Wow...cheesy video, but the song is much better than I might have expected. Thanks Linda!

I really like that new song. Sadly, I can't think of any current radio formats that might actually play it, but I hope I'm proven wrong.

I was thinking the exact same thing Glenn. Maybe some AC stations will try it out, but otherwise, it's unlikely to do anything more than encourage people to buy/download the album to hear it. The Beach Boys will get some press on this and that will ultimately be all the attention it gets more than likely.

Ah the wonders of studio technology. Other than Brian's voice, everyone else sounds like Jeff Foskett and the complimentary musicians in Brian's band - voices other than Mike, Al, Bruce and David.

Bump: Added cover image to the first post. They've decided to give the album the same name as the single.

What a hideous cover. Surely they could have done better than that...

The song is good, but it sounds more like Brian Wilson solo than The Beach Boys. I was surprised that Mike Love didn't get a featured vocal. I would say this is their "Free As A Bird" or "Real Love": a pretty good song that doesn't ruin their legacy, but won't make anyone forget the classics.

I was never really a Beach Boys fan, but I can appreciate the history and this momentous reunion. Looking forward to hearing what it sounds like. That said, shouldn't they be called the Beach Men by now?

That video is just something put together so you hear the song, it's not the official video (assuming one is ever made).

The song is just ok. Musically pleasant, but the lyrics are almost cringe worthy.

Have not listened yet because I'm seeing them tonight at Chastain Park and want the first time I hear it to be when I see them perform it.

The digital single of "That's Why God Made The Radio" is available now. The accompanying artwork isn't much better than the album cover:



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WZ7ILK/?tag=imwan-20

To underscore what you guys are saying, look at Amazon's current sales charts -- the single (which is already available) is only at #888, but the album (which is still more than a month away) is at #71.

I'm all warm and fuzzy concerning this historic moment for our Hawthorne boys. The album artwork is too atrocious to comment on. I was hoping for a gorgeous image and a NEW logo. I have never seen them live, but I've got my tickets when they come "home" to the Hollywood Bowl on June 2.

Just got back from Chastain. A well played show, lots of fun. The highlight for me was seeing Brian get up from behind the piano and play bass for a couple of songs late in the set! Lowlight was Mike's mentioning that John Stamos recorded "Forever" right before they played the Dennis tribute. Not because I am a Stamos hater or have a problem with his role in the late period Beach Boys but because it seemed to take the focus from Dennis.

Doesn't sound like them at all. Sounds like a cover band....

Agree with Jay that last night's performance at Chastain was lots of fun. Not the religious experience I hoped for, but a far, far cry from the sad display of this year's Grammy ceremony. Liked the tributes to both Dennis and Carl, and liked the new song, which probably came across better live than in that two-bit promo video I just watched. Jay, you must live much further from CP than me; I was home at 11:10, having just enough time to play a few of my favorite omitted-from-the-setlist songs — "I Can Hear Music," "Getcha Back" and "Here Comes the Night" — en route.

With regard to radio airplay, if I were Capitol, I would take this song to just about every music format short of classical, urban contemporary & the Hispanic formats. These are the freakin' Beach Boys! They played concerts on The Mall in Washington DC on the 4th Of July! I'll give a pass to the younger folks, but how can anyone over 25 not know who these guys are & at least SOME of their history? This is a group that transcends "demo"!

I'm sure that the radio programmers, corporate "suits" & consultants will nit-pick this record to death just like we are here - so much so that they totally lose perspective of what it is! They'd much rather have a song like this from Adele or Foo Fighters (no disrepect intended) - but here you have a group of guys who is probably the most "American" rock & roll group ever - on their 50th freakin' anniversary. Add to that the fact that they just delivered what is, in essence, a total "love song to radio" - how can you not want this on your station - especially if you are programming to adults?? (Oh - yeah - because "it's so different from what we normally play". God forbid you actually do something different.)

Is it as good as what they were putting out in 1965 & 66 - or even in the 70s? No. Did I expect it to be? No!

Yes, I'm an old fart - I'm out of the sacred 25-54 demo range that 95% of radio programs to (because their advertisers are so stupidly short-sighted). But for God's sake....Beach Boys? 50th Anniversary publicity? A song about the wonders & glories of my industry? Are you kidding me??? I'd have added it the first week out!

That radio featured prominently on the video screen during this song at the concert.

David,

Glad you had the same general impression I did. Very glad I made the effort to take in the show.

I had three 10/11-year old girls in tow, plus my 2-year old son, so we were moving a little more slowly and had to stop at McDonald's for a restroom break and then get them set up for their sleepover, so my time getting home was a little skewed.

I stumbled upon a segment/interview with the Beach Boys on today's Sunday Morning broadcast on CBS. I imagine it'll be uploaded on the show's website later today.

REALLY CRAP cover for the album!!!!!!!!

I actually think the album cover art is nicely understated, but that gaudy logo ruins it.