Interview: A Look Back With A Beach-Boy-Fan Journalist

Phil @ Pray For Surf ~  Patrick, we met years ago (1991) at a signing for Brian Wilson's book (Wouldn't It Be Nice) when you were assigned by your then employer Chicago Tribune to write a story on Brian. Were you a fan before that interview, and what was that experience like?  [ read that article here>>> ]

DEALING WITH DISCORD

Patrick KampertCHICAGO TRIBUNE

When I laid down on my bed,

I heard voices in my head,

Telling me, `Now, hey, it`s only a dream.`

Patrick ~ Yes, I was definitely a fan, and Brian had been such an enigma in the rock world that it was something I very much looked forward to. The experience was kind of sad, actually. It almost appeared like he had experienced a stroke or something. In retrospect, it was probably the numbing effect of prescription drugs. It was the tail end of Brian's time under Landy's control and his full-time minder was there, although he actually went downstairs while I interviewed Brian in his hotel room, which kind of surprised me.

Phil ~ Brian and Mike Love both released a biography [note: this interview took place in October, 2016 ] ... Cousins: Wilsons vs Loves. Co-writers: Music vs Lyrics. Creative-leader of the band vs Business-leader of the band ... What is your take of the multi-level dynamics of this "Cassius" Love Vs "Sonny" Wilson relationship?

Patrick ~ I agree with Dennis Wilson's quote: "Brian *is* the Beach Boys. We're just his messengers." I seem to recall Mike Love being quoted once admitting that he'd probably be pumping gas if not for Brian. Having said that, I don't think too many people outside of that bloodline really know what the relationship is like. It sure raised some eyebrows when Jeff Foskett left Brian's side to join Mike's band. But talk about "heroes and villains" -- it's almost perfect casting. One could argue that Mike has kept the "brand" alive with his incessant touring. One could also argue that he has harmed the Beach Boys with his fixation on the surf-and-cars formula, which he fanned with "Endless Summer" in 1974 and "15 Big Ones" in 1976. If you think about it, he was only 27 in 1968 when he wrote the lyrics to "Do It Again," which was already looking backwards. Carl Wilson and the rest of the band either couldn't or wouldn't demand a continuation of the creative arc established by "Sunflower," "Surf's Up," "Carl & The Passions-So Tough" and "Holland." 

Phil ~ Since the year 2000 or so, it seems to me the Beach Boys have been nudged up into the stratosphere that had only been inhabited by the Beatles. What is your perspective, as a journalist, as to how the media cover the Beach Boys?

Patrick ~ It's a bit curious. I'm not sure how well reporters understand the Beach Boys' long history, although it has been great to see Brian getting his due. Yet as much as I enjoy Brian and the Beach Boys, it pains me to admit that I think the Beatles' song catalog is deeper and their albums are more fully realized. That's not surprising given that they had three incredible songwriters, while the Beach Boys primarily relied on Brian even in the years when he seemed to disappear from view. Dennis grew into a strong songwriter but for some reason the rest of the band wasn't interested in his compositions. A pity.

Phil ~ You and I have discussed a "spirituality" in the Beach Boys' music. I am not referring to Mike and Alan's homage songs to Transcendental Meditation, but to allusions, intended or not, to a biblical worldview. If you agree, which songs or lyric segments stand-out to you?

Patrick ~ The main one to me is the existential " 'Til I Die," in which Brian marvels at the smallness of humanity in God's creation. "I'm a cork on the ocean/Floating over the raging sea." Fits perfectly with Ecclesiastes. It's as good as anything on "Pet Sounds" although, as a side note, I sometimes wonder if Brian had some help with the lyrics. It's a league above garbage like "Johnny Carson."

Phil ~ When the time comes when the originals are no longer performing, how do you envision the Beach Boys legacy being projected and protected? If you had a vote on the Brother Records board, what would you propose for the marketing of their vast catalog and for the licensing of the name for touring?

Patrick ~ If the originals are gone, the Beach Boys name should be retired for good. I hope it is. 

Phil ~ What else comes to mind, Patrick?

Patrick ~ If you wrote the Beach Boys' story as fiction, no one would believe it. Such sunny, positive music with a Greek tragedy behind the smiling facade. I sometimes wonder if anyone really knows how damaged Brian really is these days. No one gets close enough these days to do a really deep interview; Peter Ames Carlin's book is terrific on this subject. I also wonder if the Beach Boys would have had happier and longer lives if they never became these legends.

Phil ~ Their song from SMiLE, Our Prayer, is running through my mind ... never a bad time to pray for any of the Beach Boys!

Patrick ~ We all need it!