For several days, an unexpected version of "We Three Kings" has cemented itself in my mind. The first time I heard The Beach Boys sing that carol, I was surprised to hear a group known mainly for its uptempo hits approach it at such an unhurried pace.
The more I think about it, though, the more sense it makes. Most versions emphasize the royalty of the kings with forceful, mighty vocals or instrumentation. The Beach Boys, however, emphasize the trudging nature of the journey to see the Christ child.
That's an unusual but no less valid interpretation.
