You can't argue PhilG's point. Mike Love DID ride Brian's coat tails - everyone did. They beat the horse until it wouldn't go anymore and left it a drugged mess.
Then, when things got bleak, they dragged the old horse out of the barn for "Brian is Back."
Record companies would only sign the group if they could promise Brian's participation. You think they gave a rat's tail if Mike Love participated or not? Don't give revisionist history, Mike Love resisted the effort to keep moving forward musically. He wanted to keep cranking out pop schlock, while Brian was creating Pet Sounds.
Mike called it Brian's "ego music." Paul McCartney called it the greatest album EVER.
Of all of the members of the group - Mike's effort is the least important. And to think he had the guts to sue Brian!
Just put on "Imagination" or other Brian Wilson CDs and you will catch a glimpse of the genius! Luckily, he is still with us!
What are you listening to right now? Beach Boys Live in Jamaica