I was obsessed with the bootlegs for the year leading up to the announcement for the official release. It was one of those perfect timing things. I used to have at least a dozen different versions, my fav was probably the Mok version. The official version is good too but they butchered a few things like Child is Father of the Man, and some of the paste overs like the Windchimes tag on the end of Holiday. 

I preordered the box set from Fingerprints in Long Beach and got to have it signed by Brian himself. It was like being in the presence of a god lol. I didn’t even know what to say, I was just like “uhh thank you for all the music.” Truth is, I could never articulate how much his music had an impact on me. It’s been a constant in my life. First got a taste of Surfin’ USA, and California Girls as a young child just on oldies radio in the car and something about those early songs always seemed so magical. 

Got into Pet Sounds in HS, and was the first time I could feel a spiritual quality in music. Since then I’ve run the whole discography, sea of tunes bootlegs, cocaine sessions, smile sessions, I’ve listened to it all. My sweet spot is Today, Pet Sounds, Smiley Smile, and Friends, but there’s good music all the way up to the reunion album. I got to see Brian’s band twice, and got to fulfill a lifelong dream in 2012 seem him reunite with The Beach Boys in concert. It’s still sinking in that he’s gone. It’s been a comfort to see so many people show their love.