Goodbye Surfing, Hello God!

by Jules Siegel, The Atavist (Editor)

In 1966, Brian Wilson entered the studio to compose Smile, a Beach Boys album that he believed would change the band, and perhaps the face of popular music, forever. What happened next became legend, as captured by journalist Jules Siegel, who had been given entry into Wilson’s inner circle. “Goodbye Surfing, Hello God” ran in Cheetah magazine, helping to create the legend and mystery of Wilson’s madcap genius. Then the story, like the album, disappeared. Now The Atavist has brought to life Siegel’s 1967 classic. It’s the tale of a musician’s struggle against his own demons to capture greatness on tape, and to top the Beatles in the process.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1967

Reviews

[Edward Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read on the early stages of Brian Wilson's mental breakdown. The original article was published in the late 60's. The additionally Q and A at the end of the article adds a lot more dimension to the article and the times it took place. Have to go now to listen to some old Beach Boys on vinyl.

[Christiane Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

basically just a magazine article I had to pay for, but a fascinating read for any Brian Wilson fan.

[Jon Lebkowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seminal piece about Brian Wilson

Siegel covered Brian Wilson’s work and evolution at a critical time. Fascinating profile of an emerging genius as he created his greatest work.

[Patrick Strickland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a short read and includes a great interview with the author at the end... I think it was the intervew that sealed this for me as a great read.

Forget the fact it's part of cult folklore surrounding Brian Wilson's "Smile" album. It's part of pop music and rock history that should be ingested if you're into 60's rock/pop. The artist chronicled is a keen influence on the Beatles creative development. The anecdotes are clear and a little trippy like the times. There are details left out, and conclusions that could be drawn nwo that we know how history played out... But I find this an entertaining read none the less and something that would have been worth republication in a magazine with a wider subscription... like Rolling Stone.

The one problem I had with the article/book was chronology. Siegel is excluded from Wilson's entourage and yet the last "chapter" is about a performance of "Surf's Up" for television, which happened well before this (I assume).

[Garrett Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing I love quite so much as getting to read primary sources. It really takes you back to a moment in time that can't be fully recaptured by looking back on it. This is a classic magazine article published in 1967 which chronicles Brian Wilson's triumphant recording of "Good Vibrations" and the disappointing dissolution of the greatest album that never was, "SMiLE."
The language of the article screams '67, with all its references to hipness and such. Since the author stayed with Wilson and the Beach Boys for a few months you really get the feeling of what it was like to actually be there. Many of the legends surrounding the recording of SMiLE started here, but there's also a good bit of observations direct from the moment that are priceless. If you're a hardcore Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan this is essential, and if you're interested in exploring the mystery of SMiLE this is a great place to start.

[Gef · Rating 3 out of 5]

sad... let's release an a reprint of a 40 year old magazine article and call it an ebook. was it bad...? no.. just not a book...