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Al Jardine: from the Buckeye State to the Beach Boys
By John Benson
Seeking “Good Vibrations” once again, the Beach Boys are spending the summer celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Beginning at this past year’s Grammy Awards, the seminal surf band — featuring Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks — reformed as baby boomers rejoiced for the classic act that at one time in the ’60s rivaled The Beatles for the title of biggest group in the world.
The band’s top-40 hits include “Surfin’ Safari,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Be True to Your School,” “In My Room,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “Dance Dance Dance,” “Help Me Rhonda” and “California Girls.” Also, the act, which lost drummer Dennis Wilson in 1983 and guitarist Carl Wilson in 1998, recently released its 29th studio effort, “That’s Why God Made the Radio.”
Lost in the hoopla of the reunion tour is guitarist Jardine’s solo debut effort, “A Postcard from California,” which naturally possesses the classic sound of the Beach Boys. Guests on the CD include Brian Wilson, Neil Young, Steve Miller, Flea, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Alec Baldwin and John Stamos.
The Vindicator talked to Jardine about his career, his solo effort and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that is scheduled to play Wednesday at Blossom Music Center.
Q. Considering you grew up in Toledo and Lima before moving to California at the age of 6, what are your memories of the Buckeye State?
A. The most beautiful green grass in the world and the nicest people. I also remember the giant blimps flying over my house in Lima to Akron. It was like an extraterrestrial experience. They were larger than life, and you could always hear them coming. Seeing them up close like that is one of those memories you never forget.
Q. As for “A Postcard from California,” what was the decision behind releasing a solo album now?
A. It came about with the help of my friends in the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson in particular, who is my mentor. After all of these years of working together, he still has what it takes to lay down a great vocal. I’ve been collecting songs over the years. We assembled the best voices we can in the absence of a Beach Boys recording, which at the time there was not a Beach Boys recording. I got a little homesick for the harmonies and the melodies. So I assembled some songs I thought were strong enough to arrange in that Beach Boy style. I find half of the album is kind of the ecological statement, and the other half is top-40 sounding and California sounding.
Q. Speaking of that classic sound, what contemporary acts these days are carrying on the vocal harmonies and tuneful melodies of the Beach Boys?
A. Everyone borrows from everyone else. I don’t think there is anything more fun than saluting your heroes and emulating those of us who have done it before. Especially the Fleet Foxes emulate Beach Boys harmonies. And [Maroon 5 singer] Adam Levine said he grew up singing “Surfer Girl.” And the guys from Foster the People joined us on stage for “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” just recently in San Diego, so I definitely hear the strains of our music in those bands.
Q. Finally, it’s been 20 years since The Beach Boys reunited for a tour. How important was it to go back on the road with your old bandmates?
A. It’s very special. We were lucky to be able to get back together and still have great voices. And we can still sing a damn good song. In fact, we sing 45 damn good songs on this tour, so everybody is really going to get their money’s worth.