Brian Wilson's Story Made for These Times

Brian

Brian Wilson’s music is ubiquitous. It thrums through our collective memory—with particularly strong reverberations in the consciousness of California girls; it recalls sun-soaked days, languid satisfaction, and, at its very best, something indefinable, vibrant, and pulsatingly human. But the man behind the music is himself something of an enigma, who pulled back from touring not far into the Beach Boys’s career, and around whom rumors have been wont to swirl.

Well—something of an enigma until now, that is. With the release of his memoir, I Am Brian Wilson (Da Capo Press), those who love the music and wonder about the man are afforded access into his thoughts and insights. In nonlinear and candid prose, Wilson discusses his music, yes, but also his battles with mental illness, his career highs and lows, and sprinkles these accounts with peeks into his fascinating worldview. The work is empathetic and raw; there is humility here, and ingenuity as well. If you happen to know Elton John or Paul McCartney: there’s a phone call that they should make.

In the meantime, we asked Brian a few questions about his book.

You’re open about your discomfort not with performing, but with being watched by an audience. Did writing such a vulnerable and revealing book come with the same sort of audience pressures?

Brian
No there were no pressures like that really. The whole experience was enjoyable and it actually made me feel good.

What do you most hope that people take away from this project?

I hope people realize that taking drugs is a terrible thing to do and that being overmedicated has long lasting effects.

How was your work with Da Capo?

The team at Da Capo and I worked very well together and the whole process felt good to me. They made me relaxed and went at a pace that was comfortable.

You say that the ocean “sends out ideas“ for music. Can you clarify what you mean by that?

The oceans cover much of the earth and that seems very spiritual to me.

If you could choose any writer to pen a novelization of one of your songs, who would you choose?

I would choose Tony Asher and work with him on Good Vibrations and California Girls.

How did the experience of finishing I Am Brian Wilson measure up to your expectations?

Finishing the book felt great, like a major achievement. My expectations were met for sure. It was a little scary in the beginning but by the time I finished I felt cool and calm.

Are there any correlations between writing a memoir and writing (or producing) an album?

Both take lots of time and lots of patience.

You mention working with so many influential musicians throughout the book. Do you feel like you missed out on working with anyone?

Well, Elton John and Paul McCartney on a long collaboration of course. And George Gershwin for sure.

Did any books particularly influence you, or give you respite, while you were working on this or other projects? If so, which?

The Act of Creation by Arthur Koestler is a book I read in 1965. I loved that book because it deals with how a sense of humor plays an important role in people’s lives. It sure does mine.

You say that Rubber Soul is probably the greatest record ever. I have always been firmly on the Pet Sounds side of that debate. Are you willing to concede at least a tie?

Both albums are great in their own right.

I’m a California girl, myself, so naturally, many of my strongest memories are attached to your songs.

I’m cheating now, because this isn’t actually a question. Just: thank you for the exquisite soundtrack.

You are very very welcome.


Michelle Anne Schingler
Michelle Anne Schingler, a dyed-in-the-wool California girl and Pet Sounds fanatic, is the deputy editor at Foreword Reviews. You can follow her on Twitter @mschingler or e-mail her at mschingler@forewordreviews.com.

Michelle Anne Schingler

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