NY Observer: 'Beyond the Life of Brian: The Myth of the ‘Lesser’ Beach Boys'

[CenturyDeprived]

Can someone please contact Al, Blondie, Ricky and David asap and ask them if they've seen the movie yet and if not why are they so anti Brian Wilson?

Have any of those BB members ever shown an ounce of what could be construed as jealousy directed toward Brian?

Mike's the only other living BB standing who really had any kind of pivotal role in the film. For him of all people, one would think, it would be more surprising to see him not want to see the film. Especially since he was involved (wasn't he? at least peripherally via Stamos) in another BB film for TV, which shows that he clearly has an interest in seeing the BB story represented on film.  I guess Mike only wants to see BB films that he himself can influence the final cut. I admit that from Mike's POV, it must be very weird to see a film portraying one's self that is not a film which the person being portrayed (Mike) had any say about creation-wise, especially when that person is a controversial figure, and the events are very controversial. Yet despite some people finding fault with some portions of the story and/or some events, I have yet to hear anyone really blast the film for saying that Mike was treated unfairly. I would honestly, really, truly like to know what he thinks of that.

Again, if he has reasons that he doesn't want to see the film, or reasons why if he has seen the film that he doesn't like it, fine. It would be cool to at least hear his honest opinion on why that is, instead of some paperthin excuse(s).  Maybe he thinks the masterpiece An American Family was the last word on the BBs story on film, and that it could not possibly be improved upon? I'm not even kidding...

Did Mike (or any other BB) ever comment on An American Family or Summer Dreams at the time of their releases?

Ultimately, Mike probably feels muzzled on publicly saying what he feels about the film, either based on having seen it (and not admitted to such), or via some friend/family of his having seen it and communicated to him how it was, and especially how he was portrayed. One of those two scenarios has surely played out. But no person is buying the "not enough time" excuse, and it's an insult to every fan's intelligence to even try to use that excuse.  

[CenturyDeprived]

I wonder if people gave Brian this much crap for taking decades to listen to POB?

I knew someone was gonna bring that up.

Firstly, I don't think that there was some weird bad blood and certainly no competition or ego issues behind that incident, if indeed a delayed listening is what in actuality happened. Secondly, Brian was going through such tough emotional stuff at the time that if it's true, I can't exactly blame him... Yet I do think everyone including Brian absolutely should have supported Denny more at the time. It's very, very unfortunate that they didn't. Al verbally has admitted to regretting such. I'll bet Brian privately regrets it too.

Bottom line is that it's apples and oranges to compare the two...

Do I think Mike is going through tough emotional stuff too? Probably yeah. But it seems quite rooted in ego/jealousy and that's the primary, unfortunate difference IMO.

Exactly. And in recent years Brian has spoken up about his love for POB. I think his reddit or Smiley Smiley Q&A mentioned his favorite song from it. Mike Love on the other hand is currently touting how much "awe and respect" he has "for Brian’s musical abilities" yet hasn't commented or publicly supported his cousin's most recent album.

I do honestly wonder though how much the title NPP has to do with Mike being pissed and not wanting to listen to it/praise it, or at least admit to listening to it. The title is a pun insult of sorts directed squarely at Mike, yet IMO a very justified dig considering C50's ridiculous demise.

If the album was called something other than NPP, I wonder if Mike would listen to it. Maybe if NPP was instead called IMWWMLIAR ("I Miss Writing With Mike Love In A Room")

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

Excellent, CD!!!   

[Mike's Beard]

Can someone please contact Al, Blondie, Ricky and David asap and ask them if they've seen the movie yet and if not why are they so anti Brian Wilson?

Have any of those BB members ever shown an ounce of what could be construed as jealousy directed toward Brian?

Mike's the only other living BB standing who really had any kind of pivotal role in the film. For him of all people, one would think, it would be more surprising to see him not want to see the film. Especially since he was involved (wasn't he? at least peripherally via Stamos) in another BB film for TV, which shows that he clearly has an interest in seeing the BB story represented on film.  I guess Mike only wants to see BB films that he himself can influence the final cut. I admit that from Mike's POV, it must be very weird to see a film portraying one's self that is not a film which the person being portrayed (Mike) had any say about creation-wise, especially when that person is a controversial figure, and the events are very controversial. Yet despite some people finding fault with some portions of the story and/or some events, I have yet to hear anyone really blast the film for saying that Mike was treated unfairly. I would honestly, really, truly like to know what he thinks of that.

Again, if he has reasons that he doesn't want to see the film, or reasons why if he has seen the film that he doesn't like it, fine. It would be cool to at least hear his honest opinion on why that is, instead of some paperthin excuse(s).  Maybe he thinks the masterpiece An American Family was the last word on the BBs story on film, and that it could not possibly be improved upon? I'm not even kidding...

Did Mike (or any other BB) ever comment on An American Family or Summer Dreams at the time of their releases?

Ultimately, Mike probably feels muzzled on publicly saying what he feels about the film, either based on having seen it (and not admitted to such), or via some friend/family of his having seen it and communicated to him how it was, and especially how he was portrayed. One of those two scenarios has surely played out. But no person is buying the "not enough time" excuse, and it's an insult to every fan's intelligence to even try to use that excuse. 

Or maybe having lived around Brian's mental illness up close for decades, he's not in a rush to kick back and watch a movie on it for a couple of hours no matter how tastefully well made it is. I expect he'll watch it at some point but it may not be #1 on the guy's priority list.

[SMiLE Brian]

Sueing  and ripping off BW's legacy is!

[CenturyDeprived]

Can someone please contact Al, Blondie, Ricky and David asap and ask them if they've seen the movie yet and if not why are they so anti Brian Wilson?

Have any of those BB members ever shown an ounce of what could be construed as jealousy directed toward Brian?

Mike's the only other living BB standing who really had any kind of pivotal role in the film. For him of all people, one would think, it would be more surprising to see him not want to see the film. Especially since he was involved (wasn't he? at least peripherally via Stamos) in another BB film for TV, which shows that he clearly has an interest in seeing the BB story represented on film.  I guess Mike only wants to see BB films that he himself can influence the final cut. I admit that from Mike's POV, it must be very weird to see a film portraying one's self that is not a film which the person being portrayed (Mike) had any say about creation-wise, especially when that person is a controversial figure, and the events are very controversial. Yet despite some people finding fault with some portions of the story and/or some events, I have yet to hear anyone really blast the film for saying that Mike was treated unfairly. I would honestly, really, truly like to know what he thinks of that.

Again, if he has reasons that he doesn't want to see the film, or reasons why if he has seen the film that he doesn't like it, fine. It would be cool to at least hear his honest opinion on why that is, instead of some paperthin excuse(s).  Maybe he thinks the masterpiece An American Family was the last word on the BBs story on film, and that it could not possibly be improved upon? I'm not even kidding...

Did Mike (or any other BB) ever comment on An American Family or Summer Dreams at the time of their releases?

Ultimately, Mike probably feels muzzled on publicly saying what he feels about the film, either based on having seen it (and not admitted to such), or via some friend/family of his having seen it and communicated to him how it was, and especially how he was portrayed. One of those two scenarios has surely played out. But no person is buying the "not enough time" excuse, and it's an insult to every fan's intelligence to even try to use that excuse.  

Or maybe having lived around Brian's mental illness up close for decades, he's not in a rush to kick back and watch a movie on it for a couple of hours no matter how tastefully well made it is. I expect he'll watch it at some point but it may not be #1 on the guy's priority list.

Well let's at least admit the "not enough time" thing is BS. That we can hopefully all agree on.

And yes, I can get behind what you are saying to a point, but specifically I think Mike seems to largely be allergic to anything that further gets Brian widespread love (directed at Brian specifically). Can you name me anything praiseworthy (without a dig saying it could be better with Mike's involvement) that Mike has ever said about anything from Brian's solo career, when Mike has been asked about it (and he indeed has)? I can't either.

Now I can agree that albums such as BW88 would in fact sound better with full 1988 BB vocals on it. Yet do you think that if tomorrow, Brian released a new solo album that was close to the quality caliber of Pet Sounds (no, I'm not holding my breath for that either), and if it sold real well too, that Mike would suddenly change his tune, and give said hypothetical album it's due praise in the press? I don't think so, because again, it's not about how good the music is or isn't, or even how much it sells. It's about something else entirely.

IMO, I don't think the film praises Brian at the expense of Mike and the Boys since it isn't trying to be an all-encompassing story of the band, but again I think any widespread positive attention directed at Brian (and not Brian and the Boys) poses a BIG problem for Mike, which seems to have happened with this film's reception. Untrue?

I very much want Mike to get his due praise, and to be loved and adored as much as he wants to be. Ain't ever gonna happen though until he gets some self-awareness.

[drbeachboy]

It is Mike's perogative whether to watch the movie or not. Like many of us do, we can make up any kind of excuse we want why we do or don't do things. Why on earth would anyone force our own thoughts and opinions on someone else? Oh sh*t, I forgot where I am.

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

Can someone please contact Al, Blondie, Ricky and David asap and ask them if they've seen the movie yet and if not why are they so anti Brian Wilson?

Have any of those BB members ever shown an ounce of what could be construed as jealousy directed toward Brian?

Mike's the only other living BB standing who really had any kind of pivotal role in the film. For him of all people, one would think, it would be more surprising to see him not want to see the film. Especially since he was involved (wasn't he? at least peripherally via Stamos) in another BB film for TV, which shows that he clearly has an interest in seeing the BB story represented on film.  I guess Mike only wants to see BB films that he himself can influence the final cut. I admit that from Mike's POV, it must be very weird to see a film portraying one's self that is not a film which the person being portrayed (Mike) had any say about creation-wise, especially when that person is a controversial figure, and the events are very controversial. Yet despite some people finding fault with some portions of the story and/or some events, I have yet to hear anyone really blast the film for saying that Mike was treated unfairly. I would honestly, really, truly like to know what he thinks of that.

Again, if he has reasons that he doesn't want to see the film, or reasons why if he has seen the film that he doesn't like it, fine. It would be cool to at least hear his honest opinion on why that is, instead of some paperthin excuse(s).  Maybe he thinks the masterpiece An American Family was the last word on the BBs story on film, and that it could not possibly be improved upon? I'm not even kidding...

Did Mike (or any other BB) ever comment on An American Family or Summer Dreams at the time of their releases?

Ultimately, Mike probably feels muzzled on publicly saying what he feels about the film, either based on having seen it (and not admitted to such), or via some friend/family of his having seen it and communicated to him how it was, and especially how he was portrayed. One of those two scenarios has surely played out. But no person is buying the "not enough time" excuse, and it's an insult to every fan's intelligence to even try to use that excuse. 

Or maybe having lived around Brian's mental illness up close for decades, he's not in a rush to kick back and watch a movie on it for a couple of hours no matter how tastefully well made it is. I expect he'll watch it at some point but it may not be #1 on the guy's priority list.

Priority list?? That's something I'd luHv to see. Quit making lame excuses for TWBC*. His priorities lie somewhere in the realm of touring, chicks, and staying away from home where he has to toe the line or else. 

[Cyncie]

Well, to be fair, Al hasn't made any comment about the movie that I'm aware of, either.  And, he's on good terms with Brian and touring with the guy. It's probably for the best that the band members just let this one play out. It's getting a lot of attention, a lot of press and is probably going to get some Oscar nods. Better to just leave any issues you might have unsaid in the face of the public support for Brian that this film has engendered. I think the film's success took everyone, including Brian, off guard.

Actually, I'm glad to see Mike exercise a bit of restraint and diplomacy for a change. We know "not enough time" is an excuse, but it's a diplomatic way of avoiding answering the continuous questions. Sure, we'd like to know what he thinks. But, maybe that's not in the best interest of the movie, the band and the fandom at this point. The movie is pushing Beach Boys albums back onto the charts. You know Mike's gotta like that!

As to the article… not sure where the writer got his journalism degree, but he really needs to get a refund on his tuition. Not only is the piece unapologetically biased and poorly researched, but he's obviously trying to create a controversy where none exists.  Kudos to Mike and Bruce for not falling for it.

With Mike and Brian playing at the public mutual admiration society, I do have to wonder what's going on behind the scenes.

[Lee Marshall]

What do these guys do while travelling between gigs?  I KNOW for a fact that Mike does radio interviews in order to set up upcoming shows.  Cool.  Maybe some phone calls and texting?  OK.  Lookin' out the window?  Maybe.  How about a 4 hour game of I spy with my little eye?

Not so much.

There is no way that someone could make a video of the movie available so that they watch it on the bus?  Really?  They fly to every show?  Doubtful in this day and age.  They have time to watch a 2 hour movie.  IF they want to warch it.  I bet they have.

And you know that for any number of reasons there is some real personal interest in seeing it.  I really don't 'buy' that they haven't made time to check it out or to listen to No Pier Pressure.  Human nature suggests that they are not being truthful here.

The question is...why?

[CenturyDeprived]

What do these guys do while travelling between gigs?  I KNOW for a fact that Mike does radio interviews in order to set up upcoming shows.  Cool.  Maybe some phone calls and texting?  OK.  Lookin' out the window?  Maybe.  How about a 4 hour game of I spy with my little eye?

Not so much.

There is no way that someone would make a video of the movie available so that they watch it on the bus.  They fly to every show?  Doubtful in this day and age.  They have time to watch a 2 hour movie.  IF they want to warch it.

And you know that for any number of reasons there is some interest in seeing it.  I really don't 'buy' that they haven't made time to check it out or to listen to No Pier Pressure.  Human narure suggests that they are not being truthful here.

The question is...why?

At least as far as NPP is concerned, it would seem to me there is a vested interest in not wanting to legitimize an album that proves an album can be done well without his involvement, "room" or otherwise. Which sadly is why I think Mike would cringe if it won a Grammy. In Mike's defense, as I pointed out earlier, the title of the album in and of itself probably wasn't exactly inviting to him personally. It's as big a dig (jokey or not) as one could deliver, and well-deserved.

[rab2591]

Regarding L&M, perhaps Cyncie is right and Mike doesn't want to create any waves in the face of a surge of public success for Brian and the Beach Boys music on the charts currently.

As for No Pier Pressure, that is a complete mystery to me. There are some fantastic songs on there, and if Mike is so in "awe" of the music his cousin creates, you'd think he would've listened to it by now. BUT perhaps no one has asked him about it recently. David Beard/Examiner should honestly ask Mike again about the album. Songs like 'Whatever Happened' and 'Sail Away' are phenomenal songs that any Brian fan could appreciate. Would love to hear Mike's take on them.

[Lee Marshall]

It also gives them a chance to add some NEW music to their shows...Beach Boys style mysic.  You really respect your cousin...love him, and his music?  Add Some to your concert day.  Or is Pieces Brother enough in terms of modern sounds?

One for all and all for BRI right?

[Cam Mott]

Is it mandatory that everyone see and love L&M just because some of us do?  Judging by past bio pics I am not shocked to hear they haven't rushed out and canceled previous commitments just to catch a screening. Maybe they intend to watch it on DVD in September.  They aren't really accountable to our speculations about imaginary scenarios and motives.

[GhostyTMRS]

Is it mandatory that everyone see and love L&M just because some of us do?  Judging by past bio pics I am not shocked to hear they haven't rushed out and canceled previous commitments just to catch a screening. Maybe they intend to watch it on DVD in September.  They aren't really accountable to our speculations about imaginary scenarios and motives.

Perhaps we're better off for them not watching it, otherwise you get stuff like this: http://www.contactmusic.com/sir-paul-mccartney/news/mccartney-annoyed-by-nowhere-boy_1143679

..and this.....http://kzok.cbslocal.com/2012/06/06/beatles-musical-backbeat-opening-in-l-a-before-broadway-run/

[guitarfool2002]

The film is only one aspect of the article. And there are issues with other parts of it too, ultimately it's an opinion piece, close to reading like an editorial. So whose minds are supposed to be changed after reading it? And why use that platform to do so? Keep in mind the last word the author had on the topic of the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson was an opinion piece on Brian's album, that read colder than a slice of pizza that had been left out overnight.

What struck me wasn't as much whether someone did or didn't see the film, but the impression that might be made is that Mike was just doing press last month for an indie film festival in New York where he was asked to be on the judges panel, says he watched a dozen or more films for that festival, says his favorite films are biographies or biopics, says he likes films that show the human condition and also made remarks about bullying and standing up to bullies...and the film where he of all people might be interested in watching and listening to see how it played out - even if only as a fan of biopics in general - still has not seen the film that fits the bill on everything he says he likes in a film. And features him and music he made in the 60's.

Can it not be said it's something of a head-scratcher to say the least?

If a childhood friend opens up, say, a burger restaurant in town that opened to rave reviews and has been the talk of the town, you as a friend on the most basic human level might consider stopping in to try it...and in the process just be there as implied support for the thing. Naturally, anyone can say I'd rather not go or I just don't have the time or whatever, and it's their right to go or not go to tghat friend's restaurant to sample the food that everyone is raving about.

But how would it look to the person who just opened their restaurant if their friend was just in the local papers and on the local news having been a featured judge of a statewide burger competition? And said in those articles how much they loved eating burgers and was honored to be a judge? And yet they couldn't stop in for a half hour to say hi and order something off the menu. Something wouldn't seem right about it, in fact the question might be "is there something wrong?" if you asked that friend why they didn't stop in. It wouldn't jive.

[Bill30022]

Mike is not the problem in this one. It is the interviewer.

[guitarfool2002]

Mike is not the problem in this one. It is the interviewer.

You're right in many ways, and that was why I questioned whether this was an interview or an opinion piece. Because it read like an opinion piece with a quarter-sized child's portion of an interview worked in for a purpose perhaps more in line with generating readership and web clicks than actually reporting information. It was an editorial. I wonder who had their opinions changed after reading it.

[Cam Mott]

Unless L&M was in the competition and Mike purposely avoided screening the film for the festival, I don't see what it has to do with having time or interest in seeing L&M on some fan timeline or expectation.  

Did the chef make a movie about making his burgers which some feel includes a less than accurate or supportive portrayal of his childhood friend?  

[guitarfool2002]

You're one of those "some" who feel that way, I guess? Wow.

[GhostyTMRS]

Wouldn't it be more like....Brian opens a Burger joint and invites his cousin Mike to be a partner along with some family members and a friend.

Brian and Mike's burgers are a huge hit! (occasionally other chefs are consulted for their input, but generally Brian turns to Mike to help him make the burgers)

Brian decides that he wants to work with another chef exclusively on a new burger recipe, Mike expresses reservations but goes along with it.

The new burgers win culinary awards but don't sell as well as the older burgers. Mike assumes that they'll go back to making burgers the way they used to.

They don't.

Instead, Brian decides to work with another chef on an even MORE esoteric burger. Mike is unhappy and he lets Brian know about it, but once again goes along with it.

Brian gets into some personal problems, the esoteric burger never happens, and he starts backing off from running the burger joint.

Mike and crew keep the burger joint running. It takes a long while to turn it around without Brian's guiding hand.

In that time, Brian's esoteric burgers become the stuff of legend, and yet Brian and Mike's early burgers are still profitable.

Someone decides to make a movie about Brian's personal problems and his esoteric burgers.

Mike is well aware that his and Brian's early burgers won't play a big role in the movie. It'll only focus on what was an upsetting time for Mike and he's been told that he's portrayed as a guy who's upset about those esoteric burgers.

Mike declines to see the movie.    

[guitarfool2002]

Mmmmmmm.....esoteric burger....

[GhostyTMRS]

 

[CenturyDeprived]

One thing about L&M... while it may not be perfect, while it may have its flaws, not be 100% accurate all of the time, and not please everybody and all the people portrayed... it does present Brian as a person who overcame some major adversity, and his is a survival story of a rather significant magnitude for an artist and just for an ordinary fellow who has had both incredible luck and incredible challenges.

That's why IMO it's kinda lame when people close to the story pretend they haven't seen it, or make excuses for not seeing it. It reminds me of when Mike skipped out of the Hawthorne monument dedication for the same "too busy touring" excuse. It's like, really? Really? At least Brian didn't say he was too busy to attend Mike's ELLA Award. He just plain didn't say anything, but no fake excuses were told, to my knowledge. Hell, maybe Mike's not attending L&M because Brian skipped the ELLA Award.

The "too busy" excuse, to me, makes me feel that those former bandmates who use this excuse wind up diminishing the overcoming-adversity message of the film, however unintentionally that may be.

Overcoming adversity is the point of the film, and while I can understand and empathize with people who are getting their feelings hurt by the film (VDP, Mike as I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly), it's not about them primarily. Other people who have been exploited and taken advantage of now have a piece of art which can be an advocacy piece for them, and the film perhaps can help a person or two or three... and at the end of the day, that's the important thing to remember. I wish all the parties that the film portrays could keep that in mind, or even better just sing kumbaya, and not feel slighted or get hung up on inaccuracies that may be a result of trying to tell a cohesive story in a 2 hour film, but perhaps that's expecting the impossible, because everybody wants to call the whaa-mbulance and make it be all about them.

Leggo their ego.

[guitarfool2002]

It would seem at least fair to see the movie or eat that burger before casting doubts on it based on what others have said. Maybe those opinions and biases were already in place before the film even got a final edit. That would be a damn shame. Sort of the equivalent of saying "I haven't been to the restaurant to try the burger yet, but I heard they're made from low-grade processed beef and I hope they don't use frozen patties instead of fresh ingredients!" Boom.