The Smiley Smile Message Board

So i've been listening to a ton of Stephen Foster's songs recently, along with learning them to improve my reading of sheet music. I've noticed such a huge similarity between his and Brian's music. I do believe it was Micheal Vosse who said that Brian was attempting at a Foster type of thing (it'd be fantastic if anyone has a direct link to this  :) i've since forgotten where I read it). Songs like these few for example,

I Went To Sleep
Friends
Time To Get Alone
Cabinessence

These songs all capture that beautiful essence which floats through all of Foster's songs as well. Take "Beautiful Dreamer", I imagine Stephen sitting at his piano thinking about his wife or child sleeping all while composing such beautiful melodies as he did. Each word so perfectly chosen and evocative of this loving spirit. It reminds me greatly of a similar vision I have of Brian sitting at his piano composing songs such as "Time To Get Alone" and "Cabinessence". Somewhat similar musically at times, moreso other times, I consider Brian a modern day Stephen Foster. A tunesmith so perfectly arranging songs that are endless in their beauty and message.

Anybody else know what I mean?

You make me very curious...
I've never listened to Foster but 3 of the BB songs you mention are my in my personnal top 10!
I'll check it out.

Two summers ago American Heritage magazine did an entire article on this topic.  it was one of the Best Beach Boy Articles specifically relating to  Brians song writing.

Beautiful Dreamer is a Stephen Foster song as well.

That article sounds amazing. I don't suppose you have it lying around anywhere?

Just incase I raised your hopes too high with my post, it's more a feeling/spirit/essence to both songwriter's songs which brought me and others to the connection.