The genius of Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys. He is the band. We're his fucking messengers. He is all of it. Period. We're nothing. He's everything.~~ Dennis Wilson

The word genius is overused. But not in the case of Brian Wilson. He made the early songs sound so easy. They were so catchy. To this day, you can’t help but sing along whenever you hear one on the radio.

He made the California experience sound like so much fun with his songs about sun, cars, surfing and girls that you felt like you were living a wanna-be life through his music.

He knew nothing about surfing. He was able to take what brother Dennis, the surfing expert, told him about the pastime and turn it into unforgettable music. That was genius—and that was the start.

As the times changed, he changed with them. The songs became more sophisticated, but he kept beautiful, sweet and catchy melodies. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations.” When he needed the artists to play those songs, he turned to session musicians, such as the Wrecking Crew, to help record his ideas. Yes, it ruffled the members of his band, but he didn’t care—it was all about the music and how to make it right. Yeah, he was demanding, but he had to make it perfect. It had to sound like what was playing in his brain. Again, genius.

Almost from the beginning, Wilson was plagued by mental health issues. The pressures of being the leader of this band, touring and dealing with an abusive father took their toll on him. Despite all of this, the music continues. Once again, genius.

There have been various factions of the band hitting the road to play Beach Boys music. Mike Love has been doing it forever. I’m not a big fan of his shows, but he’s keeping the music alive. Letting fans hear the songs they grew up with—the songs they love—the songs of Brian Wilson.

Four years ago, Brian was back on the road singing the songs of the Beach Boys. He had a lot of help from a large group of backing musicians, including Al Jardine. Brian was sitting behind a piano for the entire concert, not playing the instrument and barely helping out on the vocals. It was a tough way to see him. But, still, you were seeing a legend, live and in person. You were listening to some of the greatest music ever created—the songs of Brian Wilson. Genius.

Brian Wilson has died at the age of eighty-two. He has been suffering from Dementia for quite some time. All the pain is over. All the craziness and sadness of his hard life are over. What is left is the spectacular music. Brian Wilson—God only knows where we’d be without you. GENIUS!!