Bonus Track: David Leaf (The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees)

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Our latest Bonus Track features a conversation with author David Leaf who joins Matt to discuss  God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth, his newest book.

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 20th 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 (and now double the size of the original book), 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 also features forewords by Sir Paul McCartney, the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, Jimmy Webb and Melinda Wilson, Brian’s wife.

It was fun to dig into the book a bit with David, who also shared some stories about his experiences working on the original book in the '70s and how he gained access to some of the Beach Boys/associates that he interviewed at that time.

Purchase God Only Knows here where it's available as a physical book or ebook depending on your preference!

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