A rare original 1961 pressing of the Beach Boys debut single, ‘Surfin/Luau,’ on X Records.  This is the second–and rarest– of three original pressings that pre-date their signing to Capitol Records.

From Discogs: The original issue was Candix 301 in November 1961. The song became a big hit in the southern California region and when the copies ran out they went back to have more pressed and there was an unsettled bill at the pressing plant. To keep copies in circulation they went with another pressing plant and used the X 301 in December 1961 until the bill could be settled with the other pressing plant. The X label is the rarest. Then “Surfin'” was re-released as Candix 301 in January 1962 and a distribution deal was made with Era records, hence the name on the label.

The single is in VG condition, with general light marks, but no significant issues.  Both sides play well with some surface noise.  The first example of this rarity we’ve had in four decades.

• Matrix / Runout (runout, side A, etched/stamped): CD-T-S-1-R [Alco logo] △ 41389
• Matrix / Runout (runout, side B, etched/stamped): CD-T-S-2-R [Alco logo] △ 41389X

From the Beach Boys reference site Bellagio 10452: [Wilson parents] Murry & Audree take visitors from England to Mexico. In their absence the band rent instruments with $300 food money left by Murry (plus a little extra from Alan’s mother) and practice “Surfin'”. Upon their return, Murry assumes managerial status. The band record “Surfin'”, “Luau” & “Lavender” at World Pacific studios in LA. The line up is Brian (vocals/percussion), Carl (vocals/guitar), Dennis (vocals), Mike (vocals) and Alan (vocals/acoustic bass). “Surfin’/Luau” is released on Candix 331 on the 27th. It will later be reissued twice, first on X 301 and then on Candix 301. The band appear on the label as The Beach Boys, without their knowledge (the name came from a conversation between Russ Regan and Joe Saraceno: they nearly ended up being called The Surfers).