Brian Wilson, who passed away last week at age 82, was a genius of American music who made records that were both enchantingly accessible and profoundly innovative. He achieved stardom in the early 1960s as a performer, songwriter, and producer on a slew of scintillating pop/rock hits by his band, The Beach Boys. Then by the time the band’s 1966 album Pet Sounds was released, his work reached a level so groundbreaking and sophisticated that none other than The Beatles were envious of his talents. Despite mental health issues that derailed his career toward the end of the ‘60s, Brian eventually returned to recording and performing, and saw his music inspire even more generations of artists and fans. If you’d like to check out some of Brian Wilson’s most acclaimed records, as well as notable books and films about him and his band, here is a sampling of what’s available thanks to your Livingston Library card. 

Music

Surfin’ USA (1963)

While the title track is the only song on this album that became one of the band’s greatest hits, the Beach Boys’ second full-length release put them on the map and helped make surf music a nationwide phenomenon.  

Surfer Girl (1963)

The band’s third studio album features more surf rock classics (“Catch a Wave,” “Hawaii”) as well as tender ballads (“Surfer Girl,” “In My Room”) that foreshadow their later transition into exquisite chamber pop.

All Summer Long (1964)

Hailed by AllMusic.com as the best Beach Boys album of the early ‘60s, this contains summery, irresistible hits like “I Get Around” and “Little Honda.” 

Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!) (1965)

The band’s highest-ever charting album in the U.S. is loaded with pop gems such as “California Girls,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Girl Don’t Tell Me,” and “Let Him Run Wild.”

Beach Boys Party! (1965)

Meant as a stopgap release between proper albums, this campfire-style collection of acoustically performed hits and covers has an infectious vibe that serves as a kind of precursor to MTV’s “Unplugged” concerts of the 1990s.

Pet Sounds (1966)

Though it initially failed to impress most fans and critics, Pet Sounds has since been hailed as one of the greatest pop albums of all time, thanks to tracks like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” and “Sloop John B.” Paul McCartney cites this as his favorite album ever, and it strongly inspired the creation of The Beatles’ landmark Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

SMiLE (2004)

Brian’s follow-up to Pet Sounds, which had been abandoned in 1967 due to his mental health struggles and creative differences with his bandmates, was finally completed in 2004. Though more abstract and experimental than Pet Sounds, it turned out to be another majestic masterpiece.

Books

Wouldn’t It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata

Written by Livingston’s own Charles Granata, this book takes an in-depth look into the creative process and technical production of The Beach Boys’ magnum opus.

Pet Sounds by Jim Fusilli

Part of the acclaimed “33 ⅓” series of music books, this focuses more on the “emotional core” of Pet Sounds, and why it has stood the test of time.

I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir (ebook, audiobook)

Brian looks back on the inspirations behind his music, as well as his difficult relationship with his father, his relationships with women, and his experiences as a parent.  

Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys: The Songs That Tell Their Story by Mark Dillon

The stories behind 50 classic Beach Boys songs, told through interviews with the band’s members, collaborators, peers, and fans– including Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Lyle Lovett, Matthew Sweet, and Cameron Crowe. 

Why the Beach Boys Matter by Tom Smucker

A scholarly examination of how & why the Beach Boys have left such a massive and long-lasting impact on American culture and beyond.

Movies

Love & Mercy (2014, directed by Bill Polhad)

Called “one of the best music biopics ever” by Rolling Stone, this film portrays Brian at the beginning of his career (as played by Paul Dano), as well as in the aftermath of his mental breakdown (played by John Cusack).  

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (2021, directed by Brent Wilson)

This documentary features interview footage with Brian and his friend, Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine.

–Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions