Wouldn't it be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the "Beach Boys"' 'Pet Sounds' (Vinyl Frontier Series, the) - Softcover

Granata, Charles L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1556525079 ISBN 13: 9781556525070

Publisher: Chicago Review Press, 2004

Synopsis

This illuminating book offers unique insight into the making of the seminal album, "Pet Sounds", revealing the intimate processes that went into its creation and featuring brand-new interviews with key players. From conception and composition to arrangement and production, the ways in which "Pet Sounds" changed the face of American popular music are chronicled. While "Pet Sounds" carries the tag of being a "Beach Boys" record, this lively expose reveals just how little input the rest of the band had in its recording. Illustrating Brian Wilson's prodigious talent, the book chronicles his ability to turn his back on the protest songs and folk-rock of his contemporaries, and even on the bright surf sound of his own creation, in order to reach deep within himself to make music that struck an emotional chord and touched people's souls. Wilson's ability to embrace the rapidly advancing recording technology of the 1960s and to expertly blend rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues, and jazz sounds with velvety harmonies and sensitive melodies to create a brand-new studio sound are discussed. An intimate portrait of Wilson's family, breakdown, and drug use is included.

About this title

Review

"Wouldn't It Be Nice is intelligently researched and beautifully written." -- Bruce Johnston, former member of the Beach Boys

About the Author

Charles L. Granata is a record producer, music historian, and the author of the award-winning "Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording." He lives in Livingston, New Jersey. Tony Asher is a lyricist who collaborated with Brian Wilson on "Pet Sounds." He lives in Los Angeles.

Edition details

• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1556525079
• ISBN 13: 9781556525070
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256