The Beach Boys seem to be ever-present the last few weeks. They released their fist album in 16 years with Brian Wilson, That's Why God Made The Radio. And with a title and first single with that name you know it holds a special place in my heart.
The album is uneven. The Mike Love songs just don't compare to those of Wilson's. But it's by no means a bad album as the controversy for marketing folks at Scene magazine called it. I think they said the Beach Boys suck now.
The harmonies are still glorious even if it's a bit hard to determine whether it's the original members or those of the backing band, all disciples of the Wilson genius. Who cares. The songs bring a smile to my face and warmth in my heart.
The Plain Dealer's John Soeder did a wonderful write up of his favorite Beach Boys songs, 50 essential Beach Boys songs: Sun, fun and then some. Sunday afternoon had me reading it while listening along to the songs on Spotify.
Eric Carmen wrote a gushing ode to The Beach Boys last week on the Lefsetz Letter, Eric Carmen On The Beach Boys.
The Boys are at Blossom tomorrow night. I'd been on the fence about going until I saw their set list. Here's one from the Hollywood Bowl earlier this month.
Do It Again
Little Honda
Catch a Wave
Hawaii
Don't Back Down
Surfin' Safari
Surfer Girl
Please Let Me Wonder
Marcella
This Whole World
Then I Kissed Her
Disney Girls
In My Room
Kiss Me, Baby
Isn't It Time
Why Do Fools Fall in Love
When I Grow Up (to Be a Man)
Cotton Fields
Be True to Your School
Ballad of Ole Betsy
Don't Worry Baby
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I Get Around
(Intermission)
Add Some Music to Your Day
Friends
All This Is That
California Saga: California
Sloop John B
Wouldn't It Be Nice
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
Sail on Sailor
Heroes and Villains
That's Why God Made the Radio
Forever
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
California Girls
Help Me Rhonda
Rock and Roll Music
Do You Wanna Dance?
Surfin' USA
Encore:
Kokomo
Barbara Ann
Fun, Fun, Fun
That had me convinced. I need to see this. I'll enjoy it from the lawn where I don't have to look too closely at the sad sight of Brian Wilson who looks lost in this world, that is until he starts to sing.
