Beach Boys Genius Brian Wilson Remembered With a Literary Playlist
In a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, the architect of the Beach Boys’ sound, this piece compiles a music-and-reading list. It’s a celebration of his work and an invitation to explore themes of surfing, love, and belonging through his music and the books it inspired.
Exploring the Soundtrack of Summer
This piece begins with “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” an early 60s classic. The suggestion is to balance its sunny disposition with literature exploring surfing’s darker facets.
For surfing, William Finnegan’s memoir, *Barbarian Days*, provides an exploration of the surfer’s experience. This book delves into surfing culture’s extreme aspects, embodying the spirit of surfing.
Kem Nunn’s *Tapping the Source*, a noir tale, also offers a perspective on surfing. The book, which inspired *Point Break*, captures the essence of surfing’s grit.
Love and Longing in Words and Music
The sunny tune “Help Me Rhonda” contains a deeper meaning. It’s a song about the complexities of love, drawing inspiration from songs and books on love triangles.
Tove Ditlevsen’s *Faces* features a character, Lise, who resonates with the song’s themes. Lise’s journey reflects the pursuit of solace, sharing similarities with the song’s themes.
Torrey Peters’ *Detransition, Baby* delves into complicated romantic dynamics, offering solace and love. This book mirrors the search for connection present in “Help Me, Rhonda.”
Finding Solace in the Universal
The song “God Only Knows” is connected with the reflective *Gilead* by Marilynne Robinson. The pairing emphasizes themes of hope and reflection.
The short story collections *The Miniature Wife* by Manuel Gonzales, and *The Doll’s Alphabet* by Camilla Grudova are included in the exploration of “Good Vibrations.” These stories offer inventive narratives, which are as creative as Wilson’s music.
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Striving for a Better World
The piece connects “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” with Kate Folk’s *Sky Daddy*, highlighting the yearning for love and belonging. This aligns with the song’s exploration of dreams.
The longing for belonging is further explored in Mike Davis’s *City of Quartz*. This book contributes to the discussion about Californians striving for a better existence. The book, published in 1990, examines the urban landscape.
The article closes by coupling “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” with the writings of Kobo Abe. They both reflect a search for fitting in. More than 25 million people worldwide struggle with the feeling of not belonging (Statista, 2024).
In honoring Brian Wilson’s legacy, this compilation of music and books underscores his impact.
