The Beach Boys are Back!

When asking a woman in her 60's once what it was like to grow up back then one of her comments was that all the young people listened to the same music. It wasn't like today with a hundred different genres. Regardless of race or economic status, everyone knew the same songs. I think that was part of the magic of the 60's and 70's. Music really was unifying (at least among the young generation!).

Just in time for summer, the Beach Boys will be releasing a new album on June 5th!  They are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a new album and a tour.  Three of the original members: Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine, and two other members who were a part of the band as well but not founding members, David Marks and Bruce Johnston.  The other two original members, Carl and Dennis Wilson have passed away.

Of course, I was not yet a twinkle in my father's eye when the Beach Boys were hot in the 60's and 70's but, nevertheless, I feel a thrill of excitment at their reunion.  Who doesn't like the Beach Boys?


One favourite memory regarding the Beach Boys music was singing the songs with some Southern girls at a church youth camp growing up.  We came from different cultures (and it was before I listened to country - can you imagine?) but the Beach Boys were an easy point of commonality.  We found many more things in common but it all started with the Beach Boys and we are still friends to this day.  I always think of those two sweet girls - and Lizzi and Katharine - when I hear California Girls!

One of the reasons I enjoy this blog is the need I feel for doing research before writing a post.  I knew nothing about the Beach Boys, other than the words to their songs, before today but I have found out a little more now.

One of the reasons the reunion is such a huge deal (besides getting some great new songs!) is that Mike Love sued Brian Wilson in 2005 but they claim that is all water under the bridge now.  Also, it seems that Brian Wilson hates to tour, in fact, he stopped touring in 1965 but continued to write and produce for the group.  So to get all these guys together now for an album and a tour is fantastic.

But my favourite fact that I just learned about the Beach Boys (everyone else probably knows this!) is that it was a family affair.  Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson were (clearly) brothers and Mike Love is their cousin.  Al Jardine has been a friend since high school and David Marks was their neighbor growing up.  Isn't that cool?

Anyway, this summer I will definitely be checking out the Beach Boys' new album!   I haven't heard any songs yet - I'll be sure to give an update on my opinion of the album when it is out.