Brian has signed off on Smile Sessions......

[Wrightfan]

And this from another recent interview - http://music.uk.msn.com/features/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=157537827

Brian and his impeccable musicians recorded and released their own version of Smile that year; a much happier and lighter affair than the fabled and much bootlegged 1967 sessions. But this summer sees the first ever official release of those original Beach Boys recordings, with the endorsement of their creator.

"I listened to all the tapes, and I approved some of them and I disapproved some of them. But they're bringing out the tapes that I approved."

Hope that doesn't mean "Fire." I mean, he re-recorded that piece and performed on stage with a presentation that made it seem like we were in Brian's head circa 1966 

I'm guessing more then likely he disapproved some of the spoken word pieces and perhaps some crappy quality stuff.

[juggler]

Why the skepticism about the July date? I'm clueless about the process here - what might be left to do if (big if, granted)  packaging, sequence, mix and signatures are in the bag?

I'm skeptical about the July 12th date - which btw has been supplanted by an August 9th date for some time now - for a few reasons. I'll be astonished if it's out by then, or indeed August 9th.

But what are the reasons?!!!

To be honest I'm confused as to which date to believe. IIRC David Beard posted shortly after that August 9th date was announced to point out that no date had been confirmed at that point. Is Direct Current Music a source to be trusted or is it just a case that the furthest date into the future is the most feasible? Hoffman somewhat cryptically poo pooed the August date, although I accept his word re smile is of little value after his original impressive 'forecast'. Then there's VDP's September claim. Finally, let's not forget Al Jardne told fans at the RSD signings that it would be out in July. I'm getting good vibes from Al with this whole thing: reckon he's the man to back!

I can't remember what was said on RSD.  Did Al really say July?  I thought he said, "Summer."  Nonetheless, if I hear conflicting predictions from VDP, Steve Hoffman, Direct Current Music and Al Jardine, I too will place my trust in the Jardine.   Seems like common sense.  As a 25% owner of Brother Records Inc, Al is in a far better position than VDP, Steve Hoffman and Direct Current Music to have an idea of when this thing will be released.

[buddhahat]

I can't remember what was said on RSD.  Did Al really say July?  I thought he said, "Summer."

As far as I can remember, a few posters from here who attended Al jardine's RSD signings asked him and he said The Smile Sessions would be out in July. May have just been one guy from here - anybody?

Granted  - not gospel by any stretch. I think the sheer fact that there are about 5 conflicting dates floating around suggests it's anybody's guess at this point and, as such, why not err on the side of optimism and place your trust in Al?!

[Andrew G. Doe]

Why the skepticism about the July date? I'm clueless about the process here - what might be left to do if (big if, granted)  packaging, sequence, mix and signatures are in the bag?

I'm skeptical about the July 12th date - which btw has been supplanted by an August 9th date for some time now - for a few reasons. I'll be astonished if it's out by then, or indeed August 9th.

But what are the reasons?!!!

To be honest I'm confused as to which date to believe. IIRC David Beard posted shortly after that August 9th date was announced to point out that no date had been confirmed at that point. Is Direct Current Music a source to be trusted or is it just a case that the furthest date into the future is the most feasible? Hoffman somewhat cryptically poo pooed the August date, although I accept his word re smile is of little value after his original impressive 'forecast'. Then there's VDP's September claim. Finally, let's not forget Al Jardne told fans at the RSD signings that it would be out in July. I'm getting good vibes from Al with this whole thing: reckon he's the man to back!

VDP didn't say September - the interviewer did. In this instance, I wouldn't bet the farm on ACJ. 8/9 is more credible than 7/12, but I'm still dubious.

[bgas]

Why the skepticism about the July date? I'm clueless about the process here - what might be left to do if (big if, granted)  packaging, sequence, mix and signatures are in the bag?

I'm skeptical about the July 12th date - which btw has been supplanted by an August 9th date for some time now - for a few reasons. I'll be astonished if it's out by then, or indeed August 9th.

Hey, What'd you do with the old fogie and his steampipe hat, and who's the 3/4 yokel that replaced him?

[Mikie]

I can't remember what was said on RSD.  Did Al really say July?  I thought he said, "Summer." As far as I can remember, a few posters from here who attended Al jardine's RSD signings asked him and he said The Smile Sessions would be out in July. May have just been one guy from here - anybody?

I'm the one who attended Al Jardine's RSD signing in Berkeley. Al said 'Smile' would be released in July. Capitol confirmed the July 12 date.  Subsequently, it has been reported by Direct Music that 'Smile' will be bumped to an August 9 release date. Almost two weeks ago, Van Dyke Parks posted on Mojo.com that it will be released in September 2011. Awaiting confirmation by Capitol/EMI on the August 9 release date.

What does Direct Music know that nobody else knows? For what it's worth, I have an e-mail into these guys to find out whether or not Capitol/EMI has confirmed the August date.

[drbeachboy]

Mikie, when did EMI confirm a date? I don't recall ever seeing an announcement.

[Mikie]

I edited my post. Just the facts, man.

[PhilCohen]

Is the glass(or box set) half-empty or half-full, now that Brian has approved a significantly truncated version of what the box set was going to be? And what if the other required signatories(Mike Love, Al Jardine & the estate of Carl Wilson) demand further cuts to the tracklisting?
                      AGD call's me "The Devil's Advocate", but I'm merely bringing the dreamers crashing back down to reality, a reality that we've experienced before from the feuding Beach Boys. The box set has already been compromised.

[desmondo]

Is the glass(or box set) half-empty or half-full, now that Brian has approved a significantly truncated version of what the box set was going to be? And what if the other required signatories(Mike Love, Al Jardine & the estate of Carl Wilson) demand further cuts to the tracklisting?
                      AGD call's me "The Devil's Advocate", but I'm merely bringing the dreamers crashing back down to reality, a reality that we've experienced before from the feuding Beach Boys. The box set has already been compromised.

Significantly truncated - says who - Capitol says its 4 CDs - no one else has said anything different - ever

[Jason]

Dude, where in the blue FODA does it say, imply, or even insinuate that Brian approved a "significantly truncated version"? YES, I want sources. And I want them NOW because this is beginning to sound like mindless trolling.

[WaxOn]

He's heard something... but not the finished product, as four hours would fit neatly on three CDs, and we know the box is at least four. Also, note Brian states " I had to approve it before they could finish it."  There are other excellent reasons why he couldn't have heard the final product, but these will suffice.

Of course, this will only give Phil more grist for his mill, as he'll interpret this as "see, they've not finished it YET !"

Don't be silly - the SMiLE album would occupy 1 (one) CD all by itself, as it should.

I'd be pissed as hell if it were presented as a CD with "extras" on it. After all these years, it deserves it's own friggin' aluminum disk, just like it will deserve it's own slab of vinyl. At most, SMiLE would be what, 40 minutes (20 per side)?

This will be the Holy Relic.

That gives 3 1/2 hours of "stuff" to spread out over 3 other CDs.

A perfect fit!

[juggler]

Is the glass(or box set) half-empty or half-full, now that Brian has approved a significantly truncated version of what the box set was going to be? And what if the other required signatories(Mike Love, Al Jardine & the estate of Carl Wilson) demand further cuts to the tracklisting?
                      AGD call's me "The Devil's Advocate", but I'm merely bringing the dreamers crashing back down to reality, a reality that we've experienced before from the feuding Beach Boys. The box set has already been compromised.

Phil, I think I was the one who called you a "devil's advocate" (though others may have used that term, as well), but you really do seem to relish that role.   I mean, come on.  The Estate of Carl Wilson is going to demand that tracks be cut from the box?  Jonah and Justyn are planning to demand that some really cool mix of Wonderful be cut from the box?   Really??  You certainly do dream up some absurd things to worry about.

[PhilCohen]

Dude, where in the blue FODA does it say, imply, or even insinuate that Brian approved a "significantly truncated version"? YES, I want sources. And I want them NOW because this is beginning to sound like mindless trolling.

Because Brian himself said that he rejected some material presented to him by the compilers. The question is, How much?

[PhilCohen]

Is the glass(or box set) half-empty or half-full, now that Brian has approved a significantly truncated version of what the box set was going to be? And what if the other required signatories(Mike Love, Al Jardine & the estate of Carl Wilson) demand further cuts to the tracklisting?
                      AGD call's me "The Devil's Advocate", but I'm merely bringing the dreamers crashing back down to reality, a reality that we've experienced before from the feuding Beach Boys. The box set has already been compromised.

Phil, I think I was the one who called you a "devil's advocate" (though others may have used that term, as well), but you really do seem to relish that role.   I mean, come on.  The Estate of Carl Wilson is going to demand that tracks be cut from the box?  Jonah and Justyn are planning to demand that some really cool mix of Wonderful be cut from the box?   Really??  You certainly do dream up some absurd things to worry about.

Carl's estate is one of the four voting members of Brother, correct? Then their permission(and Al Jardine's) is needed.

[Jason]

Phil, I must ask you this. On a four CD set taken from THIRTY HOURS OF SESSION TAPES just a few things will be rejected. Unless you know of a way to put thirty hours of stuff on four CDs.

[juggler]

Carl's estate is one of the four voting members of Brother, correct?

Sure, theoretically, they could object to something, but why would they want to?  Just to annoy Phil?

Capitol's factory could also be destroyed by a meteor...

[PhilCohen]

Carl's estate is one of the four voting members of Brother, correct?

Sure, theoretically, they could object to something, but why would they want to?  Just to annoy Phil?

Capitol's factory could also be destroyed by a meteor...

But are we forgetting that the "Pet Sounds Sessions" box was delayed for a year and a half by Mike Love's objections to certain liner notes or mixes, or that the tracklisting of the "Hawthorne, Ca." 2-CD set had to be changed(to omit some "Smile"-related material) to get unanimous permission  for release. Devil's Advocate though I may be, I am basing my reduced expectations on what we've previously experienced from The Beach Boys. You may think I'm being pessimistic and/or paranoid. Actually, I'm being realistic.(Actually, paranoid people are people who know what's really going on.......just joking!)

[drbeachboy]

I edited my post. Just the facts, man.

It seems everyone shits a brick when these unofficial dates change, yet none of these dates means that there is a release delay.

[Jim V.]

Carl's estate is one of the four voting members of Brother, correct?

Sure, theoretically, they could object to something, but why would they want to?  Just to annoy Phil?

Capitol's factory could also be destroyed by a meteor...

But are we forgetting that the "Pet Sounds Sessions" box was delayed for a year and a half by Mike Love's objections to certain liner notes or mixes, or that the tracklisting of the "Hawthorne, Ca." 2-CD set had to be changed(to omit some "Smile"-related material) to get unanimous permission  for release. Devil's Advocate though I may be, I am basing my reduced expectations on what we've previously experienced from The Beach Boys. You may think I'm being pessimistic and/or paranoid. Actually, I'm being realistic.

Is this guy really serious? This is getting ridiculous. I get a laugh out of oldsurferdude, and even though i think Fishmonk and Tobelman's ideas are off the mark, I don't feel that they are bringing down discussion or trolling. But this Cohen guy, I mean, what does he think is gonna happen? Are they gonna cut that version of "Do You Like Worms" that had full vocals. Or trash that version of "Heroes And Villains" that includes "I'm In Great Shape" and "Barnyard"*. No, they aren't.

Most likely it will be little studio sections that Brian (THE FACKiN' ARTIST!) didn't want on there. Honestly, if Brian approves it, its fine with me. I take this as his final word on SMiLE and whatever he wants to give us, is fine with me.



*I know nothing of "Worms" with a full vox, nor "H&V" with those 2 songs included, haha.

[Chris Brown]

Glad to see that things are moving right along.  I agree with AGD regarding the release date - if they are just getting around to band member approvals now, any date before September seems incredulous, just from a logistical perspective. 

I'm not too concerned about Brian's rejection of some of the material.  As others have said, it's probably minor studio chatter and/or Vosse posse arguments and chants.

[Jason]

sh*t, if the official box set disappoints you, stick with your bootlegs.

[Mikie]

It seems everyone shits a brick when these unofficial dates change, yet none of these dates means that there is a release delay.

Right. To me, the release date is cast in stone when Capitol/EMI confirms it.  Unless Direct Music has an exclusive on this information (guy who runs it was Sr. VP of Sales/Marketing for Sony Music/BMG so maybe he has connects at Capitol) then they and a fan's blog are the only sources for the delayed August date.  Film at 11.

[PhilCohen]

merda, if the official box set disappoints you, stick with your bootlegs.

I hope that we don't have to, but the decision is out of our hands. But, of course, we're not losing the material we've already got.

[Jason]

There will always be a "market" for bootlegs. With the Pet Sounds box set you had an excellent distillation of that fruitful period of the band's career, and the bootlegs were even more icing on the cake. The Smile box will be no different.