Back to the Beach: A Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys Reader [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Kingsley Abbott (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1998

A collection of the best articles about the musical geniuses behind classic surf singles like "Surfin' USA" as well as more ambitious albums like Pet Sounds, together with a number of previously unpublished pieces and some specially commissioned work. Features Nick Kent, David Leaf, Timothy White and others, with a foreword by Brian Wilson.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Longtime Beach Boys fan Abbott collects more than two dozen of the best articles written on the group during the past three decades. Although the band is best known for its early '60s paeans to surfing and hot rods, that period gets scant coverage. Most contributions focus instead on the later '60s, when, under the direction of Brian Wilson, the group recorded the critically acclaimed Pet Sounds and the legendary, incompletely released Smile. Soon thereafter, Brian succumbed to drugs and mental problems, but the band continued to record, erratically, during a continuing denouement that is also covered here. Recently, Brian has had something of a creative resurgence, launching a solo career that is documented in the book's final selections. So there isn't much here for those who view the Beach Boys solely as an oldies band extolling the Southern California lifestyle. Fans who share Paul McCartney's assessment--he said Pet Sounds inspired the Beatles to record Sgt. Pepper--should, however, be enthralled. Gordon Flagg

About the Author

Kingsley Abbott is a freelance music writer who regularly contributes to Record Collector, Mojo and other publications. He is also an acclaimed author of several other music books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Helter Skelter Publishing; illustrated edition edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900924021
• ISBN-13: 978-1900924023
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #994,817 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive & Insightful, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Back to the Beach: A Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys Reader (Paperback)

Solid chapters on all aspects of the group, its troubles, controversies, triumphs, from the most noted Beach Boys scholars (Nick Kent, David Felton, David Leaf, Timothy White, Dominic Priore, Tom Nolan, Jules Siegal, Kingsley Abbott), of the last 30 years. A bit detailed but also designed to be a fun read. Diehard fans and new recruits will both dig it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of behind the scenes scoop from every era of the band., December 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Back to the Beach: A Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys Reader (Paperback)

A superbly edited collection of a few dozen features, interviews and editorials that serve as an excellent primer to the Smile-era Beach Boys, as well insights into the early years and Brian's solo daze as well. With reviews. Very good value; 4/5.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has it all!, September 19, 2006

By 

Russell Brewer (Easley, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Back to the Beach: A Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys Reader (Paperback)

This a good book for hardcore Beach Boys fans only. So much variety from SMiLE to the Brian Wilson/Andy Paley sessions to Holland to Good Surfing, Hello God! and unknown insights in the different areas of the group's career. Happy reading!