May 23, 2001 14:30

'ANGEL' DELIGHT FOR BUCK

Peter Buck pays tribute to the late Dennis Wilson...

REMguitarist PETER BUCK has written the preface to 'DUMB ANGEL', a book just published on the life of maverick BEACH BOYS drummer DENNIS WILSON.

In his introduction, Buck, REM's unofficial musicologist describes the late drummer, who died in 1983 ,as "the most soulful of the Beach Boys, as both a writer and a singer". He even compares some of his work to that of Stevie Wonder.

Wilson, who at one time produced and gave a temporary home to Charles Manson, a man he tagged 'The Wizard', died shortly after marrying his fourth wife, the illegitimate love child of his cousin. The book charts his life of drug use and abuse, his marriages and affairs and his influence on the sound of the Beach Boys.

'Dumb Angel', a working title for 'Smile', comes from the name Brian Wilson gave his brother. It is published through Creation Books.

Meanwhile, REM look set to top the UK album charts for a second week this coming Sunday (May 27) with 'Reveal', an album critics have labelled their best since 'Automatic For The People'.

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