In a somewhat ironic gesture, The Beach Boys will unveil That’s Why God Made The Radio on QVC May 16 at 7 p.m. EDT. When you think of all the airplay The Beach Boys have received during their 50 years of making us smile, it’s a definite sign of the times that they turned to TV to sell their radio-named album that won’t land in stores until June 5.

Nevertheless, the QVC studios will be humming this week with songs about surfing, fast cars and the mythical Southern California lifestyle so indelibly associated with The Beach Boys as they celebrate the big 5-0 with a reunion tour and album.

Along with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks appearing on QVC, the shopping channel will offer a special Beach Boys package for its viewers by bundling That’s Why God Made The Radio with a special greatest-hits CD, giving fans a chance to get more out of their Beach Boys dollars.

“As one of the most iconic and influential groups of our time, it is an honor to host The Beach Boys here at QVC,” the channel’s merchandising VP, John Kelly, said in a statement. “This show promises to be a memorable one as we not only offer this highly anticipated new release before it hits stores but also gives fans the opportunity to hear from the artists themselves about the collaboration behind this project.”

The Beach Boys’ QVC appearance is yet another example of how the music game has changed. The list of artists that have utilized QVC’s direct connection to shoppers includes Justin Bieber, Sheryl Crow, Barbra Streisand and Melissa Etheridge. In 2003, QVC scored an exclusive when it televised Bon Jovi performing in San Jose, Calif., during the band’s “Bounce Tour” while the channel sold a limited-edition Bounce CD/DVD package that included previously unreleased performance footage.

And this week it’s The Beach Boys’ turn to sell directly to QVC shoppers. While you’re counting down the minutes until airtime, you will want to plan your own date with the group. Upcoming shows on the reunion tour include Bethlehem, Pa., at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center May 17; Atlantic City at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa / Event Center May 19; Chicago at the Chicago Theatre May 21-22 and Las Vegas at the Red Rock Casino Resort May 27. Click here for the entire itinerary.