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The story of the Smile album is a long one, which is told better in many places. Here is a quick synopsis, followed by links to other sites that can provide more details. |
| In 1966 the Beach Boys were at the pinnacle of their success. Having survived the British Invasion they were in the process of trying to shed their "square" image and were finally beginning to be recognized as serious artists. Their "Pet Sounds" album of that year was recognized by many to be one of the greatest recordings ever in popular music. They had followed that success with the "Good Vibrations" single, their biggest hit ever, and one of the most amazing productions of the 1960's. |
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By this time the Beach Boys had established an unusual working method. Songwriter and producer Brian Wilson no longer performed with the band in concerts. Instead, while the band toured he remained home, writing and recording. He would record instrumental tracks with the top L.A. studio musicians, with the band adding their vocals when they were between tours. For "Good Vibrations" Brian experimented with a new working method, recording many, many takes of the songs different sections, then editing the best of them together to make the finished release. Following the single's phenomenal success, Brian set out to make an entire album in that way, collaborating with lyricist Van Dyke Parks. |
| "Pet Sounds" had been a heartbreakingly beautiful effort, with songs that explored lost innocence and love. With "Smile" Brian wanted to focus on humor, both in the songs content and production. Brian's warped sense of humor and Parks' clever, punning lyrics and titles like "Do You Dig Worms" and "Barnyard Suite" suggest some of this focus. However, the music was not without a serious side. One of the first songs the two wrote together was the gorgeous "Surf's Up," which put the Beach Boys "surfing" heritage on a more metaphysical level. Brian was writing and recording at an amazing pace, but he was also beginning to exhibit some disturbing mental instability..... |
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When the rest of the Beach Boys returned and vocal sessions began, the project fell apart. The rest of the band didn't understand what Brian was trying to do, and there was some open hostility to Parks' lyrics. After months of struggle Brian finally decided to give up on "Smile." Instead, the Beach Boys released "Smiley Smile" which was recorded very quickly at Brian's house. This was a commercial flop, and the Beach Boys began their long decline. Some "Smile" songs were included on "Smiley Smile." Others were "finished" and released on other recordings the band made in the 60's and early 70's. Hints were put out from time to time that "Smile" would some day be finished and released, but it has never happened. Many "Smile" fragments were included on the band's box set, others have turned up on bootlegs, but there is no complete "Smile." |
The
Smile Shop
Heroes
and Villains
The
Smile Sessions
Columnated
Ruins
