Brian Wilson Presents Smileby Anonymous
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
July 27, 2005:
37 years, 1 Grammy and Album of the year (2004)LATER! Its been a long road for this musical genius who calls himself Brian Wilson. the original SMiLE album which was recorded in 1966-67 was originally scheduled for release in December 1966 and then again in January 1967. When Wilson could not meet the deadlines for releasing SMiLE and had no support from certain members of the band, his father and the record label, the project was shelved indefinitely. SMiLE 2004 is a triumphant story of a musical genius who realized it was time to confront his demons of the past that nearly destroyed him in order to set the record that has been haunting him for so many years straight once and for all. After listening to almost all the original SMiLE tracks from the 1966-67 era and the new recordings of 2004 SMiLE, I came to the conclusion that the music is almost identical. The only difference is Brian Wilson's voice. The music was copied exactly from the original SMiLE tracks chord for chord. Upon realizing this comparison, I was even more amazed as to how the original SMiLE music was even recorded and made its way onto tape during the 1966-67 era when there was NO TECHNOLOGY in the studio except 4 track. SMiLE 2004 is BRILLIANT! When you listen to this album you will realize that this album was truly ahead of its time and destined for greatness had it have been completed and released as planned in 1966. I will be re-editing this review if possible since there is so much to be told concerning this legendary album. Also for the diehards as well as the curious, check out the SMiLE 2 DVD set, it is FABULOUS! DVD 1 of this set contains the documentary Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the story of SMiLE. Everything that you ever wanted to know about SMiLE is finally told by Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks and the main participants themselves. At last, one of Rock's greatest legendary stories is researched in full detail and finally told where everyone can judge for themselves if the hype was really legitimate or not. We are all accustomed to listening to Rock music as we know it but please make note that technology in music had a beginning. When the original SMiLE was recorded in 1966-67, the studio's then was extremely primitive and not yet recognized as an instrument as it is being used today. DVD 2 of this set contains Brian Wilson performing SMiLE Live! The way SMilE was performed live was recorded the same way in the studio. The recording technology in the studio as well as live concerts has come a long way thanks in part to Brian Wilson and Sir George Martin. I am proud of Brian Wilson for finishing SMiLE and I can truly feel that his creativity and confidence are now back in full swing resulting in Brian beginning his road back to great health and a full recovery. My only question for Brian Wilson now is the same question that was asked after the success of his masterpiece album Pet Sounds and the single Good Vibrations in 1966: What are you going to do now?
Brian Wilson Presents Smileby Anonymous
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
July 09, 2005:
This DVD is a must buy for anyone that loves music. It captures all the brilliance that is Brian Wilson, in all dimensions of his music making. But it especially captures the sheer joy and artistry that is Smile. As an added bonus, and with surprising honesty and realism, it captures in personal documentary form, his painful voyage to redemption...the purging of deeply-seated demons... Through this window alone, one comes away with deeply shared appreciation for Brain Wilson's soul, along with glimpses at the demons that have troubled it. Watch Disk 1 first, and then afterwards, the concert reactions in Extras. Then watch the concert footage in Disk 2 (over and over). If you had an out-of-body experience watching the movie Ray, you'll have a similarly emotional and perhaps even more rewarding experience with this DVD. Smile, unlike Ray, has a very happy and totally fulfilling ending.
Loading...
© 2009 All Media Guide, LLC