New Beach Boys release will make you 'SMiLE'

[armona]

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[juggler]

Alan posted that here. See below..

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How complete was Surf's Up in 1967?

I've heard about the existence of a tape of a full arrangement on that second section of SURF'S UP. It's been described to me, third-hand. Supposedly it's pretty weird, lots of strange horn and string parts. But I haven't heard it. We don't have it in the Beach Boys' tape library. And it's not among Brian's tapes either.

There is an enormous amount of SMILE material that's missing. I recently saw a photograph on Ed Roach's site of a tape shelf at Brother Studio, late 1970s. Right there, along with safety 1/4" masters of all the group's albums, is a tape labeled "BRIAN - DUMB ANGEL." Probably a 1/4" or 1/2". I nearly had a stroke when I saw that, and I immediately called anyone and everyone who ever had access to tapes at Brother, and asked what they knew about it. No one knew. What was on that reel? Where is it now? It certainly wasn't listed in the 1985 inventory of the group's tapes.

What WAS listed in that inventory are the many empty tape boxes from the SMILE era, on titles like "Heroes and Villains," "Cabinessence," "Surf's Up," "Vegetables," etc... they were empty in 1985, they're empty today. I'm certain, however, that excerpts from at least one of them (overdubs onto the last verse of "Vegetables") showed up on one of the SOT discs. They're almost all 1/4" mixdowns. Other SMILE tracks were assembled onto some of the 1/2" STACK-O-TRACKS assembly reels, and those SMILE songs are also....missing.

Never did find the multitrack of CABINESSENCE with Carl's lead vocal on it, by the way.

And "Heroes and Villains" is heartbreaking... there's almost NOTHING of any pre-1967 work on that song. I went through every tape on that title while scrounging up parts for the "Hawthorne" remix.... There are no multi-tracks on any of the verses from the early 1967 "alternate" version... nothing at all on the 3rd verse as found in the single (which is why the stereo spread goes a little, um...funky at that point in the Hawthorne mix), "Barnyard" exists only as a (not very good) dub onto an 8 track worktape, and I wouldn't be surprised if we're missing some significant work on "I'm In Great Shape" as well. We did find the first two verses for the single, but they seem to have been re-recorded by Brian specifically for the single. But there's no "3 score and five I'm very much alive" anywhere except on that partially mangled safety copy dated 2/10/67.

Was there indeed a completely diffferent version of the song (as Bruce has claimed) that may have included some sort of a Barnyard Suite (featuring Billy, who loved his chickens) and maybe even a barroom brawl? Did Brian have some sort of crisis in December 1966 that moved him to scrap everything he'd done before on that song and start again? Listening to some of those January 1967 tapes where he's almost obsessively tinkering with different chants of the song's title, it kinda sounds like he's fishing for inspiration.

And speaking of that early alternate mix, we have the tape box (which has a sort of "edit-list" written on it) for the master, but the song itself has been spliced out of the reel. I actually think the count-in may still be there.

This post confirms that the right person is at the helm for this project.  I'm very glad that Smile 2011 is in the hands of Boyd and Linett who have been working on this stuff and thinking about these Smile mysteries for many, many years.

I think that we can all be confident that Smile 2011 will be the best possible package that can be compiled from sources, known and discovered.  And if this release fails to blow away the hardcore fans with much in the way of new material, it won't be due to lack of trying on the part of Boyd et al.  

[The Shift]

Had a thought -  we know virtually sod-all about the format of this conjectured release so far, other than what Al let slip in just a few wods.

What if this SMiLE material is to be a single bonus disc for a new career retrospective box? It might be little more than remastered material from the two-fers and the 93 GVs box, together with snippets from Hawthorne CA and Endless Harmony.

2016/2017 will be the 50th anniversary of SMiLE – how they gonna celebrate than unless they hold back the best stuff?

Just theorising, is all...

[Runaways]

that wouldn't sell.

[rab2591]

I'd also like to see home demos from SMiLE - Like the Heroes and Villains demo on Endless Harmony....is there more of that stuff around?

Had a thought -  we know virtually sod-all about the format of this conjectured release so far, other than what Al let slip in just a few wods.

What if this SMiLE material is to be a single bonus disc for a new career retrospective box? It might be little more than remastered material from the two-fers and the 93 GVs box, together with snippets from Hawthorne CA and Endless Harmony.

2016/2017 will be the 50th anniversary of SMiLE – how they gonna celebrate than unless they hold back the best stuff?

Just theorising, is all...

The market is good now - The Beach Boys are celebrating their 50th - this is the perfect time to resurrect their "lost masterpiece" in boxset form, imo.

[The Shift]

I'd also like to see home demos from SMiLE - Like the Heroes and Villains demo on Endless Harmony....is there more of that stuff around?

Had a thought -  we know virtually sod-all about the format of this conjectured release so far, other than what Al let slip in just a few wods.

What if this SMiLE material is to be a single bonus disc for a new career retrospective box? It might be little more than remastered material from the two-fers and the 93 GVs box, together with snippets from Hawthorne CA and Endless Harmony.

2016/2017 will be the 50th anniversary of SMiLE – how they gonna celebrate than unless they hold back the best stuff?

Just theorising, is all...

The market is good now - The Beach Boys are celebrating their 50th - this is the perfect time to resurrect their "lost masterpiece" in boxset form, imo.

Agree, just theorising, is all...

[Pretty Funky]

A stand alone album of unfinished tracks is unlikely so as has mentioned, a box set or as a bonus album could work.

The story is so interesting that a DVD/ CD combo could be the way to go. Lots of interviews, studio clips (if any) plus I think BWPS, being the 'official' Capitol release, needs a mention after all.

[rab2591]

I'd also like to see home demos from SMiLE - Like the Heroes and Villains demo on Endless Harmony....is there more of that stuff around?

Had a thought -  we know virtually sod-all about the format of this conjectured release so far, other than what Al let slip in just a few wods.

What if this SMiLE material is to be a single bonus disc for a new career retrospective box? It might be little more than remastered material from the two-fers and the 93 GVs box, together with snippets from Hawthorne CA and Endless Harmony.

2016/2017 will be the 50th anniversary of SMiLE – how they gonna celebrate than unless they hold back the best stuff?

Just theorising, is all...

The market is good now - The Beach Boys are celebrating their 50th - this is the perfect time to resurrect their "lost masterpiece" in boxset form, imo.

Agree, just theorising, is all...

Your words that we know sod-all about this a very true! After all this speculation I really hope I'm not disappointed with the final product.

A stand alone album of unfinished tracks is unlikely so as has mentioned, a box set or as a bonus album could work.

The story is so interesting that a DVD/ CD combo could be the way to go. Lots of interviews, studio clips (if any) plus I think BWPS, being the 'official' Capitol release, needs a mention after all.

I think the Beautiful Dreamer documentary really did its job in that area. I don't know how much more information they could give us without the DVD seeming redundant. I think a booklet with interviews from Brian and VDPs would be just fine. Also, I'd love a Pet Sounds Sessions-type booklet where they interview the Wrecking Crew about Brian in the studio during SMiLE. A few bonus pictures of Brian's legendary sandbox piano would be nice too 

[Pretty Funky]

A Mike, Al, Bruce opinion would be important though.

[rab2591]

indeed. I wonder how Mike will feel about giving his opinion knowing that many of the people reading his interview/statement will think he's full of sh*t.

[Mikie]

Something to keep in mind for those who have heard all the boots: chances are that we will be getting less in an official release, not more.

I agree with that. It's inevitable that's what will happen. There's been so many sessions takes - all the way from small snippets of music to instruments only, vocals only, culminating into completed tracks. That's why I'm hoping for a box set of many sessions, just like the Pet Sounds box. I think SMiLE deserves the same treatment as Pet Sounds with a box set of 4 or 5 discs and a book or two. Something for the masses, in addition to a few things for the hard cores.

Big posters, buttons, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, kites, hanging mobiles, frisbees, YouTube clips, Facebook page, and condoms from Capitol Marketing to promote the hell out of it.

[shelter]

2016/2017 will be the 50th anniversary of SMiLE – how they gonna celebrate than unless they hold back the best stuff?

Considering the ages of the Beach Boys (and many of their fans), plus the still declining state of the record industry, I doubt they're planning that far ahead.

[Dunderhead]

Something to keep in mind for those who have heard all the boots: chances are that we will be getting less in an official release, not more.

Stop before you make me cry. 

[Cam Mott]

I think the Beautiful Dreamer documentary really did its job in that area. I don't know how much more information they could give us without the DVD seeming redundant. I think a booklet with interviews from Brian and VDPs would be just fine. Also, I'd love a Pet Sounds Sessions-type booklet where they interview the Wrecking Crew about Brian in the studio during SMiLE. A few bonus pictures of Brian's legendary sandbox piano would be nice too 

Since it is a Beach Boys release: I would like to see a lot more interviews with the other surviving Boys and Brian and then all of them in one room, and then Capitol and subcontractor employees involved, unheard from scensters, wives, employees and relatives, etc.. Those Turtles, Robbins, Wrecking Crew, Arnie Geller, Nick Grillo, that lawyer, Steve Korthof [if available], 2nd engineers [if any], Humble Harv, Goldstein, Shapiro, Balatin, Jerry the Columbia engineer, uhhhh...hhhmmmm..?

[alanjames]

I really hope they'll include some tracks recorded in that period, but not meant for SMiLE: Tones by Carl Wilson, I Don't Know by Dennis Wilson, etc...

[Mark H.]

Maybe they can get the guys to kind of polish it up with some overdubs - get Joe Thomas in to slick it up.  Maybe the 50th reunion could be the final recordings to the holy grail of rock!   

[punkinhead]

There must be the one or other unbooted gem in the vaults. Surprising really that nothing from the session with Paul McCartney turned up yet. At least a bit of studio chatter. Or was nothing recorded?
Or the 1967 remake of "False Barnyard", when Carl sang live with the Wrecking Crew. All that is available is the talking between takes.
And perhaps there was more work done after the SMiLE sessions than it's believed. After all, a SMiLE song or segment found it's way on every BB record 'til the announcement of a release in 1972. That was the real end. And didn't Bruce work on "Do You Like Worms?" in the late 70's?

When was this and what's your source?
not saying you don't know what you're talkin about, i just wanna read about it.


and btw, why was it ever given the name False Barnyard?

[punkinhead]

This may have been covered somewhere else already, but what do we know that exists that has NOT been included on bootlegs since 1978? A three minute version of "Child Is Father To The Man"? Or the same with vocals?

To answer your question directly, a finished 3-minute edited backing track for "The Child Is Father Of The Man" was found in the vault and was considered for release on the ENDLESS HARMONY soundtrack as well as HAWTHORNE, CA. Obviously, it didn't make the cut. Close to a decade ago, I asked Mr. Boyd if there were any vocals and he replied "no", that it was just the backing track; it featured sections that had been booted but edited (by Brian in '66/'67) in a specific order. He didn't want to reveal the segments or the order it was edited in since that would "spoil the fun" if the track saw an eventual release. I asked if the available chorus vocals could be synched up to the backing track and he replied it was possible, but wouldn't consider it a likely option since he felt an archival release should be presented as such without attempts made to create things not found on the original tapes.

We know some folks on this board have heard the backing track (I haven't), but my understanding is that, apart from the chorus, no additional vocals were ever found (which makes sense given that Parks needed to write new verse lyrics for the song in '03).

How'd you find this out?

What other songs were close to being on Endless Harmony or Hawthorne?
(Other than the Battle Hymn of Republic, we know that was shot down the first note that was heard by the exec's(

[punkinhead]

I agree...If it is like the Pet Sounds box set I will be super happy...lots more stuff on the bootleg circuit, but the set is pristine. I'm still drooling over it. Hell I took it out again last night just to look through the books because I am that excited for this SMiLE! whatever we are getting.

I am really looking forward to the quality of the music...what is often out there isn't that swell compared to the real deal. As Jasper said earlier, there may be something or another that has gone under the radar...I will keep an open mind.

What's the odds it is all 66/67? Could there be some stuff that was worked on until 72, or the Bruce tinkered Worms? Alternate versions CD, puhleeaase!!!

My understanding is that Carl & Steve Desper took the tapes out of the vault in 1972, listened to them, shook their heads, made safeties and put them back in the boxes. No additional recording was done. Some additional work was done on "Been Way Too Long"  in 1980 (2/11 at Rumbo).

What work was done?
Something instrumentally?
I would love it if there was a cut of CWTL with some 1980 BW vocals were added.   

BTW, was the work that was done on this day used for any of the released version of Can't Wait Too Long (GV Box set & SS/WH twofer)

[punkinhead]

I really hope they'll include some tracks recorded in that period, but not meant for SMiLE: Tones by Carl Wilson, I Don't Know by Dennis Wilson, etc...

I concur, but it's easy to oversee this kinda stuff with the genius of Smile luring in the same era.
Also, add: Teeter Totter Love

[punkinhead]

Maybe they can get the guys to kind of polish it up with some overdubs - get Joe Thomas in to slick it up.  Maybe the 50th reunion could be the final recordings to the holy grail of rock!   

them's fightin words   

[Mooger Fooger]

There must be the one or other unbooted gem in the vaults. Surprising really that nothing from the session with Paul McCartney turned up yet. At least a bit of studio chatter. Or was nothing recorded?
Or the 1967 remake of "False Barnyard", when Carl sang live with the Wrecking Crew. All that is available is the talking between takes.
And perhaps there was more work done after the SMiLE sessions than it's believed. After all, a SMiLE song or segment found it's way on every BB record 'til the announcement of a release in 1972. That was the real end. And didn't Bruce work on "Do You Like Worms?" in the late 70's?

When was this and what's your source?
not saying you don't know what you're talkin about, i just wanna read about it.


and btw, why was it ever given the name False Barnyard?

The "False Barnyard" with Carl on vox is circulating as the session snippets between takes and also as a full successful take (#14 iirc). It is also different to the version tagged onto HV found on the cd twofers of SS\WH.

[Beckgtr09]

Okay maybe it's just me and I'm out of the loop here. But here goes, this year also marks the 45th Anniversary of PET SOUNDS. So I'm hoping that Capitol is not planning on reissuing it again. One can have too many copies in their collection. I'll be glad to see something represented for SMiLE, but we'll have to wait, see, and post comments about it later.

Ted 

[Andrew G. Doe]

I agree...If it is like the Pet Sounds box set I will be super happy...lots more stuff on the bootleg circuit, but the set is pristine. I'm still drooling over it. Hell I took it out again last night just to look through the books because I am that excited for this SMiLE! whatever we are getting.

I am really looking forward to the quality of the music...what is often out there isn't that swell compared to the real deal. As Jasper said earlier, there may be something or another that has gone under the radar...I will keep an open mind.

What's the odds it is all 66/67? Could there be some stuff that was worked on until 72, or the Bruce tinkered Worms? Alternate versions CD, puhleeaase!!!

My understanding is that Carl & Steve Desper took the tapes out of the vault in 1972, listened to them, shook their heads, made safeties and put them back in the boxes. No additional recording was done. Some additional work was done on "Been Way Too Long"  in 1980 (2/11 at Rumbo).

What work was done?
Something instrumentally?
I would love it if there was a cut of CWTL with some 1980 BW vocals were added.   

BTW, was the work that was done on this day used for any of the released version of Can't Wait Too Long (GV Box set & SS/WH twofer)

Instrumental overdubs... and no, because the first tape "BWTL" was on - the Preiss Smile tape - came into limited circulation before the session.

[PhilCohen]

Maybe they can get the guys to kind of polish it up with some overdubs - get Joe Thomas in to slick it up.  Maybe the 50th reunion could be the final recordings to the holy grail of rock!   

them's fightin words   

Joe Thomas....I don't think so. That self-admitted non-fan of Brian's music quickly became viewed(for reasons not entirely clear) by Brian's wife and associates as someone who was taking advantage of Brian.(don't get me wrong: I like the "Imagination" album, as slickly produced as it is.)