Archives

1997

blue square dot Brian Wilson and his daughters appear on a various artists compilation CD called Christmas Spirit, a benefit project for the Children's Defense Fund. Carnie and Wendy Wilson contribute two tracks, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” (with Casey Stratton), and Brian contributes a home-studio version of “Joy to the World.” Christmas Spirit is available on the UAV Entertainment label. (12/12/97)

blue square dot Bruce Johnston and Mike Love show up on the King's Singers' new album Spirit Voices, from BMG Classics. Bruce produced five tracks on the album, including “Lift the Wings,” “She Moved Through the Fair,” “Kokomo,” “Please Let Me Wonder” (with Bruce & Mike as guest vocalists), and “The Lord's Prayer.” For more information and ordering details, see DJ Records, U.S. distributor for the King's Singers. (11/3/97)

blue square dot A new, specially-packaged, limited-edition Beach Boys compilation, Perfect Harmony, is now available in stores from EMI-Capitol Records. (10/23/97)

blue square dot The Beach Boys' four CD box set, Pet Sounds Sessions is in stores now. The CDs include a remastered mono version, the much-anticipated stereo mix, demos, alternate mixes, and vocal- and instrumental-only versions. The package also includes a 120-page CD-size book featuring comments from Brian Wilson, other members of The Beach Boys, studio musicians and tech people who worked on the album, Paul McCartney, and others. (10/14/97)

blue square dot Brian Wilson has contributed an acoustic track to the various artists compilation album Songs Without Words, on Windham Hill. The track, “This Isn't Love,” features Brian on piano. (10/14/97)

blue square dot Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys: How Deep Is the Ocean?, Crawdaddy Magazine editor Paul Williams' new book on the Beach Boys is out. Look for it in bookstores. Hardcover signed and limited copies are available from Crawdaddy, Box 231155, Encinitas, CA 92023. (10/14/97)

blue square dot The Beach Boys have contributed a track to MOM II, a compilation from Surfdog/Interscope Records that benefits the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental group dedicated to cleaning up the oceans and coastlines. Other artists appearing on MOM (Music for Our Mother Ocean) II, now available in stores, include Porno For Pyros, Jewel, Pennywise, Dick Dale, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Brian Setzer Orchestra, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Jimmy Buffett, and more. Pennywise covers the BBs' classic “I Get Around,” while the Beach Boys themselves contribute a live version of “Summer in Paradise” from a London Wembley Stadium show. (9/3/97)

blue square dot Brian Wilson joins his daughters for four tracks on Carnie and Wendy's recent album, The Wilsons, released on September 9. Brian appears on “Miracle,” “'Til I Die,” “Everything I Need,” and “Monday Without You.” Other cuts from Carnie and Wendy include “St. Joan,” “Good About You,” “Candy,” “Open Door,” “Not Your Average Girl,” “Goddess's Revival,” “Everything,” and “I Hate Your Face.” A video has been made for “Monday Without You.” (9/23/97)

blue square dot Sponsored by the fanzine A California Saga, the second annual East Coast Beach Boys/Surf Rock Convention was held on Sept. 7, 1997 at the Quality Inn in Somerset, NJ. Jeff Foskett and Don Zirilli (of Papa Doo Run Run), Brad Elliott, and the No-Bull Surfers were featured guests. (9/7/97)

blue square dot Mike Love's Club Kokomo, a ‘California meets Caribbean’ theme restaurant, will open its first location in Orange, CA next door to the Arrowhead Pond, home of hockey's Anaheim Mighty Ducks. A concert facility will be included in a nightclub setting, with entertainment to be provided by the Kokomo Club House Band and nationally known acts. There will be a restaurant and bar, as well as a children's area and a retail area. (9/3/97)

blue square dot The Aug. 1997 issue of British music magazine Mojo has selected “Good Vibrations” as the greatest single of all time in a poll of 100 musicians, songwriters, producers, and other music industry personnel. Brian Wilson and Bruce Johnston were both members of the panel. Brian is featured in interviews in both the magazine and on a bonus CD included only in the UK edition. (7/97)

blue square dot The 1997 Goldmine Annual contains the Brian Wilson interview found in the February 2, 1996 Billboard, an extensive examination of Brian's non-Beach Boys productions, and a discussion of Brian's producing skills by Nik Venet and Don Was. (3/29/97)

 
 

blue square dot THE BACKSTERS LIVE
Mike Kowalski, Beach Boys drummer since 1968, and his longtime partner Joel Peskin have an amazing blues CD out entitled The Backsters Live. Joel is a studio musician who has played on several Beach Boys albums. His most famous Beach Boy contribution is the sax solo on "Kokomo." Mike is one of the best drummers around and he shows it off in The Backsters Live. To check out The Backsters' new CD, visit their website, or to buy the CD send a $15 check or money order to Front Runner Records, 21115 Devonshire St. Suite #123, Chatsworth, CA 91311. (11/21/97)