FROM ENDLESS SUMMER QUARTERLY – THE BEACH BOYS PUBLICATION OF RECORD

NEW RELEASES – Books

By Alan Smith

In which gifted musician, Carli Muñoz, leaves behind a life of privilege & comfort, to embark on his own personal Odyssey – experiencing loss, redemption, challenge, and success, Carli traverses ’60s New York, then ’70s LA with The Beach Boys before returning to Puerto Rico where he lived (mostly) happily ever after, to the end of his days.

Carli Muñoz – well known amongst the Beach Boys hardcore fans as a long-standing member of the band’s live act (1970-1981) and co-producer/writer of Dennis Wilson’s unrealized 2nd solo album (Bambu) – delivers a captivating memoir that adds to the historical legacy of The Beach Boys, while delving into the creative process of the artiste. 

While much has been said about the “music of poetry,” Carli here provides a lengthy tome that perhaps describes the “poetry of music” – specifically his music – while also relating the varied experiences that continually informed a sensuous understanding of the world around him.

And poetic writing it is – evocative and deft, actively voiced while brimming with you-are-there details, Carli’s memoir is as much a joy to read as it likely was for Carli to experience. Even in the later chapters which tend towards the dry side of the lean cuts, much can be appreciated in Carli’s stimulating wording-smithing.

Carli communicates intricately and immediately: the press of his keyboard’s characters easily matches the press of his knowing fingers across the smooth face of a Grand Piano – it’s easy to be swept away in the breeze of his authorial voice.

Structurally, Carli’s earthly odyssey is framed within the selection and meaning of Tarot cards – it’s a thoughtful way to summarize the themes and learnings Carli discovered or reluctantly swallowed in this mortal coil, and the graphic accompaniments are a welcome addition inspiring reflection on his unfurling quest.

His recollections of times with The Beach Boys, more specifically Carl and Dennis, are, I think, beguiling must-reads that offer tantalizing puzzle pieces to fit the ever-expanding complexities of the band’s history.  

Carli provides some insights about “Bambu” that complement the relevant passages of Ken Sharp’s amazing “Dreamer” tome.  

Whether about The Beach Boys or Dennis’s solo efforts, Carli’s stories are respectful and diplomatic, but they are sure to fulfill the quizzical desires of fans and wannabes across the BB spectrum.

However, it’s Carli’s Twilight Zone-esque relationship with Jack Rieley (yes, the Jack Rieley) that is somewhat surreal in retrospect. Jack managed Carli’s initial musical endeavors from Puerto Rico to New York, then Jack later was key in Carli’s migration to LA.  How they then made their distinct and separate ways into The Beach Boys organization – and beyond! Is fascinating.

Despite the humble title of his memoir, this Carli Muñoz fellow is no fool; he continually proves himself to be a savvy cat throughout his continuing adventures.  He’s quick on his feet to further, or create opportunities from the situations he finds himself in. His “fake it or make it” bravado initially propels him into the jazz scene of ‘60s San Juan, aids his initial indoctrination and then ascent as a cohort of The Beach Boys and finally into his post-musical career – Carli’s self-belief, despite the odds and heart-breaking low-points (homelessness, natural disasters), is offered with humility and ease, and is quite inspirational.

That includes the time Carli once hosted a dinner party for his collected ex-lovers, girlfriends, and wives.  He’s the first to admit the party went as well as expected.

As mentioned, Carli has been gifted a sensuous personality – which, I think, led to his unique musical talents and the ability to extend his gifts to other artistic endeavors, as sumptuously detailed in this memoir.  However, this gift has provided Carli with a lifelong red-blooded appetite for the pursuit of sexual fulfillment; from time to time this memoir delivers the most poetically described hardcore porn on the lower side of the Tropic of Cancer.  No further spoilers from me – but I’m sure you will recognize such passages when you come to them (no pun intended, as Carli would say).

A recommended read for those interested in the “artistic process,” or The Beach Boys fans interested in Carli’s interactions with Dennis & Carl.

©2023 Alan Smith/All Rights Reserved