Good Vibrations

My Life as a Beach Boy

By: Mike Love, James S. Hirsch

Narrated by: Mike Love

Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

The New York Times best seller. 

Mike Love tells the story of his legendary, raucous, and ultimately triumphant five-decade career as the front man of The Beach Boys, the most popular American band in history - timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of "Good Vibrations". 

As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love has spent an extraordinary 55 years, and counting, as the group's lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. The Beach Boys, from their California roots to their international fame, are a unique American story - one of overnight success and age-defying longevity; of musical genius and reckless self-destruction; of spirituality, betrayal, and forgiveness - and Love is the only band member to be part of it each and every step. His own story has never been fully told, of how a sheet-metal apprentice became the quintessential front man for America's most successful rock band, singing in more than 5,600 concerts in 26 countries. 

Love describes the stories behind his lyrics for pop classics such as "Good Vibrations", "California Girls", "Surfin' USA", and "Kokomo", while providing vivid portraits of the turbulent lives of his three gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson. His partnership with Brian has few equals in American pop music, though Mike has carved out a legacy of his own - he co-wrote the lyrics to 11 of the 12 original Beach Boy songs that were top 10 hits while providing the lead vocals on 10 of them. The band's unprecedented durability also provides a glimpse into America's changing cultural mores over the past half century, while Love himself has experienced both the diabolical and the divine - from Charles Manson's "family" threatening his life to Maharishi instilling it with peace. A husband, a father, and an avid environmentalist, Love has written a book that is as rich and layered as the Beach Boy harmonies themselves. 

©2016 Mike Love (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"This memoir is a marvelous listening experience.... [Mike Love's] delivery is steady, thoughtful, sincere, and occasionally emotional as well. His mellow tone, while quite slow and deliberate, is reminiscent of the idealized laid-back California lifestyle the Beach Boys sang about." (AudioFile)

“More than a half-century’s worth of inside information about the Beach Boys.” (The New York Times)

“Riveting...fascinating...how the music transcended the story and spread California sunshine around the globe.... Love is able to articulate the depth of his feelings for the music in a way that will send fans back to their stereos to crank up ‘Surfin’ U.S.A.’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ and ‘The Warmth of the Sun’ whether they have an ocean handy or not.” (Sarah Rodman, Los Angeles Times)

Worthwhile for Beach Boy fans...narration awful

If you could sum up Good Vibrations in three words, what would they be?

Mike's side explained...

Who was your favorite character and why?

C'mon audible...it's an autobiography...

What didn’t you like about Mike Love’s performance?

I've often complained when famous people don't do the reading of their memoirs, but this book showed me why some don't. He stumbles over words, pauses in the wrong places, speeds up and slows down for no reason...it's very much like when you were in grade school and the teacher has called on some kid who is a poor reader to read the book aloud...he clearly didn't practice and he way he stumbles makes it clear the book had a HEAVY ghost writer influence.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no...

Any additional comments?

Everything Beach Boy related always focuses on Brian, so it was nice to see the other side of the story...

Compelling Narrative - Thoroughly Enjoyed It

I grew up on the Beach Boys, purchasing their records in the 70's and listening to them on cassette tapes on long trips to the beach through the 80's and beyond. Mike Love's narration may not be perfect, but I love hearing stories like these from the source. He's a tad on the slow side and he gets stuck every now and again, but I stayed with him through the entire book and was glad I did. Very fascinating story and well worth the purchase.

Awesome, insightful, fun

I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook. It was insightful, deeply personal and great fun. Like the Beach Boys music.

so good to read Mikes story

redemption, forgiveness, and of course.... love. so glad I listened to this audiobook. May the Beachboys live on.

So Many Great Stories!

As a life-long Beach Boys fan I was excited to get this book and hear Mike's story. The book does not disappoint. The story of the group from beginning to today. Even more cool is the Mike Love narrates the book! If you love the Beach Boys or are interested in the story, get this book now!

Should have been a great story....ugh terrible

MIke loves reading is terrible. The inflection and emphasis. I have been a B.B. fans since Good vibrations was a new release. Could not finish it was so poorly spoken.

Just like sitting with Mike Love

Where does Good Vibrations rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Better than most...I love having Mike Love tell stories in his voice...just like sitting with him and having him tell you his memories about his family and The Beach Boys....

What other book might you compare Good Vibrations to and why?

Troublemaker...Leah Remini ...in her voice she tells her story ...

What does Mike Love bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mike adds some singing a line or two from a song he wrote with Brian Wilson and you feel like you were really there.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes...when his family begins to die...Mike is 74 and really tells you about all his losses..and I loved his memories about his Christmas traditions...

Any additional comments?

Both books are great...but I really enjoyed the Audible better....because Mike is a performer and it never gets old...it just is fascinating....

Mike Love's side of the story

There has been a lot said about Mike Love and his role in The Beach Boys history, much of it less than flattering. Finally we get to hear his side of the story, by him! He doesn't hold back. I thought I knew it all but in reality I knew very little and learned a lot from this book. I look forward to listening to Brian Wilson's side when it is released in October. I'm glad these 2 books are being released so close together so the comparison will be fresh.

Mike did a fine job with the reading. I didn't totally dig the singing, but that's just my preference. It didn't ruin it for me by any means. Say what you will about Mike Love but if it wasn't for him I believe The Beach Boys would've been finished a long time ago. He's a great showman and they probably would not have caught my attention when I became a fan in the '80s if it hadn't been for his fun presence on stage. This book is well worth a listen or read. Make your own judgments, but only after you read the book.

Love the Beach Boys!

I am a long time Beach Boy fan, and have heard different stories throughout the years and I feel I have a better understanding of some of the things that went on. Sadly and happily. I will always love the Beach Boys, and have seen them in concert too many times to count.
Great read, and loved that Mike Love narrated.

Mike Love

Mike has a great memory but terrible diction.
I've been spoiled by better oraters.
otherwise this is a good memoir. slanted but good.