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HOLLYWOOD – It was just under 50 years ago that The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson first walked through the doors of Capitol Records. And now, 46 years later, he has finally decided to return to the fold.

In a very brief press conference held Monday on the back steps of the famous circular Capitol Records building on Vine Street, the sole living Wilson brother announced the release of a new studio album, That Lucky Old Sun. Described as a musical love letter from Southern California, the album represents the first time Brian has recorded in Capitol Studios in the last four-and-a-half decades.

Guy Hands, executive chairman of EMI Music, addressed the assembled journalists and photographers and talked a bit about the new record. He explained that this press gathering was, of course, being held to announce Wilson's return to Capitol Records – Brian's first label, from back in 1962, when the Beach Boys recorded their Surfin’ Safari album. Hands described Mr. Wilson as a "deeply revered figure and a legendary producer, arranger, performer and writer of some of the world's most cherished music." He further praised Brian by saying he was one of the "most gifted and most influential pop composers of our time."

 

Hands explained that the album would be released on September 2 and would come out in multiple forms, including CD, limited-edition CD/DVD, vinyl and digital releases.

 

Brian, standing by Guy's side while he was being honored, looked a bit uncomfortable albeit dapper and trim. The EMI executive introduced Brian by saying, "And now, it is my great pleasure and honor to introduce the great Brian Wilson."

 

Following a smattering of applause, the ex-Beach Boy addressed the assembled. Stress, a brief address.

 

"Hi, how are ya? It’s a great honor to be here and a very sentimental time in my life. I haven't recorded here in 46 years. And so it's almost half a century that I haven't recorded here. [He laughed lightly.] And it's an honor to be here, and thank you all so very much."

 

And he was done. Standing in the morning sun, he did field a few questions from various members of the press:

 

You do some spoken word on the album?

 

Yeah, they're called narratives.

 

It's not rap then [laughter from press]?

 

No, not rap, but narratives.

 

[Brian apparently didn't get the joke.]

 

What is the tone of the record?

 

Spiritual.

 

Have you become more spiritual?

 

Yes.

 

In what way?

 

Musically.

 

And that's about all there was to say. Brian was then led to the front of the building where some photographs were taken. And then everyone elevatored to the top of the Capitol building, where some additional B-roll photos were snapped.

 

There was a nice ambience swirling about up there on the rooftop. The California sun beating down on the Hollywood sign visible in the far distance; Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards splayed below; and just the right amount of globally warmed smog painting everything.

 

Brian stood patiently while one final round of photos were taken. He fielded a few more questions and then drove off to the Elk's Lodge in Studio City, California, for a leisurely brunch.

 

The genesis of the album came about last summer when Brian found himself humming the 1949 classic "That Lucky Old Sun." He was so taken with the song that he actually bought Louis Armstrong's original version of the track. He brought in his longtime lyric partner Van Dyke Parks and called upon former bandmate Scott Bennett to help him with arrangements.

 

The album debuted at London's Royal Festival Hall in September during a series of six sold-out performances.

 

Of That Lucky Old Sun, Wilson has said, "It's an interwoven series of 'rounds' with interspersed spoken word." Song titles include "Morning Beat," "Good Kind of Love," "Forever My Surfer Girl" and 13 others.

 

Confirmed dates have been scheduled in London (kickoff show on June 28); Niagra Falls, Ontario (July 8); Ottawa, Ontario (July 9); Highmount, New York (July 12); Hampton Beach, New Hampshire (July 13) and near the Capitol building –  a three-day stretch of concerts September 12-14 at the Hollywood Bowl.

 

On the surface, the new record sounds like it may be a continuation of the music he created on Pet Sounds and Smile.

 

We can only hope ...

 –Steven Rosen