Recording M.I.U. Album

dennis largely unavailable new project, of , brother carl not in favor. idea, staunch transcendental meditation follower mike love, record new album—initially intended christmas release—at maharishi international university in fairfield, iowa, (hence m.i.u. title). consequently, when time record album in september 1977, love, jardine , brian wilson showed up.

the original intention brian wilson produce album, became clear unable function in role. production credit on album given al jardine , songwriting partner ron altbach, brian billed executive producer , though exact nature of role never clarified.

the group submitted christmas-themed merry christmas beach boys in late 1977, rejected record company, demanded band submit regular studio album instead. new lyrics overdubbed on of original christmas tracks following spring, which, penned new material, formed basis of new album entitled california feeling, named after original song recorded in 1975 brian refused include on album. track listing revised final time in 1978, when lp called m. i. u. album, band s last reprise records before embarking on cbs records (now sony music) contract.

a brian wilson produced cover of buddy holly s peggy sue , recorded on april 15, 1976, potential inclusion on 15 big ones, tweaked al jardine in 1978 m.i.u. album. released single charted @ no. 59 in united states. original brian wilson version accidentally issued in place of jardine version when m.i.u. album briefly re-issued sony music in 1991, discontinued.