The Beach Boys & - The Satan

Southern California turns sour

This one-hour documentary was first released in 1997, reappearing now as part of a German series called Pop Odyssee. A selection of “names” (including Kim Fowley, Kenneth Anger, Don Was and David Thomas of Pere Ubu) convincingly talk about some aspects of Brian Wilson’s music and the seedier side of Los Angeles, interspersed between a selection of promo film footage. There’s very little cohesive thread in the editing or what the talking heads have to say, evidenced by clips of Brian Wilson talking about the music and drugs of his past, while adding a scattering of chords that, sadly, add nothing to the overall picture.

Completists will enjoy the sections describing the early 60s beach culture, including rare, though short, footage of Jan & Dean, The Chantays and Dick Dale, but much of The Beach Boys’ footage will have been seen by hardcore fans in other settings. The title suggests a concentration on the links between the band and Charles Manson, but this only happens briefly and in no way tells the whole story, which may well be best for all concerned. All in all, pretty unsatisfactory.

2 stars 2 stars

ABC Entertainment | ABCVP 114 DVD

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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