It has been sixty years since a group of young lads brought the sounds of southern California and the surf; extolling the merits of surfing, the beach, and girls to the rest of the world.
In a global celebration to last a year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band The Beach Boys some new and remastered music collections. They are the first American pop band to reach the 60 year milestone.
In 1962 a group of brothers, cousin, and friend called themselves The Beach Boys and after signing with Capital Records released an album of mostly original songs. The album “Surfin’ Safari” went on to spend a whopping 37 weeks on the Billboard 200 Album chart and sell over 100 million copies around the world.
Members of the band spoke on the milestone saying, “it’s hard to believe it’s been 60 years since we signed to Capitol Records and released our first album, ‘Surfin’ Safari’. We were just kids in 1962 and could have never dreamed about where our music would take us, that it would have such a big impact on the world, still be loved, and continue to be discovered by generation after generation. This is a huge milestone that we’re all very honored to have achieved. And to our incredible fans, forever and new, we look forward to sharing even more throughout the year.”
Ume President and CEO Bruce Resnikoff added, “The Beach Boys have created some of the most iconic and beloved music of all time. An indelible and important part of America’s cultural fabric, their timeless music has been a ubiquitous soundtrack for generations and continues to influence, inspire, and delight. We at UMe remain honored to further The Beach Boys’ legendary catalog and look forward to celebrating them all year long along with their millions of fans around the world.”
The get the celebration started, Capital Records and Ume are releasing a remastered and expanded edition of “Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of The Beach Boys” on June 17. The 30 song collection has been expanded to a massive collection of 80 songs, including nearly every U.S. hit The Beach Boys had, for the anniversary release.
Originally released in 2003, the album spent the equivalent of two years – 104 weeks – on the Billboard music chart. Selling over four million copies in the United States, the RIAA – Recording Industry Association of America has certified the album four times platinum.
The newly remastered and expanded “Sounds of Summer” collection is being offered as a digital download, a three CD package, and a six LP vinyl set in standard and limited edition formats. The limited edition vinyl collection comes in a rainbow foil slipcase with four collectible lithographs.
The original 30 song package has also been remastered and is being offered as a single CD or double vinyl LP. The album is also being offered as a limited edition package.
The collection is available for pre-order at: https://thebeachboys.lnk.to/SoundsOfSummer
Over the coming months new official music videos will be released. Also over the next year, Capital and Ume will be releasing more remastered albums by The Beach Boys. And a documentary is in the works.
Feature photo credit: Capital Records Archives