What I Really Want For Christmas, His First Solo Album of Christmas Music, released October 18, 2005 Release on Arista Includes new songs with lyrics by Bernie Taupin, Jimmy Webb, new versions of two 1964 Beach Boys yule classics, and 8 Christmas chestnuts (May 2, 2005 – New York, NY) . The ever-productive and always surprising career of American popular music icon Brian Wilson will continue to dazzle old and new fans as he puts the finishing touches on his first solo album of Christmas music. WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, named for its Bernie Taupin-penned title track, will arrive in stores October 18th on Arista Records, it was announced today by Clive Davis, Chairman of BMG U.S.

“Christmas has always been a special time for me and my family,” said Wilson. “And this year will be even more special because I’ll have a new album of holiday songs on Clive Davis' label to celebrate the holiday season. I hope the music means as much to other people as it does to me.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about the prospects of an album than what we look for from Brian Wilson’s ‘What I Really Want For Christmas’.  To finally share in his musical genius and help bring this holiday future classic to millions of fans all over the world is truly an honor. We are all overjoyed to be a part of this,” praised Davis.                                                                                              In addition to “What I Really Want For Christmas,” with lyrics written by Taupin (Elton John’s long-time lyricist), Brian’s new album will feature one more newly-composed tune, “Christmasey,” with lyrics by Jimmy Webb (of “Up, Up and Away” and “By the Time I Get To Phoenix” renown). Brian will also offer new versions of “Little Saint Nick” and “The Man With All the Toys,” which were the two opening songs on 1964’s essential The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album (his last full LP of yuletide songs).

The balance of WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS will include new versions of 8 holiday favorites: “Auld Lang Syne,” “Deck The Halls,” “The First Noel,” “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “Oh Holy Night,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Joining Brian for the album sessions was his ten piece top notch band with a working lineup of Jeffrey Foskett (vocals, lead guitar), Darian Sahanaja (vocals, vibes, keyboards), Probyn Gregory (vocals, guitar, keyboards, horns), Nick Walusko (vocals, guitar), Nelson Bragg (drums), Jim Hines (drums), Bob Lizik (bass), Paul Mertens (flute, saxophones), Scott Bennett (vocals, keyboards, percussion), and Taylor Mills (vocals). The album was produced and arranged by Brian Wilson.