Brian Wilson’s Smile the Result of a Lifetime of Struggle
Brian’s struggle to create, his subsequent breakdown, the long hard road to recovery and finally, the completion of his masterwork are dealt with in great detail, on the two disc special edition of Smile (disc one is a feature-length documentary and disc two is a recording of Smile live in concert).
Disc one Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the story of Smile, starts with the story of young Brian, deaf in one ear, but a musical genius from early childhood. His father, Murray was a failed musician, who was determined to push Brian and his younger brothers Dennis and Carl to reach the heights he never could.
Beyond being pushy, he was also cruel and controlling. The documentary is very clear on that point, airing audio tapes of Murray berating Brian during a recording session. It is a strong moment indeed, when Brian Wilson, himself describes the love/hate relationship he had with his father.
One fault the docu does have is that it skips rather quickly over the Pet Sounds years and before you know it, Brian has retired from touring with his band The Beach Boys and remains in the studio, plugging away while the other band members, his brothers included, launch a massively successful European Tour.
In the studio, Brian obsesses over his new work. It must be something completely different – a new sound. He envisioned a suite with lyrics tied together by the elements of fire, water, air and earth. Things really started to click when he hooked up with a young lyricist by the name of Van Dyke Parks.
The two met at a party and instantly hit it off. Brian asked Parks to join him in co-writing lyrics for his new project.
Wilson and Parks are soon in the studio recording with some of the best session musicians of the day. Many of those interviewed recall the process with a surprising clarity. They knew that Brian and what he was trying to accomplish was something special. His instructions to the band certainly were. “Make it sound like jewelry [tinkling]” are his instructions to one player.
Unfortunately, as Wilson got deeper and deeper into the project, the pressures started to build. The record label was waiting for Smile – and not patiently. They were already heavily promoting the album.
Meanwhile, back in the studio, Brian began experimenting with LSD to help his creativity. There have been many in the past who pointed at drug use as the major reason for Wilson’s break down and inability to complete the album the first time around. However, the tone in Beautiful Dreamer is surprisingly different.
Many of those interviewed claim that too much emphasis was placed on Wilson’s drug use. Popular belief among those involved was either that his drug use was miniscule or that it really did not have a negative effect on his work.
In fact, Brian Wilson offers up his on theory as to why he couldn’t finish Smile. First, there was his constant competition with The Beatles in the creative arena. The Beatles had created their album, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band as an answer to Wilson’s creative leap forward with Pet Sounds.
Wilson was devastated when he heard Sgt. Peppers. He felt The Beatles had already found the new sound that he was striving to create. There were also problems within his own band.
When The Beach Boys returned from their London gigs as conquering heroes, they were anxious to get back in the studio. But when they heard Smile, no one was pleased, especially Beach Boy Mike Love.
This new sound Brian was striving for was a big departure from their usual surf tunes. The band did pitch in and lend their vocals, but Wilson, sensing their lack of true support and enthusiasm decided to abandon the project and Smile became arguably the most famous uncompleted album in music history.
The second disc is the event everyone has waited decades for. Not only do we have the album, but we have Brian, with a truly brilliant backing band, performing Smile live in concert. The set opens with a gorgeous hymn-like number “Our Prayer”, featuring Wilson’s brilliant knack for harmony.
Other stand outs are the soul stirring track, “Surf’s Up”, the quirky “Vega-Tables” and the pop rocker “Heroes and Villains”.
Set closes with one of pop music’s most brilliant gems, “Good Vibrations” which was one of the few Smile sessions songs that was released back in the day. The original recording was, and probably still is, unsurpassed in the area of studio mixing and arranging so, it is a true credit to the band that the song also soars when played live.
Wilson’s story has captivated for about four decades now. The release of Smile stands as a great testament to the strength and courage of one of pop music’s most influential and important artists.
He was destined to return to Smile and in doing so, returned not only to his art, but to his fans who have always dared to dream that their favorite Beach Boy would come back. So, is Smile worth the wait? Yes, Brian Wilson and his good vibrations are back – better than ever!
