Mark Linett Billboard Interview About SMiLE

[PhilCohen]

Even under the worst(as some see it) scenario, I.E. that there is some Protools doctoring or 2011 overdubbing on the "Smile" box set, we've always got our "pure" versions on bootlegs, and undoubtedly, the "sessions" section of the new box will give us plenty of new(or sonicly upgraded) stuff to use in expanding or improving our homemade "Smile" discs. It's really a win/win situation. We'll get some good new stuff(that we didn't already have) in the box, though how much remains to been seen. And by sending a message that the box set is still in the compiling stage, anyone out there who is hoarding lost tapes has an opportunity to return them or sell them to Capitol.

[drbeachboy]

I can't argue with your points there. But if there are not enough lead vocals on Disc One, then I have a feeling that the idea behind doing it will fall short.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I can't argue with your points there. But if there are not enough lead vocals on Disc One, then I have a feeling that the idea behind doing it will fall short.

The one thing everyone knows about Smile is, it was never finished. No-one's expecting a polished, 'proper' album.

[rab2591]

I don't get why people want Carl's lead on 'Surf's Up' or the completed version of 'Cabinessence':

Let's not forget that these versions have been released. If I want to hear the finished coda of 'Surf's Up' - I'll listen to my Surf's Up album....likewise with 'Cabinessence' on 20/20. I am glad they aren't @#$%ing things up for the sake of an appearance of a somewhat finished album.

[Yorick]

There's no way the instrumental Cabinessence will turn up on CD1, Mark has said it'll be as close to Brian's vision as possible!

[Andrew G. Doe]

There's no way the instrumental Cabinessence will turn up on CD1, Mark has said it'll be as close to Brian's vision as possible!

They're working with the 1966-67 tapes, and there's no "CE" lead vocal on those. Given that he's stated the intention of flying in the "SU" part 1 vocal from Brian's Columbia 'demo', I don't see them using a 1968 vocal just for the sake of 'completeness'. I really hope they don't.

[Ron]

I can't argue with your points there. But if there are not enough lead vocals on Disc One, then I have a feeling that the idea behind doing it will fall short.

The one thing everyone knows about Smile is, it was never finished. No-one's expecting a polished, 'proper' album.

I agree.  I don't think anything past '67 should be on the album.  Unfinished and all.  I don't mind them mixing stuff that was recorded back then... if they can tell that's how it was supposed to be, but no new stuff.

[Roger Ryan]

The fact that Mark has already flown in the Brian piano vocal onto the "Surf's Up" backing track suggests that a certain amount of manipulation might be done in an attempt to present the album in as complete a form as possible. The Carl lead on "Surf's Up" won't be used because the manipulation of the '66 Brian vocal allows a lead vocal to be present without leaving the '66/'67 timeframe. "Cabin Essence" strikes me as being on the fence. The 20/20 version was included in the SMiLE selections for the GV Box Set and I'm thinking it would be included here since it is so damn close to what Brian intended to do with the track in '66. If they stick with the rule that nothing outside '66/'67 gets in, then "Cabin Essence" will at least have the chorus and tag vocals.

Personally, I don't mind some manipulation and experiments in putting together the "album" disc. As others have mentioned, a lot of these tracks have already been released. The '71 "Surf's Up" has been re-released four or five times on CD since the first issue of the SURF'S UP album - we don't need it yet again! Something fresher, even if it involves a bit of 2011 technological magic, might give this presentation a better sense of identity apart from just being a collection of the various tracks that have already seen an official release.

[drbeachboy]

Disc 1 will not be to everyone's liking, I can see that right now. It might be best to do it as all sessions with no approximation of a released version.

[sockittome]

I don't get why people want Carl's lead on 'Surf's Up' or the completed version of 'Cabinessence':

Let's not forget that these versions have been released. If I want to hear the finished coda of 'Surf's Up' - I'll listen to my Surf's Up album....likewise with 'Cabinessence' on 20/20. I am glad they aren't @#$%ing things up for the sake of an appearance of a somewhat finished album.

Exactly!  You realize that a large percentage of us are just going to dissect it and change it around anyway after we get it in our grubby hands!  At least this time around it'll all be legit.

[lance]

Disc 1 will not be to everyone's liking, I can see that right now. It might be best to do it as all sessions with no approximation of a released version.

Agree that it will not be to everyone's liking. Disagree that it would be best to do it as all sessions.

[Roger Ryan]

Disc 1 will not be to everyone's liking, I can see that right now. It might be best to do it as all sessions with no approximation of a released version.

I really believed a "Sessions" collection was the only way to do it, given the lack of vocals. But the edict seems to be: give us a disc that presents a partially-completed album and Mark and Alan certainly know what they have to work with. The SOT assembly is a pleasant listen (as is my own version of SMiLE which involved a LOT of manipulation to make it sound more complete  ), so I'm sure the single disc will be an enjoyable addition. The remaining three discs will be where the more academic approach needs to be taken and I'm sure it will.

To be honest, I was content having Brian's approximation of the album seven years ago; this release is all (laughing) gravy...or the frosting on the cake...or the cherry on top. The only disappointment I'll feel is if the damn thing gets cancelled again!

[Andrew G. Doe]

The fact that Mark has already flown in the Brian piano vocal onto the "Surf's Up" backing track suggests that a certain amount of manipulation might be done in an attempt to present the album in as complete a form as possible. The Carl lead on "Surf's Up" won't be used because the manipulation of the '66 Brian vocal allows a lead vocal to be present without leaving the '66/'67 timeframe. "Cabin Essence" strikes me as being on the fence. The 20/20 version was included in the SMiLE selections for the GV Box Set and I'm thinking it would be included here since it is so damn close to what Brian intended to do with the track in '66. If they stick with the rule that nothing outside '66/'67 gets in, then "Cabin Essence" will at least have the chorus and tag vocals.

Personally, I don't mind some manipulation and experiments in putting together the "album" disc. As others have mentioned, a lot of these tracks have already been released. The '71 "Surf's Up" has been re-released four or five times on CD since the first issue of the SURF'S UP album - we don't need it yet again! Something fresher, even if it involves a bit of 2011 technological magic, might give this presentation a better sense of identity apart from just being a collection of the various tracks that have already seen an official release.

When I got the Beatles Anthology 2 and read in the liners how tracks had been flown in from other takes, I was disgusted, because there was no legitimate reason for doing this except to create a 'new' mix. Flying in Brian's vocal from the 'demo' version of "Surf's Up", I can handle. One, it's subbing fro something that doesn't exist... and two, we'll have the original track anyway on the sessions CD.

[All Golden 74]

Disc 1 will not be to everyone's liking, I can see that right now. It might be best to do it as all sessions with no approximation of a released version.

Agree that it will not be to everyone's liking. Disagree that it would be best to do it as all sessions.

Let's not forget those lazy-idiot critics like Christgau and that king-sized dork Jann Wenner.  I'll be willing to bet they want something easy and straight forward (like an approximation of a released version).  Lots of people will take bets on an unsure thing if a critic lauds it.  It 40+ years later so what harm could it do for them to give a good review?

[Mr. Cohen]

It would disrespect history more to have an early 70s vocal on a mid-60s track. I'm with Mark & Alan here: anything recorded post May 1967 - out.

I think you're reading into this too much. Reread this: "What will you do. Will you add vocals?

Don't know yet.  The general consensus appears to be not to do any recording just because this is a historic piece, but its a little premature because we are still trying to get 30 hours worth of sessions down to some kind of playable length. Even at that, it will be at least 3 CD to represent the sessions."

So, right now, it's still definitely a possibility. I think they're adding Brian's vocals on "Surf's Up" because "Surf's Up" was Brian's baby. It almost certainly would have had him on lead vocals had it been completed in the '60s. The only reason Carl sang the first part is because an insecure Brian in the early '70s refused to do it.

[Roger Ryan]

...The only reason Carl sang the first part is because an insecure Brian in the early '70s refused to do it.

Actually, my understanding is that Brian attempted to re-record the lead, but couldn't do it justice...probably due to the song's history, his insecurity and his lack of care in regard to his voice.

[Andrew G. Doe]

It would disrespect history more to have an early 70s vocal on a mid-60s track. I'm with Mark & Alan here: anything recorded post May 1967 - out.

I think you're reading into this too much. Reread this: "What will you do. Will you add vocals?

Don't know yet.  The general consensus appears to be not to do any recording just because this is a historic piece, but its a little premature because we are still trying to get 30 hours worth of sessions down to some kind of playable length. Even at that, it will be at least 3 CD to represent the sessions."

So, right now, it's still definitely a possibility. I think they're adding Brian's vocals on "Surf's Up" because "Surf's Up" was Brian's baby. It almost certainly would have had him on lead vocals had it been completed in the '60s. The only reason Carl sang the first part is because an insecure Brian in the early '70s refused to do it.

OK, leaving aside the historic nature of the project, how many of the band sound exactly like they did 44 years ago ? Less than one. The words "thumb" and "sore" spring to mind. If this happens, my respect for both Mark, Alan and The Beach Boys would take a sharp kicking. I don't believe Mark or Alan would do that unless instructed to from 'above'.

...The only reason Carl sang the first part is because an insecure Brian in the early '70s refused to do it.

Actually, my understanding is that Brian attempted to re-record the lead, but couldn't do it justice...probably due to the song's history, his insecurity and his lack of care in regard to his voice.

Just so - he wasn't happy even trying, but in the event, his voice wasn't up to the task, I was informed by someone who was at that session.

[PhilCohen]

Disc 1 will not be to everyone's liking, I can see that right now. It might be best to do it as all sessions with no approximation of a released version.

Agree that it will not be to everyone's liking. Disagree that it would be best to do it as all sessions.

Let's not forget those lazy-idiot critics like Christgau and that king-sized dork Jann Wenner.  I'll be willing to bet they want something easy and straight forward (like an approximation of a released version).  Lots of people will take bets on an unsure thing if a critic lauds it.  It 40+ years later so what harm could it do for them to give a good review?

But Wenner was never really a Beach Boys fan, so why be concerned what he thinks? As part of San Francisco vs. Los Angeles musical rivalry in the 1960's, Wenner took the stance that talk of Brian's "Genius" was merely a promotional hype, and his attempts to compete with The Beatles were hopeless.

[buddhahat]

I think using BWPS as a template makes a lot of sense. Funnily enough, I asked Mr Linnett in his thread about how feasible fitting all the vintage sessions into a cohesive BWPS template would be about a year or so ago but he didn't respond to that question (unsurprisingly!).

I think they obviously have a challenge but I'm with Lance in having faith they'll respect the material and do a grand job.

I think having a listenable smile album within the box demands that there be some tinkering and historically inaccurate stuff going on. If you don't like it, you'll have plenty of session material to play around with.

The most interesting part of the article for me was the suggestion that there's a longer version of H&V than the single kicking around, or am I misinterpreting that?

[bgas]

There's no way the instrumental Cabinessence will turn up on CD1, Mark has said it'll be as close to Brian's vision as possible!

They're working with the 1966-67 tapes, and there's no "CE" lead vocal on those. Given that he's stated the intention of flying in the "SU" part 1 vocal from Brian's Columbia 'demo', I don't see them using a 1968 vocal just for the sake of 'completeness'. I really hope they don't.

Granting that my Smile knowledge is less than most here: I've followed forever, and probably have most all the boots, but haven't ever gotten into analyzing/keeping up.
 Is the nonexietence of Cab lead vocals on the tapes a definite? as in, there might be acetates or unheard tapes that conatin some lead vocals?
Just asking, is all. 

[All Golden 74]

Disc 1 will not be to everyone's liking, I can see that right now. It might be best to do it as all sessions with no approximation of a released version.

Agree that it will not be to everyone's liking. Disagree that it would be best to do it as all sessions.

Let's not forget those lazy-idiot critics like Christgau and that king-sized dork Jann Wenner.  I'll be willing to bet they want something easy and straight forward (like an approximation of a released version).  Lots of people will take bets on an unsure thing if a critic lauds it.  It 40+ years later so what harm could it do for them to give a good review?

But Wenner was never really a Beach Boys fan, so why be concerned what he thinks? As part of San Francisco vs. Los Angeles musical rivalry in the 1960's, Wenner took the stance that talk of Brian's "Genius" was merely a promotional hype, and his attempts to compete with The Beatles were hopeless.

I'm not concerned (he may give it a glowing review for all I know), but I bet Capitol Records is a lot more interested in what he would think than what I would, which is how it should be since his opinion carries more weight with the CD buying public than mine ever will (gall-drat it).  I'm just grumbling.

[armona]

I've always felt that CE and Surf's Up were two different beasts. Specifically, Carl's vocal on Cabinessence doesn't move it into another era in terms of production, and it was added only about a year and a half after Smile was shelved.  In contrast, 71 version of Surf's up *sounds* like it was recorded in 71 because of that synthesizer/organ posthumously added to the intro. Ugh. No 71 Surf's up session material for that song, please.

At any rate, if they go with an instrumental only version of CE for the "official album" that's fine, but I would include the version with Carl's vocal on the bonus disc.

[Les P]

"Disc one is supposed to be the close approximation of what the released version might have sounded like." In 1967, therefore the presence of 1968/71 vocals would be, at best, incongruous, more honestly misleading.

"what the released version might have sounded like".  CE would have had a lead verse vocal.  Like some others here, I see no reason to exclude a vocal done less than 2 years later in order to issue an even LESS-finished version for the general public, on grounds of historical accuracy.  The 1971 "SU" on the other hand, as others have posted, or "Cool Cool Water," including synthesizers and the like...no, a 1967 Smile would not have sounded like that. 

Yet, as others have commented, if I'm not happy with the CE included, I can do my own assembly using the 20/20 version.  So basically, yes I too will accept gratefully what is given.  And FWIW, my vote is for a well-done flown-in Brian SU vocal.

[A Million Units In Jan!]

Yep-leave out anything after May '67.

I can't remember right off hand-was Dennis' vocal for CE done in '68 or '66?

[hypehat]

If Secret Smile is anything to go by, Cabin Essence just lacked a lead vocal on the verse and a polish up on the chorus mix. I wouldn't mind the 1968 lead, honestly. The song needs a lead if only because they are some of the best lyrics on the project.