God Only Knows

The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth

By: David Leaf

Narrated by: Alex Knox, David Leaf

Originally published in 1978 as The Beach Boys and the California Myth, this groundbreaking study was both the first full-length book on the band and the first to recognize Brian Wilson as one of the most significant and influential artists of the twentieth century. Covering the turbulent family strife and internal conflicts as well as giving proper attention to the remarkable music, the book was an instant classic. An intimate look at Brian's rollercoaster of a life and career, it's told through the eyes of those who were there during Wilson's most legendary productions including Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations.

Revised and updated, God Only Knows covers the decades since the 1985 edition, including Brian's first acclaimed solo album, his startling return to live performing, the landmark Pet Sounds tour, the 'All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson' (which Leaf wrote and produced), and the triumphant and miraculous Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE world premiere in London.

Filled with surprising revelations, insight and behind-the-scenes detail, this indispensable book written by renowned Brian Wilson expert David Leaf begins with an overture from Sir Paul McCartney and includes essays from Sir Barry Gibb, Brian’s wife Melinda Wilson, and an introduction by Jimmy Webb.

©1978, 1985, 2022 David Leaf (P)2023 Tantor

Fascinating,

Doctor McCoy [Star Trek]: "I'm a Doctor, Jim, not a music critic!"

That's kind of how I feel writing this review.

Suffice it to say that David Marks filled a gap that was desperately needed when he wrote his original book on "the Beach Boys and the California Myth." Now he has provided a MUCH needed service with this updated version.

As a kid in the 1970s I heard the Beach Boys' compilation albums "Endless Summer" (released in 1974) and "Spirit of America" (Released in 1975). As a result, I became an instant massive fan and I was starving for information about the Beach Boys. STARVING. I could not find much at the very small local library. I rarely came across radio interviews, documentaries, or written pieces for that matter.

David Leaf's book was one of the first books on the Beach Boys that I came across. While I don't agree with his interpretations on a number of things, I do believe his updated revision is a timely, much needed work.

Thank you, David (and the publisher) SOOO MUCH for making "God Only Knows" available in audio format!

Now let's hope the same happens for Mark A. Moore's Tome, "Dead Man's Curve: The Rock 'n' Roll Life of Jan Berry."

Ah The Book

Well, the book itself was great. But before the book, it’s starts with an hour plus long intro talking about the book. I almost gave up and skipped it. Then you have the book itself which is great. But then after the book, instead of putting it to a close, you have about 7 more hours of insight and reflections about the book and Brian Wilson. This is when I decided if the author is not going to end this, I’ll do it! I had to cut it short myself because he was just rambling on and on at this point.

Is The Author Paid By The Word?

David Leaf has turned a 100,000 word story into a million words. He rambles on and on and on and on about the same two subjects which mainly has to do with Brian's mental health issues and the author's obsession with Brian Wilson and the unfinished 1967 Smile album. He must have listed 200 people in his acknowledgments alone. What's missing from the book is any detailed information about Brian and the Beach Boys' personal lives outside of a few anectdotes particularly regarding Brian's quirky ways. Mike Love is barely mentioned and the author chose not to even discuss any details about Brian's parents, and brother's deaths and their impact on Brian. It is clear that the author didn't care for Mike or Brian's first wife and maybe that's with cause. The book really just focuses on the author's life, his quest to get Brian to complete Smile and the author's friendship and unadulterated love and admiraton of Brian. He must have used the word "genius" to describe Brian no less than a hundred times. The author says in 1000 words what could be said in 100. He really loves to write (and speak) in the audiobook version and it gets very tedious very quickly. The author also makes sure the reader knows that he (Leaf) is a liberal which was off-putting.

Too long, lost interest after hours on Smile (and I’m a massive BW fan).

Too long, too much about Smile, lost interest after a while…and I’m a massive BW fan, The author continues to remind us how close he is to Brian. We get it. I was hoping it would be more captivating. The best part of the book is the first part when he talks about the early days.