Advantages: All the Beach Boys hits in a boxed set
Disadvantages: Some people really will hate this type of music

...Good Vibrations: Thirty Years of The Beach Boys" is one of the finest compilations of a major musical artist yet released. Inside, you will find an exceptionally well-chosen selection of Beach Boy hits, album tracks, alternate takes, experiments and other assorted oddities. There are no essential songs or performances missing, although one might quibble about not finding a personal favourite among the extensive track listing. Even then, I'll wager that the compilers at Capitol have second-guessed even the most fervent Beach Boys fanatics. Here is the proof as to why in some circles Brian Wilson is considered a pop music genius on the order of a Paul McCartney or a Stevie Wonder. The sound is terrific, given that the original recordings have some unusual imbalances and are very trebly--no doubt due to Brian Wilson's rumoured deafness... Read review

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Advantages: A book for the Beach Boys fan, who wants to know in-depth information without tabloid rubbish
Disadvantages: Interviews with Carl Wilson are not mentioned.

...This book is not really a overview of the songs and albums The Beach Boys made, but a biography that gives a good in-depth view about all kinds of aspects in their musical carriere. The author, Kingsley Abott, made a study on a number of articles (known and unknown) and created a representative and critical source of information. Ofcourse the 'Pet Sounds' and 'Smile' period are extensively written about. This was the most important period in the musical history of the Beach Boys. The interviews in the book are quite unique: Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Marilyn Wilson (Brians wife), Steve Kalinich (song writer) and Andy Paley were all very open. Brian Wilson also talks about his solo carriere and the sad death of his brother Dennis.... Read review

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Advantages: set in India
Disadvantages: too many Indian terms

...Indian words in an English sentence as if they were English words. ‘Hey, Cyrus, chul yaar, the bhaiya will have come. Let’s run and get some bhel.’ Strange! Thirdly, he just uses Indian sentences. ‘‘Arre, butha, wo makhan kahan rakha hai tune.’ the old man grimaces.’ So do I! It’s obvious that the author wants to create local colour, but what he does turns into an on-my-nerves-getting mannerism. So, what is my overall verdict of ‘Beach Boy’? If you’ve studied Hindi and love Bollywood films like Cyrus or if you’re just into Indian cuisine than this novel is a MUST (maybe someone could review it for Food & Drink as well?), if you’re not, it’s a CAN. The novel is an easy and enjoyable read, but certainly not what Eileen Battersby wrote in the Irish Times... Read review

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Advantages: Good classic hits!
Disadvantages: Will eventually get repetitive

...Welcome to a collection of music that will take you back to the summers of the 60s and 70s, and remind you of good, clean fun. I’m talking about The Beach Boys!! A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY… (with help from www.wikipedia.org, further information can be found from www.thebeachboys.com) The lads got together in 1960, and their early music focussed on the Californian youth lifestyle. A classic song which depicts this is one of their most famous Surfin’ USA. I think it’s a shame that music like this isn’t around anymore. The music of the group is (in my opinion) innocent, fun, focuses on the good times that can be had in life, and encourages a light hearted feel. We need more of that people! The band went throughout many changes in its line-up, and the people inevitably had an effect on the sound it produced. Though when thinking... Read review

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