Catch a Wave documents the years when the Beach Boys sported striped shirts, looked like the all-American boys next door, and wrote songs about cars, girls, and surfing. It was a very innocent expression of music, says Jardine, who sang lead on the No. 1 single Help Me, Rhonda. I really enjoyed this period. It was the seminal years with lots of good feelings. The display includes clothing, guitars, and programs contributed by Jardine and the Wilson family (Brian is still alive, but brothers Carl and Dennis arent).
But its the Pet Sounds artifacts -- like handwritten lyrics to God Only Knows and the albums master reel tape box -- thatll excite fans most. Jardine appreciates the praise, especially since no one really knew what to make of the record (a commercial failure upon its release) back in the day. Capitol Records didnt understand it, he recalls. It was quite a challenge. It was a really moody era for us. Since then, Pet Sounds has topped many Best-Album-of-All-Time lists. The integrity of it has held up over the years, says Jardine. But we had no idea we were making such a highly regarded record.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Starts: June 22. Continues through Dec. 31, 2007