The Beach Boys Disney+ Documentary • Deep Dive Review & Analysis

"The Beach Boys" documentary that has just been released by Disney+ provides a nostalgic yet insightful look into the legendary band's history, focusing on the family dynamics and creative tensions that shaped their music. While the production quality is top-notch, some fans may feel it glosses over significant post-1968 events and controversies. The documentary prominently features Mike Love, offering his perspective on the band's journey. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their story, this documentary is worth your time. Check out our deep dive review and discussion and share us your thoughts!
Chapters:
00:21 - The Run Down
05:57 - Mike Love
08:42 - Murry Wilson
10:01 - Concluding Thoughts

[@herrdwabash]

My favorite Beach Boys-related documentary is a three-part critical review series called "Brian Wilson: Songwriter". The documentary delves very deeply into Brian Wilson's craftsmanship as a songwriter and producer, and it does an excellent job covering all of the years from 1962 to 1980.

[@bilguana11]

Mike Love refused to continue the Beach Boys recording after their 2012 reunion. This was documented in the LA Times as it happened. We refuse to go to ML's BBs concerts.

[@Peppers19781978]

He also said That's Why God Made the Radio wasnt a good album, which is b.s.. It was one of the BB best albums in decades. He also pretty much fired Brian, Al and David. Brian said it felt like they were fired. He has even threatened to sue Al for using the BB name to promote his own shows. Mike wanted the spotlight to himself. The reunion tour was hugely successful. Most money I guarantee he has made in a long time but he clearly couldnt stand the spotlight being on Brian.

[@Mo-MuttMusic]

Thanks for sharing. Haven't seen it yet. My favorite Beach Boys doc is probably "Endless Harmony: The Beach Boys Story," a made-for-TV doc that aired years ago on VH-1. If memory serves, it touches a big on Brian's solo career. Seems like he was about to release "Imagaination." Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular (and longtime Beach Boys fan)

[@theindieminers]

I think it was around that time that I saw An American Family which brought me up to speed with the Beach Boys Story.

[@carlwalker1843]

"Endless Harmony: The Beach Boys Story," A two part tv doc. I remember watching it back in the summer of 1998. I do have it on a VHS somewhere.

[@thebuxtstopshere]

3 parts is a good one. Did you all get the Record Collector Beach Boys special this week. Greets from South Africa.

[@thefilmandmusic]

Surfs up and Holland are my fav albums

[@theindieminers]

Both awesome albums! Sunflower as well..

[@blueticecho5690]

As Brian inches closer to the grave I hope we are near the end of this trying to make money crap.. They been over since Carl, Dennis Brian have been out of it. Let it RIP..

[@theindieminers]

Hopefully this puts some form of full stop on things, however one suspects that it will carry on

[@Peppers19781978]

Mike Love is going to milk the BB until he no longer can. He doesnt give a damn about Brian.

[@tomjones5650]

They still pack houses after 60 years. You think anyone cares about what you 2 goofs think.

[@misterschubert3242]

Let's see how Disney ruins this one...

[@dogsbod]

You can't cover 63 yrs in 2 hours

[@theindieminers]

100%

[@Michaela1942]

Yes, Mike Love has always come off as an ego centered person. He shouldn't do interviews as he really doesn't come off well - at least to me.

[@theindieminers]

Agree!

[@carlwalker1843]

Maybe Mike Love did have ideas in the Beach Boy days and writing songs. I think without being disrespectful what's the similar word for a big head he comes across as arrogant in my opinion.

[@CaptainsChannel58]

Can't be a review if the AI stuff isn't mentioned

[@RicoMusap-te3om]

You're wrong no Mike love no beach boys he wrote the lyrics to the songs when your young the lyrics are the most important when older its the music Mike put skin on the beautiful body that Brian created both are important!!!

[@theindieminers]

Interesting point but we'd have to say the music is far superior to the lyrics in this case. Thanks for stopping by though!

[@Peppers19781978]

Mike Love contributed some. Brian was the genius, the mastermind behind their songs, lyrics, sound. Mike brags to this day about Kokomo being their biggest hit, their biggest especially without Brian, and it took FOUR people to write it. Mike throwing in a few words is not writing lyrics. This is the guy who trashed Pet Sounds, wanted to stick to surf music and songs about cars. Once the album reached iconic status he then tried to take more credit for it, has tried to sue Brian many times for inclusion on songs he was barely involved with including wanting credit for the lyrics on Pet Sounds. Mike was on tour when Brian created that masterpiece. He is still complaining about not getting enough credit on Pet Sounds or getting third billing on the songs he helped on. Wouldnt it Be Nice is a huge example. Know what Mike wrote.... Goodnight, my baby Sleep tight, my baby Goodnight, my baby Sleep tight, my baby Goodnight, my baby Sleep tight, my baby

[@RicoMusap-te3om]

Yes Brian WAS the most important member of the beachboy but it doesn't diminish the importance of the other Irreducibly complex!

[@debjorgo]

I might watch this then. I'm a big fan of Mike Love's. I hate all the surf songs and the harmonies. I love the songs about cars and girls. Mike seemed to be the one who got them Rockin'.

[@lordhutch3099]

found mike loves account

[@dankyfree997]

Same. “She’s givin’ me excitations” such a poetic soul that Love. Delivered in his angelic nasal twang, so worth the cowriting credit he sued for.” -Don Was

[@Peppers19781978]

."I'm a big fan of Mike Love's" I didnt know Bruce Johnston posted on YoUTube.

[@Peppers19781978]

@@lordhutch3099 Nah it's probably his loyal servant Bruce Johnston.

[@debjorgo]

@@Peppers19781978 Well boom boom acka lacka lacka boom. I have no idea what the Bruce Johnston line is about. I just listen to the music.

[@joannamiller6613]

It’s obvious this a very biased review considering your views on Mike Love..this doc isn’t just “his” perspective. Should we dismiss Al, David, Marilyn, and Bruce’s opinions because they support the fact that Brian’s genius/vision was incumbent upon using the talents of the other band members..including Mike? This Mike Love hate train is so tiring. And I love Brian, but Smile is extremely overrated.

[@RicoMusap-te3om]

Mike love is underaprrciated he put skin on the body that Brian created plus he helped make the BB popular again in the 70s which helped pay for Brian's medical bills!!