That's Why God Made The Radio

The Beach Boys this week released their first single in their "reunion" mode with Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and David Marks back on board joining Mike Love, the one constant member since 1961 and Bruce Johnston who, but for an absence from 1972 to 1979 has been a member since 1965. The first Beach Boy's record to feature Brian since the early 90's starts off with Brian's strong lead over a very 50's sounding piano/organ combo. Nicely layered vocals build to a climax sung with gusto by the whole group. Mike Love's nasally lead is nary to be heard on this track but we do hear his fine bass vocals in the mix. This video contains the lyrics to this comeback tune. Avert your eyes from the photo of the group sitting around a piano looking scarily ancient.

I'm assuming it's a Wilson-Love co-write though I have not found a songwriting credit for the tune.  Rolling Stone called it "cosmic, korny but undeniably beautiful." Will it get radio airplay? Probably not. Who cares? Who listens to the radio anymore? Watch it on you tube, listen on spotify, download to your phone. It sounds like summer!


The album is out June 5, and this is the title track. Other titles on the record include: ‘Think About The Days’, Isn’t It Time,’ ‘Spring Vacation,’ ‘Private Life Of Bill And Sue,’ ‘Shelter’ ‘Daybreak Over The Ocean,’ ‘Beaches In Mind’, ‘Strange World,’ ‘My Life Suite’, and ‘Summer’s Gone.’

The Beach Boys tour kicked off a couple of nights ago in Tucson, AZ. The reunited BB's played 42 tunes, nearly all hits. They will play DTE Energy Theater on June 30th!. I'm going and, on the strength of this tune, looking forward to the album.

By the way, erstwhile BB Al Jardine's "Postcards From California" hit the racks a couple of weeks ago with 3 bonus tracks after being released digitally last year. A fine, if somewhat low-key effort, that was recorded over a period of years, "Postcards" is much, much better than anyone would assume that a solo Al Jardine album in 2011 would have any right to be. Here is "Don't Fight The Sea" a tune that features the classic the vocal talents of Brian, Mike,  and late, great Carl Wilson. This was an unfinished Beach Boy's track from 1978. Give it a listen!