It's biographical information about Brian and the Wilson brothers, a guide to obscure Beach Boys songs, and speculation about influences (Stephen Foster!).

................................

And, believe me, it gets *obscure*. For while this might be partly about the creator of "Pet Sounds", the bulk of the book is about the mass of less-well-known material.... although this is sometimes not too bad, and anyway, I suppose I've read just enough poorly-written music lit to see this one as not really flawed, I guess....

(8/10) ( )

The book is the life story of the members of the Beach Boys in general, and Brian Wilson in particular. I can neither read music nor play an instrument, alas, but found the passages about how the songs were written and came together in the studio most engrossing. Carlin has a direct style of writing which suits the narrative well, and avoids sensationalism in this very strange tale; although I thought it interesting that he had as much to say, if not more, about Eugene Landy, the man who controlled Brian for much of the 1970s and 80s, as about Murry Wilson, father and supposed tyrant. The book ends on a positive note, with the re-emergence and triumph of Brian Wilson, though it's sad to think that the band members are still squabbling in court about who-wrote-what. Best of all, Catch a Wave made me listen again to Pet Sounds. I could never understand what all the fuss was about, but now must concede that it's a pretty good album.

I recommend this book. ( )