It was 50 years ago today that I heard a new sound on the radio.
The song was "Surfin' Safari" by a group calling itself The Beach Boys
and it had a unique style which was unlike anything else in 1962.
It immediately created visions of surfing in California and although
there had been electric guitar-oriented instrumental rock-style sounds before,
it added something else----complex vocal harmonies emphasizing falsetto
high pitched male voices.
The Beach Boys had their first of many hits which would go global and
establish a Southern California lifestyle of hot cars, hot beaches and hot women
that everybody else could only dream about.
Backed up by ten musicians, the originals Brian Wilson-the remaining Wilson brother
and Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston were able to recreate their magic
for a sold-out house of over 20,000 at the Hollywood Bowl.
Primarily an audience of people from 45-70, there was also an abundance of
20-30 year olds that also wanted to experience this musical legend.
They performed over 40 songs and still could not begin to perform all
of their popular songs.
As Brian, Mike and Al are featured on a majority of their most legendary singles
(and Brian can fill-in for Carl) it was amazing and comforting to hear the exact same voices
from 50 years ago.
The Beach Boys has never been a band that has the girls insanely screaming.
Instead, they have always had both females and males yelling enthusiastically,
dancing, partying and carrying on. That's what happened again last night
at the Hollywood Bowl.
I saw someone wearing a T-shirt which said "Thank God For Brian Wilson."
It was his vision, his sound, his writing and producing which continues
to bring great joy to millions around the world.
Brian Wilson and Me in Late 1990's
