Wouldn't It Be Nice
Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- £9.99
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- £9.99
Publisher Description
Discover the groundbreaking story behind the Beach Boys' iconic album, Pet Sounds, and the creative genius of Brian Wilson.
In 1966, Brian Wilson set out to create "the greatest rock album ever made." This revised edition delves into the making of Pet Sounds, exploring Wilson's innovative recording techniques, musical influences, and personal struggles. Featuring track-by-track analysis and exclusive interviews, this book uncovers the secrets behind the album's enduring appeal and its profound impact on music history.
Uncover the magic behind Pet Sounds and understand why it continues to inspire musicians and captivate listeners fifty years later. Perfect for music enthusiasts, Beach Boys fans, and anyone seeking insights into the creative process. This book offers a unique perspective on a timeless masterpiece.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In 1966, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys released a revolutionary rock album that would influence the Beatles' Rubber Soul as well as the music of the Who, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. As music historian Granata points out in this often passionate, sometimes pedantic history of Pet Sounds, U.S. audiences turned a cold shoulder to this album because it represented such a departure from the pleasing surf melodies that had made the Beach Boys famous. In spite of such a reception, the album showcases the soaring musical genius of Wilson, argues Granata, in what was perhaps truly the first ever "concept album." The innovative combination of folk, blues and jazz blended into the gorgeous harmonies of the Beach Boys. Granata traces the evolution of the album from its writing, mostly by Wilson and Tony Asher, to the long nights of production in the studio. He analyzes dispassionately each song on the album, from the jangly 12-string guitar chords of "Wouldn't It Be Nice?," which open the album, to the closing harmonies of "Caroline, No" that close it. Granata chronicles Wilson's well-known disappearance from the musical scene not long after the album's release to battle the demons of paranoid schizophrenia, as well as his recent solo appearances performing the songs from Pet Sounds. Granata devotedly tells a story whose contours are already well known, so the book at times appears to be a set of liner notes allowed to grow too large.
