SMiLE-A Zen Interpretation?

[Bill Tobelman]

That idea certainly has some merit. Brian likely didn't want Murray to figure out what he was up to and Mike Love didn't need to catch into the ego death angle (since he'd blown his top over "Let Go Of Your Ego").

The album was meant to be presented without explanation. Van Dyke Parks states as much in the Beautiful Dreamer documentary.

The album was meant to be presented without any tags being attached to it at all except maybe "Beach Boys album."

So yes, people can make anything out of it they want. Yes. But was it actually intended to work in a way far beyond a regular record album, yes. And was there some ultimate experience attached to this, yes.

So I do agree with you. One can take whatever they want from the work and this was likely part of the calculation on the creator's part.

But the album is a document of the ultimate religious experience. The album may very well be the finest piece of psychedelic art ever worked upon for this reason. The album, taken on this level, confirms Brian status as a potential leader of the youth movement of that time. Taken on this level David Anderle, Michael Vosse, Paul Williams, Jules Siegel, and the whole gang's glowing accounts of SMiLE are completely justified. David Leaf's "anything was possible" claims are spot on. Taken on this level SMiLE trumps the higest praise ever reaped up it ever in print. Taken on this level Sgt. Pepper's is lightweight fare.

Seems a shame to dim the brightest light possible.

[Ron]

I've always enjoyed reading your interpretation of it on your website, very interesting read. 

[Bill Tobelman]

Some folks may not know that the Zen Interpretation of SMiLE website didn't end up in Japan or Hawaii.
http://pages.cthome.net/tobelman/The_Out-Of-Sight_SMiLE_Site.html

[Loaf]

Hi Bill,

I'd just like to add my thanks and appreciation for your take on SMiLE.

I agree with the above poster, and I haven't listened to SMiLE in the same way since I read your website (about 2 years ago now?). You have elaborated on a whole dimension to SMiLE that I had only glimpsed before then.

Thank you.