A Song's Controversial Legacy: The Beach Boys' 'Ten Little Indians'
A Musical Misstep?
In the world of music, even the most talented artists have their moments of doubt and misjudgment. This is especially true for The Beach Boys, a group known for their iconic hits and lasting influence. But amidst their success, there's a song that former member Al Jardine describes as a "huge disaster" - a track that, despite its flaws, offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's early days and the complexities of artistic creation.
The Genius of Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson, the late mastermind behind The Beach Boys, was a songwriting prodigy. His ability to craft melodies was unparalleled, as Bob Dylan once noted, "Jesus, that ear... The records I used to listen to and still love, you can't make a record that sounds that way." Wilson's talent was so extraordinary that it left his peers in awe and envy.
During his "imperial phase" in the mid-1960s, The Beach Boys became a powerhouse, with albums like "Pet Sounds" leaving an indelible mark on contemporary music. Yet, as with any creative endeavor, not every project can be a masterpiece.
The Early Days: Surfin' Safari
When The Beach Boys released their debut album, "Surfin' Safari," they were still young and finding their footing. Wilson, just 20 years old, was still years away from reaching the pinnacle of his artistic abilities. Despite its brief runtime of under 25 minutes, the album boasted 12 tracks, showcasing Wilson's steep learning curve as he navigated the studio environment.
The album credits reveal an interesting dynamic: while Nick Venet is listed as the producer, the bulk of the production duties were handled by Wilson and his father, Murry. Prior to the album's release, The Beach Boys had already made a buzz with their debut single, "Surfin'," creating anticipation for their first full-length record.
The Rise and Fall
The follow-up single, "Surfin' Safari," became their first nationwide hit, reaching #14 on the Billboard Chart. However, the album as a whole fell short of expectations. Among its tracks, "Ten Little Indians" stands out as a regrettable moment.
Wilson based the song on a nursery rhyme of the same name, but the result was not only musically lacking but also problematic. He repeatedly sang the racial slur "squaw," a term used to describe female Native Americans and deemed derogatory by the United States Department of the Interior in 2021.
In a 2022 interview with Consequence, Al Jardine reflected on this period, calling the song a failure on all counts. When discussing "Surfin' Safari," Jardine said, "It was our third single. We just came off a bomb, a huge disaster called 'Ten Little Indians.' The label didn't know what it was doing..."
While Jardine's chronology is off ("Surfin' Safari" was released before "Ten Little Indians"), his assessment of the song's shortcomings remains valid.
A Near-Miss and a Lesson Learned
Fortunately for The Beach Boys, their reputation and talent were enough to weather the "Ten Little Indians" storm. They quickly rebounded with more hits, and the unfortunate episode became a distant memory. Their debut album, though far from their best work, was still strong enough to secure their future with Capitol Records.
This story serves as a reminder that even the greatest artists have their missteps. It's a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of a legendary band and a controversial moment in music history. What do you think? Is it fair to judge an artist's entire body of work based on a few missteps? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
