Sweet Mountain

[Mr. Cohen]

What's the story behind this odd yet beautiful song? Did Brian record the instrumental specifically for American Spring, or was it considered a possible Beach Boys song? I remember reading in passing somewhere that it may have been tossed around as a closer for a reworked 1970s SMiLE.  Judging by the So Tough and Holland, Brian seemed to only want to contribute 'masculine' tracks to Beach Boys records (like "Marcella"). It's an example of a very interesting style explored by Brian around the Holland era, with synthesizers interspersed with pianos and other instruments to create what could almost be called neoclassical pop.  Other examples would be "Funky Pretty" and "It's Like Heaven".  He explores this sound more on Love You, but the synthesizers were emphasized a lot more.

[adamghost]

What's the story behind this odd yet beautiful song? Did Brian record the instrumental specifically for American Spring, or was it considered a possible Beach Boys song? I remember reading in passing somewhere that it may have been tossed around as a closer for a reworked 1970s SMiLE.  Judging by the So Tough and Holland, Brian seemed to only want to contribute 'masculine' tracks to Beach Boys records (like "Marcella"). It's an example of a very interesting style explored by Brian around the Holland era, with synthesizers interspersed with pianos and other instruments to create what could almost be called neoclassical pop.  Other examples would be "Funky Pretty" and "It's Like Heaven".  He explores this sound more on Love You, but the synthesizers were emphasized a lot more.

I agree.  This is a really cool, spooky track.  A lot of the stuff Brian was doing around this time I can't totally get behind, but this is one where that approach realy worked.

[MBE]

I am pretty sure it was only meant for Spring.

[punkinhead]

i love it around the end when brian and mike join in the backing vocals...it sounds fantastic!

[rasmus skotte]

Even though I've never heard anybody (else) suggest Sweet Mountain as an album closer for a reworked 1970s SMiLE,
we used the song in a very central position in our 'reworked 1970s SMiLE' cinematic treatment,  based upon the 
storyline of the Mt. Vernon & Fairway-fairytale (although the review in an honest mistake calls it Thinkin' 'Bout You Baby):
http://earcandymag.com/dumbangelfairytale.htm

[Smilin Ed H]

Would fit wonderfully on Holland.

[Andrew G. Doe]

i love it around the end when brian and mike join in the backing vocals...it sounds fantastic!

I'm pretty sure that Mike's not on that song, but as I'm on vacation, I'll not check it out just yet.

[oldsurferdude]

i love it around the end when brian and mike join in the backing vocals...it sounds fantastic!

That isn't Mike on the end of the song-it's Brian singing Mike's part which he does/did very well.

[XY]

and the other male singing voice was David Sandler