And now, for something inspiring

[Debbie KL]

I'm excited for it too...Jaymie told me if I don't get her own copy she's going to jack mine

I need to pre-order me a copy soon. Next paycheck!

She's some kinda' woman!  Get 2 copies!  It will be worth it for the home life.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I know, right? Nine years old but has me wrapped around her finger. A daddy's girl if there ever was one!

Might be 3 copies...I know Dana will try to take mine too

[SMiLE Brian]

It's a Castillo thang!

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Lol

[MrRobinsonsFather]

I aways hoped Brian would write an autobiography in his own words!! Was so disappointed with that first book. We later find out Brian had practically nothing to do with it. I just really hope we don't find out later that the book wasn't actually written by Brian and it was just taken from a series of interviews Ben Greenman held with him.
I have a feeling this won't be the case, from reading things here and there it sound like the same voice that Brian has in the smileboxset sessions and the linear notes in the 2fers that he wrote. Id be interesting to know what the writing process for the book was like.

[Don Malcolm]

Great work, John, thanks a lot--a fine piece of writing with sensitivities similar to those found in words penned by Peter Reum...

A lot of tough, driven, difficult fathers in that WWII generation...I think many of us speak from experience about that. Lots of different ways to be tough on kids, differing types of violence that manifested as people tried to live the American dream. I have to say that Brad Pitt captured much of this personality type in his performance as the father in Terrence Maiick's THE TREE OF LIFE. There was also a lot of overcompensation in the men who were left behind once the war started, which continued to manifest itself during the post-war years that followed.

All told (and based more than a bit on reading Jim's fine book) Murry was probably in the eightieth percentile of abusive parents. But it's still an open question as to what caused Brian's hearing loss, AFAIK. His citation in the upcoming bio is one I don't recall reading before--and it's going to be hard to corroborate beyond his testimony, because it would have happened at a time when none of the surviving early bandmates--Mike, Al, Dave--would be privy to the details (unless they had asked Brian about it at a later date).

I guess I'd like to believe that Murry didn't do it, or that if he did, that it wasn't the cause of Brian's hearing loss...because that really is a terrible thing for a family (and for a father and son) to have to endure.

Frankly, I did hear it from Brian and it was unclear.  He thought it was his dad hitting him, but he wasn't certain.  We'll probably never know.   And we can give Murry's aggressive behavior some credit for the BBs going before the general public, so I'm not a "hater" (boy am I getting tired of that word).  Now back to the inspiration. That came from Murry, Audree, and the incredible will of Brian Wilson himself.

I'm very excited about the book.

Agreed on all counts. I am ready to read both books and I hope Marilyn will weigh in with her memoirs--IMO they will be fascinating...

[thorgil]

Completley off-topic I know, but...

Billy, I just noticed your new nickname/avatar combo. Brilliant! "Furlock Holmes" indeed!

[Paul J B]

"Even when it comes to his father, Murray Wilson, who also happened to be the first manager of The Beach Boys and the man who deafened Wilson with his fist, Brian Wilson doesn’t mull over his misfortunes."

But in his book Brian writes, "When I was out playing in my neighborhood, between my house and another, a kid hit me in the head with a lead pipe.  His name was Seymour, I think, either his first or last.  The feeling was just shock at first, but the next day I realized I couldn't hear as well out of my right ear."   

 

Which book are you referencing? But beyond that, were you really more interested in this detail than the inspiring tone of the review and the book?

And right here is why some of you are not getting the fact that this place has double standards. Your very response to Jim Murphy's post is indeed cheer leading a book you yourself admit have not read. Yet you have been taking part in nitpicking conversations in numerous threads about Mike's book. Murphy's question is legit. Why is it you need to jump in with a "who cares about details it's Brian's book isn't that enough". My paraphrasing of course but that is what you are saying. Oh.... I see... it's only OK to point out discrepancies in Mike's book in comparison to what's been printed or said in the past but not Brian's. I always though Brian's dad hit him with a board, or guess it was a kid with a pipe, or I guess it was his dads fist, or......get my point? ...probably not. And before you jump the gun and label me a Mike apologist or creep or kokomo head or whatever label "you people" (an expression you have used describing those that would have a different viewpoint from yourself) go ahead and bore yourself reading anything I've posted here over the years. Seen Brian 5 times solo, only seen Mike at the c50 since Carl died.

There is a little click on this site that has become tiresome and is chasing off decent fans and posters aside from those being banned.

Also, that thread about some idiot claiming we should all be killed has no freaking business in GENERAL ON TOPIC DISCUSSION. Explain how that is relevant to Brian or the Boys music? That would be like if say a band member from one of the "camps" was convicted of a serious crime, something ugly like rape, and people were talking about it here.....that would be wrong correct.... that would be.....oh wait a minute, forget it.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Completley off-topic I know, but...

Billy, I just noticed your new nickname/avatar combo. Brilliant! "Furlock Holmes" indeed!

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Your very response to Jim Murphy's post is indeed cheer leading a book you yourself admit have not read

again with the 'cheerleader' wording...perhaps it was unintentional, but that was a very poor choice of words considering the history of Mike's Beard and Mikie using that phrase towards her.

[Debbie KL]

Your very response to Jim Murphy's post is indeed cheer leading a book you yourself admit have not read

again with the 'cheerleader' wording...perhaps it was unintentional, but that was a very poor choice of words considering the history of Mike's Beard and Mikie using that phrase towards her.

Billy, I'm used to it.  I'll ignore the rest of the guy's post, attempting to re-write the simple questions that I asked with his own personal drama and issues.  I have one editor whom I respect.  I don't need a self-appointed one here.

[HeyJude]

I don't have Brian's new book, nor do I have a copy of the 1991 faux-autobiography at the ready, so I'm still quite curious as to which book Jim Murphy's quote comes from. The distinction between which book it comes from would be *quite* important for obvious reasons.

Normally, I'd assume it was the older book as the new one hasn't been released. But I also know that proofs and review copies of both Mike's and Brian's books are floating around out there, so it's hard to know what we're talking about now when we say "Brian's book."

As for the source of Brian's deafness, it's pretty clear we'll never have a 100% definitive answer.

[ChicagoAnn]

I'm really looking forward to this because I love hearing/reading about the artistic process, and when an artist of this caliber explores his or her motivations, background, perceptions--the ways he or she creates, it's always exciting and inspiring.  Also illusive, so it will be a pleasure to get some insight. But there's always this unknown factor with that level of creative brilliance.

It got really dusty in here while I was reading that review.

I'll read Mike's book, too, because I have to admit, I like prurient gossip sometimes. Mike's point of view will be interesting but I have no illusions that it will be through anything other than his particular lens. It might be enjoyable in a People Magazine kind of way. (Like Mike telling Dennis about certain sexual things. Who didn't have an older cousin tell them some stuff? Shall I tell you about my older cousin's influence? Hint: He got all of his younger cousins high for the first time.)

 Mike is genuinely talented and has worked his ass off. But there is a difference between Mike's considerable talent and Brian's off-the-charts, how-do-you-account for this brilliance. Mike knows it. We all know it.

If this Huffpo review is accurate, Brian's memoir will be something to savor as a glimpse into extraordinary life and perceptions of one of the most important musician-composers of the latter part of the 20th century. We are very fortunate to have this.

[Debbie KL]

I'm really looking forward to this because I love hearing/reading about the artistic process, and when an artist of this caliber explores his or her motivations, background, perceptions--the ways he or she creates, it's always exciting and inspiring.  Also illusive, so it will be a pleasure to get some insight. But there's always this unknown factor with that level of creative brilliance.

It got really dusty in here while I was reading that review.

I'll read Mike's book, too, because I have to admit, I like prurient gossip sometimes. Mike's point of view will be interesting but I have no illusions that it will be through anything other than his particular lens. It might be enjoyable in a People Magazine kind of way. (Like Mike telling Dennis about certain sexual things. Who didn't have an older cousin tell them some stuff? Shall I tell you about my older cousin's influence? Hint: He got all of his younger cousins high for the first time.)

 Mike is genuinely talented and has worked his ass off. But there is a difference between Mike's considerable talent and Brian's off-the-charts, how-do-you-account for this brilliance. Mike knows it. We all know it.

If this Huffpo review is accurate, Brian's memoir will be something to savor as a glimpse into extraordinary life and perceptions of one of the most important musician-composers of the latter part of the 20th century. We are very fortunate to have this.

I haven't read Brian's book, but this review makes it look really promising.  It doesn't sound like tabloid detritus so far - as I said, something more inspiring. As far as the People Magazine stuff, I really am not into that so can't comment.

[ChicagoAnn]

I'm really looking forward to this because I love hearing/reading about the artistic process, and when an artist of this caliber explores his or her motivations, background, perceptions--the ways he or she creates, it's always exciting and inspiring.  Also illusive, so it will be a pleasure to get some insight. But there's always this unknown factor with that level of creative brilliance.

It got really dusty in here while I was reading that review.

I'll read Mike's book, too, because I have to admit, I like prurient gossip sometimes. Mike's point of view will be interesting but I have no illusions that it will be through anything other than his particular lens. It might be enjoyable in a People Magazine kind of way. (Like Mike telling Dennis about certain sexual things. Who didn't have an older cousin tell them some stuff? Shall I tell you about my older cousin's influence? Hint: He got all of his younger cousins high for the first time.)

 Mike is genuinely talented and has worked his ass off. But there is a difference between Mike's considerable talent and Brian's off-the-charts, how-do-you-account for this brilliance. Mike knows it. We all know it.

If this Huffpo review is accurate, Brian's memoir will be something to savor as a glimpse into extraordinary life and perceptions of one of the most important musician-composers of the latter part of the 20th century. We are very fortunate to have this.

I haven't read Brian's book, but this review makes it look really promising.  It doesn't sound like tabloid detritus so far - as I said, something more inspiring. As far as the People Magazine stuff, I really am not into that so can't comment.

Actually, I'd be grateful for just a glimpse into how he sees his creative process! 

I like stories. But I didn't live it the way you did. 

I just realized that 's a crummy thing to say. I was an unnamed person in a former friend's memoir. She wasn't former friend until I read the memoir and got a painful glimpse of what she really thought of me.  I had to shrug it off as "this is what you get for hanging around with writers," but it hurt. She'd stayed in my home. And yes, I knew she was writing about me.

It isn't some tabloid stuff. These are lives.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

That sucks

[Emily]

I'm glad if the book turns out like I would imagine based on this review. I was kind of expecting a straight autobiography of the sort that is just a recounting of events. If it actually sheds some light on his musical process, that will be fascinating. The thing that separates Brian Wilson from pretty much the rest of humanity, in my mind, is his relationship with music. That's what I want to learn about.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Same here. If I ever do get the chance to meet him and have a convo with him, that's what I'd like to know.

[ChicagoAnn]

That sucks

Thanks, Billy, but it was really mild and almost no one would know except me and a few others. Since it happened a long time ago, it's easy for me to forget how that same thing can  affect people who've been living with it for a long time. Famous folks don't have that luxury. They get half-truths thrown about them all the time. I didn't really get it until  it happened to me. It was half-truthful enough to be painful, if that makes any sense.

Since the BBs have been famous since 1963 and all the insane PR of being teen idols, then the post-Watergate expose coverage of the rock star excesses, to TMZ, to twitter, it's all going to be warped.  If I read Mike's book I know I'll disregard most of what he says about Brian's emotional/mental state because he seems to have an almost Scientologist's view of mental illness and treatment.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

‘’Without her I might have still been the last surviving Wilson, but I wouldn’t have been completely alive,’’ says Wilson.

That line just really hit me

[Debbie KL]

That sucks

Thanks, Billy, but it was really mild and almost no one would know except me and a few others. Since it happened a long time ago, it's easy for me to forget how that same thing can  affect people who've been living with it for a long time. Famous folks don't have that luxury. They get half-truths thrown about them all the time. I didn't really get it until  it happened to me. It was half-truthful enough to be painful, if that makes any sense.

Since the BBs have been famous since 1963 and all the insane PR of being teen idols, then the post-Watergate expose coverage of the rock star excesses, to TMZ, to twitter, it's all going to be warped.  If I read Mike's book I know I'll disregard most of what he says about Brian's emotional/mental state because he seems to have an almost Scientologist's view of mental illness and treatment.

It's never fun to have someone's view of you discussed publicly (whether you're named or not) without your input. We all have a point of view.  I empathize with you as well. 

I think Brian began to ignore the endless opining about him a very long time ago, for the most part.  I think it explains a lot of the "toss off" answers he offers at times.  "You want to hear that my whole problem was experimental drug intake in the 60's, sure.  Here it is.  Now can we get back to the music and the love?" Given the exposure he had, while also trying to function as an artist, I think that was his only choice.  I'm bored with the same old stories, told over and over again, from 30-50 years ago. Imagine how he feels about it?  (Here I am projecting, but it makes sense.)

This review makes me hope that he spends a lot of time of the creative process and how it was impacted by his personal life/support system.  We'll see.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I can only imagine how Brian would've felt if he'd been a young up and comer now, with social media and TMZ and whatnot.  Just the thought of it...yikes.

Or hell, maybe it would have been better, since he could have just released whatever the hell he wanted  online, set up a BandCamp page, or something like that with no pressure from a  major label.

I guess that's the one good thing about the industry being in the shape it is now. There may not be much money in it anymore as far as the recording goes, but there is MUCH less pressure now.

[MrRobinsonsFather]

That sucks

Thanks, Billy, but it was really mild and almost no one would know except me and a few others. Since it happened a long time ago, it's easy for me to forget how that same thing can  affect people who've been living with it for a long time. Famous folks don't have that luxury. They get half-truths thrown about them all the time. I didn't really get it until  it happened to me. It was half-truthful enough to be painful, if that makes any sense.

Since the BBs have been famous since 1963 and all the insane PR of being teen idols, then the post-Watergate expose coverage of the rock star excesses, to TMZ, to twitter, it's all going to be warped.  If I read Mike's book I know I'll disregard most of what he says about Brian's emotional/mental state because he seems to have an almost Scientologist's view of mental illness and treatment.

It's never fun to have someone's view of you discussed publicly (whether you're named or not) without your input. We all have a point of view.  I empathize with you as well. 

I think Brian began to ignore the endless opining about him a very long time ago, for the most part.  I think it explains a lot of the "toss off" answers he offers at times.  "You want to hear that my whole problem was experimental drug intake in the 60's, sure.  Here it is.  Now can we get back to the music and the love?" Given the exposure he had, while also trying to function as an artist, I think that was his only choice.  I'm bored with the same old stories, told over and over again, from 30-50 years ago. Imagine how he feels about it?  (Here I am projecting, but it makes sense.)

This review makes me hope that he spends a lot of time of the creative process and how it was impacted by his personal life/support system.  We'll see.

Very true. I often think "I couldn't do what he does with all those repetitive interviews". It's because of all those same old question being regurgitated over and over again that he seems bored or one word answers. Put him with someone who doesn't talk about the typical questions and Brian is totally different and very funny. I always look forward to those type of interviews, if anyone wants to know what Brian is really like listen to those candid interviews, they really showcase how intelligent he is. Theyre hard to find lately with the recent pet sounds tour, with all the typical pet sounds questions. How many times can you answer "what inspired pet sounds? Did drugs help make pet sounds? Would you change anything you've done in the past?"

[mikeddonn]

"Even when it comes to his father, Murray Wilson, who also happened to be the first manager of The Beach Boys and the man who deafened Wilson with his fist, Brian Wilson doesn’t mull over his misfortunes."

But in his book Brian writes, "When I was out playing in my neighborhood, between my house and another, a kid hit me in the head with a lead pipe.  His name was Seymour, I think, either his first or last.  The feeling was just shock at first, but the next day I realized I couldn't hear as well out of my right ear."   

 

Which book are you referencing? But beyond that, were you really more interested in this detail than the inspiring tone of the review and the book?

And right here is why some of you are not getting the fact that this place has double standards. Your very response to Jim Murphy's post is indeed cheer leading a book you yourself admit have not read. Yet you have been taking part in nitpicking conversations in numerous threads about Mike's book. Murphy's question is legit. Why is it you need to jump in with a "who cares about details it's Brian's book isn't that enough". My paraphrasing of course but that is what you are saying. Oh.... I see... it's only OK to point out discrepancies in Mike's book in comparison to what's been printed or said in the past but not Brian's. I always though Brian's dad hit him with a board, or guess it was a kid with a pipe, or I guess it was his dads fist, or......get my point? ...probably not. And before you jump the gun and label me a Mike apologist or creep or kokomo head or whatever label "you people" (an expression you have used describing those that would have a different viewpoint from yourself) go ahead and bore yourself reading anything I've posted here over the years. Seen Brian 5 times solo, only seen Mike at the c50 since Carl died.

There is a little click on this site that has become tiresome and is chasing off decent fans and posters aside from those being banned.

Also, that thread about some idiot claiming we should all be killed has no freaking business in GENERAL ON TOPIC DISCUSSION. Explain how that is relevant to Brian or the Boys music? That would be like if say a band member from one of the "camps" was convicted of a serious crime, something ugly like rape, and people were talking about it here.....that would be wrong correct.... that would be.....oh wait a minute, forget it.

Paul, I totally agree with your post.  When I read the review that jumped out at me.  But I didn't want to post because I pretty much knew verbatim what DKL's response would be.  The kid from the neighbourhood allegation was mentioned by people who have read advance copies of the book.  The reviewer has either missed that part or chosen to perpetuate the other 'myth', which is what it is if Brian, in his own words, has said didn't happen. For the record, I have seen Brian about 20 times and Mike about 5.  If they both played on the same night in my area I'd pick Brian every time.  I have travelled long distances to see Brian.  I haven't done that with Mike.  But yeah, maybe I'd be accused of being one of "those people" or told I "don't get it".  Anyway, I'll be buying both books and will take them for what they are.

[Debbie KL]

That sucks

Thanks, Billy, but it was really mild and almost no one would know except me and a few others. Since it happened a long time ago, it's easy for me to forget how that same thing can  affect people who've been living with it for a long time. Famous folks don't have that luxury. They get half-truths thrown about them all the time. I didn't really get it until  it happened to me. It was half-truthful enough to be painful, if that makes any sense.

Since the BBs have been famous since 1963 and all the insane PR of being teen idols, then the post-Watergate expose coverage of the rock star excesses, to TMZ, to twitter, it's all going to be warped.  If I read Mike's book I know I'll disregard most of what he says about Brian's emotional/mental state because he seems to have an almost Scientologist's view of mental illness and treatment.

It's never fun to have someone's view of you discussed publicly (whether you're named or not) without your input. We all have a point of view.  I empathize with you as well. 

I think Brian began to ignore the endless opining about him a very long time ago, for the most part.  I think it explains a lot of the "toss off" answers he offers at times.  "You want to hear that my whole problem was experimental drug intake in the 60's, sure.  Here it is.  Now can we get back to the music and the love?" Given the exposure he had, while also trying to function as an artist, I think that was his only choice.  I'm bored with the same old stories, told over and over again, from 30-50 years ago. Imagine how he feels about it?  (Here I am projecting, but it makes sense.)

This review makes me hope that he spends a lot of time of the creative process and how it was impacted by his personal life/support system.  We'll see.

Very true. I often think "I couldn't do what he does with all those repetitive interviews". It's because of all those same old question being regurgitated over and over again that he seems bored or one word answers. Put him with someone who doesn't talk about the typical questions and Brian is totally different and very funny. I always look forward to those type of interviews, if anyone wants to know what Brian is really like listen to those candid interviews, they really showcase how intelligent he is. Theyre hard to find lately with the recent pet sounds tour, with all the typical pet sounds questions. How many times can you answer "what inspired pet sounds? Did drugs help make pet sounds? Would you change anything you've done in the past?"

Well said.