The Smiley Smile Message Board

As this sort of should be regarded as a solo album offshoot sort of thing, I think it should be reviewed as such. Accounts differ to whether this is a real Brian creation or if it was more down to David Sandler, whatever the case it's a wonderful album.
The first thing is the production, it's very layered and textural - sort of cross between Sunflower and Holland, in fact it probably sounds better than Holland, as theres a lot more warmth to it.
Top track is probably 'Sweet Mountain' written by Brian - very dark sounding track complete with all sorts of weird synth textures, sounds like it could be in a David Lynch film - it's brilliant.
'Everybody' sounds great too, in this you can hear the roots of Brians later productions circa Love You and 15 Big Ones - minimal but full sounding.
'This Whole world' again sounds slightly darker than the Beach Boys version (love the 'when girls get mad at boys' section with the staccato piano). It's good to hear Brians backing vocals on the album too - this being my favourite era for his voice.
Altogether one of the most beautiful and weirdest albums to come out of the Beach Boys area but somehow like all Brians best work tinged with a streak of melancholy.

ever heard Micheal Parks' version of Sweet Mountain? I love it!

A HUGELY overrated album. Only Sweet Mountain moves me.

I enjoy listening to Brian playing Awake at the piano more than the album version...

i agree

I agree too

But Sweet Mountain is worth the price of admission by itself - one of my very favourite Brian tracks by anyone.

Whatever happened to David Sandler afterwards?

WHAT????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like it more than Sunflower.

An album that should've been a single at best. Marilyn was a lovely woman, serviceable harmony singer and LOUSY lead singer. Dianne sucks as well. Some backing tracks are nice but their singing ruins everything.

I love this album, although it sounds unfinished and demo-like at places.

The piano/finger snipping-bridge in "Everybody" is typical Brian, reminds me of his 1967 WILD HONEY-era productions.
I like "Thinkin' Bout You Baby" better than the 1964 version and the remakes of "Fallin' In Love" & "Good Time" beat the Rumbo/BB recordings as well.

"Sweet Mountain" is an interesting remake of "My Solution".

"Shyin' Away" is probably my favorite song on the album. I prefer the mix on PET PROJECTS.

It's a great album. Looks better in the UK sleeve though (the textured brown wood/tree one), rather than the other copy I have (gatefold with the girls on bikes etc!), and far better on vinyl than the CD version I have (See for miles records). Can't really see the melodic connection between Sweet Mountain and My Solution though. Anyway, Sweet Mountain has the best BW impersonation on disc. And I still enjoy the 'Ecstasy' album!

You are so wrong. Those voices are fodaing gorgeous, they ooze the essence of all earthly beauty from every syllable. And Marilyn *IS* a lovely woman, present tense.

I don't clock 'Sweet Mountain' as a 'My Solution' remake, either. Where you hearing that?

Love that!

Me too!

Hey folks,
I have been trying to find this album for a very long time.  If someone happens to know where I might be able to (cough) find a copy, please pm me.  Please.  Thanks.

W.o.r.d.

Brian singing "Back Home" is the borderline for me. Whoever is singing 'This Whole World' in Spring, there's a fine line between earthy and distracting. It sounds like your tonedeaf cousin singing in the shower.

That said, rerelease it and I'll buy it.  ::)  And yes, Marilyn IS a lovely woman.

I can see how the 'chorus' of My Solution could be adapted as a bridge in Sweet Mountain.

I love this album. There's some great production by Brian, David, and Steven. "Sweet Mountain" is an excellent track, but my personal favourite is "Tennessee Waltz." Brian's arrangement is wonderful, and Brian and Steve Desper's production on that song is outstanding.

??? :o why all the hatred for this great album ?

Tennessee Waltz, Thinking Bout You Baby, Sweet Mountain!

for me, Superstar is the jewel of this album

you guys are crazee

Me too.

One of my favorite all time albums! Top ten of all time!
You can call David Sandler and talk to him about (great Brian stories) and buy his albums!

As I said above - what happened to Mr Sandler after American Spring?

I cannot hear My Solution in any part of Sweet Mountain.

I would love to know (STILL!!!!!!!) how much of that Brian wrote and what David Sandler did - and how much - if any - involvement Brian had in the production on that song.

Mr Desper I think has mentioned that Brian did not have a whole lot to do with the album as a whole.

The LP liner notes list credits for each individual song. For this one in particular, it says produced by Wilson, Desper, and Sandler; vocals arranged by Wilson; and instrumental track arranged by Wilson and Sandler. I'm not sure how correct that is, but I would assume it's pretty accurate since it goes into so much detail for each song.

their version of Had to Phone ya is great!