Limited Edition Boxed Set Released June 10th by Capitol/EMI
Deluxe 16-CD & Digital Collection Gathers Iconic Band’s Earliest A & B-Sides, Plus Alternate Mixes and Live Versions
It’s very easy to forget just how many hits The Beach Boys actually had. Right from the first track of this amazing, comprehensive set, one is sent back in time to a lazy summer day. The mind is flooded with memories of laying on the beach with friends, the first summer girlfriend, beach bonfires, and yes, even an occasional drunken moment or two. It’s funny how just listening to some of these classics can bring the mind back to so many things.
The limited edition box set contains 16 CDs that contain original A and B sides of their earliest singles. There are also other versions of several tracks, including digital remakes and live recordings. The set’s 66 tracks also contain eight previously unreleased mixes.
The set is held in red and yellow box with wood inlay, supposedly to remind one of a hotrod or surfboard. I’m not sure if that’s what immediately comes to mind when looking at the box, but the color combination is quite striking. Also within the box is a 48-page hardbound photo book with faux sand finish. The photo book contains both candid shots and performance shots of the band. Some in color, some in black-and-white. Overall, it’s a very nice commemorative of the band.
The hit-packed set begins with 1962’s “Surfin’ Safari” and its B-side, “409,” in their original mono mixes, paired with a 1965 concert recording of “409.” Also included are The Beach Boys’ timeless #1 smash Pop hits “I Get Around” and “Help Me Rhonda,” and Top 10 Pop hits “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Be True To Your School,” “Little Saint Nick,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “When I Grow Up To Be A Man,” “Dance, Dance, Dance,“ “The Man With All The Toys,” and “California Girls.” The new collection’s other hit sides include “Ten Little Indians,” “Shut Down,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “In My Room,” “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Wendy,” “Little Honda,” “Do You Wanna Dance?” and “Please Let Me Wonder.”
