Ten Years of Harmony
Encyclopedia
Ten Years of Harmony is an official double album
compilation album released by The Beach Boys
in 1981, and spanning their entire Brother Records
-era up to that point, (1970–80), including some unreleased or rare material.
The Beach Boys had more or less splintered in 1981. Far from lucid, Brian Wilson
would occasionally appear on stage, primarily as a replacement for brother Carl
, who was concurrently embarking on a solo career. Dennis Wilson
would show up to occasional concerts, but would usually be argumentative and disruptive. Mike Love
, Al Jardine
and Bruce Johnston
were the only stable members of a band who now had a whole cast of supporting musicians when they performed live. However, the release of Ten Years of Harmony kept the pretense going and, unexpectedly, the M.I.U. Album
cover of "Come Go with Me" became a US top-twenty hit when released as a single from this collection.
While taking tracks from 1970's Sunflower
to the previous year's Keepin' the Summer Alive
, the compilers also included some oddities, rarities, and unreleased tracks. First, a handful of the songs, namely "Rock and Roll Music" and "California Saga: California" are presented in their original single mix. Moreover, Ten Years of Harmony includes a 1979 A-side "It's a Beautiful Day
" (which failed to chart), a Dennis Wilson-written track called "San Miguel" (which was a Sunflower-era outtake from 1969), a cover of "Sea Cruise", which was a rejected track from the 15 Big Ones
sessions, and a selection from Dennis' solo album, Pacific Ocean Blue
, "River Song
".
Only the five original Beach Boys (Jardine, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson and Love) appear on the gatefold cover on the original LP issue. The group vetoed the use of a photo with Bruce Johnston, who had rejoined the group in 1978 after a six-year absence, and also declined a suggestion that Johnston appear in an inset on the already-chosen photo.
Ten Years of Harmony, now deleted, sold enough in its release to reach #156 in the US.
Ten Years of Harmony (Brother/Caribou/CBS Z2X 37445) reached #156 in the US. during a chart stay of six weeks.
Double album
A double album is an audio album which spans two units of the primary medium in which it is sold, typically records and compact discs....
compilation album released by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
in 1981, and spanning their entire Brother Records
Brother Records
Brother Records, Inc. is a record label and holding company formed in October 1966 that holds the intellectual property rights of the Beach Boys, including the "The Beach Boys" trademark....
-era up to that point, (1970–80), including some unreleased or rare material.
The Beach Boys had more or less splintered in 1981. Far from lucid, Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson
Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, best known as the leader and chief songwriter of the group The Beach Boys. Within the band, Wilson played bass and keyboards, also providing part-time lead vocals and, more often, backing vocals, harmonizing in falsetto with the group...
would occasionally appear on stage, primarily as a replacement for brother Carl
Carl Wilson
Carl Dean Wilson was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, best known as a founding member, lead guitarist and sometime lead vocalist of The Beach Boys...
, who was concurrently embarking on a solo career. Dennis Wilson
Dennis Wilson
Dennis Carl Wilson was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his death in 1983...
would show up to occasional concerts, but would usually be argumentative and disruptive. Mike Love
Mike Love
Michael Edward "Mike" Love is an American singer/songwriter and musician with The Beach Boys. He was a founding member of the band along with his cousins Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, and their friend Al Jardine, and continues to perform with the band to the present day...
, Al Jardine
Al Jardine
Alan Charles "Al" Jardine is a founding member of top-selling American music group The Beach Boys, a guitarist and occasional lead vocalist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.-Early life:...
and Bruce Johnston
Bruce Johnston
Bruce Arthur Johnston is a member of The Beach Boys and a songwriter, remembered especially for composing "I Write the Songs". Johnston was not one of the original members of the band...
were the only stable members of a band who now had a whole cast of supporting musicians when they performed live. However, the release of Ten Years of Harmony kept the pretense going and, unexpectedly, the M.I.U. Album
M.I.U. Album
M.I.U. Album is the 22nd studio album by The Beach Boys, released in 1978. Recorded at a fraught time for the band, only Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Brian Wilson appear throughout the album. Carl and Dennis Wilson are audible on only a few of the songs....
cover of "Come Go with Me" became a US top-twenty hit when released as a single from this collection.
While taking tracks from 1970's Sunflower
Sunflower (album)
Sunflower is the sixteenth studio album by American rock group The Beach Boys, their first on Reprise Records. The album achieved number 151 on the US albums chart during a four week stay, becoming the lowest charting Beach Boys album until 1978's M.I.U. Album equalled it. It reached #29 in the...
to the previous year's Keepin' the Summer Alive
Keepin' the Summer Alive
-Singles:* "Goin' On" b/w "Endless Harmony" , March 11, 1980 US #83* "Livin' with a Heartache" b/w "Santa Ana Winds" , May 20, 1980...
, the compilers also included some oddities, rarities, and unreleased tracks. First, a handful of the songs, namely "Rock and Roll Music" and "California Saga: California" are presented in their original single mix. Moreover, Ten Years of Harmony includes a 1979 A-side "It's a Beautiful Day
It's a Beautiful Day (song)
"It's a Beautiful Day" is a song written by Mike Love and Al Jardine for the American rock band The Beach Boys. The song was never released on an original Beach Boys album; however, it was released on the soundtrack to the film Americathon and as a single in September 1979 with B-side, "Sumahama"...
" (which failed to chart), a Dennis Wilson-written track called "San Miguel" (which was a Sunflower-era outtake from 1969), a cover of "Sea Cruise", which was a rejected track from the 15 Big Ones
15 Big Ones
-Singles:* "Rock And Roll Music" b/w "T M Song" , 24 May 1976 US #5; UK #36* "It's O.K." b/w "Had to Phone Ya" , 9 August 1976 US #29* "Everyone's In Love With You" b/w "Susie Cincinnati" , 1 November 1976...
sessions, and a selection from Dennis' solo album, Pacific Ocean Blue
Pacific Ocean Blue
Pacific Ocean Blue is Dennis Wilson's only solo album, released in 1977. After several attempts, starting in 1970, to release his own project, some of which made it to the finished album, Wilson recorded the bulk of Pacific Ocean Blue in the months spanning the fall of 1976 to the following spring...
, "River Song
River Song (Dennis Wilson song)
"River Song" is a song written by Dennis Wilson and his younger brother Carl Wilson. It served as the opening track for Dennis Wilson's 1977 debut solo album Pacific Ocean Blue. The song was released as a single in Europe with the B-side being "Farewell My Friend". The single however, failed to chart...
".
Only the five original Beach Boys (Jardine, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson and Love) appear on the gatefold cover on the original LP issue. The group vetoed the use of a photo with Bruce Johnston, who had rejoined the group in 1978 after a six-year absence, and also declined a suggestion that Johnston appear in an inset on the already-chosen photo.
Ten Years of Harmony, now deleted, sold enough in its release to reach #156 in the US.
Disc one
- "Add Some Music to Your DayAdd Some Music to Your Day"Add Some Music to Your Day" is a song written by Brian Wilson, Joe Knott and Mike Love for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was first released as a single in February 1970...
" (Brian WilsonBrian WilsonBrian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, best known as the leader and chief songwriter of the group The Beach Boys. Within the band, Wilson played bass and keyboards, also providing part-time lead vocals and, more often, backing vocals, harmonizing in falsetto with the group...
/Mike LoveMike LoveMichael Edward "Mike" Love is an American singer/songwriter and musician with The Beach Boys. He was a founding member of the band along with his cousins Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, and their friend Al Jardine, and continues to perform with the band to the present day...
/Joe Knott) – 3:34 - "Roller Skating Child" (Brian Wilson) – 2:16
- "Disney Girls (1957)" (Bruce JohnstonBruce JohnstonBruce Arthur Johnston is a member of The Beach Boys and a songwriter, remembered especially for composing "I Write the Songs". Johnston was not one of the original members of the band...
) – 4:06 - "It's a Beautiful DayIt's a Beautiful Day (song)"It's a Beautiful Day" is a song written by Mike Love and Al Jardine for the American rock band The Beach Boys. The song was never released on an original Beach Boys album; however, it was released on the soundtrack to the film Americathon and as a single in September 1979 with B-side, "Sumahama"...
" (Mike Love/Al JardineAl JardineAlan Charles "Al" Jardine is a founding member of top-selling American music group The Beach Boys, a guitarist and occasional lead vocalist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.-Early life:...
) – 3:15- The longer version of this song was on the soundtrack to the film AmericathonAmericathonAmericathon is a 1979 American comedy film starring John Ritter, Fred Willard, Peter Riegert, Harvey Korman, and Nancy Morgan, with narration by George Carlin, based on a play by Firesign Theatre alumni Phil Proctor and Peter Bergman...
.
- The longer version of this song was on the soundtrack to the film Americathon
- "California Saga: CaliforniaCalifornia Saga: California"California Saga: California" is a song written by Al Jardine for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1973 album Holland....
" (Al Jardine) – 3:13- The original LP contains the single mix whereas the US CD reissue contains the album version.
- "Wontcha Come Out Tonight" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:29
- "MarcellaMarcella (song)"Marcella" is a song written by Brian Wilson, Tandyn Almer and Jack Rieley for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1972 album Carl and the Passions - "So Tough". It is the last song to feature Bruce Johnston during his original tenure in the band.The tune was named for...
" (Brian Wilson/Jack Rieley) – 3:52 - "Rock and Roll MusicRock and Roll Music"Rock and Roll Music" is a song written and recorded by rock and roll icon Chuck Berry which became a hit single in 1957 and has been covered by many artists....
" (Chuck BerryChuck BerryCharles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...
) – 2:26- The original LP contains the single mix whereas the US CD reissue contains the album version.
- "Goin' OnGoin' On"Goin' On" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1980 album Keepin' the Summer Alive. The single reached number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100....
" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 3:01 - "It's OK" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:08
- "Cool, Cool WaterCool, Cool Water"Cool, Cool Water" is a song written through several incarnations by Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks, and Mike Love for the American rock band The Beach Boys.-Premise:...
" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 3:24 - "San Miguel" (Dennis WilsonDennis WilsonDennis Carl Wilson was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his death in 1983...
/Gregg Jakobson) – 2:25- This song was recorded in 1969 during the very early sessions for SunflowerSunflower (album)Sunflower is the sixteenth studio album by American rock group The Beach Boys, their first on Reprise Records. The album achieved number 151 on the US albums chart during a four week stay, becoming the lowest charting Beach Boys album until 1978's M.I.U. Album equalled it. It reached #29 in the...
, but was unreleased until 1981.
- This song was recorded in 1969 during the very early sessions for Sunflower
- "School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell)School Days (song)"School Days" is a song written and recorded by rock and roll icon Chuck Berry, released by the Chess record label as a single in March 1957, and released on the LP After School Session two months later . It is one of his best known songs and is often considered a rock and roll anthem...
" (Chuck BerryChuck BerryCharles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...
) – 2:46 - "Good Timin'" (Brian Wilson/Carl WilsonCarl WilsonCarl Dean Wilson was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, best known as a founding member, lead guitarist and sometime lead vocalist of The Beach Boys...
) – 2:10 - "Sail On, SailorSail on, Sailor"Sail On, Sailor" was the final song recorded for the 1973 Beach Boys album Holland. The song was written by Brian Wilson, Ray Kennedy, Tandyn Almer, Jack Rieley, and Van Dyke Parks.-Background:...
" (Brian Wilson/Ray Kennedy/Jack Rieley/Tandyn Almer/Van Dyke ParksVan Dyke ParksVan Dyke Parks is an American composer, arranger, producer, musician, singer, author and actor. Parks is perhaps best known for his contributions as a lyricist on the Beach Boys album Smile....
) – 3:17
Disc two
- "Darlin'" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:22
- This is the live version from the 1973 double album The Beach Boys in ConcertThe Beach Boys in ConcertThe Beach Boys in Concert is the second live album officially released in the U.S. by The Beach Boys, nine years after Beach Boys Concert . Released in late 1973, the set proved to be a healthy seller in the U...
. The original studio version appears on the 1967 album Wild HoneyWild Honey (album)-Singles:* "Wild Honey" b/w "Wind Chimes" , 23 October 1967 US #31; UK #29* "Darlin'" b/w "Here Today" , 18 December 1967 US #19; UK #11....
.
- This is the live version from the 1973 double album The Beach Boys in Concert
- "Lady LyndaLady Lynda"Lady Lynda" is a song written by vocalist and guitarist Alan Jardine and Ron Altbach for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1979 album L.A. ....
" (Al Jardine/Ron Altbach) – 3:56 - "Sea Cruise" (H.P. Smith/Frankie Ford) – 3:25
- This was originally an outtake from the 15 Big Ones15 Big Ones-Singles:* "Rock And Roll Music" b/w "T M Song" , 24 May 1976 US #5; UK #36* "It's O.K." b/w "Had to Phone Ya" , 9 August 1976 US #29* "Everyone's In Love With You" b/w "Susie Cincinnati" , 1 November 1976...
sessions.
- This was originally an outtake from the 15 Big Ones
- "The Trader" (Carl Wilson/Jack Rieley) – 5:04
- "This Whole World" (Brian Wilson) – 1:55
- "Don't Go Near the Water" (Al Jardine/Mike Love) – 2:38
- "Surf's Up" (Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks) – 4:10
- "Come Go with MeCome Go with Me"Come Go with Me" is a song written by C. E. Quick , an original member of the American doo-wop vocal group The Del-Vikings. The song was originally recorded by The Del-Vikings in 1956 and was released on Fee Bee Records...
" (C.E. Quick) – 2:06- The original LP contains the correct album mix from M.I.U. Album whereas the US CD reissue contains a previously and since unreleased version originally recorded during the sessions for 15 Big Ones.
- "Deirdre" (Bruce Johnston/Brian Wilson) – 3:26
- "She's Got Rhythm" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love/Ron Altbach) – 2:26
- "River SongRiver Song (Dennis Wilson song)"River Song" is a song written by Dennis Wilson and his younger brother Carl Wilson. It served as the opening track for Dennis Wilson's 1977 debut solo album Pacific Ocean Blue. The song was released as a single in Europe with the B-side being "Farewell My Friend". The single however, failed to chart...
" (Dennis Wilson/Carl Wilson) – 3:44- This is a Dennis Wilson recording from his 1977 Pacific Ocean BluePacific Ocean BluePacific Ocean Blue is Dennis Wilson's only solo album, released in 1977. After several attempts, starting in 1970, to release his own project, some of which made it to the finished album, Wilson recorded the bulk of Pacific Ocean Blue in the months spanning the fall of 1976 to the following spring...
solo album.
- This is a Dennis Wilson recording from his 1977 Pacific Ocean Blue
- "Long Promised RoadLong Promised Road"Long Promised Road" is a song written by Carl Wilson and Jack Rieley for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was first released as a single in May 1971, and did not chart. It was then released on their 1971 album Surf's Up, and was rereleased as a single, with a different b-side, 'Til I Die,...
" (Carl Wilson/Jack Rieley) – 3:29 - "Feel Flows" (Carl Wilson/Jack Rieley) – 4:44
- "Til I Die" (Brian Wilson) – 2:39
Singles
- "Come Go with Me" (from M.I.U. AlbumM.I.U. AlbumM.I.U. Album is the 22nd studio album by The Beach Boys, released in 1978. Recorded at a fraught time for the band, only Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Brian Wilson appear throughout the album. Carl and Dennis Wilson are audible on only a few of the songs....
) b/w "Don't Go near the Water" (from Surf's Up) (Brother/Caribou), November 2, 1981 US #18
Ten Years of Harmony (Brother/Caribou/CBS Z2X 37445) reached #156 in the US. during a chart stay of six weeks.
Sources
- "The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and the Southern California Experience", Timothy White, c. 1994.
- "Wouldn't It Be Nice - My Own Story", Brian WilsonBrian WilsonBrian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, best known as the leader and chief songwriter of the group The Beach Boys. Within the band, Wilson played bass and keyboards, also providing part-time lead vocals and, more often, backing vocals, harmonizing in falsetto with the group...
and Todd Gold, c. 1991. - "Top Pop Singles 1955-2001", Joel Whitburn, c. 2002.
- "Top Pop Albums 1955-2001", Joel Whitburn, c. 2002.
- Allmusic.com