Brian Wilson has died

Immediate Reactions & Emotional Impact

• Many commenters describe Wilson as a once‑in‑a‑century pop composer and “the Beach Boys” in essence.
• The news feels personally heavy for several people who grew up with his music, saw him live, or tied key life memories to his songs.
• There’s a strong sense of mourning for both Wilson and the era his music represents, with some lamenting that their cultural “luminaries” are disappearing.

Pet Sounds, “God Only Knows,” and Songcraft

• Pet Sounds is repeatedly cited as a masterpiece that some only learned to appreciate as adults; one person calls it “proto‑emo” under a sunny façade.
• “God Only Knows” is singled out as a near‑perfect song: unusual structure, sparse drums, unconventional chord progressions, and a coda that feels infinite.
• Commenters share resources analyzing the song’s theory and note that its “oddness” is precisely what makes it compelling.
• Other songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “I’m Waiting for the Day,” “Let’s Go Away for Awhile,” and “Good Vibrations” are highlighted for emotional depth and inventive production.

Band Dynamics, Studio Methods, and Influences

• Several note that studio players (the Wrecking Crew) often performed the instrumentals, while the Beach Boys provided the vocals; Wilson’s arranging and producing are seen as the core genius.
• Anecdotes reference Carol Kaye’s bass lines, Wilson’s obsession with “Be My Baby,” and his sand‑filled living room around a piano to shape creative atmosphere.
• Discussion touches on complex internal band dynamics: contributions from other members, difficult personalities, and one member’s role in relentlessly keeping the brand touring.

Legacy, Influence, and Comparisons

• Commenters emphasize the feedback loop between the Beach Boys and the Beatles (Rubber Soul → Pet Sounds → Sgt. Pepper) and how rivalry elevated both.
• Wilson is compared to figures like Sly Stone, David Lynch (for capturing a particular American uncanny), and various modern artists.
• There is debate over whether contemporary pop stars (e.g., Taylor Swift) or more experimental artists (Burial, SOPHIE, Sufjan Stevens, Trent Reznor, Frank Ocean, Rosalía, others) are today’s “giants,” with disagreement about commercial reach vs. boundary‑pushing innovation.

Modern Music Landscape & “Who Replaces Him?”

• Some argue audience fragmentation and content saturation make new universally recognized titans unlikely, even though great, innovative music still exists.
• Others stress that true giants are usually recognized only in hindsight; asking “who is the new Brian Wilson?” is seen as premature and somewhat unfair to current artists.