In a world where nostalgia often overshadows innovation, our friend Les Fradkin has found a way to honor both. With the passing of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys recently the amazing music he created has had a revival. In that memory, Les Fradkin has released his unique rendition of “Good Vibrations” under his California project.
California’s rendition of Good Vibrations is a refreshing blend of reverence and reinvention. Released in June 2025 as a tribute to The Beach Boys’ iconic 1966 masterpiece, this cover breathes new life into a song that defined an era. With Les Fradkin—guitarist, composer, and a veteran of the surf rock scene at the helm of his California band, we get a vibrant, surf-infused take that honors Brian Wilson’s genius while carving out its own identity.
Riding the Wave of Nostalgia
From the first notes, California’s Good Vibrations captures the sun-soaked, carefree spirit of the original while infusing it with a psych rock modern edge. The track kicks off with a familiar yet electrified arrangement, blending jangly guitars and lush harmonies with innovative tones that echo the Beach Boys’ feel while sounding unique. This is not a straight up note for note cover.
The vocals are delivered as a duet with a carefree energy that mirrors Carl Wilson’s original lead while adding a fresh polish. The band doesn’t shy away from the song’s complexity, embracing its episodic structure with seamless transitions between the dreamy verses and the explosive “I’m pickin’ up good vibrations” chorus. The use of a theremin—handled masterfully by Les Fradkin—pays homage to the original’s pioneering use of the instrument, delivering that eerie, cosmic wail that defined the song’s psychedelic edge. It’s a nod to the past that feels vibrant in the present.
The production weaves effortlessly through the arrangement. Subtle flourishes here and there that enhance the song’s dynamic shifts without overshadowing the band’s performance. Feel the punchy bass and crisp percussion among the reverb drenched psych tones to create a full-bodied sound that feels both retro and fresh. The track feels like a love letter to the 1960s without being a mere imitation.
This rendition also carries an emotional weight, serving as a tribute to Brian Wilson, whose passing in early June marked the end of an era. California approaches the song with reverence, channeling its cosmic vibrations into a performance that feels like a communal celebration of Wilson’s legacy. It’s a reminder of why Good Vibrations remains a timeless classic, ranked by Rolling Stone as the sixth greatest song of all time and a cornerstone of rock, pop, and psychedelia.
This is a track that doesn’t just recreate the past—it reignites it, sending good vibrations straight to your soul.
