It’s not hyperbole to say that Brian Wilson, who died today at the age of 82, was a musical virtuoso of the highest caliber. Like many geniuses, The Beach Boys founder was a complicated and paradoxical character. The California native penned “Surfin’ Safari” but never really surfed; As a producer, he redefined pop music for the masses, most famously with 1966’s ‘Pet Sounds,’ but hated performing in front of crowds. Regarded as one of the greatest modern arrangers of vocal harmonies (listen to the haunting yet idyllic opening moments of 1964’s “Warmth of the Sun”) and sunny instrumentals, Wilson’s life was darkened at times by mental illness and interpersonal disharmony. Perhaps the song that best summarizes the late singer-songwriter’s legacy is “God Only Knows.” Sonically, the soul-stirring ‘Pet Sounds’ cut conjures feelings of nostalgic romance. Lyrically, however, it’s a meditation on deep insecurity and doubt. In his 2016 memoir, ‘I Am Brian Wilson,’ he posited that music is ...