Books For My Birthday

[mikeyj]

It's my birthday coming up soon and I am going to buy some books/cd's on the band. But I am a bit unsure what to buy in terms of books on the band. I obviously dont have unlimited money so I cant buy everything. I already own:

*The Real Beach Boy
*Dumb Angel: The life and music of Dennis Wilson
*The Nearest Faraway Place
*AGD's Book
*Wouldn't It Be Nice - Charles Granata
*Wouldn't It Be Nice - Brian Wilson autobiography
*Heroes And Villains - Steven Gaines
*Smile: The Story of Brian Wilson's Lost Masterpiece
*How Deep Is The Ocean
*David Leafs book

But I was wondering what does everyone recommend. I prefably want books about the band. In the bookstore I am going to they have a fair few books and apparently they have Brad Elliott's book (I think its titled Surf's Up) and I was wondering is that good? Also what about that book everyone was talking about before called Inside The Music of Brian Wilson or whatever is that good? I am also thinking about getting Catch A Wave. I might only be able to afford two books since I also want a couple of CD's too. ANY suggestions are welcome.

[shelter]

Surf's Up is not a biography or anything, it's an extremely detailed Beach Boys discography including solo releases and side projects. Too bad it was made in 1981 (or 1982?) and hasn't been updated since.

[shelter]

Catch A Wave is IMHO the best book about the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson so far.

[mikeyj]

Catch A Wave is IMHO the best book about the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson so far.

Thanks shelter for your opinions. I will have a look at the prices and just decide on the day I go to the book store. But I will keep your (and others) recommendations in mind. I have only heard positive things about Catch A Wave so its looking good for that one.

Surf's Up is not a biography or anything, it's an extremely detailed Beach Boys discography including solo releases and side projects. Too bad it was made in 1981 (or 1982?) and hasn't been updated since.

Is it an interesting read though? Like ANYTHING on the band that is interesting interests me (that doesnt help much) but it doesnt matter what kind of book it is as long as its a good read. I actually have been looking for something that gives a really good and detailed overview of the bands discography. Could you describe the book in further detail? Like what does it outline and cover in the book?

[MBE]

The Real Beach Boy is great. Andrew's book is also very nicely done. If you want a good older book try to find Byron Priess'. It has great photos and is well rounded about every Beach Boy. Catch A Wave is very good 80 percent of the time. My only real complaint was that  some of Brian's life today seems a little glossed over. I thought  Marilyn was not given the benifit of the doubt as much as  Melinda was. Nearest Faraway is not bad either, at least when the author writes about the group. He tended to go off topic quite a bit. If you really want a Pet Sounds book go with Granatta's. Avoid the Brian autobiography!

[MBE]

Surf's Up is a great discography but the author is a bit concieted and cheated some people. Still worth a read.

[mikeyj]

By the way.. I don't mind if it only goes up until 1981/82 that fine by me. The years from 1961 till 1981 would do me just fine. After 1985 I dont really care too much for the bands work, most of the good stuff had already passed. So even though it doesnt go up until 1985 I still dont mind too much.

[mikeyj]

Surf's Up is a great discography but the author is a bit concieted and cheated some people. Still worth a read.

Thanks MBE for your replies. I think I might get Surf's Up but I am still a bit unsure. I suppose I will have a look at it when I go to the stores. Whats this about Byron Preiss's book? What is that called again? Ive heard the name before but its lost on me at the moment?

[shelter]

Is it an interesting read though?

It's basically just a book of lists. Release dates, tracklistings, records by others that the Beach Boys appeared on, chart positions, stuff like that.

[mikeyj]

It's basically just a book of lists. Release dates, tracklistings, records by others that the Beach Boys appeared on, chart positions, stuff like that.

Oh ok. Well does it go into the music at all. Ie: give an analysis of each song or anything like that?

[MBE]

It does go into the unreleased music critically a little. Byron's book is called The Beach Boys.

[Exapno Mapcase]

Kingsley Abbott (ed), Back to the Beach.  A great collection of essays and interviews.  Make sure you get the updated edition.

[shelter]

Oh ok. Well does it go into the music at all. Ie: give an analysis of each song or anything like that?

No, it's really just cold hard facts. Lists with dates, names, numbers and titles.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Yeah. The Badman book is actually a better purchase.

Surf's Up is a great discography but the author is a bit concieted and cheated some people

That's putting it mildly.  That's like calling Mt Everest a rather large hill.


Get Catch a Wave. There are a few minor factual errors in there, but there's info I've never seen printed elsewhere, too.

[Malc]

If I was to pick two ... I'd go for 'Catch A Wave' ... and then hang in there for the US publication of Jon's excellent bio on David Marks "The Lost Beach Boy". Granted, it's not ALL BB related but it gives a fascinating insight into the formation and early years ...
Then again, I personally love the presentation of Joe Thomas' "Beach Boys On CD" book, or ever thought about branching out the scope a bit ? Check out the CMusic site for some excellent books on the entire 'surf and hot-rod music' genres !!
http://www.garyusher.com/cmusic.html

That's your birthday money for the next couple of years sewn up then ... 

[mikeyj]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions I will take them into consideration when buying them on the weekend.

[RickD]

depends on your interests -  the most interesting book I've read is -

THE WILSON PROJECT TAPES 1-10

http://www.garyusher.com/cmusic.html

great insight into the Wilson/Landy years.