We’re into 1963, and this is where things start getting serious.
First, a little housekeeping from Surfin’ Safari. What happened to Gary Usher? Was Ten Little Indians a fairly major misstep? And why is future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston suddenly turning up on a surf instrumental years before he joins the band?
Then it’s onto Surfin’ U.S.A. Brian isn’t happy with the sound of the first album, so he gets Capitol to let him produce the next one himself, takes the band back to Western Recorders with Chuck Britz, and starts building a much bigger sounding Beach Boys record.
We get into the title track, including the surprisingly murky question of who is actually playing drums, and follow the song’s family tree through Chuck Berry, Jimmy Bowles and Duane Eddy.
The band also head out on their first proper national tour, although Brian is already discovering that he’d sometimes rather stay home and write songs.
Which brings us to Jan & Dean. Brian refuses to give them Surfin’ U.S.A., hands them another half-finished song instead, and watches Surf City go all the way to number one.
Murry takes it well.
Made In California: A Beach Boys Podcast
A chronological journey through the music, history and strange little corners of The Beach Boys story.
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