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Title: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: NatureShowInStereo on February 28, 2012, 01:18:59 AM I was going to make a thread in the Book Reviews thread, but I couldn't, so I'll make it here!
I've read WIBN:MOS and The Wilson Project (good pair, right?), but I was wondering what you guys liked as far as books go. What should I read next? I've got some money on my Paypal and want to buy the best Beach Boys book available. What's good and what do you like about it? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: hypehat on February 28, 2012, 01:24:54 AM I keep coming back to Peter Ames Carlin's Catch A Wave. As far as an all-encompassing biograph goes, it falls into few of the traps most do. It's funny and well-written, represents The Beach Boys in a truthful manner (which does mean he lays into them at points), and is light on errors and incorporates a lot of sources.
On the other hand, if you fancy some literary popcorn, try and find Heroes & Villains by Steven Gaines. Whilst poorly researched and inaccurate/opinionated at times, it is also extremely gossipy if you like that sort of thing. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: T2458 on February 28, 2012, 02:13:17 AM Too many books to choose from and unfortunately a lot of them repeat the same old stuff. The Gaines book was one of the first I got and is a good read. It's warts and all but has some really good contributors. Note to Hypehat - that's at least 2 copies in NX!
Otherwise search out copies of these 2 The Beach Boys and the California Myth by David Leaf - Published originally in 1978 it tends to sell expensively now but is a unique view of mostly Brian's world. Look! Listen! Vibrate! SMiLE! by Dominic Priore - This a photo heavy book charting the times around SMiLE's inception. Dominic Priore is a 60s enthusiast who contributed a lot to the SMiLE myth. And of course every library should have Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, The Complete Guide to their Music by AGD & John Tobler Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: hypehat on February 28, 2012, 02:56:06 AM Note to Hypehat - that's at least 2 copies in NX! ;D nice to meet you! Oh yeah, if you can find a copy of LLVS!, do it. A lovely artefact. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: shelter on February 28, 2012, 03:11:22 AM Depends.
- 'Catch a Wave' is the best book, the one that I always recommend to new fans that are curious about the story behind the band. - 'Heroes and Villains' is the most entertaining read. - AGD's book is the one I've read most often, and the one I always take with me on long trips. - The FAQ book because my name's in it. ;D Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Alan Smith on February 28, 2012, 03:28:26 AM On the other hand, if you fancy some literary popcorn, try and find Heroes & Villains by Steven Gaines. Whilst poorly researched and inaccurate/opinionated at times, it is also extremely gossipy if you like that sort of thing. All great books, but I'd recommend H&V as a must read - it's all about the people and politics behind the music and the BB image, and as a result, occasionally drifts into some things we didn't need to know. The opening chapter provides, if anything, an evocative and accessible account of Dennis's last weeks. The section on the Australian tour is engaging stuff, not to mention the Grillo/Rieley wars, and the inevitable Manson section is handled deftly. I think it's well researched (again, re the people - I do agree some assessments of the music are contentious), but I'm interested to hear if it's now considered an unreliable tome (and which bits). It's pretty old now (1986) and more recent research/gut-spilling may have worked to it's detriment. Oh, and it's said a fair bit of it was ripped off to inform WIBN:MOS. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: shelter on February 28, 2012, 05:46:21 AM All great books, but I'd recommend H&V as a must read - it's all about the people and politics behind the music and the BB image, and as a result, occasionally drifts into some things we didn't need to know. Downside though is that Gaines obviously isn't familiar with the music at all. It's been a few years since I've read the book and I haven't got it here at the moment, but from the top of my head I recall that he thought that Party was brilliant, that he called Today an album of mediocre car songs and that he writes about an untitled Beach Boys album that went to #1 in the mid 60s. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Fun Is In on February 28, 2012, 06:58:49 AM "Catch a Wave" gets my nod too. In addition to the above, it's also newer than the others mentioned.
I'm curious what people think of Timothy White's "The Nearest Faraway Place". I haven't re-read it since it came out but at that time it seemed interesing and informative. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: busy doin nothin on February 28, 2012, 07:05:12 AM I agree that Gaines makes a number of mistakes on the music, but as to the facts of the story, his research seems to be pretty accurate -- and it is very detailed. He spent a long time -- close to a decade -- talking to pretty much all of the key people. Gaines interviewed almost everyone who was close to the Beach Boys in the 60s and 70s -- including Brian, Dennis, Carl, Mike, and Al, as well as Audree Wilson, Stan and Stephen Love, Marilyn, Karen Lamm, and many others (even Steve Desper). Because of that I think his book is really the primary information source on the band as people. Some of the key sources are now dead, and the ones that are alive would be much less reliable now on the key subjects than they were when Gaines talked to them. For this reason (and because Gaines is a good storyteller), H&V is still -- and probably always will be -- the best biography.
I think AGD's book is the best on the music. Peter Ames Carlin did a good job uncovering some new sources, particularly about the early years when Brian was in high school. But he spends way too much time talking about song lyrics, many of which were written by Mike and thus of limited interest in relation to Brian. I thought his book overall was a disappointment. Also I am much less interested in the story of the band after Dennis died. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Lowbacca on February 28, 2012, 07:15:39 AM I was going to make a thread in the Book Reviews thread, but I couldn't, so I'll make it here! (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F-yTU23ML._SL500_AA300_.jpg)I've read WIBN:MOS and The Wilson Project (good pair, right?), but I was wondering what you guys liked as far as books go. What should I read next? I've got some money on my Paypal and want to buy the best Beach Boys book available. What's good and what do you like about it? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Howie Edelson on February 28, 2012, 07:22:53 AM A friend of mine recently made the leap from casual fan into the post-'67 eras.
I handed him copies of three books: 'Heroes And Villains,' Byron Preiss' book and Stebbins' FAQ. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Amanda Hart on February 28, 2012, 07:39:33 AM I'm curious what people think of Timothy White's "The Nearest Faraway Place". I haven't re-read it since it came out but at that time it seemed interesting and informative. I really enjoyed "The Nearest Faraway Place." I wouldn't use it to turn on new fans though, unless they are already really into music or California culture, because the beginning of the book is very detailed on California history, surf culture and Wilson family history. I could see where that level of detail could be boring or a turn-off to someone who's not really into it. But for people who are into the band, I highly recommend it. There are a lot of really interesting original interviews. White seemed to form a really good relationship with Brian and especially Dennis. He used interviews from the mid-70s through the early nineties when the book was published; they seem really honest. There is some pretty candid stuff, like Brian talking about his divorce and a really touching moment where Dennis talks about how lucky he is to even know Brian, let alone be his band mate and brother. Since the book is about 20 years old now, there is information that has been debunked, but it's still a great read. As far as a basic bio, I agree with the majority here. "Catch A Wave" covers all the bases in a mostly accurate and very readable way. I will say though, at this point, I have never read a Beach Boys book that was complete garbage, although Brian's bio comes close. There typically is something of value in every book. Whether there are pictures I've never seen or interviews I've never read and even just a new perspective to view a song, member or band as a whole with. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Smilin Ed H on February 28, 2012, 08:01:09 AM Nearest Faraway Place
Back to the Beach (edited by Kingsley Abbot) Andrew's guide Jon's biographies Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: rab2591 on February 28, 2012, 08:52:25 AM I'm curious what people think of Timothy White's "The Nearest Faraway Place". I haven't re-read it since it came out but at that time it seemed interesting and informative. I really enjoyed "The Nearest Faraway Place." I wouldn't use it to turn on new fans though, unless they are already really into music or California culture, because the beginning of the book is very detailed on California history, surf culture and Wilson family history. I could see where that level of detail could be boring or a turn-off to someone who's not really into it. But for people who are into the band, I highly recommend it. There are a lot of really interesting original interviews. White seemed to form a really good relationship with Brian and especially Dennis. He used interviews from the mid-70s through the early nineties when the book was published; they seem really honest. There is some pretty candid stuff, like Brian talking about his divorce and a really touching moment where Dennis talks about how lucky he is to even know Brian, let alone be his band mate and brother. Since the book is about 20 years old now, there is information that has been debunked, but it's still a great read. As far as a basic bio, I agree with the majority here. "Catch A Wave" covers all the bases in a mostly accurate and very readable way. I will say though, at this point, I have never read a Beach Boys book that was complete garbage, although Brian's bio comes close. There typically is something of value in every book. Whether there are pictures I've never seen or interviews I've never read and even just a new perspective to view a song, member or band as a whole with. Agreed with everything here. The Nearest Faraway Place is a very worthwhile read: It's true the first part is about the history of the Wilson lineage and the history of California - but it sets such a great background for the Beach Boys story. Also, White does a fantastic job painting the picture of the LA music scene during the early-late 60s. I highly recommend this and Catch A Wave. I also recommend 'Inside The Music Of Brian Wilson' if you are into recording/writing music. Jon's FAQ is a great read too - though it doesn't follow The Beach Boys in a chronological order, every chapter has great information. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Mike's Beard on February 28, 2012, 09:30:08 AM I'd recommend anything on the Beach Boys with the exception of Brian's 'autobiography', which may be the most expensive toilet paper I've ever purchased.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Ed Roach on February 28, 2012, 09:46:49 AM A friend of mine recently made the leap from casual fan into the post-'67 eras. I handed him copies of three books: 'Heroes And Villains,' Byron Preiss' book and Stebbins' FAQ. Would you have included The Real Beach Boy if you could have laid your hands on an extra copy? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Howie Edelson on February 28, 2012, 05:47:22 PM You know I would.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: NatureShowInStereo on February 29, 2012, 12:44:58 AM Thank you for the suggestions and ideas, guys!
I should add that I'm not a very new fan and that I'm looking for something that has a little more depth than your quick-version run of the mill BB story (I've seen most if not all of the video documentaries I could find). So there's a lot that I do know, but I feel like there's more out there for me to learn still. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: NatureShowInStereo on February 29, 2012, 01:57:21 AM I've noticed there are multiple editions of H+V... Any difference between them besides the outer appearance?
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: MBE on February 29, 2012, 04:30:29 AM I'd recommend anything on the Beach Boys with the exception of Brian's 'autobiography', which may be the most expensive toilet paper I've ever purchased. Took this list off the Whedon site. Read them all except for the Joe Thomas titles. Gary Zenker's Beach Boys A-Z, and many other fan publications that unlike Zenker reprint old articles, aren't here. Kingsley Abbott had done a few, and I remember there was a series called Busy Doin Nothing but I can't track it down or remember who did it. Again reprints I think. I bolded the ones I like best. A Biography In Words & Pictures Ken Barnes 1976 The Beach Boys: Southern California Pastoral Bruce Golden 1976 The Beach Boys John Tobler 1978 The Beach Boys and the California Myth David Leaf 1978 The Authorized Biography of America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band Byron Preiss 1979 Surf's Up! The Beach Boys On Record 1961-1981 Brad Elliott 1981 The Beach Boys Silver Anniversary John Milward 1985 The Beach Boys Dean Anthony 1985 Heroes & Villains: The True Story of the Beach Boys Steven Gaines 1986 Look! Listen! Vibrate! SMILE! Various 1988 Whale Music Paul Quarrington 1990 Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story Brian Wilson & Todd Gold 1991 The Wilson Project Stephen J. McParland 1991 Denny Remembered: Dennis Wilson in Words and Picture Edward Wincentsen 1991 Glimpses: A Novel Lewis Shiner 1993 The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and the Southern California Experience Timothy White 1994 The Beach Boys: In Their Own Words Nick Wise 1994 The Dark Stuff: Selected Writings on Rock Music 1972-1995 Nick Kent 1995 How Deep Is The Ocean? Paul Williams 1997 Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys: The Complete Guide to Their Music Andrew Doe & John Tobler 1997 Back To The Beach: a Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys Reader Various 1998 Add Some Music To Your Day: Analyzing and Enjoying the Music of The Beach Boys Various 1999 SMiLE, Sun, Sand & Pet Sounds Various 1999 The Real Beach Boy: Dennis Wilson Jon Stebbins 2000 Dumb Angel: The Life and Music of Dennis Wilson Adam Webb 2001 The Beach Boys Pet Sounds: The Greatest Album of the Twentieth Century Kingsley Abbott 2001 In The Studio with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: our favorite recording sessions: a look at various recording sessions by The Beach Boys, 1961 - 1970 Stephen J. McParland 2001 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers: The Beach Boys Mark Holcomb 2003 Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds Charles L. Granata 2003 The Beach Boys On CD Joe Thomas 2004 This Whole World: The Complete Beach Boys Single And EP Cover Collection Manfred Schmidt & Christian Haschke 2004 Brian Wilson Solo: The Complete Guide To The Solo Works of Brian Wilson Joe Thomas & Kie Miskelly 2004 The Japanese CD Releases of The Beach Boys & Brian Wilson Joe Thomas 2004 The Beach Boys: The Definitive Diary Of America's Greatest Band on Stage And In The Studio Keith Badman 2004 The Beach Boys: The Musical Evolution Of America's Band Robert G. Anstey 2004 (The oddest book I have ever read. Certainly the least professional. Maximum Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys Anonymous 2005 Smile: The Story Of Brian's Wilson's Lost Masterpiece Domenic Priore 2005 Pet Sounds Jim Fusilli 2005 Sloop John B: A Pirates Tale Al Jardine 2005 Brian Wilson: An Art Book Various 2005 Catch A Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Peter Carlin 2006 The Lost Beach Boy: The True Story of David Marks Jon Stebbins 2007 Inside the Music of Brian Wilson: The Songs, Sounds, and Influences of the Beach Boys' Founding Genius Philip Lambert 2007 Beach Boys Vs. Beatlemania: Rediscovering Sixties Music G.A. De Forest 2007 The Beach Boys: Essential Interviews John D. Luerssen 2009 The Beach Boys: The Complete History Wiki Editors 2010 My Life With The Beach Boys Jack Lloyd 2010 Brian Wilson: The Lowdown Unknown 2011 CD book I didn't bother with. The Beach Boys FAQ Jon Stebbins 2011 Also missing is the Steve Desper book which may be the most eye opening as far as giving all the band members their due, and revealing how involved Brian still was in the early seventies. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: The Heartical Don on February 29, 2012, 06:42:08 AM I keep coming back to Peter Ames Carlin's Catch A Wave. As far as an all-encompassing biograph goes, it falls into few of the traps most do. It's funny and well-written, represents The Beach Boys in a truthful manner (which does mean he lays into them at points), and is light on errors and incorporates a lot of sources. On the other hand, if you fancy some literary popcorn, try and find Heroes & Villains by Steven Gaines. Whilst poorly researched and inaccurate/opinionated at times, it is also extremely gossipy if you like that sort of thing. Seconded. And if you're a bit on terms with musical theory, then Inside The Music Of Brian Wilson by Philip Lambert is a must-read-and-have. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: hypehat on February 29, 2012, 05:30:20 PM Yeah, I need that book so much but it costs like £30 on amazon and, well, I need food ;D
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Andrew G. Doe on February 29, 2012, 11:23:17 PM My recommended BB bbookshelf (ya see what I did there ?):
Essential: Surf's Up! The Beach Boys On Record 1961-1981 Brad Elliott 1981 Heroes & Villains: The True Story of the Beach Boys Steven Gaines 1986 Look! Listen! Vibrate! SMILE! Various 1988 The Wilson Project Stephen J. McParland 1991 The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and the Southern California Experience Timothy White 1994 The Beach Boys: In Their Own Words Nick Wise 1994 How Deep Is The Ocean? Paul Williams 1997 The Real Beach Boy: Dennis Wilson Jon Stebbins 2000 In The Studio with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: our favorite recording sessions: a look at various recording sessions by The Beach Boys, 1961 - 1970 Stephen J. McParland 2001 Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys: The Complete Guide to Their Music Andrew Doe & John Tobler 2004 This Whole World: The Complete Beach Boys Single And EP Cover Collection Manfred Schmidt & Christian Haschke 2004 Catch A Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Peter Carlin 2006 The Lost Beach Boy: The True Story of David Marks Jon Stebbins 2007 Inside the Music of Brian Wilson: The Songs, Sounds, and Influences of the Beach Boys' Founding Genius Philip Lambert 2007 The Beach Boys FAQ Jon Stebbins 2011 Desirable: The Beach Boys and the California Myth David Leaf 1978 The Authorized Biography of America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band Byron Preiss 1979 The Beach Boys Silver Anniversary John Milward 1985 The Beach Boys: In Their Own Words Nick Wise 1994 The Dark Stuff: Selected Writings on Rock Music 1972-1995 Nick Kent 1995 Back To The Beach: a Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys Reader Various 1998 Add Some Music To Your Day: Analyzing and Enjoying the Music of The Beach Boys Various 1999 Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds Charles L. Granata 2003 The Beach Boys: The Definitive Diary Of America's Greatest Band on Stage And In The Studio Keith Badman 2004 Smile: The Story Of Brian's Wilson's Lost Masterpiece Domenic Priore 2005 Pet Sounds Jim Fusilli 2005 Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Dunderhead on March 01, 2012, 12:45:28 AM "In The Studio with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: our favorite recording sessions: a look at various recording sessions by The Beach Boys, 1961 - 1970 Stephen J. McParland"
Haven't heard of this one. Sounds interesting. Opinions? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 01, 2012, 01:17:06 AM "In The Studio with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: our favorite recording sessions: a look at various recording sessions by The Beach Boys, 1961 - 1970 Stephen J. McParland" Haven't heard of this one. Sounds interesting. Opinions? For the info geeks (i.e ME !) - it's a collection of about 100 AFM contracts from 1962-70. Not exactly light reading, but tons of great info. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Paulos on March 01, 2012, 02:44:46 AM Catch A Wave and The Complete Guide would be my recommendations for someone just getting into the Beach Boys world.
Whilst we are talking books, I picked up the book I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata which appears to be the exact same book as Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata, anyone know why my version has a different title? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Alan Smith on March 01, 2012, 03:50:54 AM Essential: The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and the Southern California Experience Timothy White 1994 Oh, Cool! An honoured guest recently suggested parts of this book were speculative versus factual, which confused me; I had enjoyed the BB detail AND the SoCal history/context (heavy going first read, illuminating and beyond on subsquent reads), and other posters had considered it a worthy article. I guess the lesson is to stock up on, then draw upon, a variety of the good stuff. Quote How Deep Is The Ocean? Paul Williams 1997 Just finished re-reading this one, shoulda mentioned it - a great left of centre book, "I believe you anyway" is superb, get it if you can Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: metal flake paint on March 01, 2012, 03:53:01 AM Quote I remember there was a series called Busy Doin Nothing but I can't track it down or remember who did it. A California Music production spanning five volumes in excess of 200 pages each, circa 1998. Included was a separate booklet index for easy reference. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: MBE on March 01, 2012, 05:22:12 AM Quote I remember there was a series called Busy Doin Nothing but I can't track it down or remember who did it. A California Music production spanning five volumes in excess of 200 pages each, circa 1998. Included was a separate booklet index for easy reference. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on March 01, 2012, 01:43:37 PM FAQ and the Badman book are indispensable and should be close at hand when reading any of the other books!
The Real Beach Boy and Dumb Angel are my favorites simply because Dennis is the most interesting Beach Boys for me. But I have to say I'd put Heroes And Villains at the top of this list because the Beach Boys story is so insane that reading this book is bound to make anyone who reads it obsessed about the band. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 01, 2012, 03:34:36 PM The Badman book is far from indispensable. Way too many errors and misleading entries.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: SG7 on March 01, 2012, 03:41:33 PM Nearest Farway Place. The history about the families is fasinating. A lot of things made sense after reading it. Plus Timothy White was a great person to do a book on them.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Myk Luhv on March 01, 2012, 10:11:12 PM This seems as good a thread to ask as any: Are there any books that deal with The Beach Boys as far as the mythology surrounding the band -- their own roles, consciously or not, in constructing this Southern California myth (or ideal if you prefer) as well as their place within that myth itself -- is concerned? I'm maybe thinking of the SoCal myth as an imagined community or as a piece of living folklore or something along those lines perhaps. It seems the White book (which I've not read) would be one (the only?) place where this is discussed at some length, although I recall some sections of Carlin at least touching on this facet of the group. Anything to help solidify my vague meanderings would be much appreciated!
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: KokoNO on March 01, 2012, 10:36:16 PM Heroes and Villains is the best. It's action packed! :lol
I mean, what other books talk about Dennis banging underage chicks and the boys, ahem, pulling out when they're younger? :hat Still, I think it cuts off circa 1986 or whatever. Not only is that before the band's greatest triumph ("Kokomo"), but it also excludes the Mike/Bruce years. However, I've concocted some very bizarre and mildly erotic stories involving the two's adventures over the last couple years. Maybe I'll write about it here sometime? >:D Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Disney Boy (1985) on March 02, 2012, 12:11:04 AM Peter Ames Carlin's Catch a Wave - brilliantly well researched and written, a really well balanced account. I find i agree with almost every single thing he says, particuarly that Johnny carson is the high point of Love You.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: NHC on March 02, 2012, 11:14:42 AM I really like Nearest Faraway Place, particularly the overall historical context and detail. I loaned it to Gary Usher Jr., who was managing a record store on Guam and playing guitar in an alt rock band, I guess you'd call it, (great player, BTW) at the time, and he felt the parts about his dad were generally OK.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: MBE on March 02, 2012, 03:39:22 PM Peter Ames Carlin's Catch a Wave - brilliantly well researched and written, a really well balanced account. I find i agree with almost every single thing he says, particuarly that Johnny carson is the high point of Love You. I like it until the Landy era ends. After that it just seems to be too politically correct on things since 1992. I like the early part with only a few mid seventies stories pushed back into the early seventies marring it. I give it a solid B+ but not quite top tier. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on March 02, 2012, 03:54:19 PM The Badman book is far from indispensable. Way too many errors and misleading entries. I know, I know, but I still consider it indispensible for all the great pics/info/and for all that it DOES get right! Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: metal flake paint on March 02, 2012, 11:12:51 PM Not books strictly speaking, but indespensible nontheless, the following fan publications containing contemporaneous clippings of articles/interviews provide a wealth of information:
The Beach Boys - The Early Years The Later Years The Middle Years The Middle Years revisited Brian Wilson- A Tortured Life All compiled and edited by Kingsley Abbott Brian Wilson- Beached or Bouyant, by S.K. Productions Beach Boys Artifacts Vol. 1-3 by Gary Zenker The Beach Boys - The Early Years, by Alan Clark The Phil Wilc0ck Archives Parts 1 & 2, by Phil Wilc0ck Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 03, 2012, 12:35:46 AM The Badman book is far from indispensable. Way too many errors and misleading entries. I know, I know, but I still consider it indispensible for all the great pics/info/and for all that it DOES get right! Problem with that is, you need to know more than the book lays out to know what IS accurate. Which renders it pretty useless except as a picture book. ;D Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Wirestone on March 03, 2012, 12:56:29 AM Peter Ames Carlin's Catch a Wave - brilliantly well researched and written, a really well balanced account. I find i agree with almost every single thing he says, particuarly that Johnny carson is the high point of Love You. I like it until the Landy era ends. After that it just seems to be too politically correct on things since 1992.I.e., it treats Brian and his family sympathetically and with a modicum of human decency. Can't have that! Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Alan Smith on March 03, 2012, 12:59:26 AM Not books strictly speaking, but indespensible nontheless, the following fan publications containing contemporaneous clippings of articles/interviews provide a wealth of information: The Beach Boys - The Early Years The Later Years The Middle Years The Middle Years revisited Brian Wilson- A Tortured Life All compiled and edited by Kingsley Abbott Brian Wilson- Beached or Bouyant, by S.K. Productions Beach Boys Artifacts Vol. 1-3 by Gary Zenker The Beach Boys - The Early Years, by Alan Clark The Phil Wilc*ck Archives Parts 1 & 2, by Phil Wilc*ck Hey Metal Flake - is it easy to acquire such items as listed, I am curious... Also , think if within someone's name, it's OK to say c*ck - cheers - Alholio Fuchen-Kunt Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: metal flake paint on March 03, 2012, 01:19:43 AM Not books strictly speaking, but indespensible nontheless, the following fan publications containing contemporaneous clippings of articles/interviews provide a wealth of information: The Beach Boys - The Early Years The Later Years The Middle Years The Middle Years revisited Brian Wilson- A Tortured Life All compiled and edited by Kingsley Abbott Brian Wilson- Beached or Bouyant, by S.K. Productions Beach Boys Artifacts Vol. 1-3 by Gary Zenker The Beach Boys - The Early Years, by Alan Clark The Phil Wilc0ck Archives Parts 1 & 2, by Phil Wilc0ck Hey Metal Flake - is it easy to acquire such items as listed, I am curious... Also , think if within someone's name, it's OK to say clock - cheers - Alholio Fuchen-Kunt I'd imagine that they'd be difficult to obtain today as I ordered them immediately when advertised in various fanzines. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: D409 on March 03, 2012, 03:57:12 AM Back To The Beach : A Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys Reader compiled by Kingsley Abbott
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Mark H. on March 03, 2012, 06:23:05 AM Sentimental favorite is David Leaf's book - got me all ramped up on SMiLE in the late 70s and that passion hasn't faded.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 03, 2012, 06:27:32 AM Mine too - back in the day the fan buzz was huge as it was the first major book on the band, and I still recall the sheer delight of getting it and reading it all in one sitting back in 1978. However, with 20/20 hindsight (the most exact science known to man), there are errors, myths not just perpetuated but actually created, and the viewpoint is seriously skewed.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: The Shift on March 03, 2012, 07:03:45 AM Absolutely correct Andrew. Yet it helped steer me, and I suspect many others, on to the path to Beach Boy obsession, and the spirit of the thing was well-meant, I believe.
Other scholars like yourself have come along since and corrected many of those skewed elements, as is the nature of historical research, but I'll always be grateful to David for writing what for the likes of us might be seen as one of the early gospels of the old testament. Most religions are based on myth and legend, after all! And now I'm hearing there might soon be a new place of worship in Toon Heartland… My own fave books, for the record, would include AGD's music guide, Peter Carlin's ’Wave, Kingsley Abbott's Back to the Beach (and his Pet Sounds book, which I thoroughly enjoyed), Jon S's FAQ. Jon's Real BB & Lost BB are fine additions, and BW's flawed WIBN is required despite all the errors, flubs etc etc. Have also been enthralled by MacParland's The Wilson Project. Back in the day it was Leaf's book, Tobler's book and the 25th anniversary book that I'd read myself to sleep with. My well-intentioned sister bought me a copy of Good Vibrations by Jacqueline Gold many years ago. Completely unrelated to the BBs but enjoyable nevertheless… any one else got that classic? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: MBE on March 03, 2012, 07:04:17 AM Not books strictly speaking, but indispensable nontheless, the following fan publications containing contemporaneous clippings of articles/interviews provide a wealth of information: I guess I've done well finding these as I am only missing. The Beach Boys - The Early Years The Later Years The Middle Years The Middle Years revisited Brian Wilson- A Tortured Life All compiled and edited by Kingsley Abbott Brian Wilson- Beached or Bouyant, by S.K. Productions Beach Boys Artifacts Vol. 1-3 by Gary Zenker The Beach Boys - The Early Years, by Alan Clark The Phil Wilc0ck Archives Parts 1 & 2, by Phil Wilc0ck The Middle Years revisited Brian Wilson- Beached or Bouyant, by S.K. Productions The Phil Wilc0ck Archives Parts 1 & 2, by Phil Wilc0ck Jon Stebbins wrote about Brian today honestly in FAQ but what Carlin wrote ended almost like PR. There has been no fairy tale ending. I'm hardly saying Brian's in hell Ala 1978 or 1988 but it's not this ideal situation that makes critique off limits. I like most of the book, but I'm being honest by saying I feel the last four chapters or so go along with the program. Enough to where I think they aren't worthy of what Carlin did before which was quite good. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: MBE on March 03, 2012, 07:14:09 AM Mine too - back in the day the fan buzz was huge as it was the first major book on the band, and I still recall the sheer delight of getting it and reading it all in one sitting back in 1978. However, with 20/20 hindsight (the most exact science known to man), there are errors, myths not just perpetuated but actually created, and the viewpoint is seriously skewed. I liked it a lot too back in 1990 when I got it, but now I think it isn't worth searching out. Though he's fine on Brian's music during certain periods (others are way under rated ala "Wild Honey"), he's lousy in that he makes Brian this poor helpless victim of everyone around him. Marilyn even got trashed. Also he's half hearted when discussing the rest of the group and even nasty. Had he not sold this as a Beach Boys book I still wouldn't like it but at least it would have been obvious in its bias from the start. It really should have been called "Brian Wilson and a Myriad of Myths".Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: hypehat on March 03, 2012, 08:15:12 AM Whilst we are talking books, I picked up the book I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata which appears to be the exact same book as Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata, anyone know why my version has a different title? Whilst I don't know about the differences, I just want to add a friend found this for me and it's rather nice - not anything groundbreaking, and his relationship with some of the songs is a bit weird (he keeps slagging off Sloop John B as 'out of place', which is a peeve of mine) but it's a charming read and quite well researched. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Mikie on March 03, 2012, 08:58:09 AM Beach Boys essential reading titles are in bold. Some are out of print now, but definitely worth seeking out. A * denotes highly recommended:
The Beach Boys: A Biography in Words & Pictures - Ken Barnes The Beach Boys: Southern California Pastoral - Bruce Goldin The Beach Boys - John Tobler The Beach Boys and the California Myth - David Leaf The Beach Boys: The Authorized Biography of America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band - Byron Preiss * Surf's Up: The Beach Boys on Record 1961-1981 - Brad Elliott The Beach Boys - Dean Anthony The Beach Boys Silver Anniversary - John Milward * Heroes & Villains: The True Story of The Beach Boys - Steven Gaines Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story - Brian Wilson with Todd Gold The Wilson Project - Stephen J. McParland * The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys, and the Southern California Experience - Timothy White In Their Own Words: The Beach Boys - Nick Wise Look! Listen! Vibrate! Smile! (3 issues) - Domenic Priore Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys: How Deep is the Ocean? - Paul Williams Back to the Beach: A Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys Reader - Kingsley Abbott Denny Remembered: Dennis Wilson in Words and Pictures - Edward Wincentsen Smile, Sun, Sand & Pet Sounds - Stephen J. McParland Add Some Music to Your Day: Analyzing and Enjoying the Music of the Beach Boys - Don Cunningham and Jeff Bleiel * The Real Beach Boy: Dennis Wilson - Jon Stebbins Dumb Angel: The Life and Music of Dennis Wilson - Adam Webb * In The Studio With Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys: Our Favorite Recording Sessions - Stephen J. McParland * The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds: The Greatest Album of the Twentieth Century - Kingsley Abbott Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds - Charles Granata * Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Beach Boys - Mark Holcomb The Beach Boys on CD - Joe Thomas Brian Wilson Solo: The Complete Guide to the Solo Works of Brian Wilson - Joe Thomas The Japanese CD Releases of the Beach Boys & Brian Wilson - Joe Thomas This Whole World: The Complete Beach Boys Single and EP Cover Collection - Manfred Schmidt and Christian Hascchke The Beach Boys: The Musical Evolution of America's Band - Robert G. Anstey Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys: The Complete Guide to their Music - Andrew G. Doe and John Tobler The Beach Boys: The Definitive Diary of America's Greatest Band on Stage and in the Studio - Keith Badman ** Brian Wilson: An Art Book - Alex Farquharson 33 1/3: Pet Sounds - Jum Fusilli The Story of Brian Wilson's Lost Masterpiece, Smile - Domenic Priore * Sloop John B: A Pirate's Tale - Al Jardine, il. Jimmy Pickering Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall & Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson - Peter Ames Carlin The Lost Beach Boy: David Marks - Jon Stebbins Recording the Beach Boys - Steven Desper * Inside the Music of Brian Wilson: The Songs, Sounds, and Influences of the Beach Boys' Founding Genius - Philip Lambert * The Beach Boys' FAQ by Jon Stebbins ** Read at your own risk. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: The Shift on March 03, 2012, 09:30:50 AM Whilst we are talking books, I picked up the book I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata which appears to be the exact same book as Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata, anyone know why my version has a different title? Whilst I don't know about the differences, I just want to add a friend found this for me and it's rather nice - not anything groundbreaking, and his relationship with some of the songs is a bit weird (he keeps slagging off Sloop John B as 'out of place', which is a peeve of mine) but it's a charming read and quite well researched. Could one be a UK edition and the other a US? I vaguely remember noticing something similar at the time it came out. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Paulos on March 03, 2012, 09:53:27 AM Whilst we are talking books, I picked up the book I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata which appears to be the exact same book as Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata, anyone know why my version has a different title? Whilst I don't know about the differences, I just want to add a friend found this for me and it's rather nice - not anything groundbreaking, and his relationship with some of the songs is a bit weird (he keeps slagging off Sloop John B as 'out of place', which is a peeve of mine) but it's a charming read and quite well researched. Could one be a UK edition and the other a US? I vaguely remember noticing something similar at the time it came out. I think you are right, 'I Just Wasn't Made For These Times'...was printed in the UK and now I think about it the difference in titles may be down to the fact that 'Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story' is still in print in Britain and the publishers of the Granata's Pet Sounds book didn't want any confusion with that piece of crap and so changed the title for the UK release. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: PS on March 03, 2012, 09:56:27 AM The Leaf book was terribly important to me when it first came out, and it still holds a special place in my heart - I was moved to tears about what seemed like a story that was inevitably destined to be about one of the great tragic figures of our time. Deeply appreciated the Tim White book for the Old Weird America kind of historical insight (well, let's just say this is as close to a Greil Marcus book as we're likely to get). I always reference Inside the Mind of BW for the musical insight. Dom's book was in my toilet reading rack for what seems like half a year. I also deeply appreciate the Barney Hoskins book called Waiting for the Sun, about the LA music scene in general - excellent book.
But the one that warms my heart the most must be the chapter on Brian and SMiLE in Lewis Shiner's Glimpses. I would imagine that many of you shared the same time machine rescue fantasy that I had, that if I could only go back to Laurel Way in late summer 66 (I did, 34 years later, but, paraphrasing, the title of the Phil Ochs' song (and Scorsese movie), Brian Doesn't Live Here Anymore), I could ingratiate myself into the scene, and eventually, after smoking some of that famous hash together, I could tell him who I am and where I come from, and offer him the roadmap, setlist and historical perspective to get 'er done and...so on. Glimpses gave me a glimpse of that fantasy, with a lot of knowing detail and a good feel for what it might have been like to be the "visitor with insight" who offers Brian the key (that great time machine fantasy to alter the timeline, as it were - see The Twilight Zone called No Time Like the Past). When I met Darian during the SMiLE concert DVD rehearsals, I talked to him about this, that in many ways he actually did get to do this, to live out this 'third party' scenario (lo these many years later) with Brian, Van, the insight of all the boots, and the perspective of time, abetted by a deep love of the music. He nodded in agreement, but also humbly dismissed his role in the story, as you knew he would... Anyone else care for Glimpses as a fictional approach to the telling of the tale? Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Jon Stebbins on March 03, 2012, 10:07:01 AM I was so excited about the Leaf book when it came out in the '70's...finally a really in depth book on the Beach Boys. Upon reading it I was was very demoralized, mainly because it gave Carl, Dennis, Mike, Al, Bruce and Dave little credit. It kind of pissed me off in a way. But i do understand it was a pioneer in bringing an understanding of the genius of Brian to many fans.
The Tim White book was another one I was really looking forward to, but it went in a direction that devoted a majority of its print space and research to genealogy and cultural anecdotes. But again, like Leaf's book, it was important in expanding aspects of the history of the band. The Heroes and Villains book was a guilty pleasure, it got inside the real band dynamics, but somehow almost ignored the music. That said, it was important in furthering understanding of the BB's history. One book that really turned me on was Look, Listen Vibrate Smile...I just couldn't get enough of that one. But its mostly an historical archive and not really a "written" book. But Dom definitely caught my passion with that book. I think Brad Elliot's Surfs Up book was an incredible source. Now much of it has become disposable...but at the time of its release it was like gold. Carlin's book was another one I had great expectations of...i think the middle of that book, some of the end, are great. He has smoothness to his style that makes it a comfortable read...and there are some definite revelations. I (personally) had a problem with the first third because he casually checks off his endorsement of many of the myths about the genesis and rise to fame of the band that by the time of his published release had been disproven and corrected. But his focus wasn't on '58 to '65...it was on the later periods. He did a good job on those. There are so many other highly valuable books like AGD's and Kingsley Abbot's and Paul Williams etc... Read them all. You will know more about the band if you do. On the other end...Badman's in particular is maddening. The format so beautiful, the photos and layout, the potential...but its like a gun that shoots backwards. You do not do yourself, or the BB's any favors by relying on its info. And top of the list of problem BB's books is Brian's "bio" WIBN. Don't bother with this...its a sham. But to all the authors, especially those who came before me, thank you for giving us a foundation to build on, we are still building, adding, remodeling, restoring and expanding. History is never completely written, it just motivates further research. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: The Shift on March 03, 2012, 02:21:01 PM Anyone else care for Glimpses as a fictional approach to the telling of the tale? Loved it. A very sympathetic work, albeit fiction of course. A fantasy pelled out. Also turned me on to The Doors, to be honest, as I'd previously only heard a live boot (still one of the best live albums I know tho'). Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Slow In Brain on March 03, 2012, 08:26:38 PM Gut Feelings - Carnie Wilson ;)
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on March 05, 2012, 12:01:36 PM The Badman book is far from indispensable. Way too many errors and misleading entries. I know, I know, but I still consider it indispensible for all the great pics/info/and for all that it DOES get right! Problem with that is, you need to know more than the book lays out to know what IS accurate. Which renders it pretty useless except as a picture book. ;D Yeah, but not all of us are obsessives over historical facts to the letter. No matter how much we know for sure, we're still watching our own little Beach Boys movie in our heads and the Badman book IS yes, a great picture book with some interesting information. Trust me, I know it's faults, but until something in a similar format comes out that is more accurate, it'll do. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: cablegeddon on March 05, 2012, 12:52:42 PM I was a new fan last year so I read Heroes and Villains. Great, great book. I felt like I got all the celebrity/gossip and career stuff.
I read Smile: The Story Of Brian's Wilson's Lost Masterpiece by Dominic after watching Beautiful Dreamer and I thought it was a piece of crap. It was like I got nothing new from the book and it was several hundreds of pages long :-[ Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: hypehat on March 05, 2012, 01:43:09 PM I was a new fan last year so I read Heroes and Villains. Great, great book. I felt like I got all the celebrity/gossip and career stuff. I read Smile: The Story Of Brian's Wilson's Lost Masterpiece by Dominic after watching Beautiful Dreamer and I thought it was a piece of crap. It was like I got nothing new from the book and it was several hundreds of pages long :-[ It's not one of my favourites, but it's totally worth it for the VDP interviews. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: bringahorseinhere? on May 10, 2014, 07:38:03 AM has anyone got the 'complete beach boys singles and e.p collection book' ??????
I can't find much information about it, other than two amazon reviews.... I'm a record freak and this book sounds good, and is it really 'complete'???? Thanks, RickB Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: kookadams on May 10, 2014, 10:14:01 AM Ive got Heroes&Villains, Nearest Faraway Place, In their own words, Complete Guide, Dumb Angel and Catch a Wave/ I still gotta read Catch a Wave. Ive also got Surf City/Drag City and Dom Priores two books.
Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: bringahorseinhere? on May 10, 2014, 10:16:38 AM yeah I have a few too, but I'm really interested in this single/e.p book, but if its not 'great' ill forget it....
surely one us has a copy and can tell me what is good and bad about the book? RickB Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: metal flake paint on May 10, 2014, 02:43:40 PM has anyone got the 'complete beach boys singles and e.p collection book' ?????? I can't find much information about it, other than two amazon reviews.... I'm a record freak and this book sounds good, and is it really 'complete'???? Thanks, RickB Although Beach Boys on 45 http://www.beachboys45.nl/index.htm (http://www.beachboys45.nl/index.htm) will eventually be more complete, IMHO, "This Whole World" is still well worth getting. But don't just take my word for it ;D http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,4287.0.html (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,4287.0.html) Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: JK on May 11, 2014, 03:17:41 AM yeah I have a few too, but I'm really interested in this single/e.p book, but if its not 'great' ill forget it.... I saw it in a discount store years ago and bought it for a fellow BB fan who was very keen to have it. If no-one else chimes in, I can put you in touch with him. surely one us has a copy and can tell me what is good and bad about the book? RickB (http://www.beachboys.com/thiswholeworld.gif) Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: smile-holland on May 12, 2014, 12:43:33 AM has anyone got the 'complete beach boys singles and e.p collection book' ?????? I can't find much information about it, other than two amazon reviews.... I'm a record freak and this book sounds good, and is it really 'complete'???? Thanks, RickB Although Beach Boys on 45 http://www.beachboys45.nl/index.htm (http://www.beachboys45.nl/index.htm) will eventually be more complete, IMHO, "This Whole World" is still well worth getting. But don't just take my word for it ;D http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,4287.0.html (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,4287.0.html) I can definitely recommend this book. If you love collecting the BB on 45 or EP, this book will make you drool from frustration (knowing you’ll never find all of them). It’s a picture book showing practically all picture sleeves, rubricated by country, with a bit of background info on each country of release. Complete? Almost. My guess is that 98-99% is shown here. It’s not a complete discography. Releases without PS aren’t shown (except for the German Ariola one), but that’s where www.beachboys45.nl takes over. Expect this book to be a onetime release only. Not many were pressed. It’s a labour of love from a couple of true BB aficionado’s, made for BB fans. Get it while you can. Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Micha on May 12, 2014, 01:02:05 AM The Badman book is far from indispensable. Way too many errors and misleading entries. I know, I know, but I still consider it indispensible for all the great pics/info/and for all that it DOES get right! Problem with that is, you need to know more than the book lays out to know what IS accurate. Which renders it pretty useless except as a picture book. ;D You should write a Keith Badman companion in which all errors are listed. :-D Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Andrew G. Doe on May 12, 2014, 01:12:50 AM Nah - I'd make too many errors. :old
If you could have just five BB/related books, I'd recommend these: Catch A Wave - Peter Ames Carlin The Beach Boys In Concert - Ian Rusten & Jon Stebbins The Beach Boys FAQ - Jon Stebbins Dumb Angel Gazette #3 - Look ! Listen ! Vibrate ! SMILE !! ed. Domenic Priore The Wilson Project - Stephen McParland Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: Jon Stebbins on May 12, 2014, 10:06:18 AM If you could have just five BB/related books, I'd recommend these: Catch A Wave - Peter Ames Carlin The Beach Boys In Concert - Ian Rusten & Jon Stebbins The Beach Boys FAQ - Jon Stebbins Dumb Angel Gazette #3 - Look ! Listen ! Vibrate ! SMILE !! ed. Domenic Priore The Wilson Project - Stephen McParland Title: Re: Favorite/Best Beach Boys-related book? Post by: TheLazenby on May 13, 2014, 03:25:38 PM I love "Look! Listen! Vibrate! Smile!", which is a great collection of press clippings from before, during, and after the Smile debacle.
Fittingly, the book is rather fragmented and collage-like, much like the album. |