The Smiley Smile Message Board

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-kearney/i-am-brian-wilson-a-memoi_b_11772990.html

Thanks, Swervy

We need it in the midst of some clueless clown's death threats here.  Back to the light.

Wow, thanks !
That's the type of memoir I want to read.

Finally! :)

FYI - Just clicked the link and it was removed. 

Uh oh.  Somebody at Kokomo surely removed it. 

 :lol

I have no idea what happened, but the link has been removed.  At least some got to read it, several in tears as I was told (including me), it was so inspiring.  The good news is that we have the book coming soon, so we can be inspired all over again.

So what did it say ?

Yeah...I wish I would've caught it in time!

I wish I had copied it to paste, but I didn't.  So sorry.  I'll watch to see if it reappears.

Is this ethical? Mods, please remove if it is not. I found the cache:


‘’Music is the solution,’’ writes Brian Wilson in his new memoir.

How can a man who is deaf in one ear and plagued by voices in his head create some of the most groundbreaking songs in history? I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir written by Brian Wilson with Ben Greenman shows you how. In his honest yet hesitant voice, Brian Wilson takes you on a journey into the life of a creative genius, exploring his turbulent life and creative influences and how, regardless of his inner and outer demons, there is always hope.

Best known as co-founding member of The Beach Boys, Wilson’s life story is no beach. Some may call this a memoir of a musical genius but in many ways it’s simply a memoir of a man, who, just like the rest of us, is trying to find his way through life and make sense of all his struggles. Everybody, when faced with hardships, has some kind of coping mechanism to lean on when times get tough. Wilson has tried the lot: drugs, alcohol, and social isolation. But in the end, his escape always comes back to his first true love: music. Music is, after all, the solution.

I am Brian Wilson: A Memoir isn’t the kind of book you can read in a day. Like a summer vacation, you want it to last forever. You don’t want to jump in the ocean and go straight home. You want to take your time and absorb every thought, every doubt, every feeling that crosses the mind of one of the world’s most influential composers. And that’s exactly what you get from this book.

When Brian Wilson was in his senior year of high school, he penned a paper called ‘’My Philosophy’’ where he talks about how he saw the world. From the way he constantly questions and reflects on things throughout this book, it’s clear that Wilson is just as curious today as he was as a teen - a clear sign of a true artist. Maybe we never get to find the answers to our questions but we can learn to make sense of them for ourselves, in our own way. Sometimes, as the saying goes, you have to go back to move forward. It’s not always easy to talk or even think about the tough parts of your life. But for our own sake, we need to understand them....somehow.

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. Instead, ‘’I have to try to understand him,’’ as he says. Just like he doesn’t let limits rule his music, he neither lets the wrath of his father dominate his life. That being said, he does talk a lot about his father. You get the impression that he’s still trying to make sense of that relationship even today.

Wilson prefers to reflect on memories of his two dead brothers and band mates, Carl and Dennis, and on his creative influences. If you want to know what inspired hits like ‘’God Only Knows’’ and ‘’Good Vibrations’’ to be made, this book will show you. You can literally watch a single thought or feeling transform into a song and, music lover or not, it’s mesmerizing. It’s like watching an artist at work, only, instead of merely watching, you feel like you’re in Wilson’s mind and part of his thoughts. It’s a great place to be if you want to know how musicians function.

Music, however, isn’t Wilson’s only love. From the way he refers to her in almost every paragraph of the book, you can tell that he adores Melinda Wilson, his wife of 21 years. She’s seen it all: the ups and the downs. ‘’Without her I might have still been the last surviving Wilson, but I wouldn’t have been completely alive,’’ says Wilson.

As a memoir, honest and insightful. But it’s very much a memoir of a musician. From reading this book, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the man behind some of the world’s greatest hits and for music in general. Music is Brian Wilson. Music is the solution.

Thank you john

Damn onions. *sniff*

 :'(

That is a nice palate clenser, indeed.

Thanks so much!  I sure hope this is ethical - but not being a mod I wouldn't know.

I felt terrible about letting everyone down when the link went down.  You saved the day.

If the link goes back up then maybe it'll be revisited. Right now it's not only fine but appreciated

"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?

Supposedly that's from Brian's new book...I say 'supposedly' because I don't have it yet!

"The man who defended Brian with his fist" strikes me as a very odd line.

I think it was 'deafened Brian with his fist' and auto correct changed it

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.

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

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

Great to hear Billy! ;D

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

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 :lol

It's a Castillo thang!

Lol

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.

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...

Completley off-topic I know, but...

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

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.

8)

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.

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.

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.

That sucks :(

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.

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.

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.

That line just really hit me

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.

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.

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?"

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.

Well said.

How was it relevant? People on this board were being trashed by a member who was upset at the way he was treated and crying foul. It was being broadcast to thousands of people that this community was a bunch of arseholes, and the member who didn't like the dialogue chose to make jokes about the mass murder of the members here. Bad taste, over the line? It was in direct reference to the people here, and was an example of someone crying foul about the treatment he received after he had cracked jokes about murdering the members here.

The words and the context were posted for all to see. If you may disagree with it, that's your call obviously. But people I think should be aware that they're being trashed to potentially thousands of people who have no knowledge of this board by someone who was offered numerous opportunities to have a dialogue about his articles, comments, and whatnot, and chose instead to go public and call everyone here assholes and joke about their mass murder at the same time saying he got a raw deal here.

Now anyone reading can judge for themselves based on the context and the character of those involved, as they please.

Double standards? I guess trashing people directly and by name who are members here, on forums and social media outlets where they are not members and cannot reply directly is OK, or is that part of the "nice" aspects of other forums that are all about discussing the music?

Paul JB; Let me ask if I'm understanding your comments correctly. Jim Murphy's comments were posted as a reaction to "nitpicking" of Mike's book?  Or was the fact-checking legit in this case in the interest of getting the facts straight? It sounds like you're suggesting a double standard, where checking "facts" in one book based on advance copies is what you call nitpicking, but in the other it's "legit". That sounds like a double standard. If someone points out a discrepancy, how is it nitpicking for one but "legit" for another? They're either both legit or they're both nitpicking.

Though I infinitely prefer Brian as a person and as an artist, I must say I'm looking forward more to Mike's book. I want to read about the band tensions, the little betrayals, the nitty-gritty politics of songwriting credits, the business double dealings, the ego trips, in short -- the gossip.

I already know everything I need to know about Brian -- it's all there in the music. Not saying I won't read his book with interest, but I suspect it will be little more than an addendum to his true autobiography, the records he made.

(Though maybe I'm wrong, and it will offer new insight and enrich what we know about his art. We'll see.)

I'm interested only in the music, and can hope to read some insights in Brian's book. Not in the other.

I really don't mind what he writes about. It could be about his favourite arm chair. As long as its 100% Brian that's all that matters. Don't want history repeating itself like that first "autobiography".

Same with me. Hell, I'd love to hear his thoughts on non musical topics too, like baseball

Yea that'd be interesting. I remember there was an interview where it kind of derailed and Brian brought up the topic of ufos. Those type of conversations are so much more interesting than the things we already know.

https://books.google.com/books/about/I_Am_Brian_Wilson.html?id=9CmiBQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button#v=onepage&q&f=false

Preview the book here

It says its not available to preview

Glad I opened it when I did then!

His comment about Jeopardy made me laugh

Damn that was taken off quickly :-[

Works for me.  ;D

I can't get a preview either (in the Netherlands). Must be a local thing. 

Must be, oh well we'll get to read it sooner or later.

Thanks for the link.
Oh, Landy was such a creep -

I finally had time to read what was available. I love the voice and the tone - so Brian.  Because of the brutality all over the internet (and sometimes here) and in the media, it actually took me a few pages to hear Brian's wonderful voice again outside the music - I'm so used to being on the defensive and a bit shell-shocked. 

Then it all managed to sink in and it was so, I don't know, soothing, refreshing, sweet, whatever - like his music.  What a kind and generous soul, yet really honest.  I can't wait for this book.

And for all of you people who reference the "Mike-haters," Brian clearly speaks of the younger days in this book and how much he enjoyed Mike - both joining his "brother band" of vocalists as he taught them all the parts in their teen days - and his sense of humor.  Clearly, I haven't seen the rest of the book, but I doubt that Brian suddenly turns into an angry soul.  It's such a relief from life these days.

From what we've seen so far, thanks Brian.

Go ahead, call me a "cheerleader" - I'm enthused.  If you don't like it, post another cartoon of me.

I have a question, if I'm a cheerleader, what the hell was Iain Lee for Mike's book - well aside from the snarky attacks and death threats on all of us?  And you guys talk about "double standards."  Right.

Iain was a waterboy.

Unless someone can correct me (and I'm open - please, do tell...), from my experience, the guy is a pathetic has-been who wasn't particularly funny (or Ricky Gervais might have hired him), and now has sunk to the level of trolling message boards, stupidly offering death threats and a hit piece - oddly in the middle of a fluff piece for Mike Love's book.  I don't know what else to say.  I certainly hope someone was paying him for his nonsense, or it's even sadder.

Npw, back to the link to Brian's book - I'm guessing he doesn't care about any of these clowns - just sharing his loving music - by what we've seen so far.

I don't know, but some idiot spouting snark or trying to damage Brian's image, as opposed to "God Only Knows" is a pretty simple choice for me.

Brian doesn't play these types of games. And from the little bit I've read in the previews, it seems very much like Brian, and the 'jumping around' adds to it.

The think with Landy putting his hand on Brian's lap to see if Brian was still "interested " in people gave me the creeps.

I only met Landy once in person, and it was very brief, but genuinely creepy.  Aside from that, I had a few middle-of-the-night phone calls that were obviously from the Surf Nazis, given that after they gave me phony explanations as to who they were (I was still waking up), they also started grilling me about if I'd said anything critical of Landy.  I wasn't exactly seeking attention or fame and was working at one of my usual, regular jobs, but they were asking me about Mae Rovell's comments on a private phone call about Landy - like I'd know.  Weird, sick people.

But Brian has moved on with a wonderful family.  The tragic thing is that friends and I were suggesting those UCLA doctors at least, as early as 1980.  But it took Melinda and Gloria to seal the deal.  I'm thinking if destiny exists - this would be an example.

I'm looking forward to maybe more excerpts of Brian's book, or simply the book itself.

You brought up something interesting. .if this never had happened,  Brian might not have met Melinda. 

It's amazing how things play out

Yes. I try not to play god/dess and deal with current realities.  Then again, I don't think any of us are especially good at that, even though we try.

Brian's life turned out amazingly well after all that he went through.  I'm really grateful for that.

On another note, I just realized how badly I want a rabid lapdog.  That could simplify my life in a lot of ways.   :police:

I completely misread that as "rabid laptop"

I just read the preview of Brian's book and absolutely loved it.
Then I went to Amazon to pre-order, and I saw that Mike's book is labeled as a "Best-Seller" and Brian's isn't. Maybe that's just due to Mike's earlier release date.  ???

It's also getting a lot of hype due to the Manson thing

I read an excerpt from the link and I want to read more.  Putting aside my view as a fan, I have my doubts about Brian's ability to be an accurate historian.  I've read of too many instances where he's given two versions for the same event.  I wonder how much of this book is truly BW and how much is the writer reconstructing events from articles and interviews. 

Tabloid press sells.  I doubt Mike is unaware of this.

I don't think Brian will be going for the lurid headline.

If I'm correct, I like it that way.

if it was a reconstruction,  the writer did an uncannily accurate reconstruction of Brian's speech patterns and way of saying things.  Very uncanny , like cam Mott meets Mike Love uncanny