It's the news we've been expecting/hoping for since the release of The SMiLE Sessions: The Beach Boys (or at least the ones still living) are officially reuniting at the Grammys Sunday night. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks, who haven't performed as The Beach Boys in over than two decades, will join Foster The People and Maroon 5 (odd, right?) for a special performance that will inevitably feature songs from the Beach Boys hit-laden catalog (hopefully not “Kokomo“).
Inspired by the announcement, here are some songs we're hoping that they'll play, after the jump. And, in light of the reunion tour news that we're so eagerly waiting for, here's hoping the Hawthorne natives play a Southern California gig sometime very soon.
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“Surfin' Safari” and “Surfin'” –
Each would be solid openers and plus both songs were on the album that
put the band on the map and shaped their sound. Plus, Wilson and Love
have performed the tune over the years so their familiarity likely
hasn't waned in their two decades apart.
“Surfin' USA” – Another early song that will most likely be a
crowd pleaser. The harmonies and simplicities of the song could involve
all parties and won't make for any awkward moments for the old timers.
“I Get Around” – I remember this one from the beginning montage of Look Who's Talking,
but it's a classic and sure to have fans singing and dancing. It's an
up-tempo number from the band's heyday and will surely draw cheers.
“Help Me, Rhonda”– A classic that was written by
Jardine, this was the band's second #1 hit. Again, I'm a little worried
about Wilson and Love hitting the high notes, but the music should make
up for anything slacking in the vocal department.
“Wouldn't It Be Nice“ – Getting into the Pet Sounds era tracks will be dicey for the band. Dennis and Carl Wilson had an important role in shaping the sound of this record that will be tough to replicate them, but a Beach Boys set wouldn't be complete without this song.
“Sloop John B.” – Like the aforementioned tune, an absolute essential in any Beach Boys set. Don't try to fight me on this one.
“God Only Knows” – One of the most beautiful love songs of all time. Plus, as Brian likes to point out, this is the first major pop song to have the word “God” in its title. An absolute essential, plus its tune that has major cross-generational appeal. Yes, it's another one off Pet Sounds, but that should demonstrate how incredible and ahead of its time the album was when first released.
“Good Vibrations” – Since the band just released The SMiLE Sessions, it would make sense for them to play the most definitive song from this period. Though the harmonies and vocals may not sound as incredible as they once did, this is sure to bring down the house and a likely set closer.
Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.