Take it from one who knows: the Record Store Day-exclusive 78 RPM release of The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" and "Heroes and Villains" wasn't easy to come by.  You've now got another chance, however, to own a special Beach Boys collectible vinyl single.  At the same time, you can help a great cause. 

Among the highlights of Al Jardine's 2010 solo album A Postcard from California was "Don't Fight the Sea," a track reuniting Jardine with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and even Carl Wilson through some digital wizardry.  While "Don't Fight the Sea" isn't technically a Beach Boys song, the sound of those five gentlemen blending their voices in song was unmistakable.  Knowing that The Beach Boys had come together once again in the harmony of the studio, rather than the acrimony of the courtroom, made the song particularly noteworthy as well as a sign of big things to come.

Now, with the release of SMiLE about to kick the band's 50th anniversary celebration into high gear, The Beach Boys have announced a special project to benefit Japan relief.  Spearheaded by Jardine and with the full cooperation of Capitol Records and all of The Beach Boys, "Don't Fight the Sea" has been backed with an a cappella mix of 1968's  "Friends" for a seven-inch single available from aljardine.com beginning Tuesday, April 19.  100% of the proceeds from sales of the single will go to the Red Cross' relief efforts.

"Don't Fight the Sea" b/w the previously-unreleased a cappella "Friends" can be pre-ordered here for $15.00 from SoundStage Direct, a partner of Jardine's website and the exclusive online retailer of the single.  Hit the jump for the full press release!

The California Coast, USA – In response to the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that struck Japan, March 11th, 2011, Al Jardine of the Beach Boys has asked his fellow Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame pals: Brian Wilson, Mike Love & Bruce Johnston to lend their name and voices to a new benefit release. Two songs will be made available for the first time on a 7” vinyl single. The first one thousand records will be pressed on limited edition White vinyl, with a Red label (resembling the Japanese flag), with 100% of the proceeds going to the Red Cross aid to Japan. Fans that purchase the single, “will support disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific," according to the Red Cross. After the first thousand records, the remaining discs will be pressed on limited edition black vinyl. About 90 of the first run will have sleeves signed by all four of the Beach Boys, which will be auctioned off.

The A-side of the record is the environmentally conscious “Don’t Fight the Sea”, composed by Al Jardine and Terry Jacks, a track from the new album A Postcard From California. The song features Jardine, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and a vocal from the late Carl Wilson. The flip side of the record is an unreleased Beach Boys a capella mix, from a 1968 recording of the song “Friends." “We felt that the song had a nice basic message of friendship,” said Al Jardine. “I also like the idea of that song, because the vocals are a bit underappreciated. So this release was a perfect place to showcase the idea of harmony and friendship. Everybody is behind it 100%, that’s the nice part. It’s a total group effort, and we’ll be working more together like this as we approach our 50th anniversary. It’s very encouraging…and we’re making plans.” Brian Wilson commented “the message of the song is simple; we’ve been friends for so many years. It works on many levels within the band and our relationship with Japan." According to Waterfront Entertainment Group president Rob Christie, the release is a statement of urgency and commitment. “We felt we needed to get this release out as soon as possible to raise well needed funds for one of the worst disasters in history,” commented Christie. “Capitol Records cleared the use of a master for us in one day, Rainbo Records rushed the manufacturing and donated a huge chunk, and Capitol Studios was kind enough to rush and donate some mixing and mastering."

According to manufacturing plant Rainbo Records president Steve Sheldon, “It doesn’t get any better than The Beach Boys or The Red Cross." VP of Capitol Studios, Greg Parkin commented, “The Beach Boys have an iconic history with Capitol Studios, so we were happy to help in any small way with their efforts.”

The single will be available on Tuesday, April 19th, with some advanced copies being brought to International Record Store Day appearances by Al Jardine, where he will be signing the new Beach Boys SMiLE [78 RPM] vinyl release on April 16th…and auctioning off a few of the Red Cross singles.

Shipping in approximately 1 week (4/27)