Brian Wilson: The Beach Boys: How Deep Is the Ocean?

With his depth of appreciation, Paul Williams evidently listens on the level of a musician, arranger, or producer himself. Perhaps he is these things; I don't know.I do know Paul Williams is a genuine WRITER, not a journalist. (I have a book of his invigorating poetry, called "Das Energi".) Nearly every piece in the book is *also* about Williams himself, as a lover of pure music. Thus, some readers seem disappointed that they aren't "learning" much from the articles. I don't believe the point is to learn, but to be inspired -- even if you're only "inspired" to listen to more Brian! (Oh, and in case it isn't obvious -- the reviewer who complained about "sheet music" is clearly very confused. No sheet music here!)Williams writing is extremely ENERGETIC, rapturous, manic, worshipful, awed. There's no "balance" about it. Brian is a true genuis, the Beethoven of Pop, a gift from God to the listening public . . . You either believe this or you don't. I do. This book is for people like me.

This is not a typical biography. This book will deal with mostly music made after Pet Sounds and will either pique your interest on them, or go right over your head. If you have most or all the records post Pet Sounds, and love them and Brian Wilson!, then this is a must have book. Paul Williams goes into the asthetics of listening to their music. Where as most average fans listen with a superficial ear to the early hits and instantly relate to the all-American sounds, and sometimes are quick to pass on music made after Pet Sounds. He helps you make the transition from surf, cars, girls, to Siley Smile/Wild Honey, Friends/20+20. From Good Vibrations to Wind Chimes. There is more to this great home turf band than just the early hits and he helps you into that new territory. For those who already are in the know and are happily in the new territory, Paul Williams echoes your feelings. I found myself agreeing, with pleasure, on his accounts of listenings to certain records. The effects and nuances of the music. To my knowledge there is no other book that covers this aspect of the Beach Boys, and to me that is the main fabric of this band. How you feel when you listen is important to Brian Wilson when he songwrites, (as he states in many interviews). Paul W. deftly tells us what comes to his mind and encourages us on HOW to listen. His thoughts were always right on about the music, and in some ways brought my already deep appriciation for the music to a deeper understanding. Paul Williams writes from one fan to another. Like a friend relaying to you his accounts of all that he was fortunate enough to experience when all this music was brand new! A reviewer of many groups of the sixties, yet addicted to the positive music that just keeps coming from the beautiful well of Brian Wilson, the legendary SMiLE accetates, live shows, and to me, his precious thoughts on the records themselves. His was one of the ears who heard what was to be the original release of SMiLE. Includes a great interview with Brian at a later date, and a conversation with David Anderle, record producer. A fresh take from a fresh voice. Nothing redundant. A breathe of fresh air from all the rehashed bios. A must have for any rabid Beach Boys fan. Essential. I have read all the books about Brian Wilson and the band, including out of print biographies. I would say this book is in my top 3 favorite books.

A good book for fans of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys, and the ill-fated Smile album. Tends to gloss over the darker sides found in the other books but still insightful. Recommended reading.

In a series of reviews and annoyingly rambling interviews, Paul Williams sets out to excuse just about everything Brian Wilson ever did. Still, one can't help but be drawn in by the man's enthusiasm, and his reviews of the recent "Good Vibrations" box set and the "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" CD are perceptive.

This book is an unabashed valentine to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and justly so, for Paul Williams makes us realize that Brian Wilson is an oft-ignored American Treasure. It's a culmination of over 30 years worth of analytic & rhapsodic writing. Williams shows that beneath the surf and cars, there's heart. My only regret is that Paul didn't discuss "The Pet Sounds Sessions" box set at all; his prose is so convincing & earnest that one is sure that his writing would sell at least a few more copies of that box set as well. Overall it's a book that finally asserts that not only is Brian back, but he's always been around if we'd just stopped to listen.