The article reflects on Brian Wilson's immense musical talent and the weight of expectations he faced after being labeled a genius by publicist Derek Taylor in 1966. It discusses Wilson's creativity, noting how he transformed simple instruments into profound musical experiences. While he grappled with personal challenges, including mental health issues, Wilson maintained a unique ability to inspire those around him. His music served as a beacon amid societal upheaval, particularly during events like the civil rights movement and Vietnam War, demonstrating his significance as both an artist and a social force.
He was basically forever competing against a previous version of himself...the things he could do with a piano, bass, and a couple of guitars were like him entering a dark room and breathing light and life into it.
He was a celebratory spirit with a dark coda on his life: the burden of some psychosis...but he had the ability to dig deep.
In the studio, under great tensile strength, the things he could do with a piano, bass, and maybe a couple of guitars were like him entering a dark room and breathing light and life into it.
Equally, he was a positive social force while Rome was burning...against that backdrop we got the tonic of Brian Wilson's music.
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