"There are some people who think that Brian Wilson should be graded on a curve. Personally, I find that insulting, and I suspect that he would too. While artists may be proud of their legacies, the best of them want an honest appraisal of their work, not one seen through the prism of the past. So let’s get this out of the way right off the bat — No Pier Pressure is one of the best albums of Brian’s solo career, and compares favorably to any number of great Beach Boys albums."
"Somewhere, another original and current Beach Boy who shall remain nameless is kicking himself. Brian originally intended No Pier Pressure to be a Beach Boys album, but when events unfolded as they did following the 50th anniversary tour he decided to make it a solo record. This album certainly could have provided another triumph for the Beach Boys. As it is, No Pier Pressure is yet another landmark in the storied, and apparently unstoppable career of Brian Wilson."
http://popdose.com/a-fans-notes-brian-wilson-no-pier-pressure/