SMiLE Sessions box set!

[Andrew G. Doe]

Truly sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar. For once I really wish you would follow your own advice. So it's coming out, 100% for sure no matter what. Good! Great! I can't wait to get it in my hands! If you know for sure, how about just not letting Phil Cohen bother you? Why are you taking everything he says so personally? We get it, you're awesome, you're the best beach boys fan, you're the special insider with all the secret knowledge.

Should I be flattered when people assume I have an inside track and know all this stuff they assume I do ? Answers on a postcard, please, 'cuase I have no idea.

[Roger Ryan]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

Phil, the fact that the Pet Sounds box was delayed is not "evidence" that the same thing will happen again with the Smile box. It's 15 years later -- everyone's older, the music industry is totally different, and (most importantly) everyone involved REMEMBERS what happened with the Pet Sounds box and wants to prevent it from happening again. Maybe that's one of the reasons why they've gone into "radio silence" since March -- they know that if they announced the details prematurely, and then ANYTHING changed afterwards, they would look bad, and people would start saying "Here we go again." Unfortunately, they can't win, because what MIGHT be prudence on their part is being interpreted by you (and others) as a "sign" of problems.

What happend with the Pet Sounds Box release? What matter are you implying? I wasn't a fan when it came out, so I don't know what you're describing.

THE PET SOUNDS SESSIONS was originally scheduled for a springtime 1996 release to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the original album coming out. The box, in effect, was finished and ready to go (and a sampler containing the new stereo mix plus bonus tracks was sent out to radio stations and publications) when Mike Love objected to the tone set by the booklet essays. He felt too much emphasis was placed on Brian and his work with the Wrecking Crew and not enough on the Beach Boys themselves as vocalists (he had a point). Ultimately, Mike was appeased by allowing him to write a foreword that presented his opinion on the sessions. The problem was this delayed the actual release until November 1997. Sadly, I think it may have also affected the release of proposed follow-up product: a two-disc "Good Vibrations" set documenting that single to potentially come out in Oct. 1996 and a 1997 box set release of the SMiLE Sessions.

Ultimately, the "Good Vibrations" set was reduced to a single disc and released on the 40th Anniversary in 2006...and THE SMiLE SESSIONS got put on the backburner until 2011  

[37!ws]

Hear that ticking??? That's the countdown to...




























this thread being locked.

[Dunderhead]

Truly sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar. For once I really wish you would follow your own advice. So it's coming out, 100% for sure no matter what. Good! Great! I can't wait to get it in my hands! If you know for sure, how about just not letting Phil Cohen bother you? Why are you taking everything he says so personally? We get it, you're awesome, you're the best beach boys fan, you're the special insider with all the secret knowledge.

Should I be flattered when people assume I have an inside track and know all this stuff they assume I do ? Answers on a postcard, please, 'cuase I have no idea.

You love to give the impression that you know something, but always deny it when directly questioned. You seem to really just like the attention and have no problem hinting that you do know something that others do not.

[Dunderhead]

Hear that ticking??? That's the countdown to...




























this thread being locked.

Lets burn this sucker down!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[punkinhead]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

Phil, the fact that the Pet Sounds box was delayed is not "evidence" that the same thing will happen again with the Smile box. It's 15 years later -- everyone's older, the music industry is totally different, and (most importantly) everyone involved REMEMBERS what happened with the Pet Sounds box and wants to prevent it from happening again. Maybe that's one of the reasons why they've gone into "radio silence" since March -- they know that if they announced the details prematurely, and then ANYTHING changed afterwards, they would look bad, and people would start saying "Here we go again." Unfortunately, they can't win, because what MIGHT be prudence on their part is being interpreted by you (and others) as a "sign" of problems.

What happend with the Pet Sounds Box release? What matter are you implying? I wasn't a fan when it came out, so I don't know what you're describing.

THE PET SOUNDS SESSIONS was originally scheduled for a springtime 1996 release to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the original album coming out. The box, in effect, was finished and ready to go (and a sampler containing the new stereo mix plus bonus tracks was sent out to radio stations and publications) when Mike Love objected to the tone set by the booklet essays. He felt too much emphasis was placed on Brian and his work with the Wrecking Crew and not enough on the Beach Boys themselves as vocalists (he had a point). Ultimately, Mike was appeased by allowing him to write a foreword that presented his opinion on the sessions. The problem was this delayed the actual release until November 1997. Sadly, I think it may have also affected the release of proposed follow-up product: a two-disc "Good Vibrations" set documenting that single to potentially come out in Oct. 1996 and a 1997 box set release of the SMiLE Sessions.

Ultimately, the "Good Vibrations" set was reduced to a single disc and released on the 40th Anniversary in 2006...and THE SMiLE SESSIONS got put on the backburner until 2011  

Besides what's on the single disc GV set that was put out for the 40th anniversery, were there mixes or a tracklisting made for this?

[Andrew G. Doe]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

I really don't think Mike will fight this release, I think he has come to terms with SMiLE and the fact that the fans want the album, proving the album was commercial all along. The album isn't his type of music, but if the people want to go to his concerts after hearing it, Mike will promote the album and the release could stir enough interest for a reunion.

Be reminded that Brian & Mike's permissions are not the only permissions needed for this release. Though Mr.Doe will be enraged if I mention this, one of his e-mails hinted(though didn't state outright) that Al Jardine might be a source of problems.

Gee, thanks Phil - classy, semi-revealing the contents of a private communication on a public forum (for the second time I might add). Bad habit you've got there. As it happens, the only problem Alan poses is an apparent inability to keep a confidence coupled with a truly Olympian capability to bear a grudge for decades.

[drbeachboy]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

I really don't think Mike will fight this release, I think he has come to terms with SMiLE and the fact that the fans want the album, proving the album was commercial all along. The album isn't his type of music, but if the people want to go to his concerts after hearing it, Mike will promote the album and the release could stir enough interest for a reunion.

Be reminded that Brian & Mike's permissions are not the only permissions needed for this release. Though Mr.Doe will be enraged if I mention this, one of his e-mails hinted(though didn't state outright) that Al Jardine might be a source of problems.

Gee, thanks Phil - classy, semi-revealing the contents of a private communication on a public forum (for the second time I might add). Bad habit you've got there. As it happens, the only problem Alan poses is an apparent inability to keep a confidence coupled with a truly Olympian capability to bear a grudge for decades.

Wow Phil, you have something in common with Al Jardine. Whoda thunk!

[PhilCohen]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

I really don't think Mike will fight this release, I think he has come to terms with SMiLE and the fact that the fans want the album, proving the album was commercial all along. The album isn't his type of music, but if the people want to go to his concerts after hearing it, Mike will promote the album and the release could stir enough interest for a reunion.

Be reminded that Brian & Mike's permissions are not the only permissions needed for this release. Though Mr.Doe will be enraged if I mention this, one of his e-mails hinted(though didn't state outright) that Al Jardine might be a source of problems.

Gee, thanks Phil - classy, semi-revealing the contents of a private communication on a public forum (for the second time I might add). Bad habit you've got there. As it happens, the only problem Alan poses is an apparent inability to keep a confidence coupled with a truly Olympian capability to bear a grudge for decades.

But will that grudge be a roadblock to the release of the box? Mr.Jardine's grudge is understandable. The majority of voting members in Brother Records, inc. decided to sue Mr.Jardine over Jardine naming his touring band "Beach Boys Family & Friends", and, as I recall, BRI won the suit.

[Roger Ryan]

Besides what's on the single disc GV set that was put out for the 40th anniversery, were there mixes or a tracklisting made for this?

A tracklisting was never officially announced. There was talk of presenting a true stereo remix of "Good Vibrations", but that probably came from someone who didn't realize the vocal elements were lost (or perhaps, at that time, it was thought the vocal reels were accessible somewhere and just needed to be located). I imagine the rest of it would have been the early mixes along with great heaps of tracking session excerpts. By 2006, with additional tracking sessions already released on HAWTHORNE, CA and with CD sales plummeting, the single disc approach probably made more sense.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

Phil, the fact that the Pet Sounds box was delayed is not "evidence" that the same thing will happen again with the Smile box. It's 15 years later -- everyone's older, the music industry is totally different, and (most importantly) everyone involved REMEMBERS what happened with the Pet Sounds box and wants to prevent it from happening again. Maybe that's one of the reasons why they've gone into "radio silence" since March -- they know that if they announced the details prematurely, and then ANYTHING changed afterwards, they would look bad, and people would start saying "Here we go again." Unfortunately, they can't win, because what MIGHT be prudence on their part is being interpreted by you (and others) as a "sign" of problems.

What happend with the Pet Sounds Box release? What matter are you implying? I wasn't a fan when it came out, so I don't know what you're describing.

THE PET SOUNDS SESSIONS was originally scheduled for a springtime 1996 release to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the original album coming out. The box, in effect, was finished and ready to go (and a sampler containing the new stereo mix plus bonus tracks was sent out to radio stations and publications) when Mike Love objected to the tone set by the booklet essays. He felt too much emphasis was placed on Brian and his work with the Wrecking Crew and not enough on the Beach Boys themselves as vocalists (he had a point). Ultimately, Mike was appeased by allowing him to write a foreword that presented his opinion on the sessions. The problem was this delayed the actual release until November 1997. Sadly, I think it may have also affected the release of proposed follow-up product: a two-disc "Good Vibrations" set documenting that single to potentially come out in Oct. 1996 and a 1997 box set release of the SMiLE Sessions.

Ultimately, the "Good Vibrations" set was reduced to a single disc and released on the 40th Anniversary in 2006...and THE SMiLE SESSIONS got put on the backburner until 2011  

Besides what's on the single disc GV set that was put out for the 40th anniversery, were there mixes or a tracklisting made for this?

The original gameplan was a single 70 minute "GV" CD - which I believe made it to master-tape stage (some think that the rather good Pocket Symphony boot may use part of that tape) - followed by a 3CD Smile set (CD 1 - "H&V": CD2 - best of the rest: CD3 - best 'completed' album they could come up with) in early 1997. The problems with the Pet Sounds box scuppered that. The 2006 "GV" CD EP was a new project.

[PhilCohen]

Even I agree that this discussion should be shut down. Music that was originally intended to bring joy to people has now turned into this ugliness.

[Jason]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

I really don't think Mike will fight this release, I think he has come to terms with SMiLE and the fact that the fans want the album, proving the album was commercial all along. The album isn't his type of music, but if the people want to go to his concerts after hearing it, Mike will promote the album and the release could stir enough interest for a reunion.

Be reminded that Brian & Mike's permissions are not the only permissions needed for this release. Though Mr.Doe will be enraged if I mention this, one of his e-mails hinted(though didn't state outright) that Al Jardine might be a source of problems.

Gee, thanks Phil - classy, semi-revealing the contents of a private communication on a public forum (for the second time I might add). Bad habit you've got there. As it happens, the only problem Alan poses is an apparent inability to keep a confidence coupled with a truly Olympian capability to bear a grudge for decades.

But will that grudge be a roadblock to the release of the box? Mr.Jardine's grudge is understandable. The majority of voting members in Brother Records, inc. decided to sue Mr.Jardine over Jardine naming his touring band "Beach Boys Family & Friends", and, as I recall, BRI won the suit.

Listen, I understand you're trying to make a point, however misguided it may be in the opinions of many other folks here, but revealing information from private discourse is not very becoming; it's tantamount to stabbing someone in the back. A consequence of posting private communications with other members here is a ban, so I'd highly suggest not doing it again if you wish to continue here.

[drbeachboy]

Even I agree that this discussion should be shut down. Music that was originally intended to bring joy to people has now turned into this ugliness.

No, that was your doing.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

I really don't think Mike will fight this release, I think he has come to terms with SMiLE and the fact that the fans want the album, proving the album was commercial all along. The album isn't his type of music, but if the people want to go to his concerts after hearing it, Mike will promote the album and the release could stir enough interest for a reunion.

Be reminded that Brian & Mike's permissions are not the only permissions needed for this release. Though Mr.Doe will be enraged if I mention this, one of his e-mails hinted(though didn't state outright) that Al Jardine might be a source of problems.

Gee, thanks Phil - classy, semi-revealing the contents of a private communication on a public forum (for the second time I might add). Bad habit you've got there. As it happens, the only problem Alan poses is an apparent inability to keep a confidence coupled with a truly Olympian capability to bear a grudge for decades.

But will that grudge be a roadblock to the release of the box? Mr.Jardine's grudge is understandable. The majority of voting members in Brother Records, inc. decided to sue Mr.Jardine over Jardine naming his touring band "Beach Boys Family & Friends", and, as I recall, BRI won the suit.

If you want it to be Phil, then yes, it will. Alan's ability to nurse a grudge will, in fact, be the only thing that will stop the box coming out, which is, patently, why it will never come out. Whatever keeps you happy is what will happen, whatever you imagine is possible, will be fact - you just go on dreaming up ever more conspiratorial reasons why the box won't be coming out, and the rest of us out here on planet Earth will leave you in your own little world while we get on with our lives, unencumbered by such paranoia. Enjoy.  

[pixletwin]

I am actually glad the originally planned boxset for SMiLE was never released because I have a feeling that what we are getting will be of much better quality.

[Sam_BFC]

How about if the thread be locked and then re-opened when the next bit of news appears (which may not be too long judging by Mr Reum's comment a few pages back!)

[Andrew G. Doe]

Even I agree that this discussion should be shut down. Music that was originally intended to bring joy to people has now turned into this ugliness.

The music is beautiful and joyful, and always will be. People are ugly.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I am actually glad the originally planned boxset for SMiLE was never released because I have a feeling that what we are getting will be of much better quality.

Could be, but given how great the Pet Sounds box still sounds, it wouldn't have been too shabby. That said, that which is forthcoming will of course be that much better.

[Roger Ryan]

The original gameplan was a single 70 minute "GV" CD - which I believe made it to master-tape stage (some think that the rather good Pocket Symphony boot may use part of that tape) - followed by a 3CD Smile set (CD 1 - "H&V": CD2 - best of the rest: CD3 - best 'completed' album they could come up with) in early 1997. The problems with the Pet Sounds box scuppered that. The 2006 "GV" CD EP was a new project.

Thanks for the corrections and elaborations, AGD. I mis-remembered the plan for the "Good Vibrations" sessions to be a single disc. While the 2006 CD EP was indeed a new project, I consider it a budget-minded product inspired by the disc that never was! What I'm saying is that, eventually, this stuff has gotten released in some fashion...and I suspect the 2011 SMiLE SESSIONS will be a better product than what might have been released in 1997.

[tansen]

Clearly, since the March 2011 Capitol announcement, the "Smile" box hasn't been a hoax, but what remains to be seen is whether the surviving group members will approve the finished product. Just because these musicians may have signed an agreement agreeing in principle to a "Smile" box doesn't mean that there aren't things they could do to cause years of postponements with grievances over liner notes, packaging or the mixes and running order.

I really don't think Mike will fight this release, I think he has come to terms with SMiLE and the fact that the fans want the album, proving the album was commercial all along. The album isn't his type of music, but if the people want to go to his concerts after hearing it, Mike will promote the album and the release could stir enough interest for a reunion.

Be reminded that Brian & Mike's permissions are not the only permissions needed for this release. Though Mr.Doe will be enraged if I mention this, one of his e-mails hinted(though didn't state outright) that Al Jardine might be a source of problems.

Gee, thanks Phil - classy, semi-revealing the contents of a private communication on a public forum (for the second time I might add). Bad habit you've got there. As it happens, the only problem Alan poses is an apparent inability to keep a confidence coupled with a truly Olympian capability to bear a grudge for decades.

But will that grudge be a roadblock to the release of the box? Mr.Jardine's grudge is understandable. The majority of voting members in Brother Records, inc. decided to sue Mr.Jardine over Jardine naming his touring band "Beach Boys Family & Friends", and, as I recall, BRI won the suit.

If you want it to be Phil, then yes, it will. Alan's ability to nurse a grudge will, in fact, be the only thing that will stop the box coming out, which is, patently, why it will never come out. Whatever keeps you happy is what will happen, whatever you imagine is possible, will be fact - you just go on dreaming up ever more conspiratorial reasons why the box won't be coming out, and the rest of us out here on planet Earth will leave you in your own little world while we get on with our lives, unencumbered by such paranoia. Enjoy.  

LOL! See now, that's an answer I can dig. Thumbs up Andrew!

[guitarfool2002]

I'm not trying to call anyone out for spite or anything, but if it appears that way I'm saying beforehand it's all business, not personal...So a poster made a statement that Smile really isn't that popular. Then the same poster later suggested something along the lines that popularity cannot be measured objectively and such discussions are foolhardy.

I'm back again after reading through 3 pages or so with no reply since those posts to ask directly: What criteria are you applying to your original statement that Smile isn't popular? I'm honest in saying I am genuinely interested in finding out your reasons for coming to that conclusion. One criteria you state is the lack of interest on an unnamed message board - from the content of your posts I'm guessing there would be more substantial evidence or facts than something random like that in your mind before making such a statement.

So what is it? And can you back up such a statement, or was it made to stir the pot?

Jesus, move on man. This feels like the "how am I funny?" scene from Goodfellas. By saying that you can't measure popularity objectively, I was in no way contradicting myself. When trying to determine something as ill-defined as "popularity" you can go on little besides personal experience and anecdotal evidence. And in my personal experience Smile isn't particularly popular. But I'm sure you have the scientific proof don't you? The formula that "proves" popularity. This board seems to exist mostly for people to bitch about how the band's legacy isn't what it should be, and about how different releases deserve more esteem. Except this one time, when all of a sudden smile is popular. I haven't seen much evidence to suggest that, and the reaction among most people I've spoken to has been very tepid. If you have a different experience, good for you, I don't really care though, and I suggest you stop freaking out about this as it's not very becoming.

What was your screen name in 2005?    I've seen that kind of reply before. If someone repeatedly posts theories and musings that fly in the face of facts and hard evidence, someone will reply with questions and a challenge. Are some of those theories being posted just to get those reactions? As far as the observation about the existence of this board and why people join the discussions, the act of reading through the various threads posted on the board would shred that theory.

An observation: Usually the "move on" sentiment is followed by personal attacks, and I see that's already happened in the meantime. It's probably all in the playbook somewhere. It's a shame. It would be a shame to lock the thread over stubbornness of opinion rather than fact.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I'm not trying to call anyone out for spite or anything, but if it appears that way I'm saying beforehand it's all business, not personal...So a poster made a statement that Smile really isn't that popular. Then the same poster later suggested something along the lines that popularity cannot be measured objectively and such discussions are foolhardy.

I'm back again after reading through 3 pages or so with no reply since those posts to ask directly: What criteria are you applying to your original statement that Smile isn't popular? I'm honest in saying I am genuinely interested in finding out your reasons for coming to that conclusion. One criteria you state is the lack of interest on an unnamed message board - from the content of your posts I'm guessing there would be more substantial evidence or facts than something random like that in your mind before making such a statement.

So what is it? And can you back up such a statement, or was it made to stir the pot?

Jesus, move on man. This feels like the "how am I funny?" scene from Goodfellas. By saying that you can't measure popularity objectively, I was in no way contradicting myself. When trying to determine something as ill-defined as "popularity" you can go on little besides personal experience and anecdotal evidence. And in my personal experience Smile isn't particularly popular. But I'm sure you have the scientific proof don't you? The formula that "proves" popularity. This board seems to exist mostly for people to bitch about how the band's legacy isn't what it should be, and about how different releases deserve more esteem. Except this one time, when all of a sudden smile is popular. I haven't seen much evidence to suggest that, and the reaction among most people I've spoken to has been very tepid. If you have a different experience, good for you, I don't really care though, and I suggest you stop freaking out about this as it's not very becoming.

What was your screen name in 2005?    I've seen that kind of reply before. If someone repeatedly posts theories and musings that fly in the face of facts and hard evidence, someone will reply with questions and a challenge. Are some of those theories being posted just to get those reactions? As far as the observation about the existence of this board and why people join the discussions, the act of reading through the various threads posted on the board would shred that theory.

An observation: Usually the "move on" sentiment is followed by personal attacks, and I see that's already happened in the meantime. It's probably all in the playbook somewhere. It's a shame. It would be a shame to lock the thread over stubbornness of opinion rather than fact.

By all means, lock this thread: no argument here.

[buddhahat]

Can we rename this the Phil Cohen thread and start a new smile one about smile?

[Dunderhead]

Why not just a prohibition on all smile discussion. From here on out any mention of smile should come with a ban.