A few thoughts:
1) This was, if memory serves, the first Beach Boys song without backup harmonies. Also, Carl Wilson was all of 17 years old when he sang that thrillingly soulful lead vocal.
2) The above is solely the work of the brothers Wilson; Brian wrote both words and music, and all the instruments were performed by him (including the charming Buddy Holly-ish celesta), the aforementioned Carl on guitars and Dennis (although the latter's drums apparently were not yet overdubbed at this point). As a result, this may just be my all-time favorite Beach Boys track unsullied by The Genius of Mike Love™.
3) What a great fucking song -- teenage romantic angst expressed realistically yet poetically against an irresistible musical backdrop. How these guys ever got a reputation for being soulless and white-bread continues to baffle me.
