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Heroes & Villains: The True Story of
the Beach Boys (Steven Gaines)
Through candid interviews with close friends,
family, and the Beach Boys themselves, this biography portrays
and evaluates all those who propelled the California myth, and
the group who sang about it, into world-wide prominence. The
book starts out with Dennis Wilson and the last month of his
life. Gaines ties up any loose ends about the day Dennis died
towards the end of the book. Eldest brother Brian's life is
a study in contrasts -- he's a talented genius, a sensitive
soul with a troubled mind. Middle brother Carl tried to mediate
an impossible situation, between his brothers and overbearing
father. Things get rocky as the group split into two factions
-- between the members who were into meditation and those who
were into drugs. Many of their relationships were rough surfing
indeed; not at all like the lovely harmonies on their recordings.
If you want to get a behind-the-scenes look at the life and
times of the Beach Boys, this is a compelling read; if, on the
other hand, you'd rather only remember the good vibrations,
you might want to skip it."
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