The Beach Boys and the California Myth


Book Description

How the Beach Boys created the myth of California in the early sixties.







Heroes And Villains


Book Description

The author "reveals the gothic tale of drugs, sex, music, greed, booze, and genius behind the wholesome image of the Beach Boys."--Jacket.




Becoming the Beach Boys, 1961-1963


Book Description

They were almost The Pendletones--after the Pendleton wool shirts favored on chilly nights at the beach--then The Surfers, before being named The Beach Boys. But what separated them from every other teenage garage band with no musical training? They had raw talent, persistence and a wellspring of creativity that launched them on a legendary career now in its sixth decade. Following the musical vision of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys blended ethereal vocal harmonies, searing electric guitars and lush arrangements into one of the most distinctive sounds in the history of popular music. Drawing on original interviews and newly uncovered documents, this book untangles the band's convoluted early history and tells the story of how five boys from California formed America's greatest rock 'n' roll band.




God Only Knows


Book Description

'For thirty years, I've trusted David Leaf with my music and my story' Brian Wilson Originally published in 1978, this groundbreaking study was both the first full-length book on the band and the first to recognize Brian Wilson as one of the most significant musicians of the 20th century. Covering the turbulent family strife and internal conflicts as well as giving proper attention to the remarkable music, the book was an instant classic. An intimate look at the Beach Boys' rollercoaster career, it is told through the eyes of those who were there during their most legendary productions including Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations. It also includes Brian's first acclaimed solo album, his return to live performing, the landmark Pet Sounds tour, the All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson and the Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE world premiere. Filled with surprising revelations, insight and behind-the-scenes detail, this remastered edition also features forewords by Jimmy Webb, the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb and Melinda Wilson.




The Beach Boys


Book Description

Presents an account of the rise of the Beach Boys and sheds light on their rivalry with the Beatles, the release of the influential "Pet Sounds" album, and the nervous breakdown of Brian Wilson, the group's creative genius.




Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys


Book Description

“A vivid account . . . Young and old fans alike will enjoy” (Publishers Weekly). This book offer a unique journey through The Beach Boys’ long, fascinating history by telling the stories behind fifty of the band’s greatest songs from the perspective of group members, collaborators, fellow musicians, and notable fans. Filled with new interviews with music legends such as Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Alan Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks, Blondie Chaplin, Randy Bachman, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Lyle Lovett, Alice Cooper, and Al Kooper, and commentary from a younger generation such as Matthew Sweet, Carnie Wilson, Daniel Lanois, Cameron Crowe, and Zooey Deschanel, this story of pop culture history both explores the darkness and difficulties with which the band struggled, and reminds us how their songs could make life feel like an endless summer.




Heroes and Villains


Book Description

Through candid interviews with close friends, family, and the Beach Boys themselves, this biography portrays and evaluates all those who propelled the California myth, and the group who sang about it, into world-wide prominence. With dozens of photos, this book recounts the bitter saga of the American dream realized and distorted, and the music that survived. 66 photos.




The Nearest Faraway Place


Book Description




The Beach Boys


Book Description