How ‘California Girls’ Cemented the West Coast Myth

In this episode we trace how Brian Wilson’s 1965 hit “California Girls” turned a sunny pop single into a symbol of West‑coast identity, exploring the innovative multitrack work at Sunset Sound and the layered harmony that made it sound like an anthem for youth optimism. We also examine how the song’s lyrics reflected American cultural aspirations while influencing subsequent surf rock, pop imagery, and the broader mythology surrounding California.

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