Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy by James S. Hirsch and Mike Love

 Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy

 by James S. Hirsch and Mike Love

 



Wherever you happen to stand on Wilson versus Love, you simply have to acknowledge that the Beach Boys needed both men. Most folks who know about the Love - Wilson feud have taken a side. Perhaps too many of us have misunderstood Mr. Love.


For many people, Mike Love is the voice of the Beach Boys. 

When thinking of the Beach Boys the average listener tends to think of “California Girls” or “Surfin USA” rather than worrying about the complexity of the arrangements or the angelic falsetto of Brian Wilson. 


The average concertgoer has never wanted to hear “ Caroline, No” live  but they sure do dance when the band kicks into “ Fun, Fun, Fun”.


When folks jump on Mike Love they may not have the entire story. Certainly, Brian hates Mike, he has said as much but he has always understood Mike’s value within the band.

There are “reasons”, Mr. Love contends, for the misunderstanding between the two. Love makes it clear where he believes the problems began and who the perpetrators were. Do I believe him?


 Mike Love says that his fabulous performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was a mere misunderstanding and the fact that he didn’t meditate earlier in the day. Do I believe him? 


 Mr. Michael Love says he was screwed by his uncle and band manager Murry Wilson. Was he? Did Uncle Murry convert all the songs written in part by Love to Brian Wilson

?

So many more questions but Love seems to have answers. . . if you believe his story.



Should you buy this book? Perhaps. If you are truly interested in Mike Love and his side of the Beach Boys then sure read “ Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy”. It’s fun and might answer a few questions about Mike Love. If you believe him.


 So the big question is: Do I believe him?


I want to take the man at his word. Mike Love says the infamous speech to the RnR hall of fame was problematic. 

Ok, good. Acknowledgment is great. He then presents the reasons he had such a crap speech. It has more to do with Muhammad Ali than anyone could imagine.


So do I believe him? I very much want to.


 What about his lawsuits against his songwriting cousin Brian? If his Uncle did in fact remove Love’s name from any songwriting credits that is a wrong that should be and was corrected. I’m just not getting into legal crap except to say if songwriting credit and monies were owed to him he should be so awarded.


So we get back to Do I believe him? I very much want to but in the end, it just doesn't matter. It will never change the listening experience for anyone. The average listener will just be dancing to “Fun, Fun, Fun”.

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