 409 Chart History,Billboard.Retrieved January 11, 2018.