Brian Wilson Returns to Capitol/EMI for Sept 2 Studio Release; Grins Atop Capitol Records Tower In Polo Shirt For The Occasion; Plays Hollywood Bowl Sept 12-14

HEADS UP
Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl
Fri 9/12
Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl
Sat 9/13
Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl
Sun 9/14

Brian Wilson is back on Capitol, literally: The former Beach Boy appeared at the iconic tower in Hollywood yesterday for a photo op and announcement:

BRIAN WILSON RETURNS TO CAPITOL RECORDS / EMI, HIS ORIGINAL LABEL HOME

Hollywood, California – May 19, 2008 – He is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, a legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most cherished music in rock history. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call Brian Wilson one of the most gifted and influential pop composers of the last 50 years. Today, Wilson announces his return to Capitol Records / EMI, his original label home. Wilson’s new studio recording, That Lucky Old Sun, will be released by Capitol/EMI on CD, CD/DVD, limited edition vinyl and digitally on September 2 (September 1 internationally).

Brian Wilson’s return to Capitol Records / EMI, where The Beach Boys caught their first hit wave with the 1962 classic, “Surfin’ Safari/409,” is a triumphant homecoming for one of the world’s most gifted and beloved musical talents.

“I’m thrilled to be back home with Capitol, and I’m looking forward to sharing That Lucky Old Sun with everyone,” says Brian Wilson. “This music is really special to me.”

“We are delighted to be working with Brian Wilson for his new album, That Lucky Old Sun,” says Guy Hands, Executive Chairman of EMI Music. “We all remember the feeling we got when we first heard The Beach Boys’ music. My particular favorite classic is ‘Surfer Girl.’ It always reminds me of driving an open top car down the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara to Malibu. Brian Wilson is an iconic talent with enormous musical influence all over the world and we are very proud to be representing him.”

Last summer, Wilson found himself singing the 1949 classic song, “That Lucky Old Sun,” which became the inspiration for a unique approach to what would become his next studio release. He bought Louis Armstrong’s version of the track and was inspired to collaborate lyrically with his band mate Scott Bennett, and with Van Dyke Parks, his old ‘sidekick,’ to create vibrant spoken narratives. Wilson debuted That Lucky Old Sun at London’s Royal Festival Hall in September 2007 in a series of six sold-out and critically-acclaimed concert performances celebrating the theatre’s restoration.

Wilson describes That Lucky Old Sun as an “interwoven series of ‘rounds’ with interspersed spoken word,” and as an autobiographical travelogue of sorts. The new studio album is produced by Wilson and was created with his acclaimed band at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, where he first recorded in 1962.

That Lucky Old Sun – Track listing

1. That Lucky Old Sun
2. Morning Beat
3. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
4. Good Kind Of Love
5. Forever My Surfer Girl
6. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
7. Live Let Live
8. Mexican Girl
9. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
10. California Role
11. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
12. Oxygen
13. Can’t Wait Too Long (vocal excerpt)
14. Midnight’s Another Day
15. Going Home
16. Southern California

Did You Know?
» Brian Wilson @ The Bowl was one of the first Bowl giveaways on Losanjealous
» Brian Wilson @ Bowl reviewed by Victor

Top photo: Brian Wilson on the Capitol Records rooftop, May 19, 2008 (Steve Silvas)

Photos 2&3: Rick Camino, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, EMI Music Marketing & Brian Wilson during announcements at Capitol Records yesterday (Steve Silvas)