Lightspeed Champion Recruits Van Dyke Parks for EP, Beach Boys Cover

Not only has Lightspeed Champion taken on a Beach Boys classic (“‘Til I Die”) for his forthcoming EP, Bye Bye, but the British singer-songwriter also enlisted a legendary Brian Wilson collaborator himself, Van Dyke Parks, for help on the cover and 3 more new recordings. “It was pretty surreal,” said Dev Hynes in an announcement. “[Parks is] someone I’ve listened to for what seems like forever. I found myself listening to the stems and works in progress as a fan of him, then I’d remember that it’s something we’re working on together… then I’d freak out… Then I’d have a drink and I’d feel fine.”

In addition to the cover, the pair recorded a new version of Life If Sweet! Nice To Meet You cut “There’s Nothing Underwater,” renamed “Underwater There is Nothing,” and two new songs, the near-title track “Bye Bye Icarus” and closer “The Mess You’re In.” Lightspeed Champion’s Bye Bye EP arrives digitally and on 10-inch vinyl December 13. Check out the tracklist and revisit the original Beach Boys’ Surf’s Up tune below.

Lightspeed Champion – Bye Bye

01 “‘Til I Die”
02 “Underwater There is Nothing”
03 “Bye Bye Icarus”
04 “The Mess You’re In”

*Update: Hear the entire EP below: