My thoughts on Brian Wilson.....
I've always believed that Brian Wilson,the creative force behind the Beach Boys during the 60s/70s,was just as visionary and brilliant a songwriter as John Lennon and Paul Macartney.Your thoughts?
22-25, M
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uncalled4 · 56-60, M
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.
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.
DavidT8899 · 22-25, M
@uncalled4 Plus,he had mental issues,a drug problem....worst if all,he had ZERO of a support system from his bandmates.;on the contrary, they attacked him every chance they got.
uncalled4 · 56-60, M
@DavidT8899 Everything fell to him. It's a shame he didn't just pull rank as producer with the guys; it's not like they had anything to offer in terms of songs at that point. The guys had to tour, which isn't easy, but for them to show up at the studio essentially just to overdub vocals would sound like a blessing to me. Although, hearing something like "Fire" would have creeped me tf out.
DavidT8899 · 22-25, M
@uncalled4 That song was great;totally ahead of it's time.Did you know that he "finished"and reworked the aborted Smile album around 2004?It was a good album,but of course we will never know what would have happened if it would have come out in 1968.
DavidT8899 · 22-25, M
@uncalled4 And did you ever hear "Till I Die"?
uncalled4 · 56-60, M
@DavidT8899 Of course. I'm a diehard fan. I collected all the Smile bootlegs until the 2004/2011 projects.
DavidT8899 · 22-25, M
@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!