Happy Birthday, Brian!

Brian Wilson turns 70 today.

Today (June 20) is the birthday of genius songwriter, singer and producer Brian Wilson.  It’s completely appropriate that today is also officially the first day of summer.  Because more than anyone, Brian Wilson created the image of this hot season through his songs.

He celebrates the lifestyle of Southern California: the beaches, the girls, the cars and of course surfing, and with the Beach Boys he gave summer a soundtrack. No matter where you are or what time it may be, whenever you play Wilson’s music the sun is suddenly out and surf’s up. It’s the sound of fun and freedom. So today we celebrate the sounds of summer – as written, sung and/or produced by the great Brian Wilson.

MP3: “Little Surfer Girl” (Demo) by Brian Wilson

MP3: “Surfin'” by The Beach Boys

MP3: “Pray For Surf” by The Honeys

MP3: “Surfer’s Holiday” by Annette Funicello (from the movie Muscle Beach Party)

MP3: “Ride The Wild Surf” by Jan & Dean

MP3: “Good Vibrations” (1966 sessions) by The Beach Boys

MP3: “‘Til I Die” (Alternate mix) by The Beach Boys

MP3: “Help Me, Rhonda” (live) by The Beach Boys

MP3: “Marcella” by The Beach Boys

MP3: “Johnny Carson” by The Beach Boys

MP3: “California Feelin’ ” by Brian Wilson

MP3: “Forever She’ll Be My Surfer Girl” by Brian Wilson

MP3: “Just Like Me And You” by Brian Wilson

MP3: “God Only Knows” by The Flaming Lips

MP3: “I Get Around” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

MP3: “Surfin’ Safari/Fun, Fun, Fun/Shut Down/Little Deuce Coupe/Surfin’ U.S.A.” (live, 1966) by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys 50th anniversary concert tour – Live songs courtesy of NPR music