Does it make you sad?

[Newguy562]

I was just listening to Pet Sounds as I was looking at posters of the Beach Boys (because I want to put one in game room) and I seen a picture with everyone dressed up except for Dennis and Brian...Brian looks like he didn't even try to get fixed up or care that it was a photo shoot. He's wearing a bathrobe and has his hair all messy (with a puzzled look on his face that's hard to explain) ..For some strange reason I felt bad as if he was someone I actually knew or was close to. (weird, I know) ..I wonder if any of the boys tried to help him get it together and at least try to get him to take care of his health,get him dressed & active.
It's so heartbreaking to see a musical genius in that state of mind/being...It's like looking at Syd Barrett after the drugs he took in a vegetable state. Does it bother any of you this much?
I'm happy that Brian finally has it together and at least half of mind is there.. He is (we are) really lucky that he's alive because many LSD casualties didn't make it past the 60's.

I've mentioned Brian's story to my girlfriend and she wasn't sad but fascinated in how his drug use played a big part in him being a recluse and mentally unstable. (I thought it was interesting too but more than anything I thought it was devastating and can't help but wonder where the boys would be if he just managed to pull it all together and kept making amazing music with the group.)

[Jukka]

Yeah, it does. In two ways, actually. I can't help but think of all the great music Brian didn't make because of his condition. And most of all, it's a human tragedy. It ended well, I guess, but the guy spent his best years being not well. And it is sad. A guy who has given me musically more than anyone would have deserved some happiness and good life. Alas, it was not to be at the time, but better late than never.

[runnersdialzero]

lawl, newguy, I love ya and all, but you gotta let go of this "Brian really lost his mind after Pet Sounds. Oh GOD WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN. THE LOSS. THE PAIN. HE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIS ATTEMPTS AT MUSIC AFTER THAT. I MEAN I GUESS IT'S OKAY THAT HE'S CONTINUED, I'M GLAD HE'S ALIVE, BUT OH WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN" thing that seems to come up every fifth time you post.

Brian has been varying degrees of productive ever since 1961 and has always had something worthwhile to offer when he steps up to the plate (which he did for almost every single Beach Boys album as well as a lot of stuff that didn't make albums). He wasn't a vegetable or anything close. Lots of people don't give a sh*t to get dressed for something as trivial as a photo shoot. Less people should care about sh*t like that, really.

He's probably not as "lost" as you read into in every single photo you look at, he's probably thinking about sandwiches. Yes, he probably was a bit "lost" in a few of those, but most of the time? Sandwiches. Women. Birthday cake. Music. Phil Spector. "Be My Baby". sh*t like that. sh*t that's worth mentally checking out for and getting lost in instead of focusing your energy on a photo shoot.

He's had some very rough times and is a little worse for wear, but come on. "What could have been" is a hypothetical and doesn't go very far. Consider what was and what is and you'll find a wealth of brilliance is already there and always has been.

p.s. u kno i luv u <3 <3 <3 <3 just sayin', though.

[Newguy562]

Yeah, it does. In two ways, actually. I can't help but think of all the great music Brian didn't make because of his condition. And most of all, it's a human tragedy. It ended well, I guess, but the guy spent his best years being not well. And it is sad. A guy who has given me musically more than anyone would have deserved some happiness and good life. Alas, it was not to be at the time, but better late than never.

That's exactly how I feel. When I seen the movie (An American Family) with her and it showed Brian's mental breakdown she thought it was funny and laughed at his eccentric behavior.  It really pissed me off because that wasn't some junkie hooked on drugs it's someone that I admire/respect and has brought me happiness through music.

[Newguy562]

lawl, newguy, I love ya and all, but you gotta let go of this "Brian really lost his mind after Pet Sounds. Oh GOD WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN. THE LOSS. THE PAIN. HE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIS ATTEMPTS AT MUSIC AFTER THAT. I MEAN I GUESS IT'S OKAY THAT HE'S CONTINUED, I'M GLAD HE'S ALIVE, BUT OH WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN" thing that seems to come up every fifth time you post.

Brian has been varying degrees of productive ever since 1961 and has always had something worthwhile to offer when he steps up to the plate (which he did for almost every single Beach Boys album as well as a lot of stuff that didn't make albums). He wasn't a vegetable or anything close. Lots of people don't give a sh*t to get dressed for something as trivial as a photo shoot. Less people should care about sh*t like that, really.

He's probably not as "lost" as you read into in every single photo you look at, he's probably thinking about sandwiches. Yes, he probably was a bit "lost" in a few of those, but most of the time? Sandwiches. Women. Birthday cake. Music. Phil Spector. "Be My Baby". sh*t like that. sh*t that's worth mentally checking out for and getting lost in instead of focusing your energy on a photo shoot.

He's had some very rough times and is a little worse for wear, but come on. "What could have been" is a hypothetical and doesn't go very far. Consider what was and what is and you'll find a wealth of brilliance is already there and always has been.

p.s. u kno i luv u <3 <3 <3 <3 just sayin', though.

@ runnersdialzero! I know but I can't help but feel sad after watching "An American Family". Brian seemed so happy/optimistic during the Pet Sounds era and once that didn't do as well as he expected (at the time) and  Smile started he started to become more & more depressed and disappointed in himself. Everything from that point on became even more hectic for him and the boys and you can hear it in the music. Then hearing stories about him pulling over giving up after hearing "Strawberry Fields" just breaks my heart because if he didn't give up he could've made music that would've easily topped anything the Beatles did post 1967.

[MBE]

Well that movie doesn't tell it like it is. Brian had sad days before he had a major breakdown, and he had good days even at his worst. It's not a case of him being on a constant bummer. Maybe it got close at times from 1973-82, but the in's and outs of Brian is complex. He didn't suddenly freak out after Smile never leaving his room, he had a gradually worsening depression that at times had him relatively inactive. The drugs weren't a real issue in the sixties, and if there's anything to really feel sad about its what Landy did to him. The drugs he was given by that ass caused more damage than cocaine, acid, and herion combined.

[Newguy562]

Well that movie doesn't tell it like it is. Brian had sad days before he had a major breakdown, and he had good days even at his worst. It's not a case of him being on a constant bummer. Maybe it got close at times from 1973-82, but the in's and outs of Brian is complex. He didn't suddenly freak out after Smile never leaving his room, he had a gradually worsening depression that at times had him relatively inactive. The drugs weren't a real issue in the sixties, and if there's anything to really feel sad about its what Landy did to him. The drugs he was given by that ass caused more damage than cocaine, acid, and herion combined.

But by then (Landy era) He was long gone and although it was still sad he was way past his prime so it doesn't hit me as hard as it does in the later 60's. By the 80's most of his contemporaries were washed up anyways or out of the business.
He contributed so much to Pop music but if he held it all together for at least 5 more years who knows how much would be now. Maybe they would be more respected (whenever I mention them people think they are an oldie group rather than one of the most innovative groups of all time) and had a better legacy. (Sure his whole mental breakdown adds a little spice to their story but I care more about their music then their story to be honest.)

[Cabinessenceking]

I just listen to the moog on "I Saw Santa Rockin' Around", close my eyes and think: Yes, he is still here.

[EgoHanger1966]

Don't take anything in that movie as gospel. It's not like if you watch An American Family you know all about the Beach Boys story and what Brian went through in an accurate manner.

Brian was not 'long gone' in either part of The Landy Years. Arguably, yes, he was past his prime, but who wouldn't be??  He still made worthwhile music (check out his 1988 solo album if you haven't), and still did coherent interviews. It's not like he was sitting there babbling 24/7.

[KittyKat]

Brian would not have been any more respected if he were so-called healthier after doing "Pet Sounds." His musical taste was out of step with the public at that time, for the most part. His drug use and mental illness and semi-reclusiveness helped him become a legend.

[AndrewHickey]

Well that movie doesn't tell it like it is. Brian had sad days before he had a major breakdown, and he had good days even at his worst. It's not a case of him being on a constant bummer. Maybe it got close at times from 1973-82, but the in's and outs of Brian is complex. He didn't suddenly freak out after Smile never leaving his room, he had a gradually worsening depression that at times had him relatively inactive. The drugs weren't a real issue in the sixties, and if there's anything to really feel sad about its what Landy did to him. The drugs he was given by that ass caused more damage than cocaine, acid, and herion combined.

But by then (Landy era) He was long gone and although it was still sad he was way past his prime so it doesn't hit me as hard as it does in the later 60's. By the 80's most of his contemporaries were washed up anyways or out of the business.
He contributed so much to Pop music but if he held it all together for at least 5 more years who knows how much would be now. Maybe they would be more respected (whenever I mention them people think they are an oldie group rather than one of the most innovative groups of all time) and had a better legacy. (Sure his whole mental breakdown adds a little spice to their story but I care more about their music then their story to be honest.)

Firstly, he wasn't 'long gone' in the eighties. He was -- and had been for decades -- suffering from an untreated, but not an untreatable, mental illness. Landy actually caused significant irreversible brain damage, as far as anyone can tell.

Secondly, do you realise how callous you sound here? Brian's illness makes you sad, not because he's a human being who's suffered horrifically, but because you (think you) missed out on some music..

And in the five years after Smile, Brian produced some of his best music -- Smiley Smile, Wild Honey, Friends, 20/20, Sunflower and Surf's Up all hold up wonderfully against anything pre-Pet Sounds. Brian's health didn't really become awful until after Murry's death.

Please stop basing your opinions on a tenth-rate made-for-TV film rather than on reality.

[I. Spaceman]

Nice one, Hickey. Reminds me of Richard Carpenter's comment about Karen's death in the Behind The Music episode on the Carpenters: "When I think of all the great records we could have made...". It's your SISTER, idiot, who cares about the records!

[Exapno Mapcase]

"Reminds me of Richard Carpenter's comment about Karen's death in the Behind The Music episode on the Carpenters: "When I think of all the great records we could have made...". It's your SISTER, idiot, who cares about the records!"

Nice one, Ian.

[halblaineisgood]

Freddy Weller's Brian Wilson breakdown is bad.  Your girlfriend laughed at it for good reason. Remember Elizabeth Berkley's caffeine pill breakdown in that very special saved by the bell? Sort of the same , except a fictional portrayal of a musician, one you have tender feelings for. I get that. I don't think David Ruffin's problems were funny, I have tender feelings for I wish it would rain,  but I sure as hell laugh at the ridiculous "he's clearly spiraling into addiction now" parts in  The Temptations movie. "I'M DAVID RUFFIN!!!!!"

[Newguy562]

Freddy Weller's Brian Wilson breakdown is bad.  Your girlfriend laughed at it for good reason. Remember Elizabeth Berkley's caffeine pill breakdown in that very special saved by the bell? Sort of the same , except a fictional portrayal of a musician, one you have tender feelings for. I get that. I don't think David Ruffin's problems were funny, I have tender feelings for I wish it would rain,  but I sure as hell laugh at the ridiculous "he's clearly spiraling into addiction now" parts in  The Temptations movie. "I'M DAVID RUFFIN!!!!!"

I laughed when he stole the mic from Dennis ,started barging into their shows and soaking up all the attention/taking the spotlight.

[halblaineisgood]

yeah..not funny with brian though, he's so sensitive and white

[halblaineisgood]

 

[halblaineisgood]

It used to make me sad when people would laugh at Elvis, but you realize eventually that some people just aren't fans, or as serious a listener as you are. You're buddies aren't as absorbed in the music as you are, you're force feeding them a diet of Elvis, so all they will get out of it is a cheap laugh,  as  a way to maintain their sanity and as a way to maintain interest in the activity at hand(you force feeding them Elvis), cos they can't come right out and say "I don't give a sh*t about Elvis, okay!" ...and as far as mourning for what could have been, I'm glad to have had only the briefest of phases where  Col Tom Parker was a big meanie, if it wasn't for him Elvis would have been a great actor and if only he would have cleaned up, he would have recorded so much , think what he could have done!!!! Such a waste of time, when a lifetime of music is yours to savor, you just need to wrap up the whole mourning phase. This might apply for The Beach Boys, as well.  Just a thought.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Yeah, it does. In two ways, actually. I can't help but think of all the great music Brian didn't make because of his condition. And most of all, it's a human tragedy. It ended well, I guess, but the guy spent his best years being not well. And it is sad. A guy who has given me musically more than anyone would have deserved some happiness and good life. Alas, it was not to be at the time, but better late than never.

I pretty much feel the same way ^^^^. I do feel sorry on a personal level because of all the years of pain and suffering that Brian endured and is still enduring because of his illness and substance abuse. I often think of the percentage of happy times versus unhappy times that Brian experienced. It cost Brian his first marriage to Marilyn, it severely affected his father/daughter relationship with Carnie and Wendy, and his relationships with his brothers, musicians, and friends was affected, too. But, it also affected Brian's relationship with his first love - his music - and I believe Brian truly knows what he lost there.

I don't care if I appear callous or selfish. I often think about what the world lost in terms of what Brian Wilson could've produced - and didn't. He was so young, age 25 -26, when he peaked musically. That's a lot of years of downward spiraling. Yeah, Newguy562, you raise a subject that if we BB diehards are honest, does cross our minds and brings sadness. It's painful to watch any video of Brian from 1963-1966 and not FEEL what was lost. When you watch him, especially in those 1966 clips, it brings on feelings of awe and otherworldliness (is that a word?). And then you fast forward to what he became, yes, it's heartbreaking, a human tragedy. And I don't apologize for feeling that way.

[Jukka]

^
That made me even sadder. Too true. The guy was put on this planet to make music, but The illness interfered. This may be pushing it, but in case of Brian it almost feels you can't separate the musical and personal sides of his life/being/whatever from each other.

[SMiLE Brian]

Agreed, it makes sad how he fought his growing illness hard fom 1963-1973, then gave up from 1974-1975 with horrible results.

[Newguy562]

Yeah, it does. In two ways, actually. I can't help but think of all the great music Brian didn't make because of his condition. And most of all, it's a human tragedy. It ended well, I guess, but the guy spent his best years being not well. And it is sad. A guy who has given me musically more than anyone would have deserved some happiness and good life. Alas, it was not to be at the time, but better late than never.

I pretty much feel the same way ^^^^. I do feel sorry on a personal level because of all the years of pain and suffering that Brian endured and is still enduring because of his illness and substance abuse. I often think of the percentage of happy times versus unhappy times that Brian experienced. It cost Brian his first marriage to Marilyn, it severely affected his father/daughter relationship with Carnie and Wendy, and his relationships with his brothers, musicians, and friends was affected, too. But, it also affected Brian's relationship with his first love - his music - and I believe Brian truly knows what he lost there.

I don't care if I appear callous or selfish. I often think about what the world lost in terms of what Brian Wilson could've produced - and didn't. He was so young, age 25 -26, when he peaked musically. That's a lot of years of downward spiraling. Yeah, Newguy562, you raise a subject that if we BB diehards are honest, does cross our minds and brings sadness. It's painful to watch any video of Brian from 1963-1966 and not FEEL what was lost. When you watch him, especially in those 1966 clips, it brings on feelings of awe and otherworldliness (is that a word?). And then you fast forward to what he became, yes, it's heartbreaking, a human tragedy. And I don't apologize for feeling that way.

I've never felt so bad for any artist that went through depression or tough times. When I was a kid I loved Michael Jackson's music but once his lifestyle started spiraling out of control and he started making all this paranoia music I quickly got over him and completely lost interest in his music. With Brian it's different he had so much potential and was so young when all this happened. (Sure he reached his peak with Pet Sounds but if the amazing Smile could've been finished then would that be his peak? There are moments in that album that blew me away more than Pet Sounds and who knows what would've came after that and so on.) He seemed so depressed and loss touch with reality to the point that decades passed by him and it only felt like a small vacation to him. (He even said that in an interview.) The drugs brought out the best in him musically but it also came with a price. (It took so many years off his life and almost shattered his mind.)

[runnersdialzero]

Paranoia music?

[Wild-Honey]

I think it's incredibly sad when ANYONE has a mental illness or drug addiction, regardless of how they do or do not affect me.

[Newguy562]

Paranoia music?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P4A1K4lXDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNJL6nfu__Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEEMi2j6lYE