Brian Wilson

Ever since British press agent Derek Taylor declared Brian Wilson a "genius" in the promotion for the 1966 album Pet Sounds, some variation of the claim has become commonplace when discussing the Beach Boys' founder and chief composer. Intended to liberate Wilson from his outmoded image as a purveyor of sun-and-surf teen pop, the label has become something of an albatross for Wilson. His slow-but-steady reemergence as a working musician -- after a three decade absence -- has been fraught with expectations that he create a record to top the legendary single "Good Vibrations." Examining Wilson's work with the Beach Boys as well as his solo output, Curnutt eschews chronology in favor of a topical organization that allows discussion of lyrical themes and musical motifs. The rise, fall, and redemption of Wilson's career have long overshadowed the work itself, which Curnutt explores here on its own terms.