That's Why God Made the Radio

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That's Why God Made the Radio
Studio album by The Beach Boys
Released June 5, 2012 (2012-06-05)
Recorded 2011–2012
Genre Rock,[1] baroque pop
Length 38:53
Label Capitol
Producer Brian Wilson (except "Daybreak Over the Ocean", Paul Fauerso)
The Beach Boys chronology
The Smile Sessions
(2011)		 That's Why God Made the Radio
(2012)		 Fifty Big Ones
(2012)
Singles from That's Why God Made the Radio
  1. "That's Why God Made the Radio"
    Released: April 25, 2012 (2012-04-25)
  2. "Isn't It Time"
    Released: September 2012

That's Why God Made the Radio is the twenty-ninth studio album by American rock band The Beach Boys, released on June 5, 2012 on Capitol. Produced by Brian Wilson, the album was recorded to coincide with the band's 50th anniversary, and is the first to feature original material since the release of Summer in Paradise in 1992.[2] The album is also the first to feature guitarist and backing vocalist David Marks since the release of Little Deuce Coupe in 1963. It is also the first Beach Boys album to be made since the 1998 death of lead guitarist and vocalist Carl Wilson.

Preceded by the single "That's Why God Made the Radio", the album reached number 3 on the Billboard 200 and was their highest charting since 1965, placing them second all-time with longest span of top 10 albums at 49 years passing The Beatles by two years. Frank Sinatra holds the record at 52 years of top 10 albums.

Contents

Background [edit]

In late 2010 reports began to circulate that the surviving members of the Beach Boys would reunite for a 50th Anniversary tour and album. Despite some uncertainty[3] and initial denials,[4] on December 16, 2011 it was announced that Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks would reunite for a new album and 50th anniversary tour in 2012 that would include a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April.[5]

Wilson and Love discussed the upcoming album and tour in an interview on February 16, 2012. The duo said the album was halfway done with Wilson doing most of the writing and stating that all of the songs will flow into each other. The album was to end with a Pet Sounds- and Smile-inspired suite. The suite, originally six tracks and dubbed the "Life Suite," ended up to be the final three tracks on the album, "From There to Back Again," "Pacific Coast Highway," and "Summer's Gone." One song, "I'd Go Anywhere," was left off as it was unfinished, along with a couple of other tracks.[6] Wilson considers the title track, "That's Why God Made the Radio," to be one of the group's best.[7]

Many of the songs have a considerable history: "That's Why God Made the Radio" was written by Brian Wilson, Jim Peterik, Joe Thomas and Larry Millas back in the late 1990s.[6] The track "Summer's Gone" was originally meant to be the final song on the final Beach Boys album, according to Brian. The song was written in reflection of his mother's death and the end of Carl's life, who died two months after their mother. Whereas songs like "Isn't It Time", "Shelter" and "The Private Life of Bill and Sue" were written for the new album.[6][not in citation given]. During the band's June 15, 2012 show they decided to change some of the lyrics to "Isn't It Time" for unknown reasons. The changes would continue to appear each time they performed the song following that show.[8] The song "Daybreak Over the Ocean" was originally recorded in 1978 by Mike Love for his first, as yet unreleased solo album, First Love (and also re-recorded for his equally unreleased solo album of a few years ago, Mike Love Not War a.k.a. Unleash The Love: this is the version - with additional Beach Boys vocals - that appears on the album).

According to the June 21, 2012 issue of Rolling Stone, which features a five page article on the group, 28 songs were written and recorded for the album.[9]

Promotion [edit]

The first single from the album, "That's Why God Made the Radio", made its national radio debut April 25, 2012, on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning.[10][not in citation given][11][not in citation given] It was released to the band's YouTube channel later that same day, with accompanying lyrics. In addition, the song has been released and is now available as a single on digital outlets such as iTunes and Amazon.

The band has appeared on various television shows throughout the tour performing the song including an hour long performance and interview segment on the shopping channel QVC in which close to 20,000 copies of the album were sold.[12] QVC will give away an exclusive eleven track greatest hits CD with the purchase of the album. The hits CD will not be available anywhere else.[13]

As of September 2012, the album's title track, "Isn't It Time", and "Summer´s Gone" have been the only songs from the album to be performed live. During pre-tour interviews the group indicated possibly only two songs would be performed on the tour and the setlist would focus on older material.

Doin' It Again, an hour-long documentary that aired during the summer of 2012 on PBS, was released on DVD and Blu-ray August 28, 2012. The documentary features a new biography with new interviews of the current lineup, footage of the band recording the new album, and live performances from the 50th anniversary tour. In November 2012, a DVD and Blu-ray titled The Beach Boys Live in Concert: 50th Anniversary was released featuring a performance by the band from July 2012 in Phoenix, AZ. The release featured a heavily edited performance which was cut down to sixty minutes and only 21 of the 50 songs performed were featured leaving some fans angry that the entire show wasn't released.[14] There was also mention of plans to release a DVD of their performance at Red Rocks although nothing has been officially announced.[15]

Reception [edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic 3.5/5 stars[16]
Rolling Stone 3/5 stars[17]
Digital Spy 4/5 stars[18]
Entertainment Weekly (B+)[19]
Consequence of Sound 3.5/5 stars[20]

Critical reception [edit]

According to Bruce Johnston, the album's overall aesthetic compares to their 1970 album Sunflower.[21] It received positive reviews, but the final Pet Sounds- and Smile-inspired suite consisting of "From There to Back Again", "Pacific Coast Highway" and "Summer's Gone" has garnered wide critical acclaim. That's Why God Made the Radio has gone on to become the best reviewed Beach Boys studio album since 1977's Love You.[22]

Commercial performance [edit]

It debuted at number 3 and became the group's highest charting album in 37 years—since 1974's compilation Endless Summer and highest charting studio album since 1965's Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!). It also became the band's first top 10 studio album since 1976's 15 Big Ones.[23] The album made its debut in the UK charts at number 15 giving the group their highest studio album debut since 1971's Surf's Up. The album debuted at number 15 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[24]

Track listing [edit]

No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocals Length
1. "Think About the Days"   Brian Wilson, Joe Thomas The Beach Boys 1:27
2. "That's Why God Made the Radio"   Wilson, Thomas, Larry Millas, Jim Peterik Brian Wilson 3:19
3. "Isn't It Time"   Wilson, Mike Love, Thomas, Millas, Peterik Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, Mike Love, and Jeff Foskett 3:45
4. "Spring Vacation"   Wilson, Love, Thomas Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and Brian Wilson 3:06
5. "The Private Life of Bill and Sue"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson 4:17
6. "Shelter"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson and Jeff Foskett 3:02
7. "Daybreak Over the Ocean"   Love Mike Love 4:20
8. "Beaches in Mind"   Wilson, Love, Thomas Mike Love 2:38
9. "Strange World"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson 3:03
10. "From There to Back Again"   Wilson, Thomas Al Jardine and Brian Wilson 3:23
11. "Pacific Coast Highway"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson 1:47
12. "Summer's Gone"   Wilson, Jon Bon Jovi, Thomas Brian Wilson 4:41
Total length:
 38:53
LP edition
Side 1
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocals Length
1. "Think About the Days"   Brian Wilson, Joe Thomas The Beach Boys 1:27
2. "That's Why God Made the Radio"   Wilson, Thomas, Larry Millas, Jim Peterik Brian Wilson 3:19
3. "Isn't It Time"   Wilson, Mike Love, Thomas, Millas, Peterik Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, Mike Love, and Jeff Foskett 3:45
4. "Spring Vacation"   Wilson, Love, Thomas Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and Brian Wilson 3:06
5. "Beaches in Mind"   Wilson, Love, Thomas Mike Love 2:38
6. "Daybreak Over the Ocean"   Love Mike Love 4:20
Side 2
No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocals Length
7. "Shelter"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson and Jeff Foskett 3:02
8. "The Private Life of Bill and Sue"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson 4:17
9. "Strange World"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson 3:03
10. "From There to Back Again"   Wilson, Thomas Al Jardine and Brian Wilson 3:23
11. "Pacific Coast Highway"   Wilson, Thomas Brian Wilson 1:47
12. "Summer's Gone"   Wilson, Jon Bon Jovi, Thomas Brian Wilson 4:41

Personnel [edit]

The Beach Boys [edit]

Additional musicians [edit]

  • Vocals: Jeffrey Foskett (all tracks), Adrian Baker, Christian Love, Hayleigh Love (all 7)
  • Electric guitar: Jeff Baxter (4, 8), Tom Bukovac (2, 4, 6, 10), Jim Riley (4, 8), Nick Rowe (2), Scott Totten (7), Nick Walusko (2, 4, 12)
  • Acoustic guitar: Tom Bukovac (5, 12), Jeffrey Foskett (2, 4, 5, 6), Probyn Gregory (5, 8), Scott Totten (7)
  • Bass guitar: Cliff Hugo (7), Larry Millas (3), Michael Rhodes (2, 4, 9, 10, 12), Brett Simons (5, 8, 12)
  • Ukulele: Jim Peterik (3)
  • Banjo: Probyn Gregory (5)
  • Piano: John Hobbs (2, 5), Joe Thomas (1, 11, 12)
  • Tack piano: John Hobbs (6, 9, 10), Joe Thomas (12)
  • Organ: Scott Bennett (2, 4, 8), Joe Thomas (8)
  • Clavinet: Scott Bennett (4, 8)
  • Harpsichord: Joe Thomas (6)
  • Keyboards: Paul Fauerso (7)
  • Accordion: Gary Griffin (9)
  • Violin: Joel Deroulin, Sharon Jackson, Peter Kent, Songa Lee, Julie Rogers, John Wittenberg (all 10, 11)
  • Cello: Alisha Bauer, Vanessa Freebarin-Smith (all 10, 11)
  • Double bass: David Stone (12)
  • String arrangements: Paul Mertens (9, 10, 11)
  • Flute: Paul Mertens (10, 11, 12)
  • Oboe: Chris Bleth (12)
  • French horn: Probyn Gregory (1, 6, 11, 12)
  • Baritone saxophone: Paul Mertens (5)
  • Vibes: Scott Bennett (1, 5, 12), Darian Sahanaja (2, 5)
  • Percussion: Nelson Bragg (5, 6, 9, 11, 12), Paul Fauerso (7), Jim Peterik (3)
  • Snaps: Jessica Bish, John Cowsill, Jeffrey Foskett, Joe Thomas (all 5)
  • Drums: Eddie Bayers (12), Curt Bisquera (7), John Cowsill (5, 8), Chad Cromwell (2, 4, 9)
  • Radio voiceover: Skip Masters (5)

Recording personnel [edit]

  • Brian Wilson – producer and arranger
  • Mike Love – executive producer
  • Joe Thomas – recording
  • Paul Fauerso - producer and recording (7)
  • Frank Pappalardo – recording, mixing engineer
  • Michael Czaszwicz – additional engineering
  • Wesley M. Seidman – additional engineering
  • Larry Millas – additional engineering
  • Tom Gordon – additional engineering
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering

Artwork [edit]

  • Lawrence Azerrad – graphic design
  • Guy Webster – photography

Chart positions [edit]

Chart Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart[28] 31
Austrian Albums Chart[29] 42
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders) [30] 35
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)[31] 46
Canadian Albums Chart [32] 14
Danish Albums Chart[33] 12
Dutch Albums Chart[34] 24
Finnish Albums Chart[35] 31
French SNEP Albums Chart[36] 80
German Media Control Albums Chart[37] 36
Japanese Oricon Albums Chart[38] 18
Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart[39] 8
Spanish Albums Chart[40] 49
Swedish Albums Chart[41] 13
Swiss Albums Chart[42] 36
UK Albums Chart[43] 15
U.S. Billboard 200 [32] 3

References [edit]

  1. ^ Bush, John. "That's Why God Made the Radio - The Beach Boys : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. 
  2. ^ Beach Boys website
  3. ^ "Beach Boys plan anniversary blowout, likely reunion tour". Retrieved September 25, 2011. 
  4. ^ Michaels, Sean (September 29, 2011). "Brian Wilson rules out reunion with the Beach Boys". The Guardian (London). Retrieved September 29, 2011. 
  5. ^ Sterdan, Darryl (December 16, 2011). "Beach Boys gear up for reunion". Sun Media. Retrieved December 16, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b c "The Beach Boys are making 'Radio' waves » Ventura County Star". Vcstar.com. 
  7. ^ Pareles, Jon (February 17, 2012). "A Few Words With the Beach Boys". The New York Times. 
  8. ^ "Show 30- Merriweather Post Pavilion-Columbia, MD-June 15th". Smileysmile.net. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  9. ^ Fine, Jason (June 21, 2012). "The Beach Boys' Last Wave". Rolling Stone. p. 3. Retrieved July 23, 2012. 
  10. ^ The Beach Boys | Facebook
  11. ^ CeDe.ch - portofrei online bestellen - CD DVD Blu-ray Games Bücher Filme Musik MP3 - Schweiz
  12. ^ "Beach Boys to Have Highest Charting Album Since 1974". Ultimateclassicrock.com. 
  13. ^ Shp6/5 The Beach Boys "That's Why God Made the Radio" CD - QVC.com
  14. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Live-Concert-50th-Anniversary-Blu-ray/dp/B009KKLQVS/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1361223306&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Beach+Boys+Live+in+Concert%3A+50th+Anniversary
  15. ^ "Beach Boys tour coming to DVD". Social.entertainment.msn.com. Retrieved 2012-09-22. 
  16. ^ Bush, John (2012-06-05). "That's Why God Made the Radio - The Beach Boys : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-06-08. 
  17. ^ By Will Hermes (2012-06-05). "That's Why God Made the Radio | Album Reviews". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-06-09. 
  18. ^ Published Saturday, Jun 2 2012, 22:28 BST (2012-06-02). "The Beach Boys: 'That's Why God Made The Radio' - Album review - Music Album Review". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2012-06-09. 
  19. ^ "The Beach Boys, That’s Why God Made The Radio. Album Review. –". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2012-06-05. 
  20. ^ "The Beach Boys, That’s Why God Made The Radio. Album Review. Consequence –". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2012-06-05. 
  21. ^ Billboard retrieved 15 June 2012
  22. ^ "That´s Why God Made The Radio - The Beach Boys". Retrieved July 10, 2012. 
  23. ^ Up for Discussion (13 June 2012). "The Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary Studio Album, That's Why God Made The Radio, Debuts At Number 3 On Billboard Albums Chart". The Wall Street Journal. 
  24. ^ Canadian Album chart
  25. ^ "Translation result for Hmv.co.jp". Babelfish.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2012-09-22. 
  26. ^ "Shp6/5 The Beach Boys "That's Why God Made the Radio" CD". QVC.com. 2010-11-25. Retrieved 2012-05-27. 
  27. ^ "Hit the sand and hang ten with the ultimate Beach Boys collection!". legacy.rd.com. 2012-07-03. Retrieved 2012-07-03. 
  28. ^ "australian-charts.com The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP) (in English). Retrieved April 14, 2013. 
  29. ^ "austriancharts.at The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien (in German). Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  30. ^ "ultratop.be The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  31. ^ "ultratop.be The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  32. ^ a b "allmusic (((　That's Why God Made the Radio > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums )))". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  33. ^ "danishcharts.com The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). danishcharts.com. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  34. ^ "dutchcharts.nl The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien. MegaCharts. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  35. ^ "finnishcharts.com The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  36. ^ "lescharts.com The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  37. ^ "Album Search: The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (in German). Media Control. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  38. ^ ビーチ・ボーイズ-リリース-ORICON STYLE-ミュージック "Highest position and charting weeks of That's Why God Made the Radio by The Beach Boys". oricon.co.jp (in Japanese). Oricon Style. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  39. ^ "norwegiancharts.com The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien. VG-lista. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  40. ^ "The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  41. ^ "swedishcharts.com The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio" (ASP) (in Swedish). Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  42. ^ "The Beach Boys – That's Why God Made the Radio– hitparade.ch" (ASP). Hung Medien (in German). Swiss Music Charts. Retrieved August 23, 2012. 
  43. ^ "The Official Charts Company - That's Why God Made The Radio by The Beach Boys Search". The Official Charts Company. 6 May 2013. 
 
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