BMG
BMGPunk legends The Ramones had many songs that were inspired by The Beach Boys and even recorded a cover of the band’s 1962 classic “Surfin’ Safari,” so perhaps it’s not surprising that founding Beach Boy Mike Love has returned the favor. Love has just released his version of The Ramones’ 1977 Beach Boys homage “Rockaway Beach.”
The song is the first single from Mike’s forthcoming solo album, 12 Sides of Summer, which will be released July 19. The track premiered today on Billboard.com and can be purchased as a digital single and via streaming services. You also can check it out at Love’s official YouTube channel.
“It felt so natural to sing [‘Rockawy Beach’],” Love tells Billboard. “It fits beautifully in the Beach Boys surfing song genre. Not only is it a great song, it’s also right in my vocal range. It’s almost as if it was designed for me to sing, and that’s why I am so eager to play it live.”
Mike will include the tune in upcoming Beach Boys concert sets, and Ramones drummer Marky Ramone will join the group for a guest performance of the song at its show tonight in Huntington, New York.
Marky gives a thumbs-up to the “Rockaway Beach” cover, calling it “killer.”
Love’s version “Rockaway Beach” features contributions from many members of The Beach Boys’ touring group, including drummer John Cowsill and guitarist/musical director Scott Totten. Totten also produced the track cover, and shared production duties on 12 Sides of Summer overall with Panic! at the Disco/Fritz and the Tantrums producer Sam Hollander. The album also will feature covers of “Summertime Blues” and “California Sun,” as well as updated renditions of The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ Safari” and “Surfin’.”
Here’s the full 12 Sides of Summer track list:
“California Beach”
“It’s Ok” — featuring Hanson
“Surfin'”
“California Sun”
“Surfin’ Safari”
“On and On and On”
“Here Comes the Sun”
“Girl from Ipanema”
“Over and Over and Over Again”
“Keepin’ the Summer Alive”
“Summertime Blues”
“Rockaway Beach”
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