Brian Wilson’s new album to feature Lana Del Rey, Zooey Deschanel, maybe Frank Ocean
It’s been a while since any news of Brian Wilson has surfaced, despite having an autobiography, biopic, and solo album in the works. But now the on-again-off-again Beach Boy has revealed some collaborators for the latter on his website, which posted a snippet from an upcoming Rolling Stone article announcing “songs in contention” for the album featuring country singer Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey, Zooey Deschanel, and potentially Frank Ocean. The article describes their respective tracks as “sassy,” “haunting,” and “space-age bossa nova.” It seems that Ocean’s song hasn’t been recorded yet, but a track entitled “Special Love” is “potentially featuring” him.
Last year, Wilson said he would be working with Jeff Beck and members of Beck’s band, other former Beach Boys, and members of his touring band. All of this should make for one very long, very fascinating album—though some of Wilson’s fans are already throwing serious shade on the artist’s choices, so much so that he posted a badass Facebook note reminding them that he’s Brian Wilson, damn it.
“In my life in music, I’ve been told too many times not to fuck with the formula, but as an artist it’s my job to do that–and I think I’ve earn the right,” he said. “I would think that after making music for more than fifty years, my fans would understand that I’ll always do what’s in my heart–and I think that’s why you are my fans. So let’s just wait until the album comes out because I think you just might dig it as much as I do.”