Album Information:

About The Beach Boys:

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They are often regarded as America's answer to the Beatles, and their harmonies and catchy melodies helped define the California surf sound of the 1960s.

The group's early music was heavily influenced by surf music, and they scored their first hit with 'Surfin' Safari' in 1962. They followed this up with a string of hits like 'Surfin' U.S.A.,' 'Fun, Fun, Fun,' and 'California Girls.' Their 1966 album Pet Sounds is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, and features intricate vocal harmonies, innovative production techniques, and introspective lyrics that moved the band beyond their surf sound.

In the late 1960s, the band's music became more experimental and psychedelic, with albums like Smiley Smile and the unfinished Smile project showcasing Brian Wilson's avant-garde production style. However, the group's success began to wane in the 1970s, as Brian Wilson's mental health started to deteriorate and the band struggled to stay relevant in a changing music landscape.

Despite these challenges, The Beach Boys continued to tour and record throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1988, they embarked on a highly successful 25th-anniversary tour, and in 2012 they reunited to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The current lineup of the band includes Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and several touring musicians.

The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide, and their music continues to influence artists across generations. Their legacy as one of the most innovative and influential groups in the history of rock and roll is secure, and their timeless music will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come.

About the album Surf's Up:

Surf's Up is a studio album by the iconic American rock band The Beach Boys, released in 1971. The album was initially planned as a follow up to their 1967 album, Smile, but due to creative differences, it was delayed and eventually released as Surf's Up with some new material added to it.

The album opens with the title track, 'Surf's Up,' which was originally intended to be the centerpiece of Smile. The song features a complex and layered arrangement, which showcases Brian Wilson's skills as a composer and arranger. The harmonies are lush and intricate, and the lyrics are poetic and introspective.

The second track, 'A Day in the Life of a Tree,' is a dark and melancholic song, sung by drummer Dennis Wilson. The lyrics tell the story of a tree that is dying and reflects on its life and the world around it. The song features a haunting melody and a stunning string arrangement.

The third track, 'This Whole World,' is a more upbeat and optimistic song, featuring the classic Beach Boys harmonies and a catchy chorus. The song has a feel-good vibe and is a perfect representation of the band's signature sound.

Another standout track on the album is 'Disney Girls (1957),' a nostalgic ballad that celebrates the innocence and simplicity of the late 1950s. The song features lead vocals by Bruce Johnston and showcases his songwriting skills as well.

The album also features a cover of the classic song 'Take a Load off Your Feet' by The Band, which was given a Beach Boys twist with beautiful harmonies and a lively arrangement.

Overall, Surf's Up is a masterpiece of the Beach Boys catalog, with its thought-provoking lyrics, lush arrangements, and signature harmonies. It remains a fan favorite and a critical darling, a testament to the sheer talent and creativity of the band.

Members:

The Beach Boys were an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The key members of the band included:

1. Brian Wilson - Born on June 20, 1942, Brian Wilson was the lead songwriter, vocalist, and pianist of The Beach Boys. He suffered a nervous breakdown in the mid-1960s and retired from touring, but continued to work as a songwriter and producer for the group. He struggled with mental health issues for many years but made a successful comeback in the 1990s. Wilson is widely regarded as a musical genius and is one of the most influential figures in American popular music.

2. Carl Wilson - Born on December 21, 1946, Carl Wilson was the lead guitarist and vocalist for The Beach Boys. He was the younger brother of Brian Wilson and was known for his smooth tenor voice. Carl was an important contributor to the band's sound and wrote some of their most popular songs, including 'God Only Knows' and 'Good Vibrations.' He died of lung cancer in 1998.

3. Dennis Wilson - Born on December 4, 1944, Dennis Wilson was the drummer and occasional vocalist for The Beach Boys. He was known for his good looks and rebellious nature, which often caused tension within the group. Dennis struggled with addiction throughout his life and died in 1983 at the age of 39, drowning in Marina Del Rey after drinking all day.

4. Mike Love - Born on March 15, 1941, Mike Love was the lead vocalist and lyricist for The Beach Boys. He was the cousin of lead singer Brian Wilson and was known for his energetic performances and distinctive voice. Love wrote many of the band's hit songs, including 'California Girls' and 'Kokomo.'

5. Al Jardine - Born on September 3, 1942, Al Jardine was a rhythm guitarist and vocalist for The Beach Boys. He was not an original member of the band, but joined in 1961 shortly after their formation. Jardine provided backing vocals and occasionally wrote songs for the group, but left the band several times over the years due to creative differences.

6. Bruce Johnston - Born on June 27, 1942, Bruce Johnston joined The Beach Boys in 1965 as a replacement for Brian Wilson, who had stopped touring with the band. Johnston played keyboards and provided backing vocals for the group, and wrote several of their biggest hits including 'I Write The Songs.' He continues to tour as a solo artist and as a member of The Beach Boys.

Track List for Surf's Up:

1. 'Don't Go Near the Water' (2:39)
Written by Mike Love and Al Jardine, 'Don't Go Near the Water' is an environmental protest song that urges listeners to protect bodies of water and preserve natural habitats for wildlife. The song features classic Beach Boys harmonies, with instrumentation including electric guitar, bass, drums, and the use of percussion instruments like maracas.

2. 'Long Promised Road' (3:31)
Written by Carl Wilson and Jack Rieley, 'Long Promised Road' features a more introspective and philosophical lyrical tone than some of the other tracks on the album. It also showcases Carl Wilson's vocal talent, with soaring harmonies backed by layered guitar riffs and a prominent bassline.

3. 'Take a Load Off Your Feet' (2:27)
This song, written by Al Jardine and Gary Winfrey, features a lighthearted and somewhat humorous narrative about the benefits of wearing comfortable shoes. The track is upbeat and features a funky guitar riff, as well as harmonious vocal arrangements from the band.

4. 'Disney Girls (1957)' (4:07)
The standout single from the album, 'Disney Girls (1957)' is a ballad written by Bruce Johnston that showcases the band's softer side. The song features Johnston's lead vocals accompanied by acoustic guitars and strings, as well as some of the Beach Boys' signature harmonies.

5. 'Student Demonstration Time' (3:58)
A revamped version of Chuck Berry's 'Sweet Little Sixteen,' 'Student Demonstration Time' was reworked by Mike Love and reflects the political climate of the time, with lyrics speaking to student protests around the world. The track features a rock 'n' roll sound with prominent electric guitar and a bluesy harmonica solo.

6. 'Feel Flows' (4:44)
Written by Carl Wilson and Jack Rieley, 'Feel Flows' features a more experimental, psychedelic sound with a driving bassline and swirling organ melodies alongside more classic Beach Boys harmonies. The song was used in the film Almost Famous, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

7. 'Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)' (1:53)
A brief and biting commentary on the struggles of life on welfare, 'Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)' features sparse instrumentation and lyrics that bring attention to issues of poverty and inequality.

8. 'A Day in the Life of a Tree' (3:10)
Another environmental-themed track, 'A Day in the Life of a Tree' was written by Brian Wilson and Jack Rieley. Featuring haunting vocals and somber piano, the song is sung from the perspective of a tree, imagining its life cycle and eventual destruction by humans.

9. 'Til I Die' (2:42)
Considered by many to be one of Brian Wilson's most introspective and personal compositions, 'Til I Die' features melancholy lyrics about the struggle of existence and the desire for inner peace. The instrumentation is understated, with acoustic guitar and organ providing a gentle backdrop for Wilson's vocals.

10. 'Surf's Up' (4:12)
Considered by many to be one of the Beach Boys' greatest achievements, 'Surf's Up' was written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks and features intricate lyrics and complex melodies that reflect a mix of philosophies and metaphors. The song is a departure from the band's traditional surf rock sound, with orchestral arrangements and choral harmonies elevating it to a more symphonic level.

Discography for The Beach Boys:

Here is the complete discography for The Beach Boys in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Surfin' Safari (1962)
2. Surfin' U.S.A. (1963)
3. Surfer Girl (1963)
4. Little Deuce Coupe (1963)
5. Shut Down, Volume 2 (1964)
6. All Summer Long (1964)
7. The Beach Boys' Christmas Album (1964)
8. The Beach Boys Today! (1965)
9. Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) (1965)
10. Beach Boys' Party! (1965)
11. Pet Sounds (1966)
12. Smiley Smile (1967)
13. Wild Honey (1967)
14. Friends (1968)
15. 20/20 (1969)
16. Sunflower (1970)
17. Surf's Up (1971)
18. Carl and The Passions – 'So Tough' (1972)
19. Holland (1973)
20. 15 Big Ones (1976)
21. The Beach Boys Love You (1977)
22. M.I.U. Album (1978)
23. L.A. (Light Album) (1979)
24. Keepin' the Summer Alive (1980)
25. The Beach Boys (1985)
26. Still Cruisin' (1989)
27. Summer in Paradise (1992)
28. Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 (1996)
29. Imagination (1998)
30. Brian Wilson Presents Smile (2004)
31. That's Why God Made the Radio (2012)

Singles:
1. 'Surfin' b/w 'Luau' (1961)
2. 'Surfin' Safari' b/w '409' (1962)
3. 'Ten Little Indians' b/w 'County Fair' (1962)
4. 'Surfer Girl' b/w 'Little Deuce Coupe' (1963)
5. 'Be True to Your School' b/w 'In My Room' (1963)
6. 'Little Saint Nick' b/w 'The Lord's Prayer' (1963)
7. 'Fun, Fun, Fun' b/w 'Why Do Fools Fall in Love' (1964)
8. 'I Get Around' b/w 'Don't Worry Baby' (1964)
9. 'When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)' b/w 'She Knows Me Too Well' (1964)
10. 'Dance, Dance, Dance' b/w 'The Warmth of the Sun' (1964)
11. 'Do You Wanna Dance?' b/w 'Please Let Me Wonder' (1965)
12. 'Help Me, Rhonda' b/w 'Kiss Me, Baby' (1965)
13. 'California Girls' b/w 'Let Him Run Wild' (1965)
14. 'Barbara Ann' b/w 'Girl Don't Tell Me' (1965)
15. 'Sloop John B' b/w 'You're So Good to Me' (1966)
16. 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' b/w 'God Only Knows' (1966)
17. 'Good Vibrations' b/w 'Let's Go Away for Awhile' (1966)
18. 'Heroes and Villains' b/w 'You're Welcome' (1967)
19. 'Gettin' Hungry' b/w 'Devoted to You' (1967)
20. 'Wild Honey' b/w 'Wind Chimes' (1967)
21. 'Darlin' b/w 'Here Today' (1967)
22. 'Friends' b/w 'Little Bird' (1968)
23. 'Do It Again' b/w 'Wake the World' (1968)
24. 'Bluebirds Over the Mountain' b/w 'Never Learn Not to Love' (1968)
25. 'Break Away' b/w 'Celebrate the News' (1969)
26. 'Add Some Music to Your Day' b/w 'Susie Cincinnati' (1970)
27. 'Cool, Cool Water' b/w 'Forever' (1970)
28. 'Sail On, Sailor' b/w 'Only With You' (1973)

Other releases:
- 'Shut Down' b/w 'Surfin' USA' (single released as The Hustler's in 1961, before the band was called The Beach Boys)
- 'Good Timin' b/w 'Love Surrounds Me' (Dennis Wilson solo single, 1979)
- 'California Saga: California' b/w 'Good Timin' (promotional single, 1980)
- 'Kokomo' b/w 'Tutti Frutti' (1988)
- 'Summer of Love' (1992) and 'Hot Fun in the Summertime' (1995) were released as CD singles.