Hearing "In My Room" and "When I Grow Up" as a young boy reminded me that I was not the only person facing difficult choices ahead in my life. Brian possessed a real gift for documenting the inner lives of men in a way few other musicians of that time did- it's not always acknowledged but it's an important part of his legacy.
As expected, your tribute to the genius of Brian Wilson was worth waiting for. Excellent writing and terrific selections as always. I was particularly struck by this line: “When the creative box is opened as wide as it was for Wilson in the winter of 1967, there is no such thing as closing it shut.”
I'm glad you singled out the lines “they say I got brains / but they ain’t doing me no good” -- the way he strains his voice to hit the high note on "ain't" is musically and emotionally perfect. You've also done a wonderful job highlighting that the surfer lifestyle (even as an ideal) and a rich emotional life can (and do) co-exist.
Thanks for the fine tribute to the genius of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. I think that The Beach Boys were underrated. Many people thought that they were all about surfing and cars. I wore out my copy of "The Beach Boys Today". So many great memories evoked by those early albums and "Pet Sounds"
Hearing "In My Room" and "When I Grow Up" as a young boy reminded me that I was not the only person facing difficult choices ahead in my life. Brian possessed a real gift for documenting the inner lives of men in a way few other musicians of that time did- it's not always acknowledged but it's an important part of his legacy.
I think so too, both in terms of the lows but also the highs (it doesn't much more life affirming than 'Dance Dance Dance,' for just one example).
As expected, your tribute to the genius of Brian Wilson was worth waiting for. Excellent writing and terrific selections as always. I was particularly struck by this line: “When the creative box is opened as wide as it was for Wilson in the winter of 1967, there is no such thing as closing it shut.”
Thanks, Andrew!
I'm glad you singled out the lines “they say I got brains / but they ain’t doing me no good” -- the way he strains his voice to hit the high note on "ain't" is musically and emotionally perfect. You've also done a wonderful job highlighting that the surfer lifestyle (even as an ideal) and a rich emotional life can (and do) co-exist.
Thanks for the fine tribute to the genius of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. I think that The Beach Boys were underrated. Many people thought that they were all about surfing and cars. I wore out my copy of "The Beach Boys Today". So many great memories evoked by those early albums and "Pet Sounds"
Thanks, Marco. I remember being floored the first time I heard 'The Beach Boys Today!' - an important album.
Thanks, William - those lines from 'I Just Wasn't Made for These Times' hit hard when I first heard them all these years ago - they continue to do so.