In the digital age, record companies have to get creative if they want to
stay in business. Adding extras like bonus tracks, DVDs, free ringtones, and
other incentives is a step in the right direction, but is it enough? For an
“oldies” group like The Beach Boys, it’s an even tougher challenge
because they haven’t made a new record in years and their fan base is
on the verge of retirement. Still, when something like the U.S. Singles
Collection – The Capitol Years (1962-1965) box set comes along,
you have to commend them for the effort.
Brimming over with 16 CDs, U.S. Singles Collection – The Capitol
Years (1962-1965) isn’t really intended for casual, fair-weather
Beach Boys fans unless they have deep pockets and time to spare. The highly-collectible,
limited edition boxed set (it’s also available digitally without the elaborate
packaging) includes the A and B-side singles, alternate versions of most tracks,
additional mono and stereo mixes, and even some live recordings. Eight previously
unreleased mixes round out the collection’s 66 tracks.
More than likely it’s the packaging that’s responsible for the
hefty three-figure price tag. Each CD comes in a digipak with reproduced original
artwork. There’s also a nifty 48-page photo book, packed into a fancy
Beach Boys-themed hotrod and surfboard box. Yeah, it’s almost like a .piece
of furniture.
But really, the heart of this set is the spectacular music. Opening with 1962’s
“Surfin’ Safari,” you also get the Number One hits “I
Get Around” and “Help Me Rhonda,” as well as Top 10 singles
“Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun,
Fun” and “California Girls.” Additional tracks such as “Ten
Little Indians,” “In My Room,” “Why Do Fools Fall In
Love?,” “Do You Wanna Dance?” and “Please Let Me Wonder”
cover all the angles of the group’s immeasurable output in the 60s. If
you’re a Beach Boys fanatic and have the means, U.S. Singles Collection
– The Capitol Years (1962-1965) will complement your other Beach
Boys box sets while impressing friends, family members and the odd beachcomber.
~ Shawn Perry
