Latest news with #DavidLeaf
New York Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Musical Mysteries Brian Wilson Left Behind
Though Brian Wilson was one of pop's most studied artists, he largely remained an enigma. The Beach Boys leader, whose death at 82 was announced this week, made music for the masses with an artisan's eye for detail. While his biography was well known, questions about what drove him to the top of the charts — and ultimately deep into darkness — could never definitively be answered. Since the start of the CD era, Wilson's legacy has been burnished by a series of deep-dive archival efforts, including the 1993 'Good Vibrations' boxed set, the revelatory 'Pet Sounds Sessions' collection from 1996, a series of early 2000s reissues focused on the band's Brother label years, and ultimately the holy grail: the release of his abandoned mid-60s masterwork, 'Smile,' in 2011. 'Everything Brian created is worth hearing and it all has a kind of historical value in terms of understanding his life,' said David Leaf, the Beach Boys historian who published 'Smile: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson' this spring. In more recent years, that effort has continued with sets focused on the Beach Boys' overlooked and often deceptively strange 1970s work. 'These projects continue to come out with all this new and unheard material,' said the author Peter Ames Carlin, who wrote a 2006 biography of Wilson, 'Catch a Wave.' 'It's a testament to just how creative and prolific Brian was — despite the many ups and downs of his life.' Even with the consistent release of music from the vaults, there are fascinating corners of Wilson's oeuvre that have yet to see the light of day. Here's a rundown. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
You can have your say on local services within Bexley
Bexley Council has launched its 2025 Customer Experience Survey. The council is asking all users of its services to provide feedback on their customer experience. This follows the introduction of Bexley's Customer Experience Strategy in May 2024, which made three promises to customers. These were to provide clear information about services and access, to be transparent about available services and costs, and to direct people to suitable support if the council cannot assist. Last year's borough-wide consultation received more than 630 responses from residents, businesses, and staff. Community groups, including the Asian Women's Network, Age UK Bexley, Active Horizons, and members of the deaf community, also contributed through targeted engagement sessions. Councillor David Leaf, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for resources, said: "We are committed to putting Bexley's residents, businesses, and communities at the heart of everything we do. "Our customer experience strategy was developed by engaging with those who use our services, and we want to continue listening and learning so we can make Bexley even better. "This survey is a chance for everyone in Bexley to tell us what's working and the areas we need to review so we can communicate and engage in the best ways possible. "With new technologies coming forward, including greater use of digital and AI communications, we want to make sure our approach is modern, effective, and ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances and needs, can access our services and have a good experience when contacting the council." To take part, visit Ask Bexley. The 2025 survey will help the council monitor its progress against the commitments set out in the Customer Experience Strategy and guide future improvements to services. The survey will be open until June 12, 2025. For those who need support to complete the survey, printed copies will be available at local libraries, and alternative formats can be provided on request.
