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Smiley Smile Stuff => Brian Wilson Solo Albums => Topic started by: Charles LePage @ ComicList on December 24, 2005, 07:56:32 PM



Title: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Charles LePage @ ComicList on December 24, 2005, 07:56:32 PM
Discuss, review and rate Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE, released September 2004.

(http://www.smileysmile.net/images/albums/smile.jpg)


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: JRauch on December 25, 2005, 01:49:37 AM
THE GREATEST MUSIC OF ALL TIME


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: I. Spaceman on December 25, 2005, 01:55:29 AM
Well, it's no REM, but it's nice.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: JRauch on December 25, 2005, 02:01:40 AM
 ;D New board, but some things never change.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: the captain on December 25, 2005, 08:31:36 AM
One of the finest albums ever written and recorded. I can't even imagine what it would have been like to hear it "cold," having not already seen it live (twice) and heard so many of the songs from other sources.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: Jason on December 25, 2005, 01:06:32 PM
As good as can be expected from Brian. Classic.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: Chance on December 25, 2005, 01:22:56 PM
Worth the wait. A musical miracle. IMO, the second movement is his greatest achievement, ever.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (BW solo)
Post by: st2580smile on December 25, 2005, 04:23:42 PM
Still reelling...
I used to give away copies of "Pet Sounds" to audience members (those that asked me questions like;"how do you..".
Now I have to give away both "SMiLE" and "Pet Sounds"...
Most do not realize this is the decisive and crucial cross pollination of popular music.
Turning from dance music to an art form.
A true watershed event.
SMiLE would not have been understood in '67.
Most do not understand it now.
Thank God for Brian Wilson.
Pete


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wolfgang on December 27, 2005, 01:55:25 AM
Best music Brian ever made. Smile will be an album of all time and people will still listen to it, when we  are all already have passed away. I been on a concert in summer 2004 and were so lucky to have the experince of Smile live. It was unbelieveable, very emontional. Pet sounds is a great album but Smile is far ahead of it. It should get a six!!

Smile!

Wolfgang


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: dogbreath on December 27, 2005, 03:14:14 AM
Here's a review I wrote for "Ugly Things" magazine. If you're not familiar with this, it's devoted mainly to 60's music, with an editorial slant towards garage bands and psychedelic-punk music. So PLEASE don't be offended by any lack of reverence (or indeed understanding) in this review; it was never intended as doing hommage to please the fan. With that said, you might find it interesting:



BRIAN WILSON - Smile (Nonesuch CD)

This could have been wretched. Brian could have sung it through that toad-fart megaphone he’s been kidding us with for the last thirty years. He could have roped in his aromatherapist and his leafblower to rewrite the lyrics. He could have asked his accountant - or worse, Jeff Lynne - to co-produce. The whole thing could have been yet another nutbar nosedive into the hot sand from everybody’s favourite Surfing Dalek, and we would still have marvelled that it was done at all (cue Story of Smile – inner demons, dogshit in sandbox, thirty-seven years, etc).
But no. For once, Brian listened to the right voices, including, unfeasibly, that of his wife Melinda. He chose Darian Sahanaja, Kramer-haired brainiac with tune-free formalists The Wondermints, to crack the studio whip. Then – and this is what you’d have done, right? - he boated over a bunch of fiddle-players from Scandinavia to do the difficult bits. As an afterthought, he had Van Dyke Parks shaken from his porch nap to sharpen his quill that he might delight us anew with his hi-falutin’ rock-n’-fol-de-roll.
The greatest pop album ever made? Nope. That’s (YOUR CHOICE HERE). A towering art-rock statement, then, that redefines music as we know it? Not that either, thank God. As to what would have happened had it appeared in 1967, my guess is - nothing much. In spite of hot claims to the contrary, “Smile” isn’t particularly groundbreaking. Brian himself had already done it in miniature, as the “Good Vibrations” 45, and Zappa was just around the corner,  slicing and dicing what would become “Lumpy Gravy”, “Smile’s” ugly sister. Nor is “Smile” particularly influential. What’s the teen to do? Pick up that symphony orchestra?  We got “Topographic Oceans” anyway, thanks very much. In fact, it’s easy to imagine “Smile” slotting in to the existing Beach Boys canon without causing so much as a ripple - after mixed critical reaction and indifferent sales, Brian would release the f***-you-very-much “Smiley Smile” and so on.
There’s been a lot of hushed references to “Americana” (I don’t know what that is, but it smells funny), and Charles Ives, and “Rhapsody in Blue”, but the unexpected charm of this album is that it emerges from the groaning weight of history and expectation as a fresh and enjoyable piece of pop. It’s unlikely that it will ever rank as highly in critics’ polls, or our hearts, as “Pet Sounds”, because it doesn’t talk to us as directly. In fact, it has nothing to say. You can’t help but wonder if the lack of personal investment – no hymns to loss here – helps Brian sing better than he’s done since, oh, “The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East”.
Minor criticisms apart - the yo-ho-hum pirate rap, “you’re under arrest”, the new/old lyrics to “Good Vibrations”, “Vegetables” still not being funny (or anything), and wanting to throw a bucket of sand over “Fire” long before it burns itself out – this is a neat piece of work. The harmonies are hi-wax, even if they inevitably lack that Beach Boys sun-cream-with-a-grain-of-sand mix, and the production is as clean and organic as a radish. The musicians whip through the complex arrangements with a casual accuracy, like it’s no big deal, and Bri pretty much nails the lead vocals on his own, with Jeff Foskett flying in only for the eye-watering stuff that Brian just can’t wear the pants for any more. Pro-Tools? It’s a medium. Like tape. And you can’t Pro-Tool feel – Brian positively swings through “Heroes and Villains”, effortlessly improving on the original, and sings “Surf’s Up” like it meant something – a not insignificant achievement.
If you’re a fan, you have this already, and you don’t care what anyone thinks (but that works both ways, pal). If you’re not, you may find its sheer oddness and occasional beauty enough to warrant a few spins before you file it alongside the other CDs you bought because they got great reviews. But you probably won’t find yourself dancing to it at parties much.
Brian, I know you’re reading this – you can quit now, okay?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: HighOnLife on December 27, 2005, 02:08:35 PM
It doesn't resonate with me like Pet Sounds does.

4 stars.



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: JRauch on January 03, 2006, 02:10:40 AM
One of the great things about SMiLE is that it is timeless, in the truest meaning of the word. Not only because it was written in the 60s and finished in 2004. No, it´s the music itself. Songs like "Our Prayer", "Barnyard", "Wonderful" or "Mrs O'Learys Cow", for example, could have been written hundred years ago. Or in hundred years. It doesn´t matter. It´s just timeless, beautiful music.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Aegir on January 03, 2006, 09:37:15 PM
One of the first times I was listening to SMiLE, I was driving in heavy pouring rain. My destination was far off, however, I was feeling pretty confident I would get there safely and without any problems... until Mrs. O'Leary's Cow came on! The sirens, the moaning, the feeling of imminent danger! It seemed so long during that listen; I thought it would never end! I wanted to scream!

Just as I was pulling into the driveway, it ended. The ensuing sounds of the opening of In Blue Hawaii comforted me. After "Feel like I was really in the pink", I put my car into park, took out the keys, and walked inside.

5/5


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: I. Spaceman on January 03, 2006, 09:38:54 PM
You don't have a skip button, dude?
Just kidding, great post.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: APPLEI on January 04, 2006, 11:52:00 PM
this album should be right above "beatles-sgt. peppers lonely hearts club band" on THE ROLLING STONES TOP 500 ALBUMS LIST!
however i'm glad that they acknowledged SUNFLOWER.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jeff Mason on January 05, 2006, 06:21:08 PM
I still remember the visceral thrill of being on the old Shop board that night in Feb 2004 waiting for news and getting the original lousy-sounding single 40 minute MP3 of the Smile set and listening to it in the dark late at night in bed -- and just being absolutely amazed.  The CD is a great capture of that.  But best of all is the DVD performance.  That is the definitive rendition of Smile in 2004 to me.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: I. Spaceman on January 05, 2006, 06:35:43 PM
Yep, that's exactly how I remember it. In LA there was a lightning storm outside which made it even more intense.
When GV came in at the end, I just went outside in the storm and yelled at the top of my lungs, the rain mixing with the tears running down my face.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Chris D. on January 05, 2006, 06:57:02 PM
And you said, fist pumping, "FUM HIM THE MOURDOROUS BASTARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

That was a great night on the shop, and that original bootleg was great.  I remember putting everything aside when my copy came in the mail, listening while I looked at the tops of the trees outside the window.  I was a little spoiled by reading the stuff online after the first show, but that was hard to resist.  Part of me always wished I'd listened to the bootleg first, just to see how it all worked.  The bootleg was so  possessive that the actual album didn't enchant me as much for a while -- I already knew the program.  I wish Brian had left his vocal mistake on "Vegetables" in the arrangement for the real album.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: I. Spaceman on January 05, 2006, 07:16:41 PM
Quote
And you said, fist pumping, "FUM HIM THE MOURDOROUS BASTARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

YES!!!!!!!
And then I carved a swastika in my forehead!
I totally agree on the Vegetables thing.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jeff Mason on January 05, 2006, 08:14:41 PM
You had to wait for the mail?  Man that must have been tough.  I grabbed the show from Usenet that same night.  I was listening to the show hours after it was over.  I would not have been able to wait until the mail came.  Of course, I can't compare to those in the US who made cell phone calls to concert participants that lasted about 40 minutes....


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Old Rake on January 06, 2006, 06:58:14 AM
Yeah -- that was a hell of a night. So many questions answered, so many new questions raised, such a moving performance.

I can't even write about this one. Too much emotion wrapped up in it, I'm too close to the album in general. The bitching, moaning and criticism still stings, and it started the *very next day* after that moving performance. Its like -- when you hear something that moves you *that much* and creates such a potent, visceral reaction to you that hits you at a deep, deep level like that, way down deep in the soul, having that experience devalued or picked apart like its just another ho-hum, bla-de-da everyday ordinary thing is *painful*. I liken it to the visceral reaction Ian has when someone comes on and says something like "Neil Young sucks." You think of the beautiful moments in your life wrapped up in the music, the deep thoughts and wonder you've had listening and spending quality time with it, and all the time you've spent enjoying it, and you feel something very akin to potent RAAAGGGGEEEE. Or at least I do. Which is why I can barely write about the album critically.

And which is why I don't really have a Smile website anymore. I just can't stand having something I love that much dissected like so much offal under my watch.

Let me just say one thing: the pirate rap is my favorite part of the entire album. That should be an indication of where my head is at Smile-wise.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mitchell on January 06, 2006, 07:13:53 AM
The night I first heard the SMiLE concert bootleg, I was visiting home and I was going to bus overnight back to the city in which I was working. I had to work in the morning. My plan was to sleep on the bus. I listened to the CD (my friend burned it for me) through my stereo and loved the whole thing. Then I listened to the CD through a portable CD player while on the bus and what happened next was awful. I couldn't sleep.  Not because I was excited, but because the bicycle rider theme was playing incessantly, over and over in my head. I kind of sympathized with Brian scrapping SMiLE if that's what he was going through for a few months. So I tried to sleep on the bus and eventually did fall alseep at 6 in the morning or something while at the bus station waiting for a stopover.

That's my story.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: OLD GREGG on January 06, 2006, 09:45:56 AM
Yeah -- that was a hell of a night. So many questions answered, so many new questions raised, such a moving performance.

I can't even write about this one. Too much emotion wrapped up in it, I'm too close to the album in general. The bitching, moaning and criticism still stings, and it started the *very next day* after that moving performance. Its like -- when you hear something that moves you *that much* and creates such a potent, visceral reaction to you that hits you at a deep, deep level like that, way down deep in the soul, having that experience devalued or picked apart like its just another ho-hum, bla-de-da everyday ordinary thing is *painful*. I liken it to the visceral reaction Ian has when someone comes on and says something like "Neil Young sucks." You think of the beautiful moments in your life wrapped up in the music, the deep thoughts and wonder you've had listening and spending quality time with it, and all the time you've spent enjoying it, and you feel something very akin to potent RAAAGGGGEEEE. Or at least I do. Which is why I can barely write about the album critically.

And which is why I don't really have a Smile website anymore. I just can't stand having something I love that much dissected like so much offal under my watch.

Let me just say one thing: the pirate rap is my favorite part of the entire album. That should be an indication of where my head is at Smile-wise.

Damn bloody right, right on Jon.. there were people hanging around just to moan and complain about something that was obviously HUGE to the majority of us, even if you didnt care for it at least have the decency to wait a week at least for people to enjoy the moment that no-one thought would come.

SMiLE is still probably my favourite all time music, even though I feel the live performance is the version to listen to.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: I. Spaceman on January 06, 2006, 10:57:08 AM
(http://I liken it to the visceral reaction Ian has when someone comes on and says something like "Neil Young sucks.")

WHAT DID YOU SAY???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ;D


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on January 06, 2006, 01:35:45 PM

Damn bloody right, right on Jon.. there were people hanging around just to moan and complain about something that was obviously HUGE to the majority of us, even if you didnt care for it at least have the decency to wait a week at least for people to enjoy the moment that no-one thought would come.

SMiLE is still probably my favourite all time music, even though I feel the live performance is the version to listen to.


Along this sentiment, I have to say that I was grinning like an absolute idiot after first hearing the piece performed live (Glasgow, MArch 3 or 4 '04...I forget exactly). It was one of the best moments of my life, made better because Brian had been horrendous in the first set, but came back to perform a beautiful, touching show of Smile. And I had the same reaction when I heard the actual, released disc for the first time (by which time I'd seen it live again and heard the leaked studio stuff plenty of times). It touched me in a way very, very little music does, has or (most likely) will.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: OLD GREGG on January 06, 2006, 05:28:27 PM
I was at the Glasgow show too. Twas great.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on January 06, 2006, 05:29:57 PM
The Smile part, anyway. That first set was awful. I was so excited to hear Time To Get Alone...until Brian sang. Horrible.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: OLD GREGG on January 06, 2006, 05:35:08 PM
I dont know I thought it was alright, there were a fair few mistakes in the first half but over all I was impressed, the Good Timin opening was great. And Smile was mind blowing of course.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: sidewinder572 on January 12, 2006, 08:10:00 PM
What more can be said. 5/5 for sure. My all time favorite album. I know a lot of you say the live version is the definative way to hear SMiLE. It's great, don't get me wrong. To me however, SMiLE is, was, and always will be a work of studio magic. There's more to the studio version and the vinyl is the way to hear it


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Matinee Idyll on January 12, 2006, 08:31:57 PM
Bloody hell, I always respond to something from the first page... so it's completely out of context.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Peter Tomatz on January 13, 2006, 05:19:00 AM
I had to give the record a 2. I just don’t take much pleasure in listening to it despite my love of the finished Smile. The live bootleg would get a 4 with the point taken off for the baffling drumming and the painful fuzz eschewing. I really hope I get a chance to see Brian perform Smile again.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Evenreven on January 18, 2006, 09:24:21 AM
Just why did you have to give the album a 2 again?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dr. Tim on February 06, 2006, 10:05:59 PM
Well it's 5 for me.  I knew most of the basic backstory over the years, and I'd heard the GV excerpts, so when the disc began I was recognizing it all  - so far, so good - until Roll Plymouth Rock, which in its finished state was completely strange to me, and I sat mesmerized from that point on.  My wife, a french horn player, was very impressed as well.  When we play it at parties and such everyone wants to know what it is.  How well it all flows is the most gratifying - this is now a unified work.  It wasn't before.  But even so I now went and devoured several of the boots, learning to my shock just how close to finished it all had been back in 66-67.  And yet, as Peter Reum says, maybe the piece will best be remembered not as an album, but as a concert work that can be played in repertory.  The funniest moment is the newly-written salon-waltz Cantina reprise that opens the third movement, it sounds like Ragtime, so out of place it's absolutely perfect, segueing into the trippy IIGS.   And no he's not likely to ever top it again.  But at least we have SMiLE even if there's nothing as ambitious ever to come again.  Well done.  This goes both for the HDCD disc and the vinyl versions.  (The DVD is the repertory performance).


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: L Ransford on February 10, 2006, 11:06:11 AM
My all time favorite album by anybody!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: I. Spaceman on February 17, 2006, 10:53:23 AM
From a year ago on the old SMiLE Shop board:


Quote
The thing is, it's only in the last year that I have realised the amount of sadness and anger myself and others had connected with the old session material. Even the most cursory listen would lead to question after question,second-guesswork and resentment towards the other BB's, Brian himself, VDP etc. etc for allowing SMiLE to not happen. The experience of the last year has provided, for many, the exact opposite: answers,closure,joy,understanding from nonbelievers and loved ones,praise,acclaim etc. So for some of us I think listening to the old stuff brings up bad feelings not unlike the ones Bri himself associated with the material. Also in some ways I feel SMiLE to be not unlike the main character in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five: unstuck in time, slipping into a vortex, only to reappear many years later virtually unchanged into a completely different time and context.
It's like poetic justice. My generation that loves the music of the '60's so much have almost cursed our late birth because we crave the firsthand knowledge of these great works. What it must have been like to pick up Pet Sounds,Revolver, Aftermath etc on the day of release!! So it seems to me that the great gift to us for keeping the faith and shining so much light on these supposedly disposable pop cultural artifacts is that the actual greatest work of it's time gets delivered to not it's intended audience, who were already suffering such an embarassment of cultural riches, but to us in these spiritually bereft times,who need it so much more and appreciate it fully.
Just a thought.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on March 13, 2006, 12:36:30 AM
destroys the smile myth.....Brian Is Only Human afterall. one year after, i give 04Smile a 1. Technological claptrap.

Not the beach boys Smile.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: TV Forces on March 13, 2006, 08:15:00 AM
destroys the smile myth.....Brian Is Only Human afterall. one year after, i give 04Smile a 1. Technological claptrap.

Not the beach boys Smile.

Not fair.  The original album was hardly "Beach Boys Smile." 
That's a reason why it was killed.

BWPS is glorious and I listen to it at least once a week.
Masterpiece.  I'm sorry you can't enjoy it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: JRauch on March 13, 2006, 11:29:37 AM
It´s beyond me how anyone can give this record a 1. Ok, you think that the old versions are better than the new ones. That´s your right. But then, why not give the album a 3 or 4? I mean, the music itself is still absolutely mindblowing, no matter how you record it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Reverend Joshua Sloane on March 13, 2006, 02:46:50 PM
It´s beyond me how anyone can give this record a 1. Ok, you think that the old versions are better than the new ones. That´s your right. But then, why not give the album a 3 or 4? I mean, the music itself is still absolutely mindblowing, no matter how you record it.

Exactly. While I don't like the actual sound of the album, the music itself is better than 30 years worth of music. Perhaps that's fairly risky to say, but SMiLE means a lot more to me than some rock song from 1973 or 1995.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on March 13, 2006, 07:32:42 PM
Very Fair...however, does anyone else notice the lack of madness? the way BWPS04, or however this version is monikered... sounds so clean & neat, everything in its proper place, every note fine tuned and only a hint of "weirdness"...my gosh, even Fire sounds,to me, controlled...URGH!!!

I want confusion, a broken man too tough to cry, the columnated ruins!!!!   the rape of the landscape!!
Their performance of heros, surfs up & even vegetables sound too perfect
like a well rehearsed school band, not like a tortured painters last work.
Sounds like a Disney soundtrack thru Americana--Revisionist, not the poor reality...the new version of blue hawaii
into GV, is anti-climax. at least Rio Grande ended with a galvanizing THHUD!!!

BWPS04 is music for 60 year olds who crave sanity and comfort...not the teenage symphony to GOD, and a tapestry
 thru Americas true roots of bondage forced labor and nature.
sorry mr. wilson, i was expecting more eccentricity.

I give it actually a 4, for completion...but my gut has to give Brian and Van Dyke a 1 for art, this time.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Aegir on March 13, 2006, 07:44:24 PM
Yeah, that's my one problem with it.. it's too normal. Still gets a 5, though.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Reverend Joshua Sloane on March 13, 2006, 08:00:49 PM
I think they may have toned down some of the eccentricity and general oddness of the original music to suit the 2000's better. After all it is an item which was put on market to sell, and when it comes down to it, it was money they were after. Whereas Brian learned his final sequencing for Good Vibrations from an LSD trip, Brian and Co learnt the sequencing to BWPS through the aid of handy lap top computers.  Of course it swipes a bit of creativity from it, but Brian at 63yrs isn't the same as the man who made the SMiLE music long ago.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on March 14, 2006, 12:30:50 AM
i guess we all would like a little bit of Love You Brian back in these sober-sterile 2000's.

Album sales never really mattered to Brian before?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: CosmicDancer on March 14, 2006, 09:04:32 AM
I give it a 5.  Of course it wasnt going to live up totally to our expectations, but IMO this is still an unbelievabe piece of art and I applaud Brian, Van Dyke, and Darian for finishing it and finally giving us, or the majority of us at least, what we have been waiting so long for!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on March 14, 2006, 09:20:43 AM
20/20 hindsight


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: DUMB ANGEL on April 14, 2006, 10:30:42 AM
It is a rare thing indeed that something you've been waiting for so long turns out to exceed your highest expectations. This album certainly did for me. The music is absoulutly beautiful. Or let me say Won-Won-Wonderful. I gave SMILE a great big 5.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on April 14, 2006, 06:59:20 PM
It is a rare thing indeed that something you've been waiting for so long turns out to exceed your highest expectations. This album certainly did for me. The music is absoulutly beautiful. Or let me say Won-Won-Wonderful. I gave SMILE a great big 5.

well,well,well, oh well.

although yr review reads like a paid testimonial...i wont argue.
 Is this the real reaon why you love Smile?

beauty,completion, sequence, normality?

well, I say that if Carl & Dennis Wilson heard this 04Smile, they'd hurl.
Probably proves Mike Loves assesment that VanDyke is an airy fairy limpwrist. Sorry Bri.

i give a 5 for completion, a 1 for Art. Totally emasculates 66-67 Smile in Essence...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: SG7 on June 05, 2006, 04:53:24 PM
The first time I heard anything associated with smile. Was hooked on this material for life. Sure its not 66/67 stuff, the music is sort of kiddier then the orginal stuff but hearing it the day of September 28th, 2004 changed EVERYTHING I thought about him. He in my mind became a genius that day.



5 all the way


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 05, 2006, 09:58:32 PM
Masterpiece.  I'm sorry you can't enjoy it.

I can't enjoy those horrible synthesizers. The sequencing is crap and so are the vocals. Superior or equal to the Beach Boys vocals? A recording of the Beach Boys farting would be more captivating.

See, the thing is, I really don't believe this album in any way, shape or form resembles what Smile was supposed to be. Especially when it concerns splicing the different pieces together. Darian Sahanga was very conservative and fixated on having Smile make sense to the point where he missed it's essence. I wonder what ideas Darian had that Brian said no to, if any?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on June 06, 2006, 10:45:22 AM
Masterpiece.  I'm sorry you can't enjoy it.

I can't enjoy those horrible synthesizers. The sequencing is crap and so are the vocals. Superior or equal to the Beach Boys vocals? A recording of the Beach Boys farting would be more captivating.

See, the thing is, I really don't believe this album in any way, shape or form resembles what Smile was supposed to be. Especially when it concerns splicing the different pieces together. Darian Sahanga was very conservative and fixated on having Smile make sense to the point where he missed it's essence. I wonder what ideas Darian had that Brian said no to, if any?
Right on, man...
 I DIDNT WONDER AND YEARN 15 YEARS JUST TO HEAR THIS CLAPTRAPPED SYNTHETIC DISNEY CANDY-ASS DRIVEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!TOKYO ROSE SOUNDING SHITE

please, Capitol Records, put out a definative Smile Sessions box set soon, or i will just buy every single last queer Smile-related bootleg and Put it Out Myself!!!!Dammitt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Aegir on June 06, 2006, 11:51:26 AM
I only have two problems with SMiLE:

1) How they switch between Brian's and Jeff's voice with things like I'm In Great Shape and "columnated ruins domino"
2) It's too sterile, too normal. Smile '67 was effed up, crazy.. BWPS has none of that. It's a whole different atmosphere. Vegetables isn't even that weird on this. Giving "Holidays" and "Love to Say Da-Da" lyrics ruined the entire feel of the songs. I could go on and on.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 06, 2006, 01:22:46 PM
It seems like Darian, and whoever else was involved, didn't know what to leave out so they just tried to incorporate everything and have it "make sense." That's half of what ruined it for me. The other half is the production.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: I. Spaceman on June 06, 2006, 09:52:28 PM
Where are you guys getting such an endless supply of crack?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Aegir on June 07, 2006, 01:03:28 AM
Newark.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on June 07, 2006, 03:09:25 PM
Nevada


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: The Trader on June 11, 2006, 07:28:07 PM
I think alot of you are missing the point of BWS04.

All you naysayers say that BWS04 lacks that sense of exploration  that permeate's the original SMiLE. but  the fact of the matter is that SMiLE means something totally different now than it did in 1967:

The original SMiLE is about an artist exploring new possibilities within popular music.

While BWS04 is the sound of an artist conquering personal demons that have haunted him for 37 years.

Atleast for me anyway.




(yay first post)


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on June 11, 2006, 10:29:21 PM
yaddayaddayaahhhh


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 11, 2006, 10:34:35 PM


 :lol


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on June 12, 2006, 05:55:57 AM

See, the thing is, I really don't believe this album in any way, shape or form resembles what Smile was supposed to be.

Nobody ever said it did...although I will now. It resembles it in several ways, shapes and forms. It has the same material, for one. It has the same composer. There. Two ways.

And you do a lot of whining about how awful it is. Funny, since it's easily the best BB-related newly recorded release in at least 30 years, and arguably closer to 40. If you hate synths, you better hate every single BB/BW disc from about 1970 on. I say get the f*** over it. It's great.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on June 15, 2006, 12:01:59 PM

See, the thing is, I really don't believe this album in any way, shape or form resembles what Smile was supposed to be.

Nobody ever said it did...although I will now. It resembles it in several ways, shapes and forms. It has the same material, for one. It has the same composer. There. Two ways.

And you do a lot of whining about how awful it is. Funny, since it's easily the best BB-related newly recorded release in at least 30 years, and arguably closer to 40. If you hate synths, you better hate every single BB/BW disc from about 1970 on. I say get the foda over it. It's great.
hey, mr. vandross....i dont not like Synths, i love Sweet insanity, i don't like fakee Smiles!!!

i hope Van Dyke will gracefully exit the picture now.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: L Ransford on June 15, 2006, 01:12:02 PM
 I have been listening to "Got To Get You Into My Life" on The Beatles "Anthology 2." The rawness and the atmosphere is just incredible. I can never listen to "Revolver" again. Surely the finished Revolver is not what The Beatles intended. How could they think of adding horn parts to "Got To Get You Into My Life?" Is that what Paul originally intended?  I guess it was really George Martin's idea, him butting into The Beatles creative vision and all. How dare they take the ending of "Taxman" and splice the guitar solo in its place!
 All the laughing is missing on "And Your Bird Can Sing" that was on the earlier take. Don't you just hate the way they sing it "straight" on "Revolver?" They completely missed the comic aspects of the song they must have originally intended. Who do The Beatles think they are  tampering with their own work like that? I'm so gald Anthology preserved these raw sessions so I can figure out what they originally intended before they made those awful "finished" versions (and I can arrange them into the way the albums were really meant to be).


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on June 16, 2006, 12:25:36 PM

See, the thing is, I really don't believe this album in any way, shape or form resembles what Smile was supposed to be.

Nobody ever said it did...although I will now. It resembles it in several ways, shapes and forms. It has the same material, for one. It has the same composer. There. Two ways.

And you do a lot of whining about how awful it is. Funny, since it's easily the best BB-related newly recorded release in at least 30 years, and arguably closer to 40. If you hate synths, you better hate every single BB/BW disc from about 1970 on. I say get the foda over it. It's great.
hey, mr. vandross....i dont not like Synths, i love Sweet insanity, i don't like fakee Smiles!!!

i hope Van Dyke will gracefully exit the picture now.

First of all, terribly clever on the "Mr. Vandross" thing. I've never heard that. Really. I haven't.

Second, since you can plainly see I wasn't quoting you or responding to you, you really don't have to answer to my post.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on June 16, 2006, 06:38:50 PM
I have been listening to "Got To Get You Into My Life" on The Beatles "Anthology 2." The rawness and the atmosphere is just incredible. I can never listen to "Revolver" again. Surely the finished Revolver is not what The Beatles intended. How could they think of adding horn parts to "Got To Get You Into My Life?" Is that what Paul originally intended?  I guess it was really George Martin's idea, him butting into The Beatles creative vision and all. How dare they take the ending of "Taxman" and splice the guitar solo in its place!
 All the laughing is missing on "And Your Bird Can Sing" that was on the earlier take. Don't you just hate the way they sing it "straight" on "Revolver?" They completely missed the comic aspects of the song they must have originally intended. Who do The Beatles think they are  tampering with their own work like that? I'm so gald Anthology preserved these raw sessions so I can figure out what they originally intended before they made those awful "finished" versions (and I can arrange them into the way the albums were really meant to be).
Sarcasm..aint it a bitch


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 16, 2006, 06:46:47 PM
L Ransford,

it's not as subjective as all that. 'Revolver' began and ended (was released) as a Beatles album.

'Smile' began and died as a Beach Boys album.

'Brian Wilson Presents Smile' is a totally different animal. Put any spin you want on it, but a facts a fact.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: L Ransford on June 17, 2006, 08:16:02 AM
L Ransford,

it's not as subjective as all that. 'Revolver' began and ended (was released) as a Beatles album.

'Smile' began and died as a Beach Boys album.

'Brian Wilson Presents Smile' is a totally different animal. Put any spin you want on it, but a facts a fact.
Yes they are different. One is the composer's completed statement, and one is hours of unfinished session tapes.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 17, 2006, 08:23:36 AM
One is the composer's completed statement

No it isn't.  A lot of chefs in the kitchen. I remember reading an interview with Darian where he said that technically Brian wasn't even needed at the sessions for cutting the backing tracks. They just had him there for the cameras.

There are many things about BWPS that are inferior to the original tapes, but what I hate the most about BWPS is that it is not the logical conclusion of Brian's original intentions. It doesn't even come close, that's why the sequencing is so fodaed.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on June 17, 2006, 08:47:22 AM
I remember reading an interview with Darian where he said that technically Brian wasn't even needed at the sessions for cutting the backing tracks. They just had him there for the cameras.


Now, on THIS, I absolutely think you're correct. I believe Brian was largely useless for BWPS. And I believe anyone who thinks that he was a major part of putting together the music--in the years 2003-04--is kidding him- or herself. I believe that 95% of his input was contributed in 1966 or 1967, and that Darian and Mertens and maybe some of the others did the bulk of the work.

That doesn't mean that I don't love it, though. It was great music that deserved to be recorded and properly released. I think the people who put it together, played and sang on it did a great job of living up to a legend that they absolutely couldn't live up to. I'm sure anyone would rather have a completed 1967 album, but there isn't one. There wasn't one. There won't be one. Even a sessions box won't bring that about. (Don't get me wrong, I want a sessions box, too.) But BWPS is better than 99.8% of what is released, and it gets bashed because of sequencing quibbles or the use of keyboards instead of true harpsichord or tack piano? Please...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on June 17, 2006, 09:30:12 AM
L Ransford,

it's not as subjective as all that. 'Revolver' began and ended (was released) as a Beatles album.

'Smile' began and died as a Beach Boys album.

'Brian Wilson Presents Smile' is a totally different animal. Put any spin you want on it, but a facts a fact.
Yes they are different. One is the composer's completed statement, and one is hours of unfinished session tapes.

This is the one aspect of BWPS that bothers me the most, and it is the reason that I cannot accept BWPS.

Brian Wilson in 2004 could not even approach composing the songs that are on BWPS. He has very little in common with the man who composed the music in 1966. But they (the team) did a marvelous job selling it/him to the public.

If they would've kept BWPS as live performance piece, I would have no problem supporting it. I love the concert BWPS. But once they recorded it and SOLD it as "Brian finishing it", they lost me. It's became a fraud.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: L Ransford on June 17, 2006, 11:13:36 AM
One is the composer's completed statement

There are many things about BWPS that are inferior to the original tapes, but what I hate the most about BWPS is that it is not the logical conclusion of Brian's original intentions. It doesn't even come close, that's why the sequencing is so fodaed.
Please do tell us Brian's original intentions. Don't keep us waiting!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 17, 2006, 12:53:51 PM
Oh...and Van Dyke's new lyrics suck.  :P


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 17, 2006, 01:15:23 PM
But BWPS is better than 99.8% of what is released, and it gets bashed because of sequencing quibbles or the use of keyboards instead of true harpsichord or tack piano? Please...

The devil is in the details. They killed off the spirit and soul of Smile using those synths. The old Brian was all about the production of a record and he was on a quest for PERFECTION. Remember? Do you think BWPS hit the mark? Do you think if Brian had all of his marbles he would be happy with it? He had a merda hemorrhage over the merdaty vocals for Surf's Up 1971, remember?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on June 17, 2006, 01:47:25 PM
But BWPS is better than 99.8% of what is released, and it gets bashed because of sequencing quibbles or the use of keyboards instead of true harpsichord or tack piano? Please...

The devil is in the details. They killed off the spirit and soul of Smile using those synths. The old Brian was all about the production of a record and he was on a quest for PERFECTION. Remember? Do you think BWPS hit the mark? Do you think if Brian had all of his marbles he would be happy with it? He had a merda hemorrhage over the merdaty vocals for Surf's Up 1971, remember?

Remember? No. I'm 29 years old, so absolutely not. I don't remember a fucking thing. But while you talk about them killing the spirit and soul of Smile, I think about the alternative: no Smile at all. More Britney records. More Rob Thomas. More whatever the f*** sh*t is coming out these days. A synth here or there instead of NOTHING? Are you fucking kidding me? I've never said it could have been better, or wouldn't have been better (in 1967). But without BWPS, it WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN. PERIOD.  I'll take an allegedly flawed product over none at all.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jonas on June 17, 2006, 02:23:22 PM
I'll take an allegedly flawed product over none at all.

I'd have to disagree there, I agreed with the BWPS better than nothing, but then again its hard to deal with the fact that it'll always be 'what couldve been' instead of 'what is'...SMiLE will always be 'what couldve been' regardless of the BWPS.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on June 17, 2006, 06:08:48 PM

 But without BWPS, it WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN. PERIOD.  I'll take an allegedly flawed product over none at all.

Not being finished is part of Smile's indentity. The Smile album IS THE SESSIONS. Releasing a comprehensive Smile Sessions box set would be like releasing the album. 'Cause that's what it is. 

Smile took on a life of its own and achieved everything Brian wanted. Just not in the way he, and the Beach Boys, intended.

Oh, and I mean't REMEMBER THE fodaING INTERVIEWS AND ARTICLES WE'VE ALL READ!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on June 18, 2006, 12:55:06 AM
I personally consider BWPS and SMiLE to be two completely different things. That said, I freakin' love me some BWPS...

I do feel though that the live version on the 2-DVD is superior to the album, though...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on June 18, 2006, 11:52:00 AM
I'll take an allegedly flawed product over none at all.

I'd have to disagree there, I agreed with the BWPS better than nothing, but then again its hard to deal with the fact that it'll always be 'what couldve been' instead of 'what is'...SMiLE will always be 'what couldve been' regardless of the BWPS.

Yes, Smile is a "what could've been," but it was always going to be that, ever since it wasn't put out within the first few years of its possible release. There is no way Brian could have finished it to people's requirements and understandings of his "original intentions" from about 1971 or 1972 on, in my opinion. First, I doubt he HAD completed original intentions, just tons of ideas. And second, anything after that was him in a different mental and musical place, and with generally decreasing musical power. So whether BWPS comes out or not, Smile is a "what could've been." But it never can be. And never could have been. By the time I was born, it was a lost cause. So BWPS...yeah, I'll gladly take it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Reverend Joshua Sloane on June 18, 2006, 01:17:18 PM
Brian's tracklist for SMiLE (The one where Time To Get Alone started) seemed much more interesting than how it is as a finished product. They tried to give it the treatment that it would've got in 1967 but it falls short since all parties aged a few decades and lost the main spark that made it so great. I don't listen to the album much; it might just be because it's one of those albums which need to be felt through the entire duration which I cannot ascribe much time to each day.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: matt-zeus on July 06, 2006, 06:54:24 AM
I thought that when BWPS came out, it might stop everyone whinging about the loss of SMiLE, maybe thats what Brian thought too "I'll just stick out the damn record so everyone gets off my ass".
Alas no....

I like this version and the original, it is great music and some of it - Cabinessence, Wonderful, Look (song for children), Surfs up, Our Prayer, Wind Chimes, Holidays (On a holiday) - and moves me in whatever version.
The rest of it doesn't really affect me emotionally as individual songs - Barnyard, Heroes and Villains (yes), Vegatables etc. Though when I saw it live I was blown away.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on July 06, 2006, 10:44:25 AM
I thought that when BWPS came out, it might stop everyone whinging about the loss of SMiLE, maybe thats what Brian thought too "I'll just stick out the damn record so everyone gets off my ass".

And here I thought he put it out because his wife thought it was a good idea...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lorenschwartz on July 06, 2006, 12:21:20 PM
I thought that when BWPS came out, it might stop everyone whinging about the loss of SMiLE, maybe thats what Brian thought too "I'll just stick out the damn record so everyone gets off my ass".

And here I thought he put it out because his wife thought it was a good idea...
ha ha !!!! that's damn funny!! did bri remake rainbow eyes on Giomh...or am i just trippin'?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on July 06, 2006, 12:25:37 PM
That's one phrase I hope I never hear again:

"My wife and my managers thought it was a good idea".

 :deadhorse


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on July 06, 2006, 03:31:15 PM
I'm tired of Brian going out and acting like he hates being anywhere or doing anything and giving the same 5 answers over and over. If he's going to perform and make records, then he should commit to it 100 percent. OR he should just go home, eat steak and disappear.   


       :angry


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Chris Brown on July 08, 2006, 03:22:43 AM
I have to give this a 5, if for no other reason than the music alone.  We all have our disagreements about the way it was recorded, why it was recorded, fake instruments and the differences between this and the original sessions.  But the bottom line is that the musical and vocal arrangements, as well as the songwriting in general, are fascinating and innovative even today, almost 40 years after the project was originally undertaken.  Would I have preferred real harpsichords and tack pianos?  Sure.  Do I miss the inherent weirdness/darkness/creativity of the original sessions?  You bet.  But those things still can't take away from the fact that this music was composed by a man who was at his artistic peak, a man who was so creative and imaginative that he composed some of the most incredible music ever. The Brian Wilson that put out BWPS is obviously not the same Brian Wilson who dreamed up Smile.  But BWPS is, for better or worse, what a 62 year old Brian Wilson thought that Smile should be.  And since we can never have 24 year old Brian Wilson's Smile, I'd say that we should be damned glad to have BWPS. 


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: sidewinder572 on July 17, 2006, 08:18:54 PM
Anyone who can record music almost 40 years ago, scrap it, re-record it almost 40 years later and have the end result be a triumphant as it is. Deserves the highest possible praise.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Shady on December 03, 2006, 05:37:16 PM
I'm tired of Brian going out and acting like he hates being anywhere or doing anything and giving the same 5 answers over and over. If he's going to perform and make records, then he should commit to it 100 percent. OR he should just go home, eat steak and disappear.   


       :angry

'and disappear'. 

That's terrible...How rude...Where talking about Brian Wilson


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on December 03, 2006, 09:42:04 PM
 ???


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on February 02, 2007, 11:36:58 AM
The songs and the way they were all put together is genius. The musical backings stay very close to the 66/67 arrangements, no complaints there. My only complaints are 1) the backing vocals are not the Beach Boys. 2) Brian's leads on some songs (most notably Cabinessence and Surf's Up) can't compare to the way Carl sang them on the Beach Boys versions (or Brian's 66/67 vocals, for that matter - Brian doesn't have that kind of sweetness in his voice anymore). Other than that, I think it's a miracle we finally got a Smile disc. Not THE Smile disc, but a Smile disc. I've got my tapes and records of the 66/67 sessions, and will play them for the rest of my life, but I'm glad we finally have a completed (if not THE completed) version of Smile. Now all that's left is for Capitol to put out a Smile sessions box. I just hope we don't have to wait another 40 years for it!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on February 19, 2007, 09:35:00 AM
That beat on Roll Plmouth Rock (Do You Dig Worms) is killer. I love that beat. That beat alone makes this album a 5.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on March 01, 2007, 07:31:32 PM
Now I love BWPS...My Favorite album ever....HOWEVER, I can honestly say that if this album is a 5, the original SMiLE would've been a 10. I compared the instrumental track of Cabinessence 2004 to Cabinessence 1966 and they are almost two different songs. Forget the vocals for a minute. If you listen to the Cabinessence 1966 instrumental from the GVBOXdisc5 you can hear how Brian truly created and portayed music with such care and effort as to achieve the highest order of perfection possible. The instrumental Cabinessence 2004 sounds like a gem compared to the rest of the merda coming out nowadays, but compared to the 66 version it sounds rushed, hollow, plastic-like, and souless. I am let down by the Cbinessence instrumental included on the Vinyl package, relatively speaking to the 66 version. Like I said though, it is still my favorite album. I wish they spent more time in the studio, then it could've been more like a 7 or 8 compared to the 10 of SMiLE67.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on March 02, 2007, 01:48:31 PM
The backing tracks sound fine to me. I was amazed, actually, that the sound was so close to that of the 66-67 sessions. If only the vocals could have sounded so much like the originals.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Daniel S. on March 02, 2007, 09:28:32 PM
Is anyone talking about this record anymore, besides us?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on March 03, 2007, 05:18:24 AM
Is anyone in the greater public talking about ANY 2.5-year-old album besides fans of that artist? Our society isn't known for a great attention span.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on March 03, 2007, 08:31:32 AM
They're still talking about PS.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on March 03, 2007, 09:09:44 AM
They're still talking about PS.

Yes, but as a classic album. There is a time span between new release and classic during which nobody discusses albums. Too old to be new, too new to be old. Think about the most critically-praised albums of the past 5-10 years, and then consider the last time you read something about them:

Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Radiohead, Kid A
Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Beck's albums through Sea Change
Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin

It's just natural that there is a "quiet period."


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on March 03, 2007, 09:58:21 AM
I'm gonna talk about this album forever to anyone who will listen...even if I have to talk to myself!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jonas on March 04, 2007, 05:54:59 PM
Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Radiohead, Kid A
Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Beck's albums through Sea Change
Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin

I never have and never plan on talking about any of these albums.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on March 04, 2007, 08:12:21 PM
That makes two of us!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on March 04, 2007, 09:09:26 PM
Your mistake(s).


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Aegir on March 07, 2007, 03:50:07 PM
I'll listen to them in 30 years when they become retro.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on March 07, 2007, 04:13:23 PM
I listen to them now, when they're good, as they were when they were released, and as they will be in 30 years.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Alex on April 24, 2007, 03:40:23 PM
Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Radiohead, Kid A
Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Beck's albums through Sea Change
Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin

I never have and never plan on talking about any of these albums.


Why not?  All of those except for Kid A (I prefer The Bends) are really great albums. Both Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Jeff Magnum of Neutral Milk Hotel are BW fans.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on April 24, 2007, 10:13:11 PM
I'm more interested in Ray Davies - Other People's Lives, Bob Dylan - Modern Times, and Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Alex on April 24, 2007, 11:16:01 PM
I'm more interested in Ray Davies - Other People's Lives, Bob Dylan - Modern Times, and Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways.
Ahh, rootsy and gritty-type stuff.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on June 13, 2007, 06:14:15 PM
BWPS rules. I just wanted to remind everyone that we are blessed to have this album. I've played it for non-Beach Boys fans and they thought it was the Beach Boys. (then again, "Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys, we're just his messengers..." Dennis Wilson) I had my friend in stitches the other day when I sang the Pirate verse over the instrumental version of Holidays from 1966.......

The sequencing rules, Van's lyrics rule-they are way better than anything we have heard since Solar System was recorded, and the recording rules. For instance, the mix of the drums and bass on Roll Plymouth Rock are much cleaner than the mud of Do You Like Worms (which I still love). The second movement is more than what 99.99999% of musicians could ever hope to accomplish.

History will be kind to this album. Buy the vinyl. Kick back and enjoy. We need to discuss this album more........ :rock :rock :rock


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: RONDEMON on September 09, 2007, 09:21:20 AM
I just finished playing through this album purely on piano and it is truly amazing. Piano players should try it. It certainly gives the album even more depth than just listening to it. The second and last suites are amazing. I love this album and I nearly agree with BW in which this is probably his best work. I still can't get into Fire though...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Ron on December 15, 2007, 09:03:12 PM
Ironically, Ms. O'Leary's Cow is the only track he ever was nominated or received a Grammy for.  (I believe he was never nominated for another, anybody know for sure?) 

I kind of like that, though.... basically he got looked over for decades, and the academy couldn't give him record of the year because of Ray Charles' passing... but they did give him an award which embraced likely his most insane work ever.  "Rock Instrumental of the Year".  What makes it even greater is that it's not completely an instrumental, since the band moans and whines like souls caught in an inferno all through the song...  so giving him the grammy as an instrumental even gave a slight tip of the hat to his skill in harmony and using the voice as an instrument.  It's like the collectively said "you know Brian, you've never won a grammy, but to us, even your most tortured music is worthy of a grammy".  The only thing more beautiful than that was seeing the huge sh*t eating grin on Brian's face when he won the baby and was taking pictures backstage. 


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Amy B. on December 16, 2007, 08:11:06 PM
I think Good Vibrations was nominated for song of the year or record of the year and lost to ...what was it? Some lesser song.

But that's the Grammies for you. The Beatles only won one or two, also.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on December 16, 2007, 08:58:00 PM
BWPS is too good for a lousy, pathetic, piece of merda Grammy. I HATE absolutley HATE those crap awards...all of them. I hope Brian went home and threw that thing right in the trash where it belongs. BWPS rules, Grammies suck.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on December 16, 2007, 09:14:22 PM
Gee, no name, I kinda get the idea that you don't think highly of the Grammies?   ???


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mooger Fooger on December 31, 2007, 07:56:51 AM
I was online at the old Smile Shop board. It was surreal - for me in more ways than one. I also acquired some psychadelic ingredients from Holland, and put on Orange Crate Art and waited. As the hour of the concert drew near more and more folk logged in. There were some old faces who some had not heard from since the Smile Research Laboratory days. When the time passed as to when the concert would have ended, we all held our collective breaths. Then the first post came through which was basically "oh my god...oh my GOD!!!" The guy (I unfortunately dont recall who) posted as fast as he could, and we were asking about sequence, lyrics, and how did a finished "Child is Father" sound?

The next few days were awesome. The next morning boots of the show were on Ebay. It was the euporia you would expect. Subsequently more and more British based fans posted musings about their concert experiences. An amazing time. I think the CD release has damped the fact that BWPS04 was originally conceived as a concert experience. Due to the overwhelming support post concert, the decision was made to record it in a studio in April of 04. IIRC some band members did NOT want a studio release.

It was curiously around the CD release that the negatives started to happen. Again the fact that 04 is not the 67 version was the battle ground. I'd like to think I'm as hard core as Smile can get. I put out the Smile File through BBA in 1993 which was a chronical of all known session activity in the 66-67 years at the time. When I first heard a boot MP3 of the Feb 24 concert, I couldn't really believe what I was hearing. Can any of you here recall the Smile-taboo on the Bloo board? It was tough enough simply mentioning Heroes and Villains without being told to pipe down. There I was listening to Brian on stage performing this work. I recall when my copy of the studio CD arrived and I played the following PS-BWPS-Sgt Pepper. You know what it felt as if it belonged in the sequence next to its older cousins.

The digital samples, and synths never bothered me. Neither did the non BB (sans Brian) vocals. One thing I noticed playing the finished 04 project was that it flowed. This is something I never had in listening to session material. It is tough to explain, but even though the two are the same music, to me they are two variations of the same theme. I generally do NOT listen to the original sessions and top that off with BWPS04. I usually listen to the 66-67 sessions and then go into sessions for SS followed by SS itself.

On that topic, the 66-67 recordings ARE better to my ears, BUT they do not represent a completed work. I find myself listening to the sessions as sessions to understand the simple/complex arrangements Brian explored. I listen to BWPS04 to listen to a finished flowing piece of work. I consider it art. Of all the CDs I own, it gets replayed the most. I was never one who felt it was the finished 66-67 project. I doubt had the album come out in 67 it would have sequenced the same as its 04 counterpart.

The 04 version is the lifting of demons from Brian. I sensed it in the concerts and I saw it on the footage from London. For that reason alone it secures a sacred place in my collection. I consider myself fortunate that I can let Smile in its 2004 incarnation move me. I can enjoy it for what it is. I find it a great recording. I like the mix, I like the vocals.

I give it 5/5 and I don't apologise for that. :smokin


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on December 31, 2007, 11:39:47 AM
Well said. Before BWPS, the biggest excitement was the inclusion of Smile material on the 1993 boxset. If I was to put together a Smile boxset, I would start with BWPS live - this would give the uninitiated (if there still are any) the first proper presentation of a completed Smile. Second/third discs would be Smile sessions 66/67, with that morphing into Smiley Smile. 4th disc would be BWPS, studio cd. Of course, that will never happen because of the different record labels involved and the inability to get permission from all the BB's.   


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: lance on April 04, 2008, 08:00:34 AM
Great record--this is the music that converted me. Think about that. Could have been should have been...in the end this is it. It's brilliant and beautiful. It's classic and new.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: PaulHippensteel on August 14, 2009, 04:49:16 PM
One friend of mine (who was born in the early '50s but likes later artists like Springsteen) thinks BWPS is "great". Another of friend of mine (who was also born in the early '50s) says BWPS "sound like a K-Tel re-recording" (for anyone who doesn't know what that refers to, in the the '70s K-Tel got numerous artists in the studio to do cheap but slick remakes of their hits).

I was born in 1960, so I can't claim to be a first generation BB fan. As embarassing as it sounds, my first exposure to the BB was the Carpenters' cover of "Fun Fun Fun". In 1973 I heard my first BB LP, "Best Of The Beach Boys". Shortly thereafter I got a single of GV. When WB reissued Smiley Smile in the '70s I rushed to get it, but I was disappointed that, except fot H&V, the rest of the album didn't live up to the innovation of GV.

My opinion of BWPS falls somewhere between the ratings of my two friends. Personally I would rate BWPS a 4. I know I'm showing my age (and prejudices) here but I'm not a big fan of the sound quality/production of contemporary recordings. For me the harsh, tiny, compressed sound of digital recording doesn't come even close to richness and depth of original '60s analog recrdings made on vacuum tube equipment. To my ears the one-dimensional sound of digital recording can sometimes make "real" instruments sound like synths and drum machines. Darian could have found a studio with vintage equipment but obviously he chose not to. (Bob Irwin at the Sundazed reissue label gets around the problem of making CD's sound "analog" by mixing and mastering through vacuum tube equipment.)

And I agree with some of the other posters here about the non-BB backing vocals. Why is there a female vocalist on the album? Is she Darian's girlfriend? She seems totally out of place. I don't think Marilyn Rovell would have been on the original SMILE. And this female vocalist sings on "I Wanna Be Around", a song which BW didn't write and doesn't really fit on the album. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think "I Wanna Be Around" was intended for the orignal SMILE.

Even more out of place to my ears than the female vocalist, is the terrible singer who does the pirate rap (who is it? Darian?). Was that piece even intended for the original SMILE?

Why weren't real harpsichords and tack pianos used? Those instruments could have been easily rented. Was using synths just to save time and money? Still, I'm thankful the production of BWPS doesn't go to contemporary extremes. Fortunately there's no screaming, overdistorted heavy metal guitar (like Carl Wilson played in the '70s & '80s), overly "big" gated drum sounds (like on a Peter Gabriel recording) or "funky" bass guitar. It is nice to hear on the CD a few seconds of unprocessed electric guitar similar to that on the original GV outtakes.

The 20/20 version "Cabinessence" has always been one of my favorite original SMILE recordings. But, as everyone knows, that arrangement was edited together by the other BB's to include parts of "Who Ran The Iron Horse" and "The Grand Coulee Dam". The BWPS is just a note for note remake of the 20/20 version, which means it's probably not the arrangement that would have been on the original SMILE.

And wasn't "Surf's Up" supposed to have been the finale of the original SMILE? On BWPS it's put (rather ineffectively in my opinion) in the middle of the CD.

I'm definitely glad BWPS came out, flaws and all. Better to have it than not have it, unlike some fans who think it never should have come out (which I don't understand). My theory is that the original SMILE sessions took place while Brian was in a particular once in a lifetime mood/frame of mind/phase and it passed before SMILE was finished. When BWPS was recorded he probably couldn't recapture that mood. What am I basing this theory on? Well, in my life I've had certain once-in-a-lifetime moods that have never returned, resulting in projects I haven't finished.

The annoying thing is that Brian & Darian listened to original SMILE tapes, presumably from Brian's or the BB's own archives, when they did their remakes. So there's probably much that hasn't even come out on bootlegs. But will the public ever get to hear those recordings?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: TdHabib on August 14, 2009, 08:44:34 PM
The woman in the vocal mix is Tyalor Mills...who has been in Brian's band since it's very inception and is still there today.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: PaulHippensteel on August 15, 2009, 08:10:39 AM
TD:
Thanks for the info!

I listened again to BWPS. I still think Taylor Mills sticks out like a sore thumb on the album. Did she have enough clout with Brian and/or Darian to say "hey, I'm gonna sing on this album whether you like it or not"? Or maybe Brian likes her singing enough that he wanted her on the album, even though having her there would be a departure from the original conception of SMILE. Her prescence adds weight to the theory that BWPS is an updated remake/revision of the original SMILE rather than an exact recreation of the '67 original.

So who sings the pirate rap? I still don't like it.

Paul Hippensteel
Publisher
Action Plus! Magazine



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 09:37:22 AM
Her prescence adds weight to the theory that BWPS is an updated remake/revision of the original SMILE rather than an exact recreation of the '67 original.

So who sings the pirate rap? I still don't like it.

There is no theory that BWPS is some kind of update as opposed to recreation of he original: there was never a completed '67 original, and so there is nothing to recreate. There could not have been a recreation of it, probably in large part in that Brian Wilson had no true, final idea as to how to complete the album. That is why BWPS has new material fleshing out the otherwise incomplete ideas. (Among those, the speaking part you mention, done by Nick Walusko of Wondermints, another guy who (like Taylor) has been with Brian since he began touring again.) It isn't a remake or revision, exactly, either.

BWPS is a studio version of a live performance of then-newly sequenced, moderately augmented SMILE-session material.

As for Taylor having any clout ... no. Darian had input, but on the whole, you can count on the fact that Wilson's band are hired musicians doing what they are asked and paid to do. On TLOS, Scott Bennett was a co-writer and clearly had input. Brian will trust the musical ideas of his band, but I think you can rule out someone getting their parts through any political muscle.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: PaulHippensteel on August 15, 2009, 03:35:51 PM
>>Among those, the speaking part you mention, done by Nick Walusko of Wondermints, another guy who (like Taylor) has been with Brian since he began touring again.

So maybe the album would have been more accurately titled "Darian and The Wondermints Present a Tribute to Smile with Guest Vocalist Brian Wilson"?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 03:40:37 PM
No. But maybe "The Brian Wilson Team Presents an Album Based On Smile-Based Performances."

It isn't worth getting too riled up that sexagenarian Wilson, who hasn't really stepped up to show all that much enthusiasm for more than little bursts in his entire solo career and doesn't have the voice to live up to whatever enthusiasm he could muster anyway, has a team doing the heavy lifting. The past is just that.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: PaulHippensteel on August 15, 2009, 05:01:19 PM
>>It isn't worth getting too riled up that sexagenarian Wilson, who hasn't really stepped up to show all that much enthusiasm for more than little bursts in his entire solo career

There are points in the Smile documentary where you can tell Brian really isn't into the whole thing (like when the backing singers are doing "Barnyard" noises).

As for Taylor Mills, Ben Vaughn should rewite his "Mike Love" song to be about her.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 05:02:10 PM
I wouldn't call that a documentary. Feature-length commercial is probably a better term.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wilsonista on August 15, 2009, 05:54:30 PM
>>It isn't worth getting too riled up that sexagenarian Wilson, who hasn't really stepped up to show all that much enthusiasm for more than little bursts in his entire solo career

There are points in the Smile documentary where you can tell Brian really isn't into the whole thing (like when the backing singers are doing "Barnyard" noises).

As for Taylor Mills, Ben Vaughn should rewite his "Mike Love" song to be about her.

That is as unfair as it is untrue.

http://www.myspace.com/taylormills1

Even if her style is not to your liking, you can't deny that she has talent. All of Brian's band members are supremely talented in their own right. Or else they would not have been hired to play in his band.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 06:06:33 PM
If I can downgrade "supremely" to, say, "extremely," I agree 100%. And frankly, I think there is an unpleasable (yes, that is a made-up word) audience out there for whom the only satisfaction possible would be a completed 1967 Smile with the Beach Boys ... which happens to include the songs they like best and in the running order they prefer. But even the living can't make that happen, much less those participants whose ends were decades past.

Following that idea, the best Darian or Nick or Taylor (who has the unfortunate quality in this line of reasoning of being female, and thus really going uphill) could do would be to be a great imitation of what came before them. Unwinnable situation. That's why I am glad BWPS is out of the way--except here and on other boards where cries of "fake harpsichords!" ring out--and we've had TLOS. At least there it is down to imagined complaints about what the Beach Boys would have done with the material, as opposed to direct comparisons.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: PaulHippensteel on August 15, 2009, 06:08:45 PM
I'm not saying Taylor Mills doesn't have "talent". But she seems out of place on BWPS.

My reference to Ben Vaughn's "Mike Love" song was a joke. I've actually never heard the song, but I met Ben in '87 and he described the lyrics to me. A friend of mine supposedly has a tape of the Folk City BW tribute where Ben performed that song, but I've never heard it.

>>Taylor (who has the unfortunate quality in this line of reasoning of being female, and thus really going uphill)
I'm about as far from "sexist" as you can get. I admire many female artists, like Petula Clark who wrote many of her own songs, or Patty Loveless to make a more current reference. But I think Taylor doesn't fit on BWPS; I felt that when the CD first came out and I listened to it again yesterday and still feel that way. If Jimmy Page had guested on BWPS and played Led Zeppelin-style guitar he would have seemed out of place as well.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 06:12:19 PM
Referencing things you've never heard is a prerequisite for BBs boards, so you'll fit right in.

As for Taylor, I'd guess she doesn't fit in for you because you know the source material. Play it to a blank-slate newbie and I doubt "what's that, a girl singing?" will come up very often. And if it does, they're probably just talking about Foskett.  :lol


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wilsonista on August 15, 2009, 06:17:15 PM
I'm not saying Taylor Mills doesn't have "talent". But she seems out of place on BWPS.

My reference to Ben Vaughn's "Mike Love" song was a joke. I've actually never heard the song, but I met Ben in '87 and he described the lyrics to me. A friend of mine supposedly has a tape of the Folk City BW tribute where Ben performed that song, but I've never heard it.

Paul, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on Taylor and SMiLE. I like her litle cameo on I Wanna Be Around (which WAS recorded during the  SMiLE sessions - the onl;y difference between the 66 and 04 versions is that Brian sings the song's lyrics in 04. In 66, Carol Kaye remembers that Brian told her that the medley of IWBA/Workshop was meant to be "rebuilding after the fire". )



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on August 15, 2009, 06:18:09 PM
And frankly, I think there is an unpleasable (yes, that is a made-up word) audience out there for whom the only satisfaction possible would be a completed 1967 Smile with the Beach Boys ... which happens to include the songs they like best and in the running order they prefer.

Completed? I think that audience is very small in number; they are more realistic than you give them credit for. Now, if you're talking about an audience who prefers to hear the original SMiLE songs on a well-done sessions CD or boxed set - as opposed to the re-recorded songs on BWPS - I would agree with you.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wilsonista on August 15, 2009, 06:23:14 PM
Did Luther hit a sore spot, Sheriff?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 06:23:26 PM
My dear SJS (  ;) ), I think both audiences exist, and the one you mention is enormous. But it isn't the one I'm talking about. Frankly, that audience would (at least I hope) tend not to disparage things like BWPS quite so much, because they see things as they are: if Wilson was to release some sort of "completed" Smile, it would have to be what we got, which was about as cool as such a thing could be. It's the people whose complaints are just that this band isn't that band that I'm talking about.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 06:24:12 PM
Did Luther hit a sore spot, Sheriff?

I've got a gift.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wilsonista on August 15, 2009, 06:25:34 PM
You certainly do, you Buzz Killington!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on August 15, 2009, 06:38:30 PM
It's the people whose complaints are just that this band isn't that band that I'm talking about.

Nah, that's a small number, also. The band "chosen" to re-record the songs just did what they were employed to do, and did an outstanding job, about as well as could be expected. I'm not sure the dislike even got to the band (yes, there was comparison, but not resentment). People might think their displeasure lies with "the new band", but it runs deeper than that. It was the DECISION man, the decision to do it in the first place....


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 15, 2009, 06:42:59 PM
I love the decision even though I wholeheartedly believe a 1967 BBs Smile would have been better. I think it has been great to hear some incomplete things fleshed out regardless of whether they were the original ideas. And I think it was good for Brian, if not in the immediate and entirely transformational way it has been marketed.

As for that 'Mints-hating audience (more than them, but I'm simplifying and overgeneralizing here), I didn't mean to say it's huge. Just that it's there (and annoying).


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on August 16, 2009, 06:33:09 AM
I'm not saying Taylor Mills doesn't have "talent". But she seems out of place on BWPS.

My reference to Ben Vaughn's "Mike Love" song was a joke. I've actually never heard the song, but I met Ben in '87 and he described the lyrics to me. A friend of mine supposedly has a tape of the Folk City BW tribute where Ben performed that song, but I've never heard it.

It's hysterical... very funny.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: PaulHippensteel on August 17, 2009, 09:55:46 PM
>>'Mints-hating audience
When the next meeting? I'll bring a pizza, a 2 liter Cherry Coke and a Taylor Mills dartboard! After dinner we can form a Wondermints tribute called The Tuneless Formalists!

>>It's hysterical... very funny.
As far as I can tell, Ben Vaughn has never commercially released the "Mike Love" song (supposedly it even appears on a Smile bootleg!). So I will have to get the Folk City tape my friend has. When I saw Ben in concert in '87 he didn't do the song, but at one point the PA system or guitar amps or something broke down so Ben said "know for the 3D holographic part of the show"; Ben and his Combo strolled through the audience performing "She's About A Mover" on acoustic instruments!

>>I wouldn't call that a documentary. Feature-length commercial is probably a better term.
That's also a good way to describe last week's Neil Diamond TV special on CBS. I was looking forward to it even though Neil's voice isn't as "Sweet Caroline" as it was in the '60s. But the excerpts of "Cherry Cherry" and "I'm A Believer" sounded good in the commercials. But the special was just an infomercial for a Walmart-only DVD, which you have to buy to get "I'm A Believer", which wasn't even in the broadcast (false advertising?!).


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: hypehat on August 18, 2009, 04:34:36 AM
To be fair, Mr Hippensteel, there was a fair amount of vintage equipment used in the recording of BWPS, bearing in mind quite a lot of that stuff isn't around anymore or easily accessible. I think Taylor fits in perfectly to 'I Wanna Be Around' - it's a drippy duet, right? - which, as others have pointed out, was originally 'on' Smile. And quite personally, the minor additions to the music (there's, at my rough count, 10 add-ons to the original material) are quite tasteful and respectfully done..... perhaps excluding the pirate rap  ::).
My viewpoint on BWPS is...it could have been so much worse. Just imagine Dr. Eugene Landy Presents Smile. I dare you. And, seeing as it was one of my formative 'Brian' experiences, i love it, sampled harpsichords and all. I didn't know they were samples until i read it here.
For what it's worth, The Wondermints don't even compose half of Brian Wilsons band, are the writers of some quite charming-if-lightweight pop songs, and are also talented, highly devotional fans of Brian and the Smile music. Who would you prefer back Brian up?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on August 20, 2009, 09:03:11 PM
Sometimes I wish we never heard any of the original tapes so some can appreciate just how amazing this record is without the comparisons...listening to some of the instrumentals today has reminded me of just why this is my favorite music.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on August 21, 2009, 03:55:41 PM
Sometimes I wish we never heard any of the original tapes so some can appreciate just how amazing this record is without the comparisons...listening to some of the instrumentals today has reminded me of just why this is my favorite music.

I understand how you feel, noname. I can't quite agree--only because those originals that are complete (or close enough) are so great it would be a shame to lose them--but BWPS is pretty fantastic when separated from those. And pretty damn good regardless.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: TdHabib on August 21, 2009, 09:26:02 PM
I very rarely have talked about BWPS but it really changed my whole outlook on the music scene. When I first heard it, my mind was completely blown and it still is in a way. More than anything, it was seeing my son (now almost 18) enjoy it so much that made it reallly sink in with me. It's majestic, soulful and above all beautiful.

In defense of BWPS, I really do think it gives you a fuller picture of Smile than the boots ever could because of the additional things it has: "Roll Plymouth Rock" has the jaw-dropping verses that the boots don't, a well edited and executed version of "Vegetables" (I find all of the others good but not quite perfect), "Child is the Father of the Man" is just amazing when you listen to it loud. Yes, the original Smile tapes will provide great enjoyment and I do love them...but BWPS provides a little more for me. It's an emotional record, one that is complete and has all of the cards in the deck. The boots have many aces but in a very mishmash format. And even though Brian can't do the high stuff on "Surf's Up" anymore...the way he sings "The laughs come hard in auld lang syne" is just incredibly tender.

So an easy 5 for me.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on August 21, 2009, 09:28:58 PM
Yes, an easy 5... totally.

Your analogy of the playing cards was accurate imo...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: KokoMoses on November 09, 2009, 06:57:23 PM
Just got done listening to BWPS after living with the Purple Chick "Beach Boys Smile" for a few months: I can easily claim to love both, just not equally. BWPS has it's own clear identity and sense of purpose simply because it's a FINISHED work! Whereas the Purple Chick, no matter how seamless the repair job, still has those clouds of "unfinished business" hanging over it. However hearing the songs sung (and partially performed: Carl and Dennis both played on Smile sessions here and there) by the genuine Beach Boys has a magic and beauty all it's own. It might be unfair to compare/contrast Brian's band to The Beach Boys, but The Boys had such individually distinctive voices that we all know and love, so hearing these songs sung by mostly indistinct, bland and anonymous voices really does take a lot of the charm away. It's quite the thankless task though to be asked to recreate a vocal blend so supernatural as the Beach Boys (and I know some disagree with that description) It also doesn't help that Brian himself seems to pop up only sparingly. I think his leads though are gorgeous and the age in his voice lends quite a lot of portent that might not have been there in 1967. I also quite like Taylor's voice being there. She's a great singer and she does a lot to distract from the Beach Boys cover band vibe that rears it's ugly head whenever Brian wanders away from the mic.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on November 09, 2009, 07:39:14 PM
I don't think the problem is that BW's band is anonymous, but that they aren't allowed to be, uh, nonymous. (No, that is not a word. But f***, a- means not, right? Flow with it.) We're not given the opportunity to get to know them. I've said it before (to disdain) and will again. Let them sing. Quit fudging the parts Brian can't hit by secret doubling. Use these people the way you used the Beach Boys. They can sing. Let them. I know, some people say they don't go to a show or buy an album to hear those people. But f*** those people. BWPS, and every other BW solo album, would have benefitted from some smart use of other vocalists. And he's got a band full of them.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wirestone on November 09, 2009, 07:52:04 PM
Kudos, Luther. I think Brian letting Jeff sing some leads on tour is positive. And giving Taylor solo spots in the intro to Marcella. The band is wicked talented. And their voices are actually pretty distinctive, too -- you can pick out Darian and Jeff from a mile away on BWPS. But he's in a no-win situation. People here can't stand it when he multitracks himself. They can't stand hearing the band sing. They will only be content if Brian sings with the Beach Boys circa 1966.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: KokoMoses on November 09, 2009, 07:59:56 PM
I couldn't agree more! Hell, let Taylor sing lead on Wind Chimes or Surf's Up! People got happily used to the fact that Brian used The Beach Boys as insturments in and or themselves. Let us get to know the seperate and distinct voices of his band and it would go a long way toward shutting up the "can't be pleased-ers"!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Spencer on December 03, 2009, 03:42:53 AM
I watched the DVD again last night- I was still as bowled over as when it came out in 2004- also I was watching them record the Mrs O' Leary's Cow bit and I realised that some of it is  the same as the 'Who Ran the Iron Horse?' section- I hadn't noticed that before but it seemed so obvious once I heard parts in isolation- maybe it's been pointed out in other bits on this forum (I'm new here, I feel like saying 'it's my first day' every time I post), I stilll marvel at Smile and find it a constant imspiration- hopefully one day we'll get the boxset of the beach boys versions too- with perhaps one disk of a complete or near complete album- surely the label and Mike Love must realise the monetry value in releasing it (aside from it's obvious artistic value)?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jason on December 03, 2009, 07:55:46 AM
Oh, to be a wide-eyed newbie again...

Brian has the ball in his court as far as releasing the Smile recordings.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Spencer on December 03, 2009, 08:35:26 AM
ah ok- that makes sense I suppose. Maybe we'll have to wait a few years then, although seeing as Mr Sahanaja had them all on a lap top for the re-recordings, now would be a pretty good time to put everything together whilst their still fresh in memory and availability?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jason on December 03, 2009, 08:41:44 AM
It's all good timin'...Brian won't tour forever, and God knows that's the last real golden egg, unless someone's been crying out for a 16 CD set of the Cocaine Sessions.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on December 03, 2009, 09:36:05 AM
It's all good timin'...Brian won't tour forever, and God knows that's the last real golden egg, unless someone's been crying out for a 16 CD set of the Cocaine Sessions.

You mean there's a 16 CD set of Funky Pretty outtakes?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jason on December 03, 2009, 09:49:41 AM
Clearly you're not well-read on your Beach Boys history, and while I won't chastise you for it, I will look down on you either way.  8)

The cocaine sessions were a sort of inspirational period for both Brian and Dennis throughout the better part of late 1980 well into 1982, before Brian was rehabilitated. Some stuff was recorded in studios, some at home on cheap recorders. Stevie was done in a studio in 1981. Brian recorded several demos in 1981, of which we've heard Sweetie, Reins, and Walking On Water. And there's the legendary tape from November 1982 where Brian and Dennis jammed at Garby Leon's house on his grand piano and Hammond B-3 organ, resulting in very fragmentary stuff, including Oh Lord (later "finished" for the '85 album), rudimentary versions of City Blues and This Isn't Love, a few other unknown songs (Why Don't You Tell Me Why You've Been Good To Me, I Feel So Fine, Yeahhh!), and a downright Satanic version of Heroes and Villains.

The charitable opinion is that a LOT more than what goes around on boots exists.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Wirestone on December 03, 2009, 10:04:29 AM
To be ultra precise about this, "City Blues" is pretty much complete in the tape from Garby's house. It has the verse, bridge and chorus. It's pretty much exactly the song you hear on GOIMH, with the exception of Scott's verse and a full-band arrangement.

"This Isn't Love" is far more fragmentary in the tape -- it's pretty much Brian just playing the first melodic phrase (which Tony Asher later set to "This isn't love / This is destiny") over and over, mumbling some lyrics along the lines of "I said a prayer."

And to call some of the other things they play "songs" is generous. Many are essentially jam sessions, and not especially inspired ones.

That being said, Stevie and NBJ are fantastic. And when Debbie Keil was here a few months ago, she also dated an early version of "Don't Let Her Know She's An Angel" as coming from around this time.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on December 03, 2009, 12:38:06 PM
Clearly you're not well-read on your Beach Boys history, and while I won't chastise you for it, I will look down on you either way.  8)

The cocaine sessions were a sort of inspirational period for both Brian and Dennis throughout the better part of late 1980 well into 1982, before Brian was rehabilitated. Some stuff was recorded in studios, some at home on cheap recorders. Stevie was done in a studio in 1981. Brian recorded several demos in 1981, of which we've heard Sweetie, Reins, and Walking On Water. And there's the legendary tape from November 1982 where Brian and Dennis jammed at Garby Leon's house on his grand piano and Hammond B-3 organ, resulting in very fragmentary stuff, including Oh Lord (later "finished" for the '85 album), rudimentary versions of City Blues and This Isn't Love, a few other unknown songs (Why Don't You Tell Me Why You've Been Good To Me, I Feel So Fine, Yeahhh!), and a downright Satanic version of Heroes and Villains.

The charitable opinion is that a LOT more than what goes around on boots exists.

Real B- Boy, you didn't take me seriously, did you?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jason on December 03, 2009, 01:19:36 PM
I don't doubt the existence of a 16 CD set of Funky Pretty outtakes either. :)


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on December 03, 2009, 01:27:15 PM
That would be sweet.... :)


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: the captain on December 04, 2009, 06:25:53 PM
It would be more interesting than the cocaine sessions.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: hypehat on August 05, 2010, 07:13:48 AM
So i just got this on vinyl and DAMN does it sound good! Much warmer than the CD....


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on August 16, 2010, 01:39:09 PM
In full honesty I was disappointed with BWPS when I first heard it (a little less than a year ago). Why? I wanted Pet Sounds II - another beautiful, down-to-earth love story. I wasn't expecting such a diverse group of instrumentals and abstract lyrics in BWPS.

Though mildly disappointed I was still interested in SMiLE so I got my hands on some bootlegs....I started listening to SMiLE sessions on youtube. I bought Priore's book, Carlin's book, and White's book. I started to realize how intricate/amazing SMiLE was/is. I started to make my own mixes of SMiLE. I listened to only bootlegs of SMiLE for months and months. I then found this board and found a wealth of info on the original SMiLE. It took me awhile to fully appreciate SMiLE - it is so far from Pet Sounds (lyrically and conceptually) that I guess it just took some time to sink in. In all this time I had virtually forgotten about BWPS....

Fast forward to a few days ago: I got the urge to hear Brian Wilson's 2004 version of 'Roll Plymouth Rock' after reading about it on a thread here - I then decided to listen to the entire album again: After months of listening to nothing but crappy bootleg-quality recordings, I was stunned by the finished quality of the album.

I LOVE this album. In the last few days I've racked up quite a playcount of BWPS in itunes. I love the lounge-esque 'I Wanna Be Around' and the beautiful 'Old Master Painter'. 'You Are My Sunshine' is one of the highlights of the album for me. The 2004 BW version of 'Surf's Up' is, imo, as amazing as the 1966 one. 'On A Holiday' is one I can't stop listening to: I think the most magical moment of the album is when Brian sings "Long, Long ago, Long agoooooo".

BWPS has become number one on my desert island list....along with Pet Sounds, Sgt. Pepper, and Blonde On Blonde. There is so much diversity of love, spirituality, America, mystery, and fun on this album, how could it not be #1 on my list!?



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on August 16, 2010, 01:48:26 PM
If you ever get a chance, take a listen to the opening night live show from Royal Festival Hall. Except for Brian flubbing a few lines, the songs are played and sung with gusto. It is great fun to listen to all the way through.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: carl r on September 07, 2010, 11:57:06 AM
Love it. BWPS is very cool. Has an emotional punch.

It lacks the quality of Dream that a release in 1966/67 would have contained. That is, I think, reasonable to say.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on October 08, 2010, 05:08:46 PM
I'm fairly certain I'm about to buy a record player. I was going to buy BWPS on vinyl and was wondering if anyone knew if it comes with any pictures/booklet. Random question, I know, but I really love the art associated with the 2004 SMiLE and wondered if any of this was included with the vinyl. Thanks!



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lowbacca on July 08, 2011, 09:12:56 AM
I'm fairly certain I'm about to buy a record player. I was going to buy BWPS on vinyl and was wondering if anyone knew if it comes with any pictures/booklet. Random question, I know, but I really love the art associated with the 2004 SMiLE and wondered if any of this was included with the vinyl. Thanks!
Bought the BWPS vinyl today. It's a gatefold with the lyrics and a few illustrations inside - no booklet or poster (like the CD version) sadly. Or is there a deluxe edition or something? I don't think so.

AWESOME sound that vinyl has, by the way... can't believe how good it sounds. You can practically throw your CD away after you've bought the vinyl. Or give it to someone. And keep the poster.



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: hypehat on July 11, 2011, 09:27:10 AM
Will second the insane good sound on the vinyl. And bonus tracks!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on July 11, 2011, 03:26:06 PM
I know a lot of people including myself have lost the novelty of this album, but there is something radiant about the listening experience of this album on vinyl as opposed to the dryness of the CD- Go get a copy of it today, you won't regret it! It's so good...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: CarlTheVoice on August 25, 2011, 10:53:07 AM
Well I had my first listen to BWPS last night from a CD I have found at home. Although for some reason the sound is really fuzzy, from the music I could hear I had mixed feelings about it! Some versions I prefer on Smiley Smile and other songs I don't really like but Child is the father of the man is wonderful! Brian really is a genius, tormented genius though.

The 'normal' BB stuff is more up my street but you can see glimpses of how the other boys could have made this worked had they shared the same vision. I don't know why Wind Chimes is more 'weird' on SS and nicer on this!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: musicismylife101 on June 27, 2012, 05:44:00 PM
Surf's Up is the best album on this track! Brian sounds great on this and the production is nice too. Other notable tracks are In Blue Hawaii, Wind Chimes, Vega-Tables, and Wonderful. Just stunning. Classic Brian Wilson. Period.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on March 04, 2013, 08:46:13 PM
Stupidly I did not buy the vinyl of this while it was still being pressed. Any chance this is will be sold retail in vinyl again?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lowbacca on March 05, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
Stupidly I did not buy the vinyl of this while it was still being pressed. Any chance this is will be sold retail in vinyl again?
It still is in Germany.. that's all I know. Get the vinyl when you see it. Brilliant quality.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: TimmyC on June 07, 2013, 06:10:26 PM
I realize I'm probably going to get kicked off the board for this, but I think the time has come to fess up.... I can't stand this album. I hate everything about it. It is contrived and phony and sounds like the soundtrack to a second rate broadway musical. I bought it when I came out, but was immediately disappointed. It just never felt right. What was cool and edgy for a 25 year old back in the 60s felt, again, contrived and phony for a 60 year old in 2004. I was also pissed at all the adulation that Brian was getting when 90% of the music had ALREADY BEEN RELEASED by the Beach Boys and sounded ten times better by the Beach Boys. The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

This is a 1 star album for me. I hate that it exists.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on June 07, 2013, 07:45:52 PM
Wow, a bit strong on the dislike, but just remember that without it you probably would not have the Smile Sessions. Brian needed to do the tour and this album to finally come to terms with Smile after 37 years. Like most of Brian's solo work, it is a little too clean and sterile sounding, but boy, the tour was fabulous. :)


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on June 08, 2013, 04:57:50 AM
Sure, the album doesn't come close to the 60s material, but the sequencing of the tracks here is freakin' phenomenal.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on June 08, 2013, 06:05:28 AM
Yes, the track listing and splitting into movements is terrific.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mahalo on June 08, 2013, 06:25:20 AM
I haven't listened to this in quite awhile, but BWPS was totally worth it for the lyrics to Look, CIFOTM, and Holidays... the vinyl is great, but obviously nothing matches that original 1960's sound.

Also, I wonder if Capitol wasn't going to release TSS in some way, shape, or form, so therefore Brian cashed in on his music while the iron was still hot.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mendota Heights on June 08, 2013, 06:40:09 AM
Stupidly I did not buy the vinyl of this while it was still being pressed. Any chance this is will be sold retail in vinyl again?
I have a copy. :) I have the three Vegetables vinyl singles as well.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: TimmyC on June 10, 2013, 10:44:50 AM
Wow, a bit strong on the dislike, but just remember that without it you probably would not have the Smile Sessions. Brian needed to do the tour and this album to finally come to terms with Smile after 37 years. Like most of Brian's solo work, it is a little too clean and sterile sounding, but boy, the tour was fabulous. :)

hahaha - yeah, that was a little strong. I was about 10 beers in when I wrote that. what can i say? I'm passionate about the beach boys!!!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: StillSurfin on June 23, 2013, 01:46:06 PM
Had a look on Amazon and there is a 'Smile' (Europe Jb Configuration) listed, is there any difference between this version (such as any additional track(s) etc.) compared to the normal CD?.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on July 06, 2013, 01:23:37 AM
The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

Ah, but would you have preferred that Brian would re-record arguably his most famous song, giving it little distinction from the Beach Boys original?  Using the alternate lyrics wasn't to spite Mike Love, it was just to do something different, to put a twist on a song that anybody the album appealed to undoubtedly heard already.  And besides, it's not like Mike's lyrics were swiped completely.  It's really a combination of Love and Asher's lyrics as the song was unfinished when Asher had done his part.  "I-I love the colorful clothes she wears," "I'm picking up good vibrations, she's giving me excitations," and "I don't know where but she sends me there, what a sensation, what an elation" are all Mike Love lyrics.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Gabo on July 27, 2013, 04:07:04 PM
I realize I'm probably going to get kicked off the board for this, but I think the time has come to fess up.... I can't stand this album. I hate everything about it. It is contrived and phony and sounds like the soundtrack to a second rate broadway musical. I bought it when I came out, but was immediately disappointed. It just never felt right. What was cool and edgy for a 25 year old back in the 60s felt, again, contrived and phony for a 60 year old in 2004. I was also pissed at all the adulation that Brian was getting when 90% of the music had ALREADY BEEN RELEASED by the Beach Boys and sounded ten times better by the Beach Boys. The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

This is a 1 star album for me. I hate that it exists.

I would have to agree with this, but ultimately I'm glad it exists. At least it gave a running order that allowed the original sessions to be released.

I think I would like BWPS if it showed obvious signs of Brian's creativity in 2004. It would have been nice, for example, if he arranged the second section of Surf's Up. As it is, it's an exact replica of the Surf's Up album track, albeit with worse vocals.



Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on July 28, 2013, 03:55:56 AM
I realize I'm probably going to get kicked off the board for this, but I think the time has come to fess up.... I can't stand this album. I hate everything about it. It is contrived and phony and sounds like the soundtrack to a second rate broadway musical. I bought it when I came out, but was immediately disappointed. It just never felt right. What was cool and edgy for a 25 year old back in the 60s felt, again, contrived and phony for a 60 year old in 2004. I was also pissed at all the adulation that Brian was getting when 90% of the music had ALREADY BEEN RELEASED by the Beach Boys and sounded ten times better by the Beach Boys. The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

This is a 1 star album for me. I hate that it exists.

I would have to agree with this, but ultimately I'm glad it exists. At least it gave a running order that allowed the original sessions to be released.

I think I would like BWPS if it showed obvious signs of Brian's creativity in 2004. It would have been nice, for example, if he arranged the second section of Surf's Up. As it is, it's an exact replica of the Surf's Up album track, albeit with worse vocals.


My understanding was that the second section was never recorded or went missing. So, the fact that you have a recorded string arrangement on BWPS says to me that he completed what was not done back in 1966-67.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Gabo on July 28, 2013, 08:09:58 PM
I realize I'm probably going to get kicked off the board for this, but I think the time has come to fess up.... I can't stand this album. I hate everything about it. It is contrived and phony and sounds like the soundtrack to a second rate broadway musical. I bought it when I came out, but was immediately disappointed. It just never felt right. What was cool and edgy for a 25 year old back in the 60s felt, again, contrived and phony for a 60 year old in 2004. I was also pissed at all the adulation that Brian was getting when 90% of the music had ALREADY BEEN RELEASED by the Beach Boys and sounded ten times better by the Beach Boys. The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

This is a 1 star album for me. I hate that it exists.

I would have to agree with this, but ultimately I'm glad it exists. At least it gave a running order that allowed the original sessions to be released.

Th

I think I would like BWPS if it showed obvious signs of Brian's creativity in 2004. It would have been nice, for example, if he arranged the second section of Surf's Up. As it is, it's an exact replica of the Surf's Up album track, albeit with worse vocals.


My understanding was that the second section was never recorded or went missing. So, the fact that you have a recorded string arrangement on BWPS says to me that he completed what was not done back in 1966-67.

Well... it really still is a re-recording of the piano demo second section, plus strings which he probably did not arrange himself... The second section of Surf's Up is just begging for more instrumentation. Too bad we'll never hear it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on July 28, 2013, 08:23:21 PM
I realize I'm probably going to get kicked off the board for this, but I think the time has come to fess up.... I can't stand this album. I hate everything about it. It is contrived and phony and sounds like the soundtrack to a second rate broadway musical. I bought it when I came out, but was immediately disappointed. It just never felt right. What was cool and edgy for a 25 year old back in the 60s felt, again, contrived and phony for a 60 year old in 2004. I was also pissed at all the adulation that Brian was getting when 90% of the music had ALREADY BEEN RELEASED by the Beach Boys and sounded ten times better by the Beach Boys. The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

This is a 1 star album for me. I hate that it exists.

I would have to agree with this, but ultimately I'm glad it exists. At least it gave a running order that allowed the original sessions to be released.

Th

I think I would like BWPS if it showed obvious signs of Brian's creativity in 2004. It would have been nice, for example, if he arranged the second section of Surf's Up. As it is, it's an exact replica of the Surf's Up album track, albeit with worse vocals.


My understanding was that the second section was never recorded or went missing. So, the fact that you have a recorded string arrangement on BWPS says to me that he completed what was not done back in 1966-67.

Well... it really still is a re-recording of the piano demo second section, plus strings which he probably did not arrange himself... The second section of Surf's Up is just begging for more instrumentation. Too bad we'll never hear it.
What do you suppose he was going to do different? I have never read anything other than not recording the second part, with strings. This he did on BWPS.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Seaside Woman on August 06, 2013, 03:19:33 AM
Sometimes you're simply overwhelmed by the music I was by this, I cried. Why it all means so much I don't know but I really feel sorry for the people who don't have the ability to hear this in all its wonder.

I play this more than the Beach Boys version.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 09, 2013, 07:37:08 AM
I will never understand the criticism for this album.  To me, it is perfect in every way, as great a recording of music can possibly be.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on August 09, 2013, 07:45:18 AM
I will never understand the criticism for this album.  To me, it is perfect in every way, as great a recording of music can possibly be.
Biggest issue is, is that is not the Beach Boys singing. Brian's band performed it better Live, imho. Those shows were spectacular!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 09, 2013, 09:45:56 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on August 09, 2013, 09:55:25 AM
Ooh. Sounds good. What mix?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 09, 2013, 11:17:14 AM
Here is his mix of Surf's Up. Gives you an idea of what the rest of the album sounds like.

http://youtu.be/XVENkH7s1eQ


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on August 11, 2013, 06:42:55 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.

Does anyone know where one could download this version? That Surf's Up mix is beautiful.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 11, 2013, 08:50:14 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.

Does anyone know where one could download this version? That Surf's Up mix is beautiful.

I don't think he shared it with many people.He posted Surf's Up a few years ago but no one really paid much attention to it and he was weary of sharing more for fear that he would get in trouble so he shared it with me via email.... I pm'd him a few weeks ago to see if it was ok for me to share more but he hasn't responded ( I don't think he has logged on here since April and he rarely posts).

I made that YouTube video to encourage him to let me share the rest.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on August 11, 2013, 09:14:34 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.

Does anyone know where one could download this version? That Surf's Up mix is beautiful.

I don't think he shared it with many people.He posted Surf's Up a few years ago but no one really paid much attention to it and he was weary of sharing more for fear that he would get in trouble so he shared it with me via email.... I pm'd him a few weeks ago to see if it was ok for me to share more but he hasn't responded ( I don't think he has logged on here since April and he rarely posts).

I made that YouTube video to encourage him to let me share the rest.

Thanks for making that video - that's the best version of Surf's Up I've heard - made me extremely curious of what the rest of the mix sounds like. I hope he responds to you!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mendota Heights on August 11, 2013, 09:26:33 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.

Does anyone know where one could download this version? That Surf's Up mix is beautiful.

If you put the letters "ss" before the youtube.com part of the address (like this: ssyoutube.com/watch?v=XVENkH7s1eQ) you are taken to a site where you can download the video.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Jason on August 11, 2013, 09:31:42 AM
I realize I'm probably going to get kicked off the board for this, but I think the time has come to fess up.... I can't stand this album. I hate everything about it. It is contrived and phony and sounds like the soundtrack to a second rate broadway musical. I bought it when I came out, but was immediately disappointed. It just never felt right. What was cool and edgy for a 25 year old back in the 60s felt, again, contrived and phony for a 60 year old in 2004. I was also pissed at all the adulation that Brian was getting when 90% of the music had ALREADY BEEN RELEASED by the Beach Boys and sounded ten times better by the Beach Boys. The real kicker was the obnoxious jettisoning of Mike Love's GV lyrics for the discarded Tony Asher lyrics. To me it was a spit in the face.

This is a 1 star album for me. I hate that it exists.

You are my favorite poster right now. This is the greatest review of this album I've ever read. K-TEL repackaging of the Smile music...that's what it sounds like.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on August 11, 2013, 09:32:54 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.

Does anyone know where one could download this version? That Surf's Up mix is beautiful.

I don't think he shared it with many people.He posted Surf's Up a few years ago but no one really paid much attention to it and he was weary of sharing more for fear that he would get in trouble so he shared it with me via email.... I pm'd him a few weeks ago to see if it was ok for me to share more but he hasn't responded ( I don't think he has logged on here since April and he rarely posts).

I made that YouTube video to encourage him to let me share the rest.

Not sure if you noticed but there has been a thread devoted to locating his mix of Barnyard and I'm in Great Shape which were highly praised at the time. All links to those versions, though, have gone dead. If you do get ahold of him, it would be well appreciated to let him know that several of us would love for him to re-up his mix.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 11, 2013, 11:21:35 AM
I have a mix that a member here made using the BWPS backing tracks and a few vocals where they were missing and flies in vintage 66-67/71 vocals. It is a superb.

Does anyone know where one could download this version? That Surf's Up mix is beautiful.

I don't think he shared it with many people.He posted Surf's Up a few years ago but no one really paid much attention to it and he was weary of sharing more for fear that he would get in trouble so he shared it with me via email.... I pm'd him a few weeks ago to see if it was ok for me to share more but he hasn't responded ( I don't think he has logged on here since April and he rarely posts).

I made that YouTube video to encourage him to let me share the rest.

Not sure if you noticed but there has been a thread devoted to locating his mix of Barnyard and I'm in Great Shape which were highly praised at the time. All links to those versions, though, have gone dead. If you do get ahold of him, it would be well appreciated to let him know that several of us would love for him to re-up his mix.

How intriguing. The version I have uses the plain ol' BWPS vocals on those particular tracks. Could you post a link to that thread for me? I'll surely PM him. I need to find his email.

Edit: I found his email and just sent him an inquiry.


Title:
Post by: zachrwolfe on August 11, 2013, 12:06:13 PM


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on August 11, 2013, 02:52:43 PM
Me too! :P


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 11, 2013, 09:21:01 PM
He wrote me back and said it was ok to share the rest and that when he gets a free moment he will update his Ultimate Smile mix with the Barnyard and IIGS added.

If you would like to hear his 2007 mix pm me. Or if you'd all rather ill just upload the whole thing to YouTube.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Niko on August 11, 2013, 11:12:28 PM
While I really like this record, there is something unsettling about it...it feels like it was produced in a very short amount of time. I can see why so many people just didn't get it when it came out.

Also, Darian's "doo doo" part on Heroes and Villains just bothers me. It's very prominent in the mix and I just can't listen to that song without only hearing him.

4 stars, though I'll listen to The Smile Sessions or a bootleg mix over this 9 times out of 10


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: smilethebeachboysloveyou on August 12, 2013, 04:05:28 AM

Also, Darian's "doo doo" part on Heroes and Villains just bothers me. It's very prominent in the mix and I just can't listen to that song without only hearing him.


I agree completely.  It totally ruins what had been a tour-de-fource a cappella harmonization in The Beach Boys' version.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lowbacca on August 12, 2013, 06:03:28 AM
I 'accepted' BWPS as its own thing (as opposed to the definitive version or conclusion to the SMiLE story*) a long time ago and to this day enjoy the album very much. The vinyl blasted over a good system + speakers is among the best-sounding BBs-related records ever released.


I (http://media-mcw.cursecdn.com/0/08/Absorption_Heart.svg) Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE.





* There ain't such a thing, anyway. Never will be.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on August 12, 2013, 06:46:21 AM
Having a completely finished spiritual suite, a fully completed 'On A Holiday'/'In Blue Hawaii', and a theme that sets it apart from any other record - it's a real gift to any lover of music.

I hate that it's so looked down upon. I understand why it is looked down upon, and don't blame people for disliking the MIDI harpsichord, the lack of Beach Boy vocals, etc. But this album is friggin' brilliant: the chords, the harmonies, the lyrics, the story it tells. It's a shame it will probably never be treated like the masterpiece* that it is (or could have been).

*Well, I guess it is treated like the Holy Grail of 60s music, so in that it is treated like a masterpiece.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 12, 2013, 04:24:57 PM
It's only looked down upon by super fans on this board in retrospect. When it came out, it was pretty much universally acclaimed.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Gabo on August 12, 2013, 05:13:26 PM
I agree. A friend of mind loves this record and has never heard The Boys' own version of it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on August 16, 2013, 07:23:03 AM
He wrote me back and said it was ok to share the rest and that when he gets a free moment he will update his Ultimate Smile mix with the Barnyard and IIGS added.

If you would like to hear his 2007 mix pm me. Or if you'd all rather ill just upload the whole thing to YouTube.

Sorry Pix -- I was away for a few days and didn't see your messages. Thanks for all the work. Looking forward to it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 16, 2013, 08:27:07 AM
I am trying to figure out the best way to share the mix. Does anyone have any suggestions?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Niko on August 16, 2013, 08:34:54 AM
I am trying to figure out the best way to share the mix. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I like google drive for sharing things with friends. You upload your file and can send a link to whoever wants to download it.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on August 16, 2013, 08:36:01 AM
Mediafire?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 16, 2013, 08:45:38 AM
I am trying to figure out the best way to share the mix. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I like google drive for sharing things with friends. You upload your file and can send a link to whoever wants to download it.

I like that option... No chances of yuck getting into the file. I'll upload it tonight when I get home.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: pixletwin on August 19, 2013, 07:17:04 AM
Here is the link. This is the first time I have ever shared via google drive, so let me know if anyone has any problems. Also I set it so you shouldn't need a google account to download it (I think).

Let me know what you guys think. Hopefully bruiteur finishes off his Barnyard/IIGS mix soon too.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7tEPeBP14xwMHI3SnJrUTFKdzA&usp=sharing


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on August 19, 2013, 07:20:29 AM
Here is the link. This is the first time I have ever shared via google drive, so let me know if anyone has any problems. Also I set it so you shouldn't need a google account to download it (I think).

Let me know what you guys think. Hopefully bruiteur finishes off his Barnyard/IIGS mix soon too.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7tEPeBP14xwMHI3SnJrUTFKdzA&usp=sharing

Thanks so much, Pix! I will give it a go when I get home tonight.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on August 19, 2013, 07:37:47 AM
Here is the link. This is the first time I have ever shared via google drive, so let me know if anyone has any problems. Also I set it so you shouldn't need a google account to download it (I think).

Let me know what you guys think. Hopefully bruiteur finishes off his Barnyard/IIGS mix soon too.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7tEPeBP14xwMHI3SnJrUTFKdzA&usp=sharing

Thanks a-million!!! Listened to a few songs already - Still can't get over how amazing Surf's Up sounds. And Wonderful is absolutely heavenly.

So glad this mix was made!


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Niko on August 19, 2013, 07:56:52 AM
Here is the link. This is the first time I have ever shared via google drive, so let me know if anyone has any problems. Also I set it so you shouldn't need a google account to download it (I think).

Let me know what you guys think. Hopefully bruiteur finishes off his Barnyard/IIGS mix soon too.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7tEPeBP14xwMHI3SnJrUTFKdzA&usp=sharing

Very nice of you to take the time to share. Downloading now.
Thanks


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: JK on March 28, 2014, 04:16:03 AM
BWPS has a warm, autumnal feel to it that the sessions lack. I prefer Mike's words to "GV" but that's a minor point. Anyway, that was a stand-alone song----here it's part of an indivisible whole. Must keep an eye out for the vinyl version. 5/5.   


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Grayhands on April 03, 2014, 09:54:44 PM
I agree. A friend of mind loves this record and has never heard The Boys' own version of it.

Exactly the same thing happened to me, my friend lent me BWPS and I had never listened to any Beach Boy music before. Once I listened to BWPS all the way through one night I was completely blown away. It was like nothing I had ever heard before, a whimsical, enchanting and mysterious musical journey. After only listening to BWPS for months on end I went over to Pet Sounds, then to the Sounds of Summer compilation, and finally to the SMiLE Sessions on itunes (just picked it on Vinyl as well  :-D)

And the bruiteur mix is stunning, as if Wonderful and Surfs Up couldn't get any better   :)


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 16, 2014, 11:58:58 PM
It's an absolutely beautiful thing that Brian was able to face his demons and revisit his best material like this. Really, what is there to say about this that hasn't been said already? If this had never happened, TSS never wouldve happened, far fewer people would know of or have access to SMiLE, and it'd be much harder and less fulfilling for us fanmixers. That alone makes me eternally grateful for this artistic endeavor even if Im personally not the biggest fan of the 2004 sequence of SMiLE songs. While I strongly disagree with the assertion that this is *the* finished SMiLE, and I resent the fact that TSS and most fanmixers use its track order, taken by itself this is still a beautiful album. I gave it 4/5 only because, as good as it is I can't help but feel sad listening to it knowing how much better it wouldve been in 1967. Good as they are, '04 Brian and his backing band are no match for a '67 Brian and the Beach Boys.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on June 17, 2014, 12:37:59 AM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: JK on June 17, 2014, 09:19:42 AM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(
I count myself lucky in that respect, having never heard any edit of the 1966/67 tracks----many of the originals of course, but unsequenced. So hearing BWPS for the first time was a major revelation. The originals have their own charm but for me they're marked by the bad vibes surrounding their creation. BWPS is warm, whereas they are not.        


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Niko on June 21, 2014, 12:57:19 AM
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(
The whole mystification of Smile never fails to amuse me. It's laughable how people treat it like a 2nd coming of Jesus. There is absolutely no mystique surrounding it to grieve over.

The mystery behind both the music and the story of Smile are part of what make it so great. I try not to listen to Smile music too often because I never want to ever think "I'm sick of hearing this." I want to think "There is nothing else like this."


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 25, 2014, 10:27:07 PM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(

Respectfully, I completely, 100% disagree with everything you just said.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on June 26, 2014, 04:20:07 AM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(

Respectfully, I completely, 100% disagree with everything you just said.
Respectfully, that's a shame but doesn't surprise me at all. :P
I always enjoy hearing different mixes and seeing people be creative with the tracklist; I really like how you've been going all-out and truly screwing with the formula with your edits. But just sayin' - because of the way I was exposed to it (completely out of the blue with no prior knowledge) there's not really anything that can beat that experience. Hell, I once tried doing my own unconventionally sequenced mix; it was horrid.
How did you first come across Smile?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 26, 2014, 02:44:07 PM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(

Respectfully, I completely, 100% disagree with everything you just said.
Respectfully, that's a shame but doesn't surprise me at all. :P
I always enjoy hearing different mixes and seeing people be creative with the tracklist; I really like how you've been going all-out and truly screwing with the formula with your edits. But just sayin' - because of the way I was exposed to it (completely out of the blue with no prior knowledge) there's not really anything that can beat that experience. Hell, I once tried doing my own unconventionally sequenced mix; it was horrid.
How did you first come across Smile?

I grew up with all the old Beach Boys hits. As I got older, I stopped liking them as much, but I heard of this great all-important album they had done called Pet Sounds. I loved it, it helped calm me down when I was upset and inspired me when I was happy. When I heard there was supposed to be this follow-up album called "smile" that was never finished a year or so later, I was intrigued. I heard Smiley was a not-quite-as-good version of the original album so I checked it out. I absolutely hated it (tho I've come to love it years later.) Then I found a few fanmixes on YouTube and downloaded them to my iPod. My absolute favorite track was CIFOTM. I heard BWPS and loved it (tho less and less over time I'm sad to admit.) As I researched more about the sessions, got the boxset, and made some fanmixes of my own my love and fascination with it has grown exponentially.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Dudd on June 26, 2014, 03:23:58 PM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(

Respectfully, I completely, 100% disagree with everything you just said.
Respectfully, that's a shame but doesn't surprise me at all. :P
I always enjoy hearing different mixes and seeing people be creative with the tracklist; I really like how you've been going all-out and truly screwing with the formula with your edits. But just sayin' - because of the way I was exposed to it (completely out of the blue with no prior knowledge) there's not really anything that can beat that experience. Hell, I once tried doing my own unconventionally sequenced mix; it was horrid.
How did you first come across Smile?

I grew up with all the old Beach Boys hits. As I got older, I stopped liking them as much, but I heard of this great all-important album they had done called Pet Sounds. I loved it, it helped calm me down when I was upset and inspired me when I was happy. When I heard there was supposed to be this follow-up album called "smile" that was never finished a year or so later, I was intrigued. I heard Smiley was a not-quite-as-good version of the original album so I checked it out. I absolutely hated it (tho I've come to love it years later.) Then I found a few fanmixes on YouTube and downloaded them to my iPod. My absolute favorite track was CIFOTM. I heard BWPS and loved it (tho less and less over time I'm sad to admit.) As I researched more about the sessions, got the boxset, and made some fanmixes of my own my love and fascination with it has grown exponentially.
Great stuff! It really is an 'infinite' album - much as I'm personally comfortable with the BWPS sequencing there's no way in hell I can call it the definitive. I would've liked to see the box set take a few more liberties with the tracklist tbh.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 26, 2014, 10:04:40 PM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(

Respectfully, I completely, 100% disagree with everything you just said.
Respectfully, that's a shame but doesn't surprise me at all. :P
I always enjoy hearing different mixes and seeing people be creative with the tracklist; I really like how you've been going all-out and truly screwing with the formula with your edits. But just sayin' - because of the way I was exposed to it (completely out of the blue with no prior knowledge) there's not really anything that can beat that experience. Hell, I once tried doing my own unconventionally sequenced mix; it was horrid.
How did you first come across Smile?

I grew up with all the old Beach Boys hits. As I got older, I stopped liking them as much, but I heard of this great all-important album they had done called Pet Sounds. I loved it, it helped calm me down when I was upset and inspired me when I was happy. When I heard there was supposed to be this follow-up album called "smile" that was never finished a year or so later, I was intrigued. I heard Smiley was a not-quite-as-good version of the original album so I checked it out. I absolutely hated it (tho I've come to love it years later.) Then I found a few fanmixes on YouTube and downloaded them to my iPod. My absolute favorite track was CIFOTM. I heard BWPS and loved it (tho less and less over time I'm sad to admit.) As I researched more about the sessions, got the boxset, and made some fanmixes of my own my love and fascination with it has grown exponentially.
Great stuff! It really is an 'infinite' album - much as I'm personally comfortable with the BWPS sequencing there's no way in hell I can call it the definitive. I would've liked to see the box set take a few more liberties with the tracklist tbh.

Glad we can agree on that last point. BWPS is great for what it is, but to go back and restructure the original recordings to fit that mold was a very bad decision, imho. It now makes a 2003 concert setlist the essentially definitive as far as the public is concerned which I really don't believe is right. If they just fleshed out each track properly, using as many vintage ideas as possible and following the original back cover order, they wouldve had a much better album and closer to what was probably intended. I don't consider that sequence 100% historical of course, but it wouldve been reasonable, given TSS its own identity and been a far better presentation of the music.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: drbeachboy on June 27, 2014, 07:53:14 AM
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... :'(

Respectfully, I completely, 100% disagree with everything you just said.
Respectfully, that's a shame but doesn't surprise me at all. :P
I always enjoy hearing different mixes and seeing people be creative with the tracklist; I really like how you've been going all-out and truly screwing with the formula with your edits. But just sayin' - because of the way I was exposed to it (completely out of the blue with no prior knowledge) there's not really anything that can beat that experience. Hell, I once tried doing my own unconventionally sequenced mix; it was horrid.
How did you first come across Smile?

I grew up with all the old Beach Boys hits. As I got older, I stopped liking them as much, but I heard of this great all-important album they had done called Pet Sounds. I loved it, it helped calm me down when I was upset and inspired me when I was happy. When I heard there was supposed to be this follow-up album called "smile" that was never finished a year or so later, I was intrigued. I heard Smiley was a not-quite-as-good version of the original album so I checked it out. I absolutely hated it (tho I've come to love it years later.) Then I found a few fanmixes on YouTube and downloaded them to my iPod. My absolute favorite track was CIFOTM. I heard BWPS and loved it (tho less and less over time I'm sad to admit.) As I researched more about the sessions, got the boxset, and made some fanmixes of my own my love and fascination with it has grown exponentially.
Great stuff! It really is an 'infinite' album - much as I'm personally comfortable with the BWPS sequencing there's no way in hell I can call it the definitive. I would've liked to see the box set take a few more liberties with the tracklist tbh.

Glad we can agree on that last point. BWPS is great for what it is, but to go back and restructure the original recordings to fit that mold was a very bad decision, imho. It now makes a 2003 concert setlist the essentially definitive as far as the public is concerned which I really don't believe is right. If they just fleshed out each track properly, using as many vintage ideas as possible and following the original back cover order, they wouldve had a much better album and closer to what was probably intended. I don't consider that sequence 100% historical of course, but it wouldve been reasonable, given TSS its own identity and been a far better presentation of the music.
Again, it comes down to how Brian wants it presented. This is what he is happy with and is the official set of songs & sequence that he is happy with. For him it is complete. Like Alan & Mark said when the TSS was released, you have one disc that is Brian's version and the remaining discs to "Roll Your Own".


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on June 27, 2014, 09:50:24 AM
Again, it comes down to how Brian wants it presented. This is what he is happy with and is the official set of songs & sequence that he is happy with. For him it is complete. Like Alan & Mark said when the TSS was released, you have one disc that is Brian's version and the remaining discs to "Roll Your Own".

Agreed.

Beneath the painting of the Mona Lisa lie different strokes than what we see on the finished piece - Van Gogh struggled with this painting for over 12 years. During this time, I'm sure he added colors, changed colors, made the woman frown, smile, etc. I'm sure there are layers of paint from early versions hidden underneath the final version. I'm sure his ideas changed throughout the years. I'm sure the painting was shelved for periods of time. I'm sure he forgot about certain things he wanted to add to the painting in those 12 years. Point is, the final version he presented is the definitive version.

Brian is the visionary, creator of the Smile material. The artist himself released Smile to the world in 2004. Who are we to say it isn't "definitive"?


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 27, 2014, 11:44:09 AM
Again, it comes down to how Brian wants it presented. This is what he is happy with and is the official set of songs & sequence that he is happy with. For him it is complete. Like Alan & Mark said when the TSS was released, you have one disc that is Brian's version and the remaining discs to "Roll Your Own".

Agreed.

Beneath the painting of the Mona Lisa lie different strokes than what we see on the finished piece - Van Gogh struggled with this painting for over 12 years. During this time, I'm sure he added colors, changed colors, made the woman frown, smile, etc. I'm sure there are layers of paint from early versions hidden underneath the final version. I'm sure his ideas changed throughout the years. I'm sure the painting was shelved for periods of time. I'm sure he forgot about certain things he wanted to add to the painting in those 12 years. Point is, the final version he presented is the definitive version.

Brian is the visionary, creator of the Smile material. The artist himself released Smile to the world in 2004. Who are we to say it isn't "definitive"?

Not to be that guy, but Da Vinci painted that, not Van Gogh. You guys do make fair points tho. I think there are valid reasons to call BWPS definitive and valid reasons to question it. I choose to do the latter, I've stated my reasons for it in other threads, but I won't go in-depth and post them again here only because I don't feel like repeating myself and I don't think this is the proper place to do it.

In any case, I had a lot of fun "rolling my own" I love the boxset, and I can appreciate that Mark and Alan put a lot of work into it. But even disregarding the sequence, I thought the final "mixes" they went with for certain songs were pretty strange. Why the "woo-woos" in Worms? In BWPS they transitioned to the next song. In TSS it's an unnecessary addition we already heard from H&V. Why disregard Brian's test edit for Child to make a far inferior version? Why the distracting fly-ins on Look, Holidays and Dada? Maybe instead of a reconstruction, just another disc of sessions wouldve been better? There *was* a good chunk of material they left out, after all...


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: rab2591 on June 27, 2014, 12:02:37 PM
Again, it comes down to how Brian wants it presented. This is what he is happy with and is the official set of songs & sequence that he is happy with. For him it is complete. Like Alan & Mark said when the TSS was released, you have one disc that is Brian's version and the remaining discs to "Roll Your Own".

Agreed.

Beneath the painting of the Mona Lisa lie different strokes than what we see on the finished piece - Van Gogh struggled with this painting for over 12 years. During this time, I'm sure he added colors, changed colors, made the woman frown, smile, etc. I'm sure there are layers of paint from early versions hidden underneath the final version. I'm sure his ideas changed throughout the years. I'm sure the painting was shelved for periods of time. I'm sure he forgot about certain things he wanted to add to the painting in those 12 years. Point is, the final version he presented is the definitive version.

Brian is the visionary, creator of the Smile material. The artist himself released Smile to the world in 2004. Who are we to say it isn't "definitive"?

Not to be that guy, but Da Vinci painted that, not Van Gogh. You guys do make fair points tho. I think there are valid reasons to call BWPS definitive and valid reasons to question it. I choose to do the latter, I've stated my reasons for it in other threads, but I won't go in-depth and post them again here only because I don't feel like repeating myself and I don't think this is the proper place to do it.

In any case, I had a lot of fun "rolling my own" I love the boxset, and I can appreciate that Mark and Alan put a lot of work into it. But even disregarding the sequence, I thought the final "mixes" they went with for certain songs were pretty strange. Why the "woo-woos" in Worms? In BWPS they transitioned to the next song. In TSS it's an unnecessary addition we already heard from H&V. Why disregard Brian's test edit for Child to make a far inferior version? Why the distracting fly-ins on Look, Holidays and Dada? Maybe instead of a reconstruction, just another disc of sessions wouldve been better? There *was* a good chunk of material they left out, after all...

Thanks for the correction, definite brain fart :smokin

As for your thoughts on the definitive nature of BWPS, I respect your opinion on it. I think we all have points that can be taken into consideration.

As for TSS - My only true complaint about the box is the hour and 20 minutes of GV sessions....especially when the CIFOTM acetate edit got left off. I don't care much for the fly-ins, but I don't really listen to the first disc that much anyway.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard on June 27, 2014, 12:17:27 PM
Again, it comes down to how Brian wants it presented. This is what he is happy with and is the official set of songs & sequence that he is happy with. For him it is complete. Like Alan & Mark said when the TSS was released, you have one disc that is Brian's version and the remaining discs to "Roll Your Own".

Agreed.

Beneath the painting of the Mona Lisa lie different strokes than what we see on the finished piece - Van Gogh struggled with this painting for over 12 years. During this time, I'm sure he added colors, changed colors, made the woman frown, smile, etc. I'm sure there are layers of paint from early versions hidden underneath the final version. I'm sure his ideas changed throughout the years. I'm sure the painting was shelved for periods of time. I'm sure he forgot about certain things he wanted to add to the painting in those 12 years. Point is, the final version he presented is the definitive version.

Brian is the visionary, creator of the Smile material. The artist himself released Smile to the world in 2004. Who are we to say it isn't "definitive"?

Not to be that guy, but Da Vinci painted that, not Van Gogh. You guys do make fair points tho. I think there are valid reasons to call BWPS definitive and valid reasons to question it. I choose to do the latter, I've stated my reasons for it in other threads, but I won't go in-depth and post them again here only because I don't feel like repeating myself and I don't think this is the proper place to do it.

In any case, I had a lot of fun "rolling my own" I love the boxset, and I can appreciate that Mark and Alan put a lot of work into it. But even disregarding the sequence, I thought the final "mixes" they went with for certain songs were pretty strange. Why the "woo-woos" in Worms? In BWPS they transitioned to the next song. In TSS it's an unnecessary addition we already heard from H&V. Why disregard Brian's test edit for Child to make a far inferior version? Why the distracting fly-ins on Look, Holidays and Dada? Maybe instead of a reconstruction, just another disc of sessions wouldve been better? There *was* a good chunk of material they left out, after all...

Thanks for the correction, definite brain fart :smokin

As for your thoughts on the definitive nature of BWPS, I respect your opinion on it. I think we all have points that can be taken into consideration.

As for TSS - My only true complaint about the box is the hour and 20 minutes of GV sessions....especially when the CIFOTM acetate edit got left off. I don't care much for the fly-ins, but I don't really listen to the first disc that much anyway.

I don't either. I heard it once, was bitterly disappointed by the direction they went with it, and sought to make a "better" (at least, as far as I'm concerned) version for myself and anyone else with similar misgivings about Disc 1.

I also agree Disc 5 was kinda lame. H&V deserved an entire disc because of all the sections and different versions and edits. GV did not. Listening to that disc was a complete waste of time, imo. Just the same couple riffs over and over again, with little variation. With Me Tonight, the fast version, many pieces of the other tracks, the majority of Psychedelic Sounds, the other two Jasper Dailey tracks, Smiley reworkings of the SMiLE tracks, Brian's test edits, and any surviving vocal sessions wouldve been far worthier inclusions. After say, 5 or 6 "best of GV sessions" tracks, we get the idea.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Rocket on July 18, 2014, 08:02:40 PM
Just downloaded this album to my phone.

I'm used to TSS, but so far really digging this, it feels like a complete Smile to me. The added orchestration is great. Yes, at times I do miss the signature Beach Boys blend, but I'll survive.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: KDS on July 20, 2015, 08:36:10 AM
A historic album in that Brian finally completed Smile. 

However, I think with Smile the myth is greater than the reality. 

When it's good, it's really good.  (The suite of Wonderful / Song for Children / Child is the Father of the Man / Surf's Up is amazing). But there are some lulls (I'm sorry folks, I will never understand why Vegetables is so well liked).

Granted, it didn't come out for another seven years, but I prefer The Beach Boys Smile Sessions to the BW version.  No offense to Brian's band, it those BB harmonies can't be beat. 

I rated this one a high three. 


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: kwebb on August 25, 2015, 05:11:31 PM
Quote
The album ain't Smile, but to me the sequence most certainly is. I'm a bit of a newbie and I was first exposed to Smile (knowing absolutely nothing about it beforehand) through the 3971 edit - a superb stereo fanmix a friend had made that seamlessly merges the 60s material with the '04 - and this was before I'd listened to Pet Sounds or heard any Beach Boys beyond the classic surf stuff and GV. It absolutely blew my mind, so naturally the sequencing stuck.
I miss the days when I knew nothing about this wonderful album - kinda wish I'd just left it there. I've read the story so many times and heard so many different mixes now that Smile has sort of lost its mystique... Cry

For me, the idea that Smile can be mixed and edited in so many different ways adds to the mystique of it. I've been working on my own edit, and every time I think I'm done, I hear some new combination of H&V sections I didn't think of before, or I get the idea to move different tracks around. The idea that it can never be completely finished with the existing pieces adds to its greatness, in my opinion.

Also, the 3971 edit is pretty great.


Title: Re: Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
Post by: Lonely Summer on September 15, 2015, 10:48:59 PM
>>Among those, the speaking part you mention, done by Nick Walusko of Wondermints, another guy who (like Taylor) has been with Brian since he began touring again.

So maybe the album would have been more accurately titled "Darian and The Wondermints Present a Tribute to Smile with Guest Vocalist Brian Wilson"?
  ;D