An astrological connection between Surfs Up, Vega-Tables and My Only Sunshine?

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

I've posted a couple times here about how I think Surfs Up and Vega-Tables are the big closers of each side. Whether one agrees with me on that or not, I do think each one was a particularly big deal to Brian and somehow connected in his mind. They're the only songs that we know of which had psychedelic sounds skits definitively associated with them, the fight for Veggies and George Fell for Surf. Those are the only comedy skits recorded by expensive Wrecking Crew musicians, implying Brian's serious intention to include them, and by extension how crucial these two tracks were. They got a double sided single release on the box set. They're basically back-to-back in Brian's 3-suites sequence (despite what a jarring transition that is) etc. They're possibly the most important songs in the album besides Heroes and Villains.

I'm wondering if the reason they're so connected is because they both have a hidden astrological meaning. Someone on this board proposed that the weird spelling of Vegetables was a reference to the Star named Vega and by extension "Vega Tables" could be evoking astrology as a whole. The star Vega is the brightest in the constellation Lyra, a lyre gripped by an Eagle. I see this as a summation of Side 1--American music. The association of an Eagle with the US is self explanatory, and a lyre is an ancient instrument. I think this goes a long way in proving that Vega-Tables belongs with the Americana tracks, NOT on Side 2 as so many seem inclined to do.

Now on Side 2 you have Surfs Up. If you follow the Astrological Ages you know that we have either recently entered or are set to enter the Age of Aquarius. This age is said to herald in a breaking down of traditional "patriarchal" institutions, reevaluating priorities and world views, renewed emphasis on raising children, and general free-spirited open-mindedness. As far as I've always interpreted it, that's what Surfs Up is all about too. So I see this song as an expression of that idea. Society is breaking down, there's so much exploitation and suffering...but theres hope for the future. The innocence of children can serve to inspire us. The world we leave for them can be a freer, more interesting Aquarian led one if we work to make it that way. Aquarius is the water-bearer...water, ocean, surf...Surfs Up? Possibly?

This could give new meaning to My Only Sunshine as well. Now, it's uncertain where this song would go on a 2-sided 67 LP. Brian has it with the other Americana tracks, many do likewise. Recently I've come to see it as a Side 2/Life track myself. But either way, I've come to respect this song a lot more recently. I've said numerous times how I've read it as Brian stating he was losing faith in traditional religion/ethos of Western society. This may still be true, but I also see it as the sun setting on an old age and bringing in the new with this astrology context applied. It's especially applicable when you consider that which constellation the sun is in determines the astrological sign. And this could then mean that Brian has grown disillusioned with the Old Master Painter/God as he's been characterized in the Piscean Age, but rather than give up, he's setting to rediscover him in a new, more personalized Aquarian context. Again, I think this goes a long way in proving Sunshine belongs with Surf. It's the curtain call for Pisces, an expression of disillusionment with the values of it, and then Surfs Up comes in with Aquarian values. With this new interpretation, I have even more respect for the track. Amazing how Brian was able to say so much with just a ~2 minute mashup of 2 old standards.

I realize I may be looking too hard into it. Maybe Veggies is just a lighthearted track about Veggies, Surfs Up is just a prose poem set to music and Sunshine is just a cover. But when you consider the zodiac signs are on the back of the intended sleeve, the alternate spelling of Vegetables, and the fact that Brian was really into astrology, numerology, alternative spirituality and various other new age ideas at the time...I think there's creedence to this. I think it gives the album cohesion beyond "one sides about America and the other side is about...other things." Now, not only is one a retrospective on America and the other an introspective on life...but they're the Piscean Age and Aquarian Age set to music. The Age of Pisces is associated with monotheism, violence in the name of religion and uniting the east and west. All ideas that are explored in the Americana tracks. Aside from the values I listed above, the Age of Aquarius is associated with individuality, creativity and personal expression. I think the non-Americana tracks I have on my Side 2 embody these ideas well.

And I know I'm *really* reaching with this last thought but maybe Brian saw himself as the "speaker" of the Aquarian Age the same way Jesus and Moses heralded in the ages of Pisces and Aries. Don't think that I'm saying Brian saw himself as a prophet or some religious leader on their level. Obviously not. But he did see himself making a symphony to God/music people would pray to. The whole idea behind Aquarius is supposed to be power in the individual, not some all-encompassing Church. I think it's reasonable to assume Brian wanted to enlighten as well as empower his listeners, not dictate any set theology. Sort of like a "we failed as a people in the past, all this evil done in the name of religion/nationalism. The ethos of the new era should be individual thought and expression. I made this album to share *my* interpretation of the world. What will *you* do? The power is yours." That sort of message. Maybe this is why someone says "don't think you're God, just be a cool guy" in the Smiley version of Wonderful. Maybe this played into the scrapping of the album--Brian lost passion in, or faith in his ability to convey such a message. So with Smiley he dropped this grandiose intent and just wanted to make a "cool" album.

[chaki]

*smokes doob*
*reads this post*

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

*smokes doob*
*reads this post*

 

[Misterlou]

I've posted a couple times here about how I think Surfs Up and Vega-Tables are the big closers of each side. Whether one agrees with me on that or not, I do think each one was a particularly big deal to Brian and somehow connected in his mind. They're the only songs that we know of which had psychedelic sounds skits definitively associated with them, the fight for Veggies and George Fell for Surf. Those are the only comedy skits recorded by expensive Wrecking Crew musicians, implying Brian's serious intention to include them, and by extension how crucial these two tracks were. They got a double sided single release on the box set. They're basically back-to-back in Brian's 3-suites sequence (despite what a jarring transition that is) etc. They're possibly the most important songs in the album besides Heroes and Villains.

I'm wondering if the reason they're so connected is because they both have a hidden astrological meaning. Someone on this board proposed that the weird spelling of Vegetables was a reference to the Star named Vega and by extension "Vega Tables" could be evoking astrology as a whole. The star Vega is the brightest in the constellation Lyra, a lyre gripped by an Eagle. I see this as a summation of Side 1--American music. The association of an Eagle with the US is self explanatory, and a lyre is an ancient instrument. I think this goes a long way in proving that Vega-Tables belongs with the Americana tracks, NOT on Side 2 as so many seem inclined to do.

Now on Side 2 you have Surfs Up. If you follow the Astrological Ages you know that we have either recently entered or are set to enter the Age of Aquarius. This age is said to herald in a breaking down of traditional "patriarchal" institutions, reevaluating priorities and world views, renewed emphasis on raising children, and general free-spirited open-mindedness. As far as I've always interpreted it, that's what Surfs Up is all about too. So I see this song as an expression of that idea. Society is breaking down, there's so much exploitation and suffering...but theres hope for the future. The innocence of children can serve to inspire us. The world we leave for them can be a freer, more interesting Aquarian led one if we work to make it that way. Aquarius is the water-bearer...water, ocean, surf...Surfs Up? Possibly?

This could give new meaning to My Only Sunshine as well. Now, it's uncertain where this song would go on a 2-sided 67 LP. Brian has it with the other Americana tracks, many do likewise. Recently I've come to see it as a Side 2/Life track myself. But either way, I've come to respect this song a lot more recently. I've said numerous times how I've read it as Brian stating he was losing faith in traditional religion/ethos of Western society. This may still be true, but I also see it as the sun setting on an old age and bringing in the new with this astrology context applied. It's especially applicable when you consider that which constellation the sun is in determines the astrological sign. And this could then mean that Brian has grown disillusioned with the Old Master Painter/God as he's been characterized in the Piscean Age, but rather than give up, he's setting to rediscover him in a new, more personalized Aquarian context. Again, I think this goes a long way in proving Sunshine belongs with Surf. It's the curtain call for Pisces, an expression of disillusionment with the values of it, and then Surfs Up comes in with Aquarian values. With this new interpretation, I have even more respect for the track. Amazing how Brian was able to say so much with just a ~2 minute mashup of 2 old standards.

I realize I may be looking too hard into it. Maybe Veggies is just a lighthearted track about Veggies, Surfs Up is just a prose poem set to music and Sunshine is just a cover. But when you consider the zodiac signs are on the back of the intended sleeve, the alternate spelling of Vegetables, and the fact that Brian was really into astrology, numerology, alternative spirituality and various other new age ideas at the time...I think there's creedence to this. I think it gives the album cohesion beyond "one sides about America and the other side is about...other things." Now, not only is one a retrospective on America and the other an introspective on life...but they're the Piscean Age and Aquarian Age set to music. The Age of Pisces is associated with monotheism, violence in the name of religion and uniting the east and west. All ideas that are explored in the Americana tracks. Aside from the values I listed above, the Age of Aquarius is associated with individuality, creativity and personal expression. I think the non-Americana tracks I have on my Side 2 embody these ideas well.

And I know I'm *really* reaching with this last thought but maybe Brian saw himself as the "speaker" of the Aquarian Age the same way Jesus and Moses heralded in the ages of Pisces and Aries. Don't think that I'm saying Brian saw himself as a prophet or some religious leader on their level. Obviously not. But he did see himself making a symphony to God/music people would pray to. The whole idea behind Aquarius is supposed to be power in the individual, not some all-encompassing Church. I think it's reasonable to assume Brian wanted to enlighten as well as empower his listeners, not dictate any set theology. Sort of like a "we failed as a people in the past, all this evil done in the name of religion/nationalism. The ethos of the new era should be individual thought and expression. I made this album to share *my* interpretation of the world. What will *you* do? The power is yours." That sort of message. Maybe this is why someone says "don't think you're God, just be a cool guy" in the Smiley version of Wonderful. Maybe this played into the scrapping of the album--Brian lost passion in, or faith in his ability to convey such a message. So with Smiley he dropped this grandiose intent and just wanted to make a "cool" album.

Interesting theory. It reminds me of what Murray Davis wrote years ago: “It has long been thought that a theorist is considered great because his theories are true, but this is false. A theorist is considered great, not because his theories are true, but because they are interesting.” And you've got yourself an interesting theory there (although I always figured the rationale for having the producer's cut of Vega-Tables paired with Surfs Up on the box set 45 was commercial in nature - it was yet another way to make a buck by getting us devotees to buy the box set, and in my case, it worked).

Anyway, good work! it made for very interesting reading, even if it may not be true. The truth's overrated anyway, right?

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

I've posted a couple times here about how I think Surfs Up and Vega-Tables are the big closers of each side. Whether one agrees with me on that or not, I do think each one was a particularly big deal to Brian and somehow connected in his mind. They're the only songs that we know of which had psychedelic sounds skits definitively associated with them, the fight for Veggies and George Fell for Surf. Those are the only comedy skits recorded by expensive Wrecking Crew musicians, implying Brian's serious intention to include them, and by extension how crucial these two tracks were. They got a double sided single release on the box set. They're basically back-to-back in Brian's 3-suites sequence (despite what a jarring transition that is) etc. They're possibly the most important songs in the album besides Heroes and Villains.

I'm wondering if the reason they're so connected is because they both have a hidden astrological meaning. Someone on this board proposed that the weird spelling of Vegetables was a reference to the Star named Vega and by extension "Vega Tables" could be evoking astrology as a whole. The star Vega is the brightest in the constellation Lyra, a lyre gripped by an Eagle. I see this as a summation of Side 1--American music. The association of an Eagle with the US is self explanatory, and a lyre is an ancient instrument. I think this goes a long way in proving that Vega-Tables belongs with the Americana tracks, NOT on Side 2 as so many seem inclined to do.

Now on Side 2 you have Surfs Up. If you follow the Astrological Ages you know that we have either recently entered or are set to enter the Age of Aquarius. This age is said to herald in a breaking down of traditional "patriarchal" institutions, reevaluating priorities and world views, renewed emphasis on raising children, and general free-spirited open-mindedness. As far as I've always interpreted it, that's what Surfs Up is all about too. So I see this song as an expression of that idea. Society is breaking down, there's so much exploitation and suffering...but theres hope for the future. The innocence of children can serve to inspire us. The world we leave for them can be a freer, more interesting Aquarian led one if we work to make it that way. Aquarius is the water-bearer...water, ocean, surf...Surfs Up? Possibly?

This could give new meaning to My Only Sunshine as well. Now, it's uncertain where this song would go on a 2-sided 67 LP. Brian has it with the other Americana tracks, many do likewise. Recently I've come to see it as a Side 2/Life track myself. But either way, I've come to respect this song a lot more recently. I've said numerous times how I've read it as Brian stating he was losing faith in traditional religion/ethos of Western society. This may still be true, but I also see it as the sun setting on an old age and bringing in the new with this astrology context applied. It's especially applicable when you consider that which constellation the sun is in determines the astrological sign. And this could then mean that Brian has grown disillusioned with the Old Master Painter/God as he's been characterized in the Piscean Age, but rather than give up, he's setting to rediscover him in a new, more personalized Aquarian context. Again, I think this goes a long way in proving Sunshine belongs with Surf. It's the curtain call for Pisces, an expression of disillusionment with the values of it, and then Surfs Up comes in with Aquarian values. With this new interpretation, I have even more respect for the track. Amazing how Brian was able to say so much with just a ~2 minute mashup of 2 old standards.

I realize I may be looking too hard into it. Maybe Veggies is just a lighthearted track about Veggies, Surfs Up is just a prose poem set to music and Sunshine is just a cover. But when you consider the zodiac signs are on the back of the intended sleeve, the alternate spelling of Vegetables, and the fact that Brian was really into astrology, numerology, alternative spirituality and various other new age ideas at the time...I think there's creedence to this. I think it gives the album cohesion beyond "one sides about America and the other side is about...other things." Now, not only is one a retrospective on America and the other an introspective on life...but they're the Piscean Age and Aquarian Age set to music. The Age of Pisces is associated with monotheism, violence in the name of religion and uniting the east and west. All ideas that are explored in the Americana tracks. Aside from the values I listed above, the Age of Aquarius is associated with individuality, creativity and personal expression. I think the non-Americana tracks I have on my Side 2 embody these ideas well.

And I know I'm *really* reaching with this last thought but maybe Brian saw himself as the "speaker" of the Aquarian Age the same way Jesus and Moses heralded in the ages of Pisces and Aries. Don't think that I'm saying Brian saw himself as a prophet or some religious leader on their level. Obviously not. But he did see himself making a symphony to God/music people would pray to. The whole idea behind Aquarius is supposed to be power in the individual, not some all-encompassing Church. I think it's reasonable to assume Brian wanted to enlighten as well as empower his listeners, not dictate any set theology. Sort of like a "we failed as a people in the past, all this evil done in the name of religion/nationalism. The ethos of the new era should be individual thought and expression. I made this album to share *my* interpretation of the world. What will *you* do? The power is yours." That sort of message. Maybe this is why someone says "don't think you're God, just be a cool guy" in the Smiley version of Wonderful. Maybe this played into the scrapping of the album--Brian lost passion in, or faith in his ability to convey such a message. So with Smiley he dropped this grandiose intent and just wanted to make a "cool" album.

Interesting theory. It reminds me of what Murray Davis wrote years ago: “It has long been thought that a theorist is considered great because his theories are true, but this is false. A theorist is considered great, not because his theories are true, but because they are interesting.” And you've got yourself an interesting theory there (although I always figured the rationale for having the producer's cut of Vega-Tables paired with Surfs Up on the box set 45 was commercial in nature - it was yet another way to make a buck by getting us devotees to buy the box set, and in my case, it worked).

Anyway, good work! it made for very interesting reading, even if it may not be true. The truth's overrated anyway, right?

Glad you liked it, even if you may not agree. I concede perhaps the Surfs Up and Sunshine parts may be stretching things, but I don't think there's any reason at all for Vega-Tables to be spelled the way it is if not for the reference to Vega. You could say "well they pronounce it that way in the song" but they do so in the Smiley version too and it's spelled normally there. An album about Americana and new age ideals...the constellation of an Eagle and a harp...a subtle way to reference that...what else could Brian have been thinking?

[Misterlou]

I've posted a couple times here about how I think Surfs Up and Vega-Tables are the big closers of each side. Whether one agrees with me on that or not, I do think each one was a particularly big deal to Brian and somehow connected in his mind. They're the only songs that we know of which had psychedelic sounds skits definitively associated with them, the fight for Veggies and George Fell for Surf. Those are the only comedy skits recorded by expensive Wrecking Crew musicians, implying Brian's serious intention to include them, and by extension how crucial these two tracks were. They got a double sided single release on the box set. They're basically back-to-back in Brian's 3-suites sequence (despite what a jarring transition that is) etc. They're possibly the most important songs in the album besides Heroes and Villains.

I'm wondering if the reason they're so connected is because they both have a hidden astrological meaning. Someone on this board proposed that the weird spelling of Vegetables was a reference to the Star named Vega and by extension "Vega Tables" could be evoking astrology as a whole. The star Vega is the brightest in the constellation Lyra, a lyre gripped by an Eagle. I see this as a summation of Side 1--American music. The association of an Eagle with the US is self explanatory, and a lyre is an ancient instrument. I think this goes a long way in proving that Vega-Tables belongs with the Americana tracks, NOT on Side 2 as so many seem inclined to do.

Now on Side 2 you have Surfs Up. If you follow the Astrological Ages you know that we have either recently entered or are set to enter the Age of Aquarius. This age is said to herald in a breaking down of traditional "patriarchal" institutions, reevaluating priorities and world views, renewed emphasis on raising children, and general free-spirited open-mindedness. As far as I've always interpreted it, that's what Surfs Up is all about too. So I see this song as an expression of that idea. Society is breaking down, there's so much exploitation and suffering...but theres hope for the future. The innocence of children can serve to inspire us. The world we leave for them can be a freer, more interesting Aquarian led one if we work to make it that way. Aquarius is the water-bearer...water, ocean, surf...Surfs Up? Possibly?

This could give new meaning to My Only Sunshine as well. Now, it's uncertain where this song would go on a 2-sided 67 LP. Brian has it with the other Americana tracks, many do likewise. Recently I've come to see it as a Side 2/Life track myself. But either way, I've come to respect this song a lot more recently. I've said numerous times how I've read it as Brian stating he was losing faith in traditional religion/ethos of Western society. This may still be true, but I also see it as the sun setting on an old age and bringing in the new with this astrology context applied. It's especially applicable when you consider that which constellation the sun is in determines the astrological sign. And this could then mean that Brian has grown disillusioned with the Old Master Painter/God as he's been characterized in the Piscean Age, but rather than give up, he's setting to rediscover him in a new, more personalized Aquarian context. Again, I think this goes a long way in proving Sunshine belongs with Surf. It's the curtain call for Pisces, an expression of disillusionment with the values of it, and then Surfs Up comes in with Aquarian values. With this new interpretation, I have even more respect for the track. Amazing how Brian was able to say so much with just a ~2 minute mashup of 2 old standards.

I realize I may be looking too hard into it. Maybe Veggies is just a lighthearted track about Veggies, Surfs Up is just a prose poem set to music and Sunshine is just a cover. But when you consider the zodiac signs are on the back of the intended sleeve, the alternate spelling of Vegetables, and the fact that Brian was really into astrology, numerology, alternative spirituality and various other new age ideas at the time...I think there's creedence to this. I think it gives the album cohesion beyond "one sides about America and the other side is about...other things." Now, not only is one a retrospective on America and the other an introspective on life...but they're the Piscean Age and Aquarian Age set to music. The Age of Pisces is associated with monotheism, violence in the name of religion and uniting the east and west. All ideas that are explored in the Americana tracks. Aside from the values I listed above, the Age of Aquarius is associated with individuality, creativity and personal expression. I think the non-Americana tracks I have on my Side 2 embody these ideas well.

And I know I'm *really* reaching with this last thought but maybe Brian saw himself as the "speaker" of the Aquarian Age the same way Jesus and Moses heralded in the ages of Pisces and Aries. Don't think that I'm saying Brian saw himself as a prophet or some religious leader on their level. Obviously not. But he did see himself making a symphony to God/music people would pray to. The whole idea behind Aquarius is supposed to be power in the individual, not some all-encompassing Church. I think it's reasonable to assume Brian wanted to enlighten as well as empower his listeners, not dictate any set theology. Sort of like a "we failed as a people in the past, all this evil done in the name of religion/nationalism. The ethos of the new era should be individual thought and expression. I made this album to share *my* interpretation of the world. What will *you* do? The power is yours." That sort of message. Maybe this is why someone says "don't think you're God, just be a cool guy" in the Smiley version of Wonderful. Maybe this played into the scrapping of the album--Brian lost passion in, or faith in his ability to convey such a message. So with Smiley he dropped this grandiose intent and just wanted to make a "cool" album.

Interesting theory. It reminds me of what Murray Davis wrote years ago: “It has long been thought that a theorist is considered great because his theories are true, but this is false. A theorist is considered great, not because his theories are true, but because they are interesting.” And you've got yourself an interesting theory there (although I always figured the rationale for having the producer's cut of Vega-Tables paired with Surfs Up on the box set 45 was commercial in nature - it was yet another way to make a buck by getting us devotees to buy the box set, and in my case, it worked).

Anyway, good work! it made for very interesting reading, even if it may not be true. The truth's overrated anyway, right?

Glad you liked it, even if you may not agree. I concede perhaps the Surfs Up and Sunshine parts may be stretching things, but I don't think there's any reason at all for Vega-Tables to be spelled the way it is if not for the reference to Vega. You could say "well they pronounce it that way in the song" but they do so in the Smiley version too and it's spelled normally there. An album about Americana and new age ideals...the constellation of an Eagle and a harp...a subtle way to reference that...what else could Brian have been thinking?

That's a good point about the spelling differences... I guess the only other reason I would see for spelling it differently is to differentiate it from the Smiley version. Brian was into some alternative stuff at the time, that's for sure. In fact, not to divert the topic, but I asked in the "Insignificant questions" thread if he had really seen Smile as "witchcraft" music, as that's what I read recently in Nick Kent's book (no one responded).  I've concluded Brian was referencing his paranoia about the fires related to Mrs. O'Leary's Cow only, since I remember reading somewhere else that he had wondered about the power of the song, using the word witchcraft to describe what he felt was happening in connecting the song and the fires that November in LA.

Also, agreed, his cover of YAMS is amazing... I love the almost buried vocals near the end.

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

I've posted a couple times here about how I think Surfs Up and Vega-Tables are the big closers of each side. Whether one agrees with me on that or not, I do think each one was a particularly big deal to Brian and somehow connected in his mind. They're the only songs that we know of which had psychedelic sounds skits definitively associated with them, the fight for Veggies and George Fell for Surf. Those are the only comedy skits recorded by expensive Wrecking Crew musicians, implying Brian's serious intention to include them, and by extension how crucial these two tracks were. They got a double sided single release on the box set. They're basically back-to-back in Brian's 3-suites sequence (despite what a jarring transition that is) etc. They're possibly the most important songs in the album besides Heroes and Villains.

I'm wondering if the reason they're so connected is because they both have a hidden astrological meaning. Someone on this board proposed that the weird spelling of Vegetables was a reference to the Star named Vega and by extension "Vega Tables" could be evoking astrology as a whole. The star Vega is the brightest in the constellation Lyra, a lyre gripped by an Eagle. I see this as a summation of Side 1--American music. The association of an Eagle with the US is self explanatory, and a lyre is an ancient instrument. I think this goes a long way in proving that Vega-Tables belongs with the Americana tracks, NOT on Side 2 as so many seem inclined to do.

Now on Side 2 you have Surfs Up. If you follow the Astrological Ages you know that we have either recently entered or are set to enter the Age of Aquarius. This age is said to herald in a breaking down of traditional "patriarchal" institutions, reevaluating priorities and world views, renewed emphasis on raising children, and general free-spirited open-mindedness. As far as I've always interpreted it, that's what Surfs Up is all about too. So I see this song as an expression of that idea. Society is breaking down, there's so much exploitation and suffering...but theres hope for the future. The innocence of children can serve to inspire us. The world we leave for them can be a freer, more interesting Aquarian led one if we work to make it that way. Aquarius is the water-bearer...water, ocean, surf...Surfs Up? Possibly?

This could give new meaning to My Only Sunshine as well. Now, it's uncertain where this song would go on a 2-sided 67 LP. Brian has it with the other Americana tracks, many do likewise. Recently I've come to see it as a Side 2/Life track myself. But either way, I've come to respect this song a lot more recently. I've said numerous times how I've read it as Brian stating he was losing faith in traditional religion/ethos of Western society. This may still be true, but I also see it as the sun setting on an old age and bringing in the new with this astrology context applied. It's especially applicable when you consider that which constellation the sun is in determines the astrological sign. And this could then mean that Brian has grown disillusioned with the Old Master Painter/God as he's been characterized in the Piscean Age, but rather than give up, he's setting to rediscover him in a new, more personalized Aquarian context. Again, I think this goes a long way in proving Sunshine belongs with Surf. It's the curtain call for Pisces, an expression of disillusionment with the values of it, and then Surfs Up comes in with Aquarian values. With this new interpretation, I have even more respect for the track. Amazing how Brian was able to say so much with just a ~2 minute mashup of 2 old standards.

I realize I may be looking too hard into it. Maybe Veggies is just a lighthearted track about Veggies, Surfs Up is just a prose poem set to music and Sunshine is just a cover. But when you consider the zodiac signs are on the back of the intended sleeve, the alternate spelling of Vegetables, and the fact that Brian was really into astrology, numerology, alternative spirituality and various other new age ideas at the time...I think there's creedence to this. I think it gives the album cohesion beyond "one sides about America and the other side is about...other things." Now, not only is one a retrospective on America and the other an introspective on life...but they're the Piscean Age and Aquarian Age set to music. The Age of Pisces is associated with monotheism, violence in the name of religion and uniting the east and west. All ideas that are explored in the Americana tracks. Aside from the values I listed above, the Age of Aquarius is associated with individuality, creativity and personal expression. I think the non-Americana tracks I have on my Side 2 embody these ideas well.

And I know I'm *really* reaching with this last thought but maybe Brian saw himself as the "speaker" of the Aquarian Age the same way Jesus and Moses heralded in the ages of Pisces and Aries. Don't think that I'm saying Brian saw himself as a prophet or some religious leader on their level. Obviously not. But he did see himself making a symphony to God/music people would pray to. The whole idea behind Aquarius is supposed to be power in the individual, not some all-encompassing Church. I think it's reasonable to assume Brian wanted to enlighten as well as empower his listeners, not dictate any set theology. Sort of like a "we failed as a people in the past, all this evil done in the name of religion/nationalism. The ethos of the new era should be individual thought and expression. I made this album to share *my* interpretation of the world. What will *you* do? The power is yours." That sort of message. Maybe this is why someone says "don't think you're God, just be a cool guy" in the Smiley version of Wonderful. Maybe this played into the scrapping of the album--Brian lost passion in, or faith in his ability to convey such a message. So with Smiley he dropped this grandiose intent and just wanted to make a "cool" album.

Interesting theory. It reminds me of what Murray Davis wrote years ago: “It has long been thought that a theorist is considered great because his theories are true, but this is false. A theorist is considered great, not because his theories are true, but because they are interesting.” And you've got yourself an interesting theory there (although I always figured the rationale for having the producer's cut of Vega-Tables paired with Surfs Up on the box set 45 was commercial in nature - it was yet another way to make a buck by getting us devotees to buy the box set, and in my case, it worked).

Anyway, good work! it made for very interesting reading, even if it may not be true. The truth's overrated anyway, right?

Glad you liked it, even if you may not agree. I concede perhaps the Surfs Up and Sunshine parts may be stretching things, but I don't think there's any reason at all for Vega-Tables to be spelled the way it is if not for the reference to Vega. You could say "well they pronounce it that way in the song" but they do so in the Smiley version too and it's spelled normally there. An album about Americana and new age ideals...the constellation of an Eagle and a harp...a subtle way to reference that...what else could Brian have been thinking?

That's a good point about the spelling differences... I guess the only other reason I would see for spelling it differently is to differentiate it from the Smiley version. Brian was into some alternative stuff at the time, that's for sure. In fact, not to divert the topic, but I asked in the "Insignificant questions" thread if he had really seen Smile as "witchcraft" music, as that's what I read recently in Nick Kent's book (no one responded).  I've concluded Brian was referencing his paranoia about the fires related to Mrs. O'Leary's Cow only, since I remember reading somewhere else that he had wondered about the power of the song, using the word witchcraft to describe what he felt was happening in connecting the song and the fires that November in LA.

Also, agreed, his cover of YAMS is amazing... I love the almost buried vocals near the end.

I never liked YAMS until very recently. I hate the covers in SMiLE like Gee and IWBA too. Just seem like such a pointless waste of time when there's literally 60+ minutes of original material to use, and they're the least interesting parts by far. I always put YAMS in the same boat, and could never understand why Brian would work on such a seemingly mundane piece of music during his creative peak. How could that have made the Capitol tracklist with Look, Holidays, and so much extra material from H&V available to use instead? It wasn't until I started asking "why those two old standards in particular?" and researching OMP to find out it's about God that it started to make sense. Now I think it's brilliant in its own right. It's an experiment in being modular with *other* people's music--taking old things and putting them together in such a way that it has a whole new meaning.

I sometimes wonder if the story of Brian thinking Fire caused fires is overblown. That piece of music is based on his second acid trip where he saw himself die in a fire. I wonder if the fire in real life was seen as more of a bad omen in his mind--a sign that these were bad vibrations that would spread the pain and fear he had in that trip to others.