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Smiley Smile Stuff => 21st Century Beach Boys Albums => Topic started by: smile-holland on November 02, 2011, 11:27:06 AM



Title: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: smile-holland on November 02, 2011, 11:27:06 AM
Discuss, review and rate the SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set), released November 1st 2011.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/mct8x4.jpg)

(http://i39.tinypic.com/1075bmr.jpg)   (http://i42.tinypic.com/fdrqmv.jpg)


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: buddhahat on November 08, 2011, 02:57:46 PM
Well, can't believe no one's reviewed it yet. Maybe because it's a no brainer?

Of course everyone will have a suggestion for how the disc 1 sequence could be improved, but I have to say one of the biggest surprises for me was just how good that sequence actually is.

And I don't know where to start with the rest of the set, suffice to say hearing the Fender Rhodes version of dada, or the Vocal montage is like rediscovering The Beach Boys all over again.

5 Stars!


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: myonlysunshine on November 19, 2011, 08:24:42 AM
This is an easy 5 from me. The music is phenomenal, but we already knew that now didn't we? ;D I got the 5 CD Box Set.

Now on to the contents of the box. The cover is probably one of the coolest looking 3D effects that I've ever seen. I was skeptical at first when I first heard they were trying to turn the original Frank Holmes artwork into 3D for the cover lid of the box, but when I saw this for myself I was blown away at how good it looked. It looks like there is a diorama built inside the lid. I guess I'll have to use it as a decoration of some sort.

The amount of music you get on the Box Set is staggering, especially when compared to the recent expensive Box Sets issued by other bands (Pink Floyd, The Stone's Exile on Main Street Box Set). For the SMiLE Sessions you get 5 CDs of 140 songs and sessions outtakes, a vinyl LP, and two singles. That is way more than similarly priced Box Sets released by other bands (no offense to those other bands). I enjoyed CD 1 the most since it presents the album in as complete form as possible, but it is certainly fascinating to hear Brian at work in the studio, directing the members of the Wrecking Crew and the Beach Boys to carry out whatever vision he had inside his head.

I also enjoyed the informative hard cover book that came with it. Most of the essays written by the band members presented nothing that we hardcore fans haven't heard before, but I particularly enjoyed Brian and Mike's essays the most. Knowing what process in recent years led Brian to revisit the SMiLE project was fascinating for me to hear, especially because I saw some of the things he was describing live, like the All Star Tribute to Brian Wilson, and I had no idea what was going through Brian's head at the time. I also liked Mike's no nonsense approach to the essay (some might say "defensive") where he laid down the facts regarding his position on the music. The sessionography, lyrics, artwork, photos, and anecdotal essays were also excellent.

The poster makes a nice decoration, although it's a shame about the nasty creases that come with it from it needing to be folded into the box. I don't own a record player so I have yet to listen to all of the vinyl that comes with the set. Physically though, I'd imagine it's nice for some people to get to hold an actual vinyl copy of SMiLE in their hands for nostalgia purposes. A lot of people have been waiting a long time for the day they could physically hold a copy of the actual SMiLE album in their hands.

Overall, I'm very happy about this release.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Amanda Hart on November 19, 2011, 12:02:10 PM
I definitely have to give the box set a 5. It is absolutely wonderful, from the music to the packaging, booklet and presentation. There are some little things I could grumble about, but they are really insignificant in the end, and mostly boil down to just wanting more stuff  :P

A big kudos to everyone involved in putting this out, because it is by far the best box set I have ever known of, in every possible aspect. I only wish I had more time to devote to taking it all in.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: hypehat on November 19, 2011, 12:13:20 PM
We have the rest of our lives!  ;D

Sometimes, when I feel a bit down what with winter and the degree and money trouble and all that, the mere sight of this boxset on my shelf cheers me up. It's SMiLE, and it's here  :)


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Dr. Tim on November 20, 2011, 08:03:51 PM
Guess nobody likes it.  Or they can't afford it.  Had to buy Justin Bieber's Xmas record for the kiddos instead.

I will say 5 since, being in such a small group, my vote really counts.

Who gave this a 4?  The boss fella here?


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Jason on February 25, 2012, 09:50:11 PM
Who gave this a 4?  The boss fella here?

Phil. :)


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: RadBooley on February 25, 2012, 09:54:25 PM
What's there to discuss? Great music, great package. Easy 5.

Man, I love that box.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Lowbacca on February 26, 2012, 08:52:56 AM
SMiLE SESSIONS? AWESOME. 5. 'Nuff Said.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Disney Boy (1985) on February 26, 2012, 09:37:28 AM
5, obviously. Stunning presentation, music, box, etc. Did you know the box set sold out in the UK? What can i say, we took Pet Sounds to our hearts back in '66 and we've done the same with Smile in 2011 - we got such great taste us limeys.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Puggal on March 16, 2012, 10:31:03 AM
5, obviously. Stunning presentation, music, box, etc. Did you know the box set sold out in the UK? What can i say, we took Pet Sounds to our hearts back in '66 and we've done the same with Smile in 2011 - we got such great taste us limeys.

Can you please support your argument with further evidence -- how is it "obviously" a five? Remember to use both primary and secondary sources to support your claim.

B- until revision. Let's talk after class next week!







Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Lonely Summer on March 17, 2012, 05:46:33 PM
I bought the vinyl set. Would love to have got the big box, but can't afford it - and honestly, I don't know how much of that session stuff I need to listen to. I don't play the Pet Sounds Sessions all that often. I will still add the 2 cd version to my collection one of these days, though. The sound on the vinyl is just won-won-wonderful, better than I could have expected. In fact, the day I walked into the store - Silver Platters - I was looking all over for it, didn't see one copy on the floor. Asked the guys at the register, and one of them went into the storeroom and brought out the one copy they had left. For that they have earned my undying loyalty. It was about 8 years ago that I found a vinyl boot of Smile at a store just up the street, but this is so much better! The missing piece of the puzzle.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: SMiLE Brian on April 22, 2012, 12:21:47 AM
The greatest Beach Boys album and tragedy.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Alan Smith on April 22, 2012, 01:19:57 AM
I bought the vinyl set. Would love to have got the big box, but can't afford it - and honestly, I don't know how much of that session stuff I need to listen to. I don't play the Pet Sounds Sessions all that often. I will still add the 2 cd version to my collection one of these days, though. The sound on the vinyl is just won-won-wonderful, better than I could have expected. In fact, the day I walked into the store - Silver Platters - I was looking all over for it, didn't see one copy on the floor. Asked the guys at the register, and one of them went into the storeroom and brought out the one copy they had left. For that they have earned my undying loyalty. It was about 8 years ago that I found a vinyl boot of Smile at a store just up the street, but this is so much better! The missing piece of the puzzle.

Look, I can relate to the $ decision, it's a lot of bread - but I encourage you to save up, sell some old stuff, donate something if you're allowed too - but you should buy it! 

I'm not that big on the PS session either, but the SMiLe sessions are a different kettle of fish and they really blew me away - I was reluctant to listen to the Good Vibes sessions having heard the +tracks on the Smiley Smile/Wild Honey twofer+ other gear around the shop.  But the sessions on the box (especially the GV inspiration sessions at Western) are a must have.

The box is cool, the book is great;  invaluable notation by Craig Slowinski - and as a highlight (for me) a cool blurb by Diane Rovell, a scoop given the amount of shi* she was across but we rarely see her on the various big doco's etc (maybe her choice, I don't know).

It's only $114 at the big A, or ask your pals at SP what they can do if you don't want to go the A-route


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Lonely Summer on June 08, 2012, 06:26:01 PM
I'll find a used copy in a few years for $70 or so, so I'm okay.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Disney Boy (1985) on June 17, 2012, 12:15:40 PM
5, obviously. Stunning presentation, music, box, etc. Did you know the box set sold out in the UK? What can i say, we took Pet Sounds to our hearts back in '66 and we've done the same with Smile in 2011 - we got such great taste us limeys.

Can you please support your argument with further evidence -- how is it "obviously" a five? Remember to use both primary and secondary sources to support your claim.

B- until revision. Let's talk after class next week!




Yeah, thanks for that. Good post.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Johnston65 on August 15, 2012, 01:30:16 AM
Favorite part of the entire boxset:

"Hey, we were in Japan a year ago."
"Today?"
(Slight pause) "I guess so..."

Cracks me up every time.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Freddie French-Pounce on September 16, 2012, 06:54:05 AM
Favorite part of the entire boxset:

"Hey, we were in Japan a year ago."
"Today?"
(Slight pause) "I guess so..."

Cracks me up every time.

Where's that?


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: hypehat on September 16, 2012, 07:21:27 AM
First children were raised session.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: scooby1970 on June 25, 2013, 02:31:30 AM
Bought the box-set on release day (as I do with all Beach Boys products), and still enjoying it. The packaging, combined with the track selection is just mind blowing, it's an eye opener and a must buy for all Beach Boys fans.

:) Mark


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: bluesno1fann on August 30, 2013, 10:53:55 PM
Brilliant, just Brilliant!
No Contest, it's 5 out of 5 for me.
Can't believe it took well over 40 years to do this!


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Mr. Wilson on January 02, 2014, 03:24:27 PM
I am sure glad they finally released this and BW completed his version while I am still breathing..!  5/5  A great piece of art that will stand the test of time for eternity .  The legacy of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys is assured in the heavens.. Proof that Brian Wilson could hear things only a dog could hear. {Mike Love} A definitive desert island set.. Anybody that calls themselves a musician NEEDS to listen to this music.. I must go, the music box music  is calling me again..


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: slippingonthrough on February 20, 2014, 11:45:46 PM
The greatest album never released.

5/5


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 16, 2014, 11:48:01 PM
Thought since I've talked so much about it I ought to add my vote in here. I debated taking off a star for the misguided use of the BWPS sequence, and the overabundance of Good Vibes sessions (I thought an entire disc was way too excessive--would've preferred either isolations, more Psychedelic Sounds and maybe some Smiley session highlights.) But then I thought, screw that. This is freaking SMiLE--literally some of the best music ever recorded. I've gotten more enjoyment out of this boxset, whether it be listening, reading or playing around working on my own mix, then I've gotten out of any other purchase I can think of. It really is amazing to be able to say I own the most legendary unfinished album ever. I never thought it wouldve happened within the Beach Boy's lifetimes, but what a great thing to be proven wrong.

So, my misgivings on Disc 1's sequence and Disc 5's content aside...this really is a remarkable product. 5/5 for me.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: StillSurfin on August 02, 2014, 01:35:51 PM
Along with the Unsurpassed Masters 'Smile' tracks, is every 'Smile' song and fragment now released?, or is there any still yet to be discovered in the vaults. Also I read I think it was in Brian's book, that he said about erasing the 'Smile' tapes because of the bad vibes around the Mrs O'Learys Cow or something. So I'm assuming if Brian did erase tapes, he most likely erased other fragments/songs not included on the Unsurpassed set and the Smile boxset. Although when Prince recorded the original version of 'Old Friends 4 Sale' he erased it then re-recorded it with different lyrics.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on November 05, 2014, 11:29:46 AM
Along with the Unsurpassed Masters 'Smile' tracks, is every 'Smile' song and fragment now released?, or is there any still yet to be discovered in the vaults. Also I read I think it was in Brian's book, that he said about erasing the 'Smile' tapes because of the bad vibes around the Mrs O'Learys Cow or something. So I'm assuming if Brian did erase tapes, he most likely erased other fragments/songs not included on the Unsurpassed set and the Smile boxset. Although when Prince recorded the original version of 'Old Friends 4 Sale' he erased it then re-recorded it with different lyrics.

No, we absolutely have not. I'm sure there's a wealth of material still in the vaults. I know that Brian's test edit of CIFOTM was left out of the boxset, and I'm sure that wasn't the only test edit of a song he made. In addition, there's still the two other Jasper Daily songs on acetate somewhere, Little Red Book and Untitled Instrumental (aka Spanish Guitar.) That's to say nothing of various alt takes of songs, the other Psychedelic Sounds skits, the stuff on the Durrie Acetates and any other acetates or tapes that havent been accounted for or are possibly mislabeled in a vault somewhere...and anything else I'm forgetting.

Now, you could argue many of those aren't important. Technically, LRB & UI aren't really SMiLE anyway. The Jasper tracks are novelty items which merely show genius distracted and time wasted. Some would say the same regarding the Psyche Sounds stuff. But the fact is, if you're a hardcore collector and/or amateur "SMiLE-restorationist" (ie fanmixer) then it's vital to have as much of SMiLE as there is, in the best quality possible.

I'm sure there's more material floating around our there that I don't know of. Im also sure we still can't find those damn tapes of Surfs Up Part 2 or Look vocals or Tones vocals or Cabin Essence reconnected telephones vocals if they even still exist. Speaking of Cabin Essence vocals, an isolated Truck Driving Man chorus would be nice. There's no reason at all why THAT at the very least, didn't make the boxset. Same with the alt speed take of With Me Tonight. Absolutely no excuses on those two omissions.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Mikie on November 05, 2014, 12:02:22 PM
Speaking of Cabin Essence vocals, an isolated Truck Driving Man chorus would be nice. There's no reason at all why THAT at the very least, didn't make the boxset.

The day after TSS was released, I came on this board and asked that question, because I strongly believed they (it) shoulda been in the box. The justification was that these vocals were not recorded during the Smile Sessions ('66/'67) but in 1968, thus they weren't considered part of the original Smile sessions. I still think they should have been included anyway.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on January 01, 2015, 11:38:56 AM
Speaking of Cabin Essence vocals, an isolated Truck Driving Man chorus would be nice. There's no reason at all why THAT at the very least, didn't make the boxset.

The day after TSS was released, I came on this board and asked that question, because I strongly believed they (it) shoulda been in the box. The justification was that these vocals were not recorded during the Smile Sessions ('66/'67) but in 1968, thus they weren't considered part of the original Smile sessions. I still think they should have been included anyway.

Frankly, that's a totally bullshit excuse since so much of what we've come to know as SMiLE was worked on well after the album itself was announced cancelled. The Water Chant and Cool Cool Water for example. And on the boxset, they included Three Blind Mice which has NOTHING, not even the faintest connection, to SMiLE. I think it was put on some SMiLE bootlegs back in the day or something like that, but then there's no excuse not to include Little Red Book, Untitled Instrumental and Can't Wait Too Long too. At least that last one has its origins in a SMiLE song. And it's pretty hypocritical to claim they wanted to give us the tools to "roll our own" SMiLE and yet not provide crucial pieces like that, isolated 'Rock with me, Henry' vocals and a thousand others I won't list.

I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, I love that damn boxset. But in all honesty, some of those decisions they made really make no sense.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: undercover-m on June 30, 2015, 10:42:54 PM
This is going to sound kind of sad and stupid of me, but here goes...
I actually got the double LP as a Christmas gift because everyone knows I love the Beach Boys! But even 6 months ago I wasn't too aware of much more than their surf albums, PS, Wild Honey, and Smiley Smile. And it wasn't until I had a conversation about the Beach Boys with a co-worker that I realized how much I really loved them, and I started researching everything about them and joined these forums... haha.

Anyway, with school and everything it has been impossible for me to listen to all of their stuff, although throughout the school year I fell even more in love with PS, etc., as well as Smile, and gave Smile a short spin while cleaning my dorm room once.

But I finally sat down and listened to it (actually I was working on my major application, but still) I listened to the whole LP and I am so in love with it. I already knew I loved the album because I had listened to it on iTunes/Spotify many times before, but it was even better this time. Maybe I'll give a more in-depth review when I know even more about the history of Smile (I just got the Beach Boys FAQ book) and if anyone wants to hear. But yeah, it took me a long time to truly appreciate the gift I had gotten. I teared up reading about Brian missing his brothers, too.

Also, the stereo version of H&V is my life. What a beautiful song... in the stereo version I feel like you can really hear all of the vocal arrangements; so wonderful :)


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: KDS on July 01, 2015, 05:43:21 AM
Although technically incomplete, I find this release to be far superior to the Brian Wilson 2004 version. 

The Wonderful / Song for Children / Child is the Father of the Man / Surf's Up suite is one of the highlights of The Beach Boys history. 

You also get the full versions of H&V as GV, as well as a finally released version of Mrs O Leary's Cow. 

The full album is very good, but I still don't think it's the masterpiece it's held as.  There's some filler (You Are My Sunshine, Vegatables, etc).  When its great, its amazing.  When it isn't, its meh.  That's why I give it a four. 

My review is for the two disc edition.  I consider myself a huge BB fan, but even the extra disc was a bit much for me.  Interesting on one listen, but not essential.  I can't imagine four more discs like that. 


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Lonely Summer on November 06, 2015, 02:31:02 PM
Although technically incomplete, I find this release to be far superior to the Brian Wilson 2004 version. 

The Wonderful / Song for Children / Child is the Father of the Man / Surf's Up suite is one of the highlights of The Beach Boys history. 

You also get the full versions of H&V as GV, as well as a finally released version of Mrs O Leary's Cow. 

The full album is very good, but I still don't think it's the masterpiece it's held as.  There's some filler (You Are My Sunshine, Vegatables, etc).  When its great, its amazing.  When it isn't, its meh.  That's why I give it a four. 

My review is for the two disc edition.  I consider myself a huge BB fan, but even the extra disc was a bit much for me.  Interesting on one listen, but not essential.  I can't imagine four more discs like that. 
I bought the 2 record version, and that is a strong 5 for me. I don't really get into listening to session tapes on a regular basis. Sure, they're fun to hear occasionally, hear how a song developed/evolved, but the 2 record TSS is the one I listen to over and over.


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: ZenobiaUnchained on February 01, 2016, 01:48:36 PM
5/5


Title: Re: The SMiLE Sessions (CD, 2CD, 2LP, and Box Set)
Post by: Lonely Summer on June 07, 2016, 09:20:51 PM
Played it tonight for the first time in a couple years. Almost to the end of the catalog now. There's been some surprises - some albums I liked more than I remembered liking; other sounded worse this time through. Smile, though, still sounds great. I'm a bit puzzled about the complaints about following the BWPS sequencing. That's probably as close as we're going to get to a definitive Smile - apparently it's the sequence Brian and his team endorse now. I have no problems with it. It finally put all those random bits that I'd heard on bootlegs into a coherent musical statement. Love how the H&V theme keeps resurfacing in different arrangements; how the reprise of Our Prayer leads into GV; how Look leads into Child is Father of the Man into Surf's Up. What's not to like? 1 of the 2 best BB's albums - the other one, of course, being Sunflower.