
God Only Knows
The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth
- 400 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Originally published in 1978 as The Beach Boys and the California Myth, 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 and influential artists 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 Brian's rollercoaster of a life and career, it's told through the eyes of those who were there during Wilson's most legendary productions including Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations.Revised and updated, God Only Knows covers the decades since the 1985 edition, including Brian's first acclaimed solo album, his startling return to live performing, the landmark Pet Sounds tour, the "All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson" (which Leaf wrote and produced) and the triumphant and miraculous Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE world premiere in London.Filled with surprising revelations, insight and behind-the-scenes detail, this indispensable book written by renowned Brian Wilson expert David Leaf also features forewords by Jimmy Webb, the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb and Melinda Wilson, Brian's wife.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Contents
- An Overture from Sir Paul McCartney
- A Note from Melinda Wilson
- âWordsâ by Sir Barry Gibb
- Welcome
- My California Myth Begins and Is Renewed
- âAll I Knowâ: An Introduction from Jimmy Webb
- The California Myth
- Introduction to the 1978 Edition
- 1. Rhapsody in Blue
- 2. Five Freshmen
- 3. Letâs Go Surfinâ
- 4. If Everybody Had an Ocean
- 5. Donât Worry Baby
- 6. Please Let Me Wonder
- 7. Pet Sounds
- 8. Good Vibrations and Smile
- 9. Heroes, Villains and No Smiles
- 10. Beached
- 11. Surfâs Up
- 12. Endless Summer
- 13. Brian is Back
- 14. Codetta, 1977â1985
- 15. Retrospective, 1985
- Authorâs Note to the 2022 Edition
- 16. âTil I Die: The Battle for Brian Wilson
- 17. Melt Away: Brian Wilsonâs Personal Renaissance Begins
- 18. Brian Hits the Road!?
- 19. The Tribute and the Queen
- 20. Beautiful Dreams and Beautiful Dreamer
- 21. That Lucky Old Sun
- An Epilogue: With Love and Mercy
- Myths and Legends
- Acknowledgments: 1978, 1985, 2022
- Copyright