Reflecting on the Beach Boys’ long, fascinating history, this book tells the story behind 50 of the band’s greatest songs from the perspective of group members, collaborators, fellow musicians, and notable fans. It is filled with new interviews with music legends such as Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Alan Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks, Blondie Chaplin, Randy Bachman, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Lyle Lovett, Alice Cooper, and Al Kooper, and commentary from a younger generation such as Matthew Sweet, Carnie Wilson, Daniel Lanois, Cameron Crowe, and Zooey Deschanel. Even hardcore fans will be delighted by the breadth of this musical-history volume. Plans for celebrating the golden anniversary of “America’s band” include the long-awaited release of 1967’s Smile—the most famous aborted album in rock history—and concerts reuniting the group’s three main surviving members. The band’s music is as influential as it was 50 years ago, and this retelling of how the iconic rock group found itself in the annals of pop culture couldn’t come at a better time.
close this panelMark Dillon is a freelance journalist and writer. He is the former editor of Playback, the business publication of the Canadian film and television industries. His articles have also appeared in American Cinematographer, Globe and Mail, Hollywood Reporter, and Maclean’s. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.
close this panel"Highly recommended, this book is an essential addition to any Beach Boys fan's library." —Jon Stebbins, author, The Beach Boys FAQ and The Lost Beach Boy
"I've been all around this great big world and I've seen and heard it all when it came to 'America's Band.' Or so I thought! Fifty Sides Of The Beach Boys . . . shines new light on hidden and forgotten lore through fifty fresh perspectives and Mark Dillon's deep research and lively prose. Cool pictures too. I loved every page!" —Dennis Diken, musician, The Smithereens/Bell Sound
"Beach Boys' songs have always been about fun, so what better way to chart their colourful history than through their songs. Mark Dillon offers a fascinating and illuminating peek behind some of the greatest American music of the past 50 years as told by those who were there. Delightfully engaging and informative." —John Einarson, author, Randy Bachman: Still Takin' Care of Business and Four Strong Winds: Ian & Sylvia
"A delightful journey through fifty amazing classics, filtered through the eyes of the artists, producers and writers whose imaginations were touched by this brilliant band over the years. Chock full of engaging insight, this is a must have for any true fan!" —Matthew Sweet, musician
"In the Beach Boys' long history is a lot of history. Using the songs as jumping-off points—an efficient and successful method—Dillon explores much of it. . . . If you need a guide, Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys will more than do the trick." —www.PopMatters.com
"This is a book everyone who cares about the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, and their music should have in their music book library." —Peter Reum, Beach Boys historian
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