Al Jardine Returns With Surprise EP ‘Islands In The Sun’ Featuring Neil Young, Flea & Bruce Johnston

Veteran rocker Al Jardine surprise released a new EP, Islands In The Sun, marking The Beach Boys co-founder’s first set of new music in 15 years. Fellow Beach Boy Bruce Johnston appears on the EP, along with Neil Young and Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea.

Jardine recorded the four-song EP at his home studio on the California coast. The 82-year-old singer-songwriter/guitarist reconnected with co-producer Stevie Heger, who co-produced Jardine’s 2010 debut studio album, A Postcard from California. Longtime Beach Boys/Brian Wilson sound engineer Jeff Peters also worked on the sessions.

Young, who guested on A Postcard From California, appears on the Islands In The Sun track, “My Plane Leaves Tomorrow (Au Revoir),” which was recorded at the time of the first album. Flea plays bass on the track, interpolating the military dirge “Taps,” also captured while recording a part for A Postcard.

Touring members of The Beach Boys contributed to the song “Highway 101 (Rosarita Beach Café).” Jardine’s son Adam Jardine sings on the track “Crumple Car,” an interpretation of the song from the 1978 surf movie Big Wednesday. Written by surfer Denny Aaberg with Phil Pritchard, the song was brought to Jardine by Ed Carter, who also played guitar on the Islands track.

The Islands In The Sun title track features Jardine’s son Matt Jardine, along with guest vocals from Bruce Johnston and a children’s choir from three local elementary schools.

“‘Islands In The Sun’ captures that special magic we felt and sang about on Beach Boys songs like ‘Island Girl’ and ‘Kokomo,’” Al Jardine revealed. “It was inspired by the enchanting calypso sounds of Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley’s laid-back reggae vibe. Now wouldn’t it be fun if we could bottle up the sun!”

Watch the title track’s lyric video: