Brian Wilson and Al Jardine in a car signing autographs
By Howie Edelson
Nearly 20 years after its initial release, Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of The Beach Boys has proven that the love, care, and joy this band has infused in its music is both ageless and contagious. It remains one of life’s most dependable joys. For life-long diehards – along with a new crew of digital and streaming recruits – the expanded, 80-track, triple-disc Sounds of Summer has resonated and connected with fans, sending the compilation spiraling up to an amazing Number 31 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It’s not a coincidence. Nor is it a fluke. As always, the proof is in the grooves. The love STILL pours out of the speakers.
Check out what a FEW of the fans of SOUNDS OF SUMMER had to say:
1. “I am obsessed with the packaging of this album.”
@puttherecordon on Instagram
2. “Summer has officially begun! Sounds Of Summer is the perfect soundtrack.”
3. “These new mixes, of course, are very, very different from the originals, but to me, they nail the spirit of them. These will be haunting my summer Spotify playlists for sure. I found the spirit and attitude of these new mixes to be a welcome surprise.”
4. “The new ‘Marcella’ mix is incredible!”
5. “There’s no question that The Beach Boys are the undisputed kings of harmony. Vocally, I don’t think there’s been another male group that can hold a candle to the pristine and balanced sound these guys resonate.”
@stevekouta on Instagram
6. “Omgggg what a gorgeous set. Even the box itself is beautiful.”
7. “The new ‘Good Vibrations’ stereo mix sounds fantastic!”
@shampain.problems I feel like I want to spin this while I clean my house with the windows open #thebeachboys #soundsofsummer #vinyl #records ♬ Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
8. “Sounds Of Summer is another way to listen to my favorite band. If you are purchasing your first Beach Boys music, this would be the one to get (and the price is right for 80 recordings!)”
9. “The Beach Boys Sounds of Summer 10 out of 10 always, always and forever.”
11. “Two of the main reasons the core fans would be picking this up would be the new packaging/liner notes, and the new stereo remixes. I'm glad a lot more thought went into the track selection and consideration for some new remixes.”
Fan photo of the inside packaging
12. “Super cool packaging and the remastering sounds so good!”
13. “‘Baby Blue’ — oh my. Gorgeous.”
14. “The new 3-CD upgrade of Sounds Of Summer has not left my player since the day of its release... Good vibrations, indeed!”
15. “The sound quality is also literally incredible.”
@melissabuysvinyl the sound quality is also literally incredible on these #thebeachboys #soundsofsummer #vinylcheck #vinylcollection #unboxing ♬ Good Vibrations - 2021 Stereo Mix - The Beach Boys
16. “I'm digging it. I love the remixes that sound drastically different.”
17. “'Do You Like Worms’ — halfway through this I am not only smiling at the awesome mix, but at the thought of some new fan listening to this set and hearing ‘Do You Like Worms’ of all things! That is kick ass.”
18. “The Beach Boys are my absolute favorite... all thrill no fill.”
20. “This is art, yes, but it’s also popular entertainment... The Beach Boys for everyone.”