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Stars join charity Beach Boys song

One Direction, Kylie Minogue and Pharrell Williams are among the stars who have collaborated on a charity version of Beach Boys hit God Only Knows.

The BBC played the track across many of its networks simultaneously to launch the new version of the classic which appeared on the group's 1966 Pet Sounds album.

Others who have taken part in the new recording - with a promo filmed at London's Alexandra Palace - include Coldplay's Chris Martin, chart-topper Sam Smith, Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters, with BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham on violin.

The track brought together networks such as BBC One, Radio 1, Radio 4 and the World Service, which all played the track to mark the official launch of BBC Music, a new brand for the corporation which unites the many music services and initiatives.

Beach Boy Brian Wilson, who wrote the song, delivers the final line and he is also joined in the new version by Queen guitarist Brian May, violinist Nicola Benedetti, Sir Elton John, Jake Bugg and Emeli Sande.

Brian said: " All of the artists did such a beautiful job I can't thank them enough. I'm just honoured that God Only Knows was chosen. God Only Knows is a very special song. An extremely spiritual song and one of the best I've ever written."

The song, for which the artists are performing under the name The Impossible Orchestra, features many of the acts taking a line each, just as on a celebrated recording of Lou Reed's Perfect Day in 1997.

The song is being made available to download from midnight, in aid of BBC Children In Need.

Bob Shennan, the director of BBC Music, said: "With the 80-piece BBC Concert Orchestra at its heart and comprising an array of iconic music stars, from a wide range of musical genres, this 'impossible' orchestra is a celebration of all the talent, diversity and musical passion found every single day throughout the BBC."

The BBC said its new brand launch amounted to its strongest commitment to music in 30 years.

Alexandra Palace was chosen as it was the home of the first BBC broadcast more than 90 years ago.

The track's producer, Ethan Johns, said: "To make so much diversity work within one piece of music was quite a challenge.

"I feel like I've taken a 1,000-piece puzzle and just thrown it in the air. I'm standing there trying to grab them as they come down and put them into place."

Source: www.msn.com
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