" ... This is the first study of Wilson to eschew chronology for a topical organiozation that allows discussion of lyrical themes and musical motifs outside of any ... presumptions about their place in the trajectory of his career. The chapter on lyrics explores questionsof qualty, asking why the words to [his] songs are so often considered a detriment, before surveying such tendencies as melancholy and introspecton, the conceit of childlike wisdom, his depiction of women, and Americana/nostalgia. The section on music focusses on his alsetto, the famous harmonies, the peculiar whiteness of the Breach Boys' sound, as well as song structure. A final chapter on iconicity asks how rock criticism's auteurship both maintains and limits his reputation. ..."--Back cover.