@laotzu92 Are you aware that Wilson remade his aborted 1966 follow up Smile in 2004?It's quite excellent,although nobody will ever know what effect in would have if it would have been released in its intended time.
@DavidT8899 I am aware, thank you. I was commenting specifically on [i]Pet Sounds [/i]I of which do have a recording in high definition on a super audio CD.
The Beatles saw Brian as a creative competitor to them, although they were all friends. But he had so many mental health issues, it held him back. Oddly enough, he was the most messed-up of the Wilson brothers but is the only one still alive. (Paul is 2 days older than Brian, FWIW)
@graphite Wilson is VERY lucky to be alive, although -and I don't say this to be mean-its clear that he's not fully functioning on a mental level.Did you know that at one point,he weighed well over 300lbs.?
He wasn't as prolific but I agree. He broke down barriers. Even with their really big hits, that seem sort of bubble gum, there was a complexity to them. I don't think any songwriter had a handle on harmony like he did. And then later he went full on musical savant. Love the Beach Boys. I saw him at the Hollywood Bowl when he was probably 75 and it was incredible. He clearly has some issues but they were also integral to his songwriting.
@graphite I don't deny that Sgt.Pepper was a groundbreaking album and that you could make the argument that the Beatles ultimately surpassed the Beach Boys on a creative level.But I have heard some people say that Sgt Pepper was overrated.Im not saying they were right or wrong,still......
It wasn't so much the song-writing but the whole production skills where Brian excelled. As somebody else said, Lennon & McCartney had George Martin.....
He was definitely up there. I think losing control of Smile, not that he ever had it, derailed their creative roll. They still made good albums but they could be spotty. I think Sunflower and Surf's Up were excellent.
It wasn't just about songwriting--Brian often farmed out the lyric writing--but production as well. Now consider the workflow of the Beatles' stuff: Lennon, McCartney, or both together plus George Martin. Beach Boys: Brian and lyricist plus Brian as producer/arranger. That's a TON of responsibility and pressure.
@uncalled4 Could you ever imagine what would have happened if Wilson did have the creative support system he needed,as well as the proper help for his drug and mental issues.He not only could have finished Smile,but may well have continued writing and producing through the 70s,80s and beyond,even if it would have been as a solo artist and not part of the Beach Boys.When I think of what could have been!
