Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy

I've been a huge Beach Boys fan ever since Surfin Safari on 45rpm. I've always thought Brian Wilson was a musical genius and the music and harmonies he created with the group are complex and gorgeous. I've read numerous books on the BB's over the years and always felt I was getting a one-sided view of the band's history, especially the portrayal of Mike Love. I've always felt the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that Mike's contribution to the music of the BB's was under appreciated. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it very much, found it to be an honest attempt at telling the history of the band, and an honest self-evaluation on Mike's part. His portrayal of Brian is honest and heartfelt, not bitter or acerbic. I admire Mike for this effort and for continuing to spread the joy of this music to generations throughout the world. Not a money grab, but a mission to impart the gift of this music and the pure fun and positivity of the lyrics to fans, both old and new, throughout the world. A good read. Highly recommended. Left me with a mix of sadness and joy. God knows, nobody's perfect, we all have our flaws, and the best we can do is to try and be kind, give something back, and leave this place better than we found it.

This is an entertaining read. I am disappointed that it provides no insight regarding the relationships between Brian, Al, Carl, Dennis,and Bruce; and I am disappointed that it evades the important subject of how and why Mike and Al became estranged after Carl's death and have not toured together since, except for the 50th Anniversary tour in 2012 (Mike's cursory treatment of the topic is unconvincing); but this isn't a general or objective story of the band. It is Mike's story, with emphasis on his relationship with Brian and Uncle Murray; on his contributions to lyrics; and on his struggle for just credit and respect. It works on that level, and is persuasive on those subjects.As I've read it said, genius isn't everything, and often it is not enough. Concentration and hard work are underrated. Mike, and Carl and Al, kept the flame alive for years when fast changing fashions might have extinguished it. They kept on keeping on. Mike has kept this catalog of music on the road for the past 20 years, and whether or not his band is or isn't the Beach Boys, they're good. Mike explains himself and his life mission well in this book, both intentionally and unintentionally. If the Beach Boys had and perhaps still have a place in your music soul, you'll be glad you read it.

Good guy or Villain? There's two sides to every story. Mike Love of the Beach Boys finally takes time to look back at his life and his role as a Beach Boy. For years, Mike seemed to be the glue that held the band together, toured, made appearances, and branded a product that's still popular over 50 years later. Yet, many believe he was the problem behind many of the lawsuits and fights with bandmate and cousin Brian Wilson. Mike Love finally gives us "the other side of the story!" Mike takes us on a journey from childhood to the present. He not only tells us of his successes and failures, but how they happened..and how they helped or hurt him. While most bands are lucky to survive 5-10 years, The Beach Boys, although broken at times, have survived. To those who love his music and showmanship, the book takes you on a fun but rocky journey. For those who only want to bash him because they feel Brian Wilson is "The Beach Boys", you'll understand what really took place and have a better appreciation for the situations that he, and all members of the band faced. I've personally met Mike, interviewed him for the radio and my Beach Boys show, and introduced the band at a concert in Harrisburg. It's great to get a new perspective on his life and that of the Beach Boys. You won't want to put this book down. Enjoy.

I write a lot of reviews and also write pulp fiction.I don't accept free books, or money in exchange fora 5 star review.I don't give 5 stars, for reasons you can probably figureout.I did give, Good Vibrations, 4 stars, for the interestinginsights Mike Love provided.Many reviews have said, There is nothing new in thebook.I disagree.The stories and insights told here, are from Mike Love's POV.Which makes them new.I have been a Beach Boy fan since the mid 60's, and like somany others, have watched as the roller coaster tale unfolded.And, as the next generation of BB fans step in, it continues to unfold.Think about the events and the "characters", from the corrupt to the criminally insane, that have paraded through the lives of the BB's? Sadly, death has taken 2 of the original members, and lawsuits havedriven wedges between others.But, through it all.......The music that made the Beach Boys whothey were, lives on.

It’s a great book.I’m of the generation that was turned on to the band in the mid 70s, by the Endless Summer album.I attended quite a few Beach Boy concerts in my hometown, Milwaukee, but the most memorable was a concert in South Florida in the early 80s.The venue they played didn’t “allow” dancing.Who can remain seated at a Beach Boys concert??!! My friend and I certainly couldn’t and had security chasing us down aisles trying to stop us from dancing. Soon enough the entire audience was on their feet and security gave up. At the end of the show, Mr Love signaled for my friend and I to approach the stage and he handed Dennis’s drumsticks to security and had them give them to us. I’ll never forget that kind act.In reading this book it saddens me that Mr Love doesn’t think he got the accolades or respect he deserves.He was/is a fantastic front man who can work a crowd.It never mattered to me or anyone I know if he was credited with writing songs or not. We didn’t compare one band to another. We like what we like.Anyway, it’s a great read and I sincerely wish Mr Love will eventually realize he always had the utmost respect of his fans. Certainly this one.

As a huge Beach Boys fan I wasn't too sure about reading this after all the negativity that comes with the territory re Mike Love. But actually it's not a bad read. He's quite honest and open about his relationships with the other Beach Boys. I get the feeling that he really is quite fond of Brian, liked Carl and Bruce, didn't enjoy Dennis's life style and had an odd relationship with Al.He'll never be a lot of BB's fans favourite but if his explanations for some of the incidents that have occurred during the last 50 years are to be believed he's no better or worse than the other members. Of course a lot of the same fans don't think Mike should have an opinion but he's the one that's kept the Beach Boys flag flying for the last two decades.The only thing I didnt understand was his falling out with Al Jardine. He just says he'll never tour with Al again but doesn't fully explain why.If you approach this book with an open mind then it's an enjoyable story.

I’m an avid reader of factual books about the performing arts and when I read anything concerning The Beach Boys’ history I’m reminded of film producer Robert Evans’ famous quote: “There are three sides to every story: my side, your side and the truth … and no one is lying”. In short, its all a matter of perspective.Mike Love has become the pantomime villain of the Beach Boys’ story. Here, Love seeks to put his side of that story. Is his book selective in recounting the past? Most certainly. However, Love putting his own spin on the band’s story is no more reprehensible than the Brian Wilson biographers and essayists who proclaim Wilson a musical god while discounting the contributions of the other band members and blaming them for Wilson’s problems.I still hold the view that Love does bear considerable responsibility for the band’s tragically early descent into an oldies act, which saw the end of its eclectic post surf era music, that has been largely consigned to obscurity. That does not mean he was in the wrong at every turn. Love was entirely justified in wanting proper recognition of and credit for his contribution to the band’s music. It is not surprising that he repeatedly returns to that theme in the book. In addition, I am perfectly willing to accept that he was not the reason the fabled Smile album was abandoned as many continue to claim … that, clearly, was the result of a far more complicated set of circumstances than a simple lack of appreciation for the flowery lyrics of its songs.There will probably never be a totally unbiased account of this legendary band’s convoluted and somewhat sad history. If you have any interest in the Beach Boys and their music Love’s book is an easy read. Make up your own mind on the merits of his case.

Mike Love hasn't enjoyed good press from many Beach Boys fans over the years. This is partly because people want someone to blame for the misfortunes of the flawed genius that is Brian Wilson and partly because of his rather full-on swaggering persona. But he has written a very useful memoir here describing his childhood and the rise and fall of the Beach Boy phenomenon. He also sheds light on the Gene Landy years and his litigation with Brian to secure his song credits. His recall of events seems somewhat clearer than Brian's in his "I am Brian Wilson" autobiography - probably down to less participation in mind altering substances! A jolly good read.

As a life long Beach Boy fan I found the book informative and fascinating. It filled in gaps in my knowledge and gave background to what was going on in the 60s and beyond. Mike has been cast as a villain by some fans but, as they say there are two sides to every story and this book gives Mike’s side of things. Also The Wilson’s and Love’s are family and families fall out at times. Especially when you add the pressures and temptations of the rock industry. I recommend you read this and then make your own mind up and if nothing else it will remind you and background to what went on all those years ago.

As a long time Beach Boys and Brian Wilson fan I had my doubts about this book.I bought it together with 'I Am Brian Wilson' (which I read first) and, to my surprise, I found it by far the more enjoyable read.The underlying theme throughout is Mike's case for recognition as cowriter of many of the Beach Boys most famous songs which for many years he was uncredited.If you can get past that recurring theme then I feel his book is a very enlightening and even handed handed account of Beach Boys history, from his perspective.I have read many previous accounts but still found a few surprises here.Put your preconceptions aside and give it a try. You might enjoy it.I did.

I was a bit concerned that it was going to be a polemic about who was right and who was wrong in the Beach Boys saga, but actually found the book much better than that. It was refreshing to see another viewpoint as opposed to Brian and his immediate family. It gave information that I had not known before. He is at least gracious as to his own faults and those of others but is not afraid to speak his own mind.

I loved this book. It was full of honesty from a great front man. I have read many books on Brian Wilson so it was just so refreshing to read this book on Mike. I've always loved him as a front man and the Beach Boys would not be the Beach Boys without Mike. Highly recommended.

A Very interesting view of Mike Loves perception of beach boy life. Mike gets a hard time on social media for being seen to be making money out of his cousin, Brian. Worth reading. I took this on holiday and couldn’t put it down!

Didn’t realise this was being bought from a Library!!??

A great book from one of the main players in America's greatest band. Also serves as an interesting insight in to early to mid 50s California and the pursuit of the American dream.

I met Mike recently and was struck by what a nice, humble man he was. That shines through in this book. A must read for any beach boys fan.

Brilliant

Great

Brilliant book, great read whether your a Beach Boy fan or not

Great book. Great price. Extremely pleased.