Dumb Angel: The Life & Music of Dennis Wilson

by Adam Webb

"Dumb Angel", the first working title of "Smile", is said to have been an expression of Brian Wilson's insight into the character of his brother Dennis. ?? Dennis Wilson started out as drummer with the Beach Boys, a '60s teenage pin-up and the only true surfer in the group. He died prematurely in 1983, shortly after marrying his cousin's illegitimate love child. In between, he indulged copiously in sex and drugs, hung out with Charles Manson, married on three other occasions, wrote and sang on over twenty Beach Boys tracks, released one solo LP, and left a vast wealth of rare, beautiful studio material that remains largely unavailable to this day. ?? Dumb Angel is an illustrated testament which reveals not only the highs and lows of Wilson's amazing rock and roll life and the details of his tragic early death, but focuses on the man's true his soulful, fractured voice and music. ?? With a preface by Peter Buck of REM. ??

Genres: Music, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for getting biography on a man who sadly isn't given a lot of ink in rock history. Unfortunately the author's blanket dismissal of Mike Love and Al Jardine seems a bit too agenda-driven. Also, he downplays Carl Wilson's output and musical relationship with Denny. But a lot of the stories are really informative.

[Marco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad tale of a good guy, a fearless man and fragile soul; a person who was little regarded as an asset to this world while he was here.
Everyone who like "soul" music should hear Dennis'only solo-album, Pacific Ocean Blue at least once in they life time.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good biography of dear Denny. It can be a little pompous at times, and not so kind to Brian, but still one of my favorite music biographies of a seriously neglected / dismissed musician.

[David Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago. However, I recently picked it up again and enjoyed it immensely.
My only gripe is that the author is very opinionated. And, I think that's only a gripe because I don't agree with some of his opinions :)

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting chronology and info about recordings made by Dennis Wilson. Also fun if you have an interest in the Wilson family and how the puzzle pieces of the Beach Boys fit together. Author Adam Webb makes a good case for Dennis's musical talent, which was largely sidelined in the Beach Boys, but very apparent on his solo album. Also his energy (probably ADHD, undiagnosed back in the 50s and 60s) and good looks, and even his surfing (and his spot-on suggestion to the singing brothers that they should write a song about surfing) contributed mightily to the success of the Beach Boys.

I applaud the author for providing fans with this labor of love -- and I encourage Adam Webb to find a way to make it available to new buyers either through print-on-demand or e-books. Or, if you want to re-work it with a little more editing and narrative, I'll help you, get in touch with me.

[Ian]

Recommended

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best Dennis Wilson biography available, but the authors story doesn't flow well.