On the 50th anniversary of the band’s formation, 20 years after the surviving original members last played together, six months after their official reunion and only two and a half weeks after the release of their new album, “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” the Beach Boys are back, performing at SPAC Saturday, June 23, for their first concert in Saratoga Springs in decades.
Famed front man Brian Wilson rejoined the group in the producer’s chair for their newest studio album, penning 12 original songs with the help of founding members Mike Love and Al Jardine. Bruce Johnston and David Marks step in for the late Dennis and Carl Wilson, putting in a solid effort that results in probably one of the best and easily the most listenable Beach Boys’ album since the death of Dennis Wilson in 1983.
The Beach Boys’ harmonies are as sharp as ever on the new album. With songs like “Spring Vacation” and the title track, “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” harking back to their sound circa 1960s, the album is certainly more mellow and introspective than anything else, although no one song really stands out among the batch. That’s not to take away from the overall production, just more of an understanding that the Beach Boys’ best days are behind them, despite their latest, solid effort. For true fans, this is still, by far, the best Beach Boys’ record to hit stands in decades - and for that reason alone it’s worth checking out.
Perhaps even more exciting than the new album is their 50th anniversary tour, bringing the group back to Saratoga Springs for a live show this Saturday. While you can expect to hear a good amount off their new album, expect to hear a lot of what made the Beach Boys special when they first burst onto the scene. Their vocals are sharp, the musicianship solid, and there’s no reason not to expect and exciting and memorable performance from them.
To learn more or to purchase your tickets, visit www.SPAC.org.
