The Wilson Project now expanded

[GoogaMooga]

Yes, folks, it has now been expanded into a 232 page book, unfortunately sold out, but I will search for it:



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

THE WILSON PROJECT TAPES 1-10

SOLD OUT !

This 232 page book brings together the acclaimed 1993 book, THE WILSON PROJECT, telling the story of the struggle encountered by Gary Usher in his attempt to provide a creative musical atmosphere for his old friend, Brian Wilson, then encumbered by the shadow of Dr. Eugene E. Landy, and BRIAN WILSON TAPE #10, the briefly available and limited issue that brought the story to its end, complete with reproductions of various documents, court depositions, memorabilia and handwritten lyrics.  Now as the one book, THE WILSON PROJECT TAPES 1-10 is an insightful look at the dealings that prevailed during the mid to late '80s that eventually led to the release of BRIAN WILSON, the Beach Boy leader's first solo LP issued by Sire Records in July 1988.  THE WILSON PROJECT TAPES 1-10 is based on a 10 audio cassette diary maintained by Gary Usher during the "ordeal" and captures the day by day interaction, the creative out-pourings and the problems faced by Usher and Brian Wilson as they struggled to produce a foundation upon which Wilson could be re-introduced to contemporary music.  THE WILSON PROJECT TAPES 1-10 exposes the total control exercised by "the good doctor" over his patient. It also concerns the battles that ensued for Brian's well-being and musical soul. It is a story that proves beyond a shadow of doubt that FACT is STRANGER than fiction.  THE WILSON PROJECT TAPES 1-10, besides the main story, includes full recording particulars and a total of five appendices to expose the full INSIDE story; a sad melancholy tale with humour, drama and all the machinations of a Shakespearean play.

PRICE PER BOOK $US45 PLUS POSTAGE

[jeffcdo]

It looks like half the stuff on that page is out of stock.

[GoogaMooga]

It looks like half the stuff on that page is out of stock.

I know, it's a bummer.

[GoogaMooga]

I saw a CD of The Wilson Project Gary Usher sessions on amazon, but no longer available. Another item to look for, it's simply called The Wilson Project.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I saw a CD of The Wilson Project Gary Usher sessions on amazon, but no longer available. Another item to look for, it's simply called The Wilson Project.

Probably vanished because someone tipped amazon the nod that it was several degrees less than legal. 

[bgas]

I saw a CD of The Wilson Project Gary Usher sessions on amazon, but no longer available. Another item to look for, it's simply called The Wilson Project.

Probably vanished because someone tipped amazon the nod that it was several degrees less than legal. 

And all based on the delusional memoriesof one, grandstanding, Gary Usher.

[The Heartical Don]

I saw a CD of The Wilson Project Gary Usher sessions on amazon, but no longer available. Another item to look for, it's simply called The Wilson Project.

Probably vanished because someone tipped amazon the nod that it was several degrees less than legal. 

And all based on the delusional memoriesof one, grandstanding, Gary Usher.

  care to elaborate a bit?

[Mikie]

Yes, please clarify.

1. Was unaware that there was a CD version of "The Wilson Project" available. Are the two books consolidated and available on CD now? And it's unauthorized?

2. Was unaware that Gary Usher was dilusional and was grandstanding. Why do you say that, Bgas? Please, do tell.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Yes, please clarify.

1. Was unaware that there was a CD version of "The Wilson Project" available. Are the two books consolidated and available on CD now? And it's unauthorized?

2. Was unaware that Gary Usher was dilusional and was grandstanding. Why do you say that, Bgas? Please, do tell.

Think we're getting our Wilson projects in a twist. The book, authorised by and with immense input from Usher, is only available as a book. or would be, were it, er... available. 

The CD mentioned is, of course, an entirely unofficial release. Usher's son mantioned several eyars back that he'd like to see the Wilson/Usher demos as a legal release, but nothing else was heard on that score.

As to the book and the contents, there's been some debate as to the accuracy of Usher's recollections at certain points, and of course he had a personal agenda that included presenting himself in the best possible light at all times.

This is probably going to get me excommunicated in certain quarters, but I just cannot understand the adulation for Usher's surf/car/fun early sixties material and productions. Even compared with his immediate peers, without exception they sound weedy and thin: set alongside what Brian was achieving as early as spring 1963, it's acutely embarrassing. Usher in those days was a knock-off merchant: he went on to do credible work with the likes of The Byrds, but otherwise...

[Mikie]

Think we're getting our Wilson projects in a twist. The book, authorised by and with immense input from Usher, is only available as a book. or would be, were it, er... available. 

Ah, OK.  Yeah, the book was a two-parter; Vol. 1 & 2.  That is currently unavailable. So you're saying there's a CD out now containing music (the Wilson/Usher demos, presumably from around 1986).

I wonder what Steve McParland thinks about  the accuracy of Usher's recollections. I imagine Gary's memory of Landy, Mike Love, and Brian was pretty clear 3 or 4 years after what transpired at Usher's house/studio.

[Mike's Beard]

Yes, please clarify.

1. Was unaware that there was a CD version of "The Wilson Project" available. Are the two books consolidated and available on CD now? And it's unauthorized?

2. Was unaware that Gary Usher was dilusional and was grandstanding. Why do you say that, Bgas? Please, do tell.

Think we're getting our Wilson projects in a twist. The book, authorised by and with immense input from Usher, is only available as a book. or would be, were it, er... available. 

The CD mentioned is, of course, an entirely unofficial release. Usher's son mantioned several eyars back that he'd like to see the Wilson/Usher demos as a legal release, but nothing else was heard on that score.

As to the book and the contents, there's been some debate as to the accuracy of Usher's recollections at certain points, and of course he had a personal agenda that included presenting himself in the best possible light at all times.

This is probably going to get me excommunicated in certain quarters, but I just cannot understand the adulation for Usher's surf/car/fun early sixties material and productions. Even compared with his immediate peers, without exception they sound weedy and thin: set alongside what Brian was achieving as early as spring 1963, it's acutely embarrassing. Usher in those days was a knock-off merchant: he went on to do credible work with the likes of The Byrds, but otherwise...

I bought a Gary Usher boxset recently called "Barefoot Adventure". It's average at best and a few tunes are terrible! Gary could not sing period. I think the sheer size of his early 60's output meant the quality controll was pretty low. Crappy Moogs aside, his Byrds stuff was amazing and so was the first Sagittarius record. As proud as I am to have got my hands on a copy of "The Wilson Project" after months of scouting, Gary does paint himself as somewhat Saint like in it and frankly songs such as "Heavenly Bodies" suck. 

[Mikie]

Wait. The CD that was recently available on Amazon. Is that the same "Wilson Project" CD that was put out by Invasion Unlimited many years ago? Or was it a knock-off of that? And there was another one put out by Vigotone called "21 Little Ones" that also had most of the Brian/Usher stuff on it.

Agreed on "Barefoot Adventure".  Sorry you had to pay for that........

[smile-holland]

If that the same "Wilson Project" CD that was put out by Invasion Unlimited many years ago?

Most probably, yes.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Yes, please clarify.

1. Was unaware that there was a CD version of "The Wilson Project" available. Are the two books consolidated and available on CD now? And it's unauthorized?

2. Was unaware that Gary Usher was dilusional and was grandstanding. Why do you say that, Bgas? Please, do tell.

Think we're getting our Wilson projects in a twist. The book, authorised by and with immense input from Usher, is only available as a book. or would be, were it, er... available. 

The CD mentioned is, of course, an entirely unofficial release. Usher's son mantioned several eyars back that he'd like to see the Wilson/Usher demos as a legal release, but nothing else was heard on that score.

As to the book and the contents, there's been some debate as to the accuracy of Usher's recollections at certain points, and of course he had a personal agenda that included presenting himself in the best possible light at all times.

This is probably going to get me excommunicated in certain quarters, but I just cannot understand the adulation for Usher's surf/car/fun early sixties material and productions. Even compared with his immediate peers, without exception they sound weedy and thin: set alongside what Brian was achieving as early as spring 1963, it's acutely embarrassing. Usher in those days was a knock-off merchant: he went on to do credible work with the likes of The Byrds, but otherwise...

I bought a Gary Usher boxset recently called "Barefoot Adventure". It's average at best and a few tunes are terrible! Gary could not sing period. I think the sheer size of his early 60's output meant the quality controll was pretty low. Crappy Moogs aside, his Byrds stuff was amazing and so was the first Sagittarius record. As proud as I am to have got my hands on a copy of "The Wilson Project" after months of scouting, Gary does paint himself as somewhat Saint like in it and frankly songs such as "Heavenly Bodies" suck. 

Thankfully, I was able to listen to that on Spotify... or rather, not listen to it after maybe four tracks. Dreck.

[Mike's Beard]

Oh well if there is a silver lining, it's that being the only person who's bought the bloody thing it will one day be very rare and worth alot.

[GoogaMooga]

Sorry, this one has a different title, it's still up on http://www.amazon.com/Project-Wilson-Brian/dp/B0018C73S6/ref=sr_1_17?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1286988772&sr=1-17

Project Wilson [Special Edition, CD]
Brian Wilson (Author) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details
Audio CD
Format: Special Edition, CD
Label: Darkside Production

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
This is Love (Piano Solo). Gary Usher Sessions: Spirit of Rock & Roll/Turning Point/Just Say No/Heavenly Bodys/Christmas Time/Walk the Line. Miscellaneous Tracks: Barbie/This Could Be the Night/Sweets For My Sweet/Too Much Sugar (B Side)/Good Night Irene/Your Imagination (Accapella)/Christine/In My Car (Live)/Lets Do It Again. TV Show Live: California Girls/God Only Knows/Surfer Girl/Spirit of Rock & Roll/This Song Wants to Sleep With You Tonight/In My Room/Heavenly Lovers/Soul Searchin'/Down to San Diego.

About Gary Usher's early productions - I've got the complete Hondells and Super Stocks and Kickstands and Knights on CD, and recommend them all. Usher has legions of fans all over the world. Early surf music didn't have elaborate production, I'm just playing the Bel-Airs right now, it was all about energy.

[Mikie]

That "Project Wilson" CD looks like a home-brew comp.  Lots of stuff not even associated with the Usher sessions. Some Paley things, some live. A hodge podge. Not even close to "The Wilson Project" noted above.

"Down to San Diego". Is that another title for "Down South In San Diego", the Boyd song played at the San Diego BB convention, or is that another one?

[Andrew G. Doe]

That "Project Wilson" CD looks like a home-brew comp.  Lots of stuff not even associated with the Usher sessions. Some Paley things, some live. A hodge podge. Not even close to "The Wilson Project" noted above.

"Down to San Diego". Is that another title for "Down South In San Diego", the Boyd song played at the San Diego BB convention, or is that another one?

Nope, that's Boyd. 

[kwan_dk]

About Gary Usher's early productions - I've got the complete Hondells and Super Stocks and Kickstands and Knights on CD, and recommend them all. Usher has legions of fans all over the world. Early surf music didn't have elaborate production, I'm just playing the Bel-Airs right now, it was all about energy.

I quite like those as well - but at the same time I can understand Andrew's perspective. They ARE certainly quite run-of-the-mill and Gary's voice certainly wasn't cut out for this type of music.

Actually, of all Usher's projects, the one which has appealed the most to me has been the set of nearly finished songs he worked on with Curt Boettcher and Dick Campbell during the late 60s & early 70s. They were released by a Japanese label several years ago with the title 'Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt' reflecting the title of one of the songs. I think his voice suited this material really well. The songs have a kind of mellow, countrified sunshine pop-feel. Very dreamlike and melodic - and with great vocals by Curt and Dick to boot.

[GoogaMooga]

Actually, of all Usher's projects, the one which has appealed the most to me has been the set of nearly finished songs he worked on with Curt Boettcher and Dick Campbell during the late 60s & early 70s. They were released by a Japanese label several years ago with the title 'Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt' reflecting the title of one of the songs. I think his voice suited this material really well. The songs have a kind of mellow, countrified sunshine pop-feel. Very dreamlike and melodic - and with great vocals by Curt and Dick to boot.

I've got that Japanese one. Also Add Some Music on Poptones. And Sagittarius, Kickstands, Knights, Hondells, Super Stocks, yeh, I like Gary Usher.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

This is probably going to get me excommunicated in certain quarters, but I just cannot understand the adulation for Usher's surf/car/fun early sixties material and productions. Even compared with his immediate peers, without exception they sound weedy and thin: set alongside what Brian was achieving as early as spring 1963, it's acutely embarrassing. Usher in those days was a knock-off merchant: he went on to do credible work with the likes of The Byrds, but otherwise...

Finally! Someone who agrees with me!

As for the book, it's good for what it is, but there are a few factual errors in there (some of the details about the Wipeout sessions for example), and I could go the rest of my life without reading about Usher's dream about Brian Wilson's soul needing to be saved.


I once had a "Barefoot Adventure" of my own, but since it involves waking up in a strange place with branches in my hair and a few teeth missing, I'll let it pass. 



Obviously kidding.



I think.

[Paulos]

Old thread I know but was browsing amazon earlier and found that there is a new expanded version of The Wilson Project available:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001INZFH6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilson-Project-Edition-Beach-Brian/dp/B00CGB3O7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368883013&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wilson+project

I've ordered mine as I have wanted to read this book for a long time but it has always been ridiculously priced, very happy that there is now a revised edition.

Talking of revised editions, any update on the revised version of The Real Beach Boy Mr Stebbins?

[alanjames]

Many thanks man, ordered it now! I tried it once, but only found with absurd prices. I bought and finished read Stephen's book Inception and Conception, telling the Boys history from 61 to 63. A definitive book, highly recommended!

[LeeDempsey]

This is probably going to get me excommunicated in certain quarters, but I just cannot understand the adulation for Usher's surf/car/fun early sixties material and productions. Even compared with his immediate peers, without exception they sound weedy and thin: set alongside what Brian was achieving as early as spring 1963, it's acutely embarrassing. Usher in those days was a knock-off merchant: he went on to do credible work with the likes of The Byrds, but otherwise...

Andrew, I'm not that different; I collect Usher's work unconditionally (I have copies of Usher's rare first two singles, on the Titan and Lan-Cet labels), but his voice didn't win any prizes, and his timing/phrasing could at times be awful.  His early productions were very derivative.  That being said, I am a fan of his middle period and later work, starting with his work at Decca Records, through his work at Columbia Records, and on to Together Records.

"The Wilson Project" presents a very self-serving view from Usher's own perspective.  It will be interesting to see how Brian's upcoming autobiography will present that period, if at all.

Lee

[Ebb and Flow]

Usher's singing is awful but I really like the instrumentals on Surf Route 101.