Bullseye with Jesse Thorn The Beach Boys' Al Jardine
Aug 22, 2025
Al Jardine, a founding member of The Beach Boys, reminisces about his incredible journey in music. He reflects on the emotional impact of Brian Wilson's recent passing and shares memories of their time together. Al discusses his new EP, 'Islands in the Sun,' and the resurgence of The Beach Boys' magical harmonies in his solo work. The conversation touches on the intricate dynamics of their iconic sound and the enduring legacy of their compositions, showcasing the heartfelt connections that music can create.
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Brian Wilson Defined The Band's Sound
- The Beach Boys' signature is Brian Wilson's harmonic vision combined with distinctive vocal blending.
- Their recordings sound unmistakably Beach Boys across decades because of that arranging and harmony style.
Islands In The Sun's Belafonte Roots
- Al wrote "Islands in the Sun" inspired by Harry Belafonte around 1989–1990 and aimed for an island vibe.
- He arranged it in a Beach Boys style while acknowledging Belafonte's influence.
Part Assignments Made Harmonies Work
- Brian not only wrote melodies but distributed vocal parts so each singer fit into the harmonic architecture.
- That allocation made their harmonies feel automatic and structurally coherent.