The Beach Boys 'Good Vibrations' 50th Anniversary Celebrated With Vinyl Release

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October 10 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of one of the most iconic songs, The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations." The Beach Boys and Capitol/UMe will celebrate the milestone with the worldwide release of "Good Vibrations" (50th Anniversary Edition) on a 12-inch sunburst vinyl EP on October 7.

Recorded across several sessions at four Hollywood studios between February and September 1966, "Good Vibrations" was a revelation upon its release, wowing musicians, critics and music fans and rocketing to the top of singles charts around the world.

A crown jewel of popular music, "Good Vibrations" has been called a "pocket symphony," with its still-innovative production, lush, layered arrangements and range of instruments, including the world's most celebrated use of the theremin.

The "Good Vibrations (50th Anniversary Edition) vinyl EP features the original 7" single version, an alternate studio take, an edit of the song with elements from various sessions, an instrumental, and a live version from a Honolulu rehearsal in August, 1967 that was originally intended for the lost album Lei'd in Hawaii, plus the single's B-side, "Let's Go Away For Awhile." A pull-out lithograph of the single's original Japanese cover art, with its "Good Vibration" title typo intact, is included in the EP package, which features the original 1966 U.S. single cover art on its front.

Led by founding member Mike Love, The Beach Boys are on tour all year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Good Vibrations." Founding member Brian Wilson is also on tour, accompanied by founding member Al Jardine, performing Pet Sounds live for the last time.

New memoirs by Love and Wilson will be published this fall.

The Beach Boys: "Good Vibrations" (50th Anniversary Edition) [sunburst vinyl EP]

SIDE A
1. Good Vibrations (original 45 rpm single version)
2. Good Vibrations (various sessions)
3. Good Vibrations (alternate take)

SIDE B
1. Good Vibrations (instrumental)
2. Good Vibrations (live concert rehearsal: August 25, 1967)
3. Let's Go Away For Awhile (original B-side)