So back in the late 60's the rumored most badass album of all-time, SMiLE, was being recorded as a follow-up to what some believe is the greatest album ever, Pet Sounds. Well, for whatever typical rock n' roll reasons (drugs, mental illness, a lack of commercial viability and band dynamics) they didn't finish the album. Parts of the recording were subsequently released over the next 4 or 5 Beach Boys albums (which were all pretty fucking awesome too). Anyways, it took Wilson 37 years to finish the album, and while finally putting the songs in their proper context says a lot about Wilson's brilliance and brings a new sense of meaning to the songs, many of the freshly recorded songs lack a certain umph without the Beach Boys. Still songs like "Surf's Up", "Cabin Essence" and "Child is Father of the Man" are some of the best pop/rock songs ever. You're a fool if you don't go and by this album. Or I can just burn it for you. I mean, you can just borrow it.RATING: 95%
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4 comments:
You would probably be talking to me except you are still furious that I haven't listened to Smiley Smile that you burned for me like a year ago.
Also, that Child is Father Of The Man title is from Wordsworth. Glad to use my poetry knowledge every once in a while.
Well, I remembered to review this album because of Gershwin's influence on Brian Wilson. Most notably he took some fragments from "Rhapsody In Blue" to build a lot of the songs on the album.
Go listen to Smiley Smile on your next run. By now it has got to be better than at least one other album you've listened to while running.
Ah, SMiLE... Pitter-patter goes my heart.
Brian Wilson's music and arrangements + Van Dyke Parks's lyrics = Awesomely awesome awesomeness.
No doubt. I should review Van Dyke Parks' album Song Cycle next.
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