Get ready for a musical journey back in time with the Beach Boys' upcoming release! The long-lost album 'Adult/Child' is finally seeing the light of day, and it's a treasure trove for fans.
This story begins in the late 1970s, a period often overlooked in the Beach Boys' illustrious career. But here's where it gets controversial... many die-hard fans argue that this era, from 1976 to 1977, was their last golden age as a recording unit. Why? Because it marked the return of Brian Wilson, the creative force behind the band, after a period of absence due to mental health struggles.
During this brief but productive period, Brian Wilson oversaw the creation of two unique albums: the iconic 'The Beach Boys Love You' and the enigmatic 'Adult/Child'. The latter, a highly idiosyncratic project, was unfortunately shelved and remained hidden for decades. But now, after 50 years, 'Adult/Child' is finally getting its official release as part of the upcoming box set 'We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years'.
And this is the part most people miss: 'Adult/Child' has taken on a mythical status among Beach Boys enthusiasts, second only to the legendary 'Smile'. It's a wild ride, featuring a mix of fitness jingles, big-band numbers, and deeply personal songs like 'Still I Dream of It' and 'It's Over Now'.
The box set, co-produced by James Sáez and Howie Edelson, includes a remastered version of 'The Beach Boys Love You', along with numerous outtakes, demos, and discarded tracks from the '15 Big Ones' sessions. It's a comprehensive collection, featuring 73 songs in total, with 35 of them never released before.
But the story doesn't end there. After the commercial disappointment of 'The Beach Boys Love You', the band decided to put 'Adult/Child' on ice and move on to their next project, the less-than-stellar 'M.I.U. Album'. However, the 'Adult/Child' sessions leaked out, becoming a cherished bootleg among fans. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of this music that it has remained so sought-after all these years.
And now, with the release of 'We Gotta Groove', fans can finally hear these long-lost songs in their full glory. It's a chance to explore a different side of the Beach Boys, one that's often overlooked by the band's current touring incarnation led by Mike Love. But Al Jardine, a founding member of the Beach Boys, has been keeping the spirit of this era alive, performing 'The Beach Boys Love You' in its entirety on special tours.
So, are you ready to dive into this hidden chapter of Beach Boys history? The box set 'We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years' is set to release on February 13th, and it promises to be a treat for both die-hard fans and those new to this era of the band's music. It's a chance to discover or rediscover the magic of 'Adult/Child' and 'The Beach Boys Love You'.
What do you think? Is this a welcome addition to the Beach Boys' catalog, or do you prefer their more well-known hits? Let us know in the comments!
