Some viewers might have preferred an edited edition of this documentary as it gets repetitive. Voice after voice underline many of the same key points. It’s interesting, other than Brian, that no other Beach Boy speaks about their late colleague. We do get to see rare archival footage, notably of Audrey Wilson, mother of the boys, showing off her pride in her sons.
Most musical samples are frustratingly brief and truncated, likely as the rights to use longer extracts would have been cost prohibitive. The only full-length songs come at the end with Michael Angeloff's “Here and Now Is Forever” and “Life's So Strange.” Both feature Carl's last studio background vocal performances. In the main, this set talks about the music—you gotta hear it elsewhere.
Still, to use one of Wilson’s oft repeated phrases, “It is what it is.” Serious Beach Boys fans will really treasure this intimate, very personal overview of a life with deep impact on a select few, and more of an impact on the rest of us then we really knew. Among musicians, Carl Wilson’s talents are widely appreciated; it’s the general public who may not be aware that he was more than the voice “in the middle.”Odds are, after viewing this tribute, you’ll want to re-visit your own Beach Boys library to hear the songs with new appreciation. Or for those without any of Carl Wilson’s solo albums, now might be the time to hear melodies you missed when the songs were young. The Beach Boys were much, much more than one brother’s vision.
Note: This item is available exclusively at the official site.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments