The Smiley Smile Message Board

Spin CDs have it listed now, £128.99 inc. free shipping

http://www.spincds.com/blog/2011/08/31/the-beach-boys-smile-sessions/

That'll do for me!  8)

That's €145. For €146, on Amazon.com, I have the box set, two 2-cd sets, and a 2-lp set. And the shipping.  :P

Yup. Got all three combos for £135.57, inc delivery and import duties to UK. That pre-pre-order looks better every day.

I've got it for 126 quid on Amazon.com, that includes fastest shipping, and it might not get there until the 8th cos it's coming from abroad. Plus, we don't know about the tax situation.... Might  cancel that and preorder from Spin. Do they make you pay now or upon shipping?

It seems like now.....

Dammit. Can't afford this til the end of next month.

I'm in the UK too, and I keep wavering about what to do. I've nearly ordered from the US Amazon several times over the past few days, but every time I go to do it, I stop. Like many here, I'd far rather order a 'real' EMI UK version from Amazon.co.uk... except of course it's not available there yet. I assume that anything ordered from Spin is actually itself merely a US Amazon order that Spin have made, which they will then sell on to UK customers, rather than a true UK release of the set.

I can't understand what's going on. This surely isn't a US-only set that will not be made available in the UK other than as an import - like AGD on the board a few days ago, I can't bring myself to believe that even EMI would be so mad to make its release that territorially limited - and I'll bet it's eventually available through the UK amazon, and in UK record stores as a bona fide UK release. So why the delay for pre-orders through anything other than the US Amazon? It sounds a little paranoid, but I'm wondering if it's some sort of arrangement to ensure that the first few thousand sales are made by front-line SMiLE fans like us in US dollars, rather than in unreliably fluctuating foreign currencies, thereby maximising the pre-sales as a known quantity of dollars. But that might be a load of hooey on my part!

I would hope that the cost of a proper UK release would be below 125 quid in the UK... assuming a 'true' UK version does come out. I mean, that's over 200 dollars at the moment! I know that we often pay prices in pounds for consumer and computing goods that are the same as the cost of the same items in the States in dollars, but this is a bunch of CDs, not a washing machine. And if the box comes out as a proper EMI UK release, it won't even need to be imported from the States.

Also, it might currently be 170 dollars from Amazon.com on pre-order (and have been still cheaper back over the weekend), but there's no way that order is gonna arrive in the UK for delivery on anything like November 1. Best case, it's gonna take a few days... a few days which will be agonising as you know your set is somewhere in transit, inching its way towards you across the globe, while everyone in the US is dressed in red fire hats, having SMiLE listening parties, crunching their way through their favourite vegetables and covering each other in Reddi-Whip (that's what I'd be doing... or is that just me?).

And that's best-case delivery, too. For a set of that value, UK customs are bound to swoop on at least some of the sets, impound them, and demand import tax. Most of the CDs I've bought direct from the States are too small (physically and in terms of cost) to interest them, but a higher-value box like this will set the bells ringing. It took my Dad (who also lives in the UK) 11 months to receive a boxed set of Jazz he ordered from the States a couple of years back, as it was impounded by UK customs and excise. I'm NOT having that happen to my copy of SMiLE!

So right now, I'm doing my best to just hang fire ('must... find... willpower... must... not... use... Amazon.com... one-click... buy... option...!'), until I can go down to my local bricks-and-mortar store on the UK release date and pick the damn thing up in person. That's what I did for Brian's SMiLE in 2004, and there's nothing to quite rival the joy of walking out of the store with your mint-condition copy a significant weight in your hands,  the pleasure of reading the liner notes on the bus home (I'm with Paul McCartney on that one...), and the anticipation of opening your front door and firing up the CD player, ready for some serious listening. Compare that to the misery of wondering whether this will finally be the day that the postman brings your SMiLE set... and being disappointed for the 89th day in a row as he walks straight past your house, or brings another gas bill.

Anyone feel the same way?

MattB

Matt: yes, that's exactly how I feel.
I think it's beyond doubt that there'll be UK editions of all formats of the Smile Sessions (there's a "UK pre-order coming soon" link on www.thebeachboys.com ). I'm guessing/hoping that the box will be priced around the £110 mark. Either way, I'm lucky (?) enough to live in west London, a brisk walk away from one of the best record shops in the UK. The idea of walking into Rough Trade on october 31st and buying the thing over the counter is too exciting to resist, though I'll probably end up going for the limited signed (by who?) lithograph set from thebeachboys.com too.
But yeah, ordering from the US is just too risky, particularly as the UK release date is a day earlier than the US release date.

Totally agree with you, Matt. Nothing beats actually going on the day of release, handing over hard earned cash and having something in your hands.
I'm taking the day off work, going to Bristol, reading the book with a pint in a quiet pub and then heading home for a monster listening session whilst checking the threads on here reading everyone's thoughts

I might well do that - lectures can go hang....

UK special edition:

– 5-CD box with SMiLE Shop's windows smashed and model looter outside reaching in to steal a SMiLE button
– Autographed cricket bat
– 60-page facsimile of The Times from 1967 (note – no mention of the Beach Boys)
– Bonus CD, Beatles Listening Party from 1967, during which Derek Taylor can be heard playing SMiLE tapes to John, Paul, George & Ringo in a Liverpool bar
– Replica pair of Al Jardine's shorts (note – size XS only)
– Hand-delivered on a bicycle by Bruce Johnston

Now available for exclusive pre-looting at Miss Selfridge

I would still order from Badlands in Cheltenham - there is a reason for doing this if you are in the UK - you should find out when you RING and place the order - TRUST ME

I love that the SMiLE cover shown there is the same one as we have on all the boots, with 'Full Dimensional Stereo' on the top, and *not* the new artwork! I mean, I know that's the official old cover, so it's not inappropriate, but why aren't they using the new artwork?

Good to see that link mentioning the UK, though Harvey, thanks for sharing. I'm guessing it won't be all that long... and it's great to see that all the UK sources reporting the release (bbc.co.uk, NME, The Guardian etc) are showing October 31st as the date. Once again, we're in there a day early!

And yes, what a thing to be buying SMiLE for real over the counter in Rough Trade! How cool is that? The only flaw in my plan is that I *don't* live anywhere quite so well-supplied - I'm out in the sticks, which means that there's always the risk that my local music store won't have the box set (I had endless problems trying to get hold of the CD of That Lucky Old Sun from there). I may make a special trip to London. It'd be great to pick it up in the big old HMV in Oxford Street and read the book on the train home...

And finally, Desmondo... thees what you say ees most eeeenteresteeeng... You wouldn't have any more to say on this subject if I ask in a Polite and Mannerly way, would you...?

MattB

 :lol :lol :lol :lol

 .

Whaaaa??

Genius!  :lol

Still not on amazon.co.uk, very strange.

Hey SMiLE addicts, i'm a long time lurker from here (God that sounds creepy)  >:D and i've been excited for this since March. I have to say though that 125 Quid seems far to much and could turn of alot of potential (or poorer like myself)  ;D buyers, fingers crossed  the price goes down to around 100 which I was hoping for to would begin with.

The Amazon UK pages are finally up... sort of.  No orders or prices yet, just signups for notification.

Box set
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smile-Sessions-Deluxe-Beach-Boys/dp/B004RFYEEC/
2 CD
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smile-Sessions-Beach-Boys/dp/B005J29HCQ/
2 LP
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smile-Sessions-VINYL-Beach-Boys/dp/B005J29HD0/
1 CD
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smile-Sessions-Jewel-Case/dp/B005KGNM90/

Looks like the single CD (in a jewel case) is really happening.

I just saw GBP 130 for the box.

Ah, yes, things change quickly...

Current prices...
£129.91 for the box
£17.99 for the 2CD
£14.99 for the 1CD
Vinyl unavailable at the moment

Is it generally known what's on the single CD in the jewel case?

It's CD1 from the box, the 'complete' SMiLE with bonus cuts. See the SpinCD cite, they've listed it with tracks and so on.

They must have listed it minutes after I posted that, damn you amazon.co.uk making me look stupid!

Preordered from .co.uk. Being a sucker with fast shipping, it gets there on the 1/11/11.... The longest two months of my life....

OK, thanks. :=)

Sure this has been mentioned but have bad connection - smile box is on amazon uk

Indeed, you must have a very bad connection. Dial-up?

Now on Play.com:

http://www.play.com/Search.html?searchtype=allproducts&searchsource=0&searchstring=smile+sessions

2 x CD - £11.99
Boxset-£124.99
1xCD - £8.99

All with Free Delivery so.....2xCD from there, Boxset from Rise in Bristol on the day and the vinyl for Xmas-Happy Days!!

hmmmm..... how quick is Plays delivery?

stuff I've ordered recently took about a week from posting to arriving (UK mainland)

Thanks. I'll stick  with my Amazon order then.

I've cracked and placed my order. I'll just say this... desmondo is right! (see up-thread)

 :afro   

MattB

Now awaiting amazon.co.jp to see how many bonus discs will be included!

Right ordered the Box and the 2 disc from Amazon.co.uk...

So what is special about ordering from Badlands???

They throw in the light-up window version and the surfboard for free!

...OK, OK, I'm kidding.

MattB

Lol - it must be a t-shirt or suchlike??

Sort of. Perhaps we should continue this discussion on the Plains of Montana...

MattB

Hi Matt
Just tried ringing them and theyv just closed :(
Could you PM me if poss what you mean about desmondo?

take it easy
 :hat

CDWow.co.uk now has the 1CD and 2CD sets up at prices below those of either Play.com or amazon.co.uk.  Now experience shopping there though, this is purely for info -  can anyone relate experiences with that seller?

CDwow ships from Hong Kong. I'm in The Netherlands, sometimes receiving a CD takes 2 weeks.

 :lol yes. The Japs always include minimally 1 extra thing. What will that be this time? Ding Dang?

I can see it now......

29. Surf's Up (1964 Dennis Vocal) [Japanese Bonus Track]

Does any one know if we would get it on release day (UK 31st october) if we preorder from amazon?

I'm using the fastest delivery and I'm getting it on the 1st, so no. But then I can't go to the shops that day....

Okay. Very convieniently, it is a staff development day that day at my school, So I get the day off! Hopefully i can get it from a shop somewhere.

I only have one lecture that day, so theoretically could go. reckon Rough Trade or somewhere would know how much they're selling it for, if at all, at this stage? Or maybe I should call up nearer the time.

If you're in London, also try Sister Ray or Select A Disc in Berwick St as I'm sure they will stock the boxset-you may have to spend a few extra ££s though.

Selectadisc has been closed a good few years now; was replaced by...Sister Ray. Prices? HMV has the big box priced at £141 for pre-order, which seems hefty compared to some, but I imagine most physical shops will pitch it somewhere around this mark.
Incidentally, in case it's not been mentioned elsewhere, UK pre-order of the www.thebeachboys.com limited editions is now "live":
http://store.digitalstores.co.uk/smile/
And now we finally know just who has signed that lithograph.

Ah, OK-sorry about that-I used to go down Berwick St all the time. Obviously not recently!!
Is Reckless Records still there? They had the Nick Drake vinyl boxset for £20 about 10 years ago-still regret not buying it

Reckless closed a couple of years back under mysterious circumstances, then re-opened barely weeks later (in the same shop, no less) as Revival Records. Mr CD (another Berwick Street stalwart) is also long gone, but the Record & Tape Exchange will never die!

WHADDYA MEAN, WE DON'T GET THE SURFBOARD??????

I was really looking forward to trying it out in, er, the East Anglian Wash. Or the muddy estuaries of Essex. Surf's Up, dudes!

...we never did get a 'Surfing UK', did we? Can't imagine why...? But why, when the charmingly flat coastline of East Anglia has so much to offer? Mostly alluvial slime, admittedly, but still...

If everybody had a fenland
Across the east U-kayyyy
Then everybody'd be surfin'
Like Californ-i-a [that's California in *Norfolk*, obviously - you know, just round the coast from Caister-on-sea... lavverley!]
You'd see 'em wearing their white socks
white stilettos too
orange tan and mullet hairdos
Surfin'East Ang-li-ayyy

You'd catch 'em surfin' at Maldon
Essex County line
St Osyth and Tilbury
Aldeburgh's nice and clean
Canvey Island and Foulness
And down Wisbech Way

Ev'ry body's gone surfin'
Surfin'East Ang-li-ayyyyy

It's official. The wait for the box is already warping my brain!

MattB

Ah, every other Saturday would start at the top of Berwick Street at Select A Disc and I'd work my way down the record shops via the odd pub and ending at The Record and Tape Exchange for a good 2hr searching session. I managed to get mint copies of 3 Smiths albums for 50p each(don't even think about taking the bait, AGD!)

I think I'll go back there next Saturday afternoon before the Gershwin gig

Arse-the boxset is £150 from Rise in Bristol.

So....do I buy it on-line and wait a few days or shell out £25ish over the odds and get it on the day?

What was the deal if you rang the shopin Cheltenham?

I'm one of the sinners who's pre-ordered at Sainsburys for £116. My plan (most likely) will be to buy the 2 disc from HMV on the day and wait a few more days for the box to arrive. That's one suggestion!

Good idea-I was thinking along the same lines of getting the CD box somewhere on the day and then take the following day off work and get the boxset delivered at home.  I might even erect a tent in my living room the night before and place a xylophone in a pit of Sugar Puffs.Sand's quite expensive these days!

Okay, so HMV is listing the box as 5 discs... http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=331046

Anyone know what this could mean? Just a mistake?

My girlfriend works in store and I was going to use her (rather hefty) discount, but the internal system is also listing 5 discs at almost £200??  

I'm asking her if there's been any change tonight - the price is strange enough but it doesn't list the vinyl. She says this would rarely be inaccurate.

Amazon of course lists the 9 discs. Correct me if I'm wrong - but there IS no 5 disc version is there?

No, sounds like they're just counting the 5 cds and omitting the vinyl for some reason. Must be an error.

Popped into HMV Oxford Street today and tentatively enquired about the Smile box. It appeares that the retail price actually *is* £195. Sheesh.

Rough Trade are preordering it for £175! Bar HMV, that's the most expensive yet!

It has also gone down slightly on Amazon, i think - £124 now.

hmv.com finally caught up with the rest of the world

http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=331046 (http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=331046)

£141.99 for the boxset, £12.99 for 2CD, £8.99 for 1CD, £29.99 for LP.