Beach Boys Get Together on New Charity Single for Japan

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Apr 18, 2011

Though this doesn't suggest a full reunion, four of the Beach Boys have got together to record a charity single for Japan. Following last month's earthquakes and tsunamis, band member Al Jardine decided to gather up the rest of the gang -- Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston -- to record a song to pitch in with relief efforts.

The A-side of the vinyl single is a newly recorded version of "Don't Fight the Sea," which originally appeared on Jardine's 2010 solo set A Postcard from California. The song features new vocals from all four Beach Boys.

"We felt that the song had a nice basic message of friendship," Jardine said of the tune. "I also like the idea of that song, because the vocals are a bit under-appreciated. So this release was a perfect place to showcase the idea of harmony and friendship. Everybody is behind it 100 percent, that's the nice part."

The flip contains an a cappella version of "Friends," from the 1968 Beach Boys album of the same name.

The vinyl single will come out next Tuesday (April 19). The first 1,000 copies will be pressed on white with red labels, an aesthetic move saluting the Japanese flag. The rest will be pressed on black. Additionally, approximately 90 copies have been autographed by the four Beach Boys.

All proceeds will go to the Red Cross relief effort in Japan.

Thanks to Undercover for the tip.

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