SMiLE Sessions box set!

[juggler]

I will get molotov c*cktails thrown at me for this...
I was one of the few original detractors back then, and yeah, the harpsichord thing still bothers me. When i say it still bothers me, though, it's not that it's an issue of listening to the record and it getting in the way, because i don't ever hear the record. I've probably heard it like three times since the initial plays in 2004. What i mean is the idea and implications of its use (or non-use). And the only reason i am thinking about it now (other than the fact that it was just brought up a few posts ago) and bringing it up myself, is that just the other day it popped into my mind for a very specific reason--i rented a harpsichord. Just for me. For little old me. For a few days. For my unknown recordings. I am nobody. I am nothing. And, almost like walking into a Wal-Mart or something, i just acquired a harpsichord. Just like that. Pretty much effortless, and, surprisingly, not that expensive. And so one of my first thoughts was WTF, BRIAN WILSON, arguably the most important figure in 20th century pop, a person who is a living legend around the western world, re-recorded his masterpiece, the most famous unfinished/unreleased record in the annals of pop music, and...they used kurzweil samples? Still doesn't make any sense. The difference is it doesn't irritate me anymore, it's just perplexing. Anyway, i concede:    and i will stop now.

You make a great point.  And, yes, that sums up the essential difference between the 1966-67 tracks and BWPS... a real harpsichord versus electronic samples.

I like BWPS, but let's face it.  They didn't really make any effort to go beyond what they were doing in the live show.  And the point is that they could have.  In other words, sure, it would have been a pain to haul a real harpsichord around on the BWPS tour... so samples were fine.  But to use harpsichord samples in the studio seems a bit... lazy.

As I've mentioned before, I prefer listening to BWPS live at Carnegie Hall over the studio album.  When I listen to the live version BWPS,  I think, 'Wow. That was a hell of a live performance.'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4182988

[tansen]

And did they actually use Kurzweil samples? I can think of 10 multilayered Harpsichord samples that are better and more authentic sounding than those.

[Jason]

For all you libertarian socialists here, Capitol is currently "THE STATE". And everyone knows how we lib-socs feel about "THE STATE".

[Sam_BFC]

There are throwback recordings that use all old equipment and you can still tell they were recorded yesterday.

Can you give any examples?

[rab2591]

I will get molotov c*cktails thrown at me for this...
I was one of the few original detractors back then, and yeah, the harpsichord thing still bothers me. When i say it still bothers me, though, it's not that it's an issue of listening to the record and it getting in the way, because i don't ever hear the record. I've probably heard it like three times since the initial plays in 2004. What i mean is the idea and implications of its use (or non-use). And the only reason i am thinking about it now (other than the fact that it was just brought up a few posts ago) and bringing it up myself, is that just the other day it popped into my mind for a very specific reason--i rented a harpsichord. Just for me. For little old me. For a few days. For my unknown recordings. I am nobody. I am nothing. And, almost like walking into a Wal-Mart or something, i just acquired a harpsichord. Just like that. Pretty much effortless, and, surprisingly, not that expensive. And so one of my first thoughts was WTF, BRIAN WILSON, arguably the most important figure in 20th century pop, a person who is a living legend around the western world, re-recorded his masterpiece, the most famous unfinished/unreleased record in the annals of pop music, and...they used kurzweil samples? Still doesn't make any sense. The difference is it doesn't irritate me anymore, it's just perplexing. Anyway, i concede:    and i will stop now.

You make a great point.  And, yes, that sums up the essential difference between the 1966-67 tracks and BWPS... a real harpsichord versus electronic samples.

I like BWPS, but let's face it.  They didn't really make any effort to go beyond what they were doing in the live show.  And the point is that they could have.  In other words, sure, it would have been a pain to haul a real harpsichord around on the BWPS tour... so samples were fine.  But to use harpsichord samples in the studio seems a bit... lazy.

As I've mentioned before, I prefer listening to BWPS live at Carnegie Hall over the studio album.  When I listen to the live version BWPS,  I think, 'Wow. That was a hell of a live performance.'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4182988

Perfectly summed up. However, that album does sound damn good compared to anything Brian has released since the 70s (sonically that is). I would have preferred it in mono myself (can they still release a mono mix for it?) - but I don't think I've ever heard a recording sound as good as BWPS 'Surf's Up' - such a powerful track.

[Heysaboda]

... I am nobody. I am nothing...

Not true:

You Are A Man With A Harpsichord!

 

[Joshilyn Hoisington]

I will get molotov c*cktails thrown at me for this...
I was one of the few original detractors back then, and yeah, the harpsichord thing still bothers me. When i say it still bothers me, though, it's not that it's an issue of listening to the record and it getting in the way, because i don't ever hear the record. I've probably heard it like three times since the initial plays in 2004. What i mean is the idea and implications of its use (or non-use). And the only reason i am thinking about it now (other than the fact that it was just brought up a few posts ago) and bringing it up myself, is that just the other day it popped into my mind for a very specific reason--i rented a harpsichord. Just for me. For little old me. For a few days. For my unknown recordings. I am nobody. I am nothing. And, almost like walking into a Wal-Mart or something, i just acquired a harpsichord. Just like that. Pretty much effortlessly, and, surprisingly, not that expensive. And i live nowhere. I live in a little nothing of a town, not LOS ANGELES. And so one of my first thoughts was WTF, BRIAN WILSON, arguably the most important figure in 20th century pop, a person who is a living legend around the western world, re-recorded his masterpiece, the most famous unfinished/unreleased record in the annals of pop music, and...they used Kurzweil samples? Still doesn't make any sense. The difference is it doesn't irritate me anymore, it's just perplexing. Anyway, i concede:    and i will stop now.

I too, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, had a harpsichord in my house for over a month, for little cost.  Easier than renting a dvd.

[tansen]

I will get molotov c*cktails thrown at me for this...
I was one of the few original detractors back then, and yeah, the harpsichord thing still bothers me. When i say it still bothers me, though, it's not that it's an issue of listening to the record and it getting in the way, because i don't ever hear the record. I've probably heard it like three times since the initial plays in 2004. What i mean is the idea and implications of its use (or non-use). And the only reason i am thinking about it now (other than the fact that it was just brought up a few posts ago) and bringing it up myself, is that just the other day it popped into my mind for a very specific reason--i rented a harpsichord. Just for me. For little old me. For a few days. For my unknown recordings. I am nobody. I am nothing. And, almost like walking into a Wal-Mart or something, i just acquired a harpsichord. Just like that. Pretty much effortless, and, surprisingly, not that expensive. And so one of my first thoughts was WTF, BRIAN WILSON, arguably the most important figure in 20th century pop, a person who is a living legend around the western world, re-recorded his masterpiece, the most famous unfinished/unreleased record in the annals of pop music, and...they used kurzweil samples? Still doesn't make any sense. The difference is it doesn't irritate me anymore, it's just perplexing. Anyway, i concede:    and i will stop now.

You make a great point.  And, yes, that sums up the essential difference between the 1966-67 tracks and BWPS... a real harpsichord versus electronic samples.

I like BWPS, but let's face it.  They didn't really make any effort to go beyond what they were doing in the live show.  And the point is that they could have.  In other words, sure, it would have been a pain to haul a real harpsichord around on the BWPS tour... so samples were fine.  But to use harpsichord samples in the studio seems a bit... lazy.

As I've mentioned before, I prefer listening to BWPS live at Carnegie Hall over the studio album.  When I listen to the live version BWPS,  I think, 'Wow. That was a hell of a live performance.'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4182988

Perfectly summed up. However, that album does sound damn good compared to anything Brian has released since the 70s (sonically that is). I would have preferred it in mono myself (can they still release a mono mix for it?) - but I don't think I've ever heard a recording sound as good as BWPS 'Surf's Up' - such a powerful track.

Have to say I prefer the sound of BW88, and even Imagination - even if they technically sound inferior to BWPS.

[hypehat]

What are the politics of releasing mono records today? I can't think of anything in the last 30 years released in mono.... I can imagine you could sneak it past people, especially if you were makiing some minimal R&B. But would labels still kick up a fuss if I, major label artist, gave in a mono master tape?

[runnersdialzero]

You make a great point.

No, he doesn't.

And, yes, that sums up the essential difference between the 1966-67 tracks and BWPS... a real harpsichord versus electronic samples.

Not really.

[monicker]

What are the politics of releasing mono records today? I can't think of anything in the last 30 years released in mono.... I can imagine you could sneak it past people, especially if you were makiing some minimal R&B. But would labels still kick up a fuss if I, major label artist, gave in a mono master tape?

This is an interesting topic and something that i was just thinking about the other day. I don't think there's much. Though i don't keep up with popular stuff, but i have every reason to believe that the more popular something is, the less the chances are that it's been in mono. Off the top of my head, there are two songs (out of 13) on the 1995 Mr. Bungle album Disco Volante (best record production of the last 16 years without contest, by the way) that are mono. One of the songs has more going on in it than anything i can think of in "pop," and the other song is on a hidden groove in the vinyl edition of the album, making it a "secret" song. Though on the CD it's not hidden at all, it's just not indexed as a song.  

Also, i'm pretty sure Vincent Gallo has released some songs in mono.

I'd be really interested to hear other people chime in with examples of mono recordings from the last two or so decades.

[runnersdialzero]

The vinyl version of the Smashing Pumpkins' Adore album had a mono mix done specifically for it.

[ghost]

The vinyl version of the Smashing Pumpkins' Adore album had a mono mix done specifically for it.

By the man who purposely caused Kurt Cobain's death by fucking Courtney Love.

[guitarfool2002]

I'd be really interested to hear other people chime in with examples of mono recordings from the last two or so decades.

Portishead - Dummy. One of the best records of the 90's.

[dmcguire70]

Try splicing in Barnyard right in the middle of the tape explosion effect of Great Shape when it's at its loudest point-  It sounds like the perfect smile track

What a great idea! That seems to be a near perfect fit,both musically and lyrically.The "Fresh clean air around my head ,morning tumble out of bed transition" to "Out in the barnyard the chickens do their number is ideal.
Maybe you should contact Mark Linett. 

[rab2591]

Jeesh, I mean, I have the money to buy it, but in this economy....over $200? I'm sure it will be a great set, but I really can't spend that much and be happy with my financial future - too much going on right now. Bummer. My spending limit on this was $175.

I know it's SMiLE, but agh, I can't think about $ right now.

Yeah Rab, with what's going on in the world economy, right now is probably the worst time to be releasing a $200 box set ,i would of thought.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if the whole thing is put on hold.Lets hope not.

I wouldn't think it would be put on hold (but with the way things are going, you may be right)...I really hope they don't expect a lot of people to shell out that kind of money right now. I know there are blessed people working day and night on this thing, but we fans work for a living too and we're not all raking in a lot of dough. Heck, I don't even own a vinyl player.

Well, they're selling a product, people will buy it, end of story I guess.

This is not an edit. There are others like it but this is something a moderator decided to do in his spare time...yay word replacements!

on a side note, record any new covers lately, McGuire?

No new covers as yet, but I'd be happy to take any requests.

A cover of Sloop John B from you would be awesome!

[dmcguire70]

I'd be really interested to hear other people chime in with examples of mono recordings from the last two or so decades.

Portishead - Dummy. One of the best records of the 90's.

Very good example.That's a fantastic album!

[doinnothin]

Try splicing in Barnyard right in the middle of the tape explosion effect of Great Shape when it's at its loudest point-  It sounds like the perfect smile track

What a great idea! That seems to be a near perfect fit,both musically and lyrically.The "Fresh clean air around my head ,morning tumble out of bed transition" to "Out in the barnyard the chickens do their number is ideal.
Maybe you should contact Mark Linett. 

That's certainly what it is on the Heroes & Villains piano demo.

[punkinhead]

Not sure if anyone's seen this or if it's been brought up, I haven't been on the board for a couple of days, but I was just making a joke on Al's facebook, asking when the Smile set was to come out (just joking around about what happen ealier this year) and he responded to me about 15 minutes ago (if it's really him, might be Melinda  ) saying it'll be Nov 1....sorry if this was already announced. Check out his facebook profile, I'm the Justin Plank asking on his wall.

http://www.facebook.com/justin.plank#!/alanjardine/posts/203644773027159?notif_t=feed_comment

[Shady]

Not sure if anyone's seen this or if it's been brought up, I haven't been on the board for a couple of days, but I was just making a joke on Al's facebook, asking when the Smile set was to come out (just joking around about what happen ealier this year) and he responded to me about 15 minutes ago (if it's really him, might be Melinda  ) saying it'll be Nov 1....sorry if this was already announced. Check out his facebook profile, I'm the Justin Plank asking on his wall.

http://www.facebook.com/justin.plank#!/alanjardine/posts/203644773027159?notif_t=feed_comment

Yeah, that's the word right now..

Good to hear it from Al though

[Shady]

Possible price announcement this week?

Beach Boys 'Smile' super deluxe box-set price announcement this week.

http://twitter.com/#!/spincds

I'll keeps tabs

[Jeff]

Try splicing in Barnyard right in the middle of the tape explosion effect of Great Shape when it's at its loudest point-  It sounds like the perfect smile track

What a great idea! That seems to be a near perfect fit,both musically and lyrically.The "Fresh clean air around my head ,morning tumble out of bed transition" to "Out in the barnyard the chickens do their number is ideal.
Maybe you should contact Mark Linett. 

And after Barnyard, if you add Old Master Painter and the "Barnshine" fade, it makes for a helluva track.

That short flutter horn bit from H&V Sections makes for a nice intro--signals the farmer waking up to the world.

[rab2591]

Possible price announcement this week?

Beach Boys 'Smile' super deluxe box-set price announcement this week.

http://twitter.com/#!/spincds

I'll keeps tabs

Could this mean that they're doing a boxset separate from the vinyl boxset? ('super' deluxe boxset as apposed to a boxset)

A few pages back someone posted something from a music site saying that there was a 4 disc set as well as a vinyl set...if so I am really glad because, as much I'd want the vinyl for future use, I can't justify spending that much more money on something I can't use at the moment. Just sayin.

[Shady]

Possible price announcement this week?

Beach Boys 'Smile' super deluxe box-set price announcement this week.

http://twitter.com/#!/spincds

I'll keeps tabs

Could this mean that they're doing a boxset separate from the vinyl boxset? ('super' deluxe boxset as apposed to a boxset)

A few pages back someone posted something from a music site saying that there was a 4 disc set as well as a vinyl set...if so I am really glad because, as much I'd want the vinyl for future use, I can't justify spending that much more money on something I can't use at the moment. Just sayin.

Very possible..

The new U2 box set has a Uber Deluxe Edition,  Super Deluxe Edition, Vinyl Box Set and the regular 2cd. I don't care for U2 but I saw that on amazon today..

Anyway the price difference between the Uber Deluxe and Super Deluxe is pretty significant, 659 bucks and 167 bucks ..

I would hope Capitol go that route, having a pretty lavish box set a decent price, and another really expensive one that has a few extras we don't really need

[dmcguire70]

Looks like the release date is going to be November 1st now.
Looks like a few people I know won't be getting any Christmas presents this year.



http://beachboysnews.blogspot.com/2011/08/beach-boys-smile-sessions-bumped-again.html