Music Review: The Beach Boys--"The Smile Sessions" (2011)

I frankly never thought this would come….

I've heard my share of BB bootlegs, and was very pleased on many levels to see "Smile" completed in 2004. However, it just didn't sound totally right without the voices that gave inspiration to the genus that is Brian Wilson, especially since we KNEW it was out there just waiting to be put together.

Obviously, one of the major draws of this release is to hear it the way it was intended, with that special blend of voices, and on this level alone it is worth the price. However, what struck me as I listened was just how experimental it must have been in its day, especially considering that editing was done with a razor blade and tape. If you have read other reviews, there seems to be some controversy concerning it being released in mono rather than stereo. I actually prefer the mono, although it would have been nice on the 5CD set to have a stereo mix as well. Sgt. Pepper became the dividing line between just recording songs, and using the studio as another instrument. One has to wonder now how things might have been different had it been "Smile" that had been released first.

If you are a fan of just the hits, you need to hear this album. It is one of the best examples of late 60's psychedelic music (and certainly the most tuneful) you will ever hear. You will probably just want the two CD set however as it contains the "Smile" album and then outtakes that the casual fan might find interesting. If, like me, you love to dissect every bit of music created in the studio by Brian Wilson, then by all means spring for the 5 CD set. 4 CD's chocked full of outtakes and alternate versions.

Caston Countz is host of "The Rock and Roll Omnibus" which is heard on radio stations across the country. His daily music blog can be found at www.rockandrollomnibus.com.