Beach Boys Return One Last Time

Beach Boys Circa 1970s

Everyone has heard of “Surfin’ USA,” but not everyone is really familiar with the Beach Boys. In my opinion, I think they were a little too surf-pop until their 1966 album Pet Sounds, which eventually inspired the Beatles’ innovative Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. That, I believe, was the defining moment in their career. When they ditched the “Surfin’ Safari” for a little more layered, intricate “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows.”

Of course my favorite, “Feel Flows,” wasn’t around until their 1971 album Surf’s Up!

Looks like the Beach Boys are returning to the Top 10 lists this week. Their 29^th studio album, That’s Why God Made the Radio, was released June 5 (by Capitol) and swiftly reigned the number 3 position.

The album, which coincides with the band’s 50^th anniversary, is the first to feature original material since their 1992 album Summer in Paradise, and is the first album since Carl Wilson’s, the lead vocalist and guitarist’s, 1998 death.

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, this is the Beach Boy’s highest charting in 37 years, selling a startling 61,000 copies. They haven’t done this well since their 1974 album Endless Summer.

In light of That’s Why God Made the Radio, the Beach Boys are embarking on a worldwide tour, although they have only performed the title track and “Isn’t It Time” live. I wouldn't mind listening to only older material when I see them. Unfortunately, though, this will mostly likely be their last tour.

Thinking about this just makes me regret not going to Bonaroo last weekend even more!

It’s time to say goodbye to Brian Wilson and the rest of the surviving Beach Boys. They had a more-than-phenomenal run, and I hope this won’t be the end.

Here is a track listing of their new album. Buy it; you won’t be disappointed. 

1. "Think About the Days"

2. "That's Why God Made the Radio"

3. Isn't It Time

4. Spring Vacation

5. The Private Life of Bill and Sue

6. Shelter

7. Daybreak Over the Ocean

8. Beaches in Mind

9. Strange World

10. From There to Back Again

11. Pacific Coast Highway

12. Summer's Gone