Cows in the Pasture is an upcoming country and western album recorded in 1970 by former Beach Boys talent manager and promoter Fred Vail and produced by Brian Wilson.
This unfinished album eventually gained significance in Beach Boys lore, with fans colloquially naming the previously untitled project Cows in the Pasture.
[5][4] Circa 2014, the Beach Boys' management contacted Fred Vail to inform him that they had discovered five rolls of two-inch tape with his and Brian Wilson's names on them.
[4] As of 2024, the plan is to record new vocals by Vail and an assortment of guest singers, including one song featuring Wilson who is also involved as executive producer, with T Bone Burnett participating as well.
A camera crew has been present at the new studio sessions, with the footage to be turned into a four-part documentary on Vail that will also be executive produced by Parker and Wilson.
[6] In 1980, Vail founded Treasure Isle Recorders, Inc., the first Nashville studio to become all-digital, remaining busy over the years due to the spacious tracking rooms, which many engineers and musicians claim to be among the best acoustics they've encountered.
Reflecting on his interactions with the band, Vail shared, "A lot of times when I'd pick the Beach Boys up I'd have country stations on, and I'd sing along sometimes and they'd be teasing me.