BRIAN WILSON
Smile (Nonesuch)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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After almost 40 years, it's nice to see an official release of Smile - even if it's a slightly sanitized version of the Beach Boys' follow up to Pet Sounds. Until now, Smile was only available on various bootlegs or seriously modified and abridged on Smiley Smile.

For this presentation of the record, Wilson, scarred by his past, only recorded the songs that he believed were positive. Hence, he did not include "Fire" from the "Elements Suite," part of the bad acid trip that had led to protracted mental health problems for the gifted pop composer. Otherwise, most of the upbeat compositions are on this record, and the arrangements are in keeping with the original recording sessions in 1966.

For this recording the ex-Beach Boys genius is accompanied by a ten-piece band and the Stockholm Strings 'N' Horns. Included are classics such as "Heroes And Villains," "Surf's Up" and "Good Vibrations." Some of the songs sound corny and dated such as "Our Prayer/Gee," but they are greatly outweighed by highlights. Finally, the Beach Boys are readily available at a reasonable price and relatively faithful to the tracks originally intended for release.

© 2004 - Sherman Wick