REVIEW: THE BEACH BOYS - THAT'S WHY GOD MADE THE RADIO

From the opening piano/vocal track Think About the Days, you can tell EXACTLY who you are listening to; the glistening five part harmony, the melancholy tone, the sunny gleam over a slightly sad melody....The Beach Boys are back!! Their first full length album of original music since 1992's Summer in Paradise finds The Boys in more than fine form, with the classic lineup back together and updating their sound without losing their trademark beach groove. But don't worry, you're not going to find any guest rappers on this one, folks. Each member gets a lead vocal on the album. If you already love The Beach Boys, you will ADORE this, their 50th ANNIVERSARY ALBUM, That's Why God Made the Radio. If you don't, you're stupid. Just kidding. No, I'm not. The title song takes us right back to their 60s heyday. The perfection of the harmony is astounding really. Isn't It Time, with it's doo-wops in the background, makes you wanna grab your letter jacket and go parking. You'll find that feeling happening all over the place with songs like Spring Vacation and Daybreak Over the Ocean. Meanwhile, if you wondered where the Fleet Foxes got their sound, look no further than the masters of melancholic beauty in the sounds of the last three tracks on this record From There To Back Again, Pacific Coast Highway and Summer's Gone. I have been highly anticipating this album. I only recently, in the last couple of years, REALLY got into The Beach Boys (don't know why) but of course grew up knowing most of their songs. I mean, Kokomo was an 80s staple, right? This set is a real treat and shows that Brain Wilson and The Beach Boys can still make magic. Here is the super cute lyric video for the first single, That's Why God Made The Radio. It's kinda fabulous, y'all. Enjoy and go get this record when it comes out next Tuesday.