The newly-expanded, multi-format editions of the compilation Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys is released today at the outset of the group’s 60th anniversary celebrations. It offers fans a huge range of music from their unrivaled history, including new stereo mixes and deep cuts.
The set has been overseen by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind the packages the SMiLE Sessions and Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971. The newSounds Of Summer expands the 30-track edition of the retrospective released in 2003 to a new total of 80, including 24 new stereo mixes, including two first-time stereo mixes and 22 improved stereo mixes.
Some of these have employed current digital extraction technology, allowing mono tracks to be presented in stereo for the first time. There’s a limited edition pressing on 180 gram vinyl including updated photos and liner notes. The collection was previewed by new stereo mixes of the timeless “Good Vibrations” and “Marcella.” The latter track was a highlight of 1972’s Carl and the Passions “So Tough,” which is one of the albums due for expanded reissue, along with Holland, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations.
Meanwhile, Brian Wilson is continuing his expansive US double-header tour with Chicago, arriving tomorrow night (18) in Maryland Heights, MO. The itinerary opened on June 7 in Phoenix, where Wilson was joined by Beach Boys colleagues Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. His set included countless classics from his songbook for the group as well as the live debut of “Surfin’ Safari,” lesser-played Beach Boys songs such as “Add Some Music To Your Day” and “Wild Honey,” then a closing version of the song that has become perhaps the most evocative signature of his solo career, “Love and Mercy.”
Buy or stream Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys – Expanded Edition, which is out now in multiple formats.
