409 (song)
| "409" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1:59 | |||
| Label | Capitol | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Murry Wilson | |||
| The Beach Boys singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"409" is a song written by
band the 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 album Surfin' Safari, and appeared again on their 1963 album Little Deuce Coupe
.
The song is credited for initiating the
hot rod music craze of the 1960s.[1]
Composition
"409" was inspired by Gary Usher's obsession with
409-cubic-inch-displacement "big block" V-8 engine.[3] The song's narrator concludes with the description "My four speed, dual-quad, positraction four-oh-nine." This version of the engine – at 409 hp, achieving 1 hp per cubic inch – featured twin "D" series Carter AFB (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 1962 model year.[5]
It stayed one week on the Billboard Hot 100, at number 76, in October 1962.[6]
Personnel
- 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
- ^ ISBN 978-1-61059-235-2.
- ISBN 978-0866568814.
- ^ a b Profile at Songfacts
- Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ Marion, Doug (January 11, 2008). "40 Years of 348 and 409 W-Engines – W-ow!". superchevy.com. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^ Hot 100 – The Beach Boys 409 Chart History, Billboard.com. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
