Okay, where to begin...? Flash forward to 2004, and finally the release of the long lost, and highly touted, Beach Boys' album (Brian Wilson album) 'Smile'. Hoorahs and hoozahs from all corners as the disc garners many a Best of the Year award. Flashback...to the story of the making of 'Smile', and, thus, also, to the most intriguing story of one Brian Wilson...and a whole lot more!
The 'Brian Wilson Presents Smile' (subtitled 'Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile') 2-disc DVD set is an exquisite, exhaustive insight into Brian Wilson, the man, his talent, and the 40 year-long story of the trials and tribulations, and finally victory, of the making of, and release of the album 'Smile', and the ultimate victory of Brian Wilson.
Disc One: is titled 'Beautiful Dreamer', and is the story of Brian Wilson and 'Smile'. This disc includes so much wonderful information and insight that to review it in toto would probably require a short book. Included are current and past interviews of Wilson and assorted artists and friends, not limited to names such as Vandyke Parks, George Martin, Andrew Loog Oldham, Jimmy Webb, Elvis Costello, as well as current and vintage video footage. This story offers so much information that one needs to try and understand Brian Wilson: father Murray, Wilson's first use of drugs (marijuana), his love of the studio and writing vs touring, his first LSD trip (during which he wrote "California Girls", of all things!); of how The Beatles' 'Rubber Soul' made Wilson envious and more competitive, and lead to 'Pet Sounds' ("an autobiography of its writer"); of how The Beach Boys, and especially Mike Love, didn't like the new sound - it was "too arty, too explorative", it wasn't surf music...but Wilson persevered, and 'Pet Sounds' was born, and, upon hearing it, Lennon/McCartney were inspired to experiment more!
In the spring of 1966 the "pocket symphony" began, which would later become 'Smile'. The immediate hit "Good Vibrations" was Wilson's lead-in attempt at making "the perfect record". The song overwhelmed artisits and public alike. Thus begins 'Smile', and the entrance of Vandyke Parks as lyricist to Wilson's musical imaginings. The famous phrase "a teenage symphony to God" was born...the songwriting process, Wilson goes "cosmic", spontaneous. Humor was the key, said Wilson, thus the title 'Smile'. He creates new "rules" in the studio, "plays the studio" as if another instrument in his mind's eye.
Included are numerous personal anecdotes from many of those involved at the time. The "vegetable story", the "sandbox story", the "tent story"...marvelous stuff! Priceless! Production in the "modular style", and only the best musicians would do, thus, The Beach Boys furnished harmonies only. The classical legend Leonard Bernstein advocates Wilson's abilities and importance...at the time, simply unheard of! The suite of earth, air, fire and water. Wilson goes into crisis mode with "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow"! Support, for Wilson, was critical... The Beach Boys return from a successful European tour and don't like the 'Smile' tracks Wilson plays for them...no support equals "bad" for Wilson; "It really killed me inside", he says. The Beach Boys agree to record vocals for 'Smile' Wilson is in a "production race", he has to be "first". The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields" makes him feel as though "'Smile' has already been done".
Wilson needs another year to complete 'Smile', he says. Resistance from all corners, lead by Mike Love. And the story goes on from there...an intriguing, marvelous story! And, as if that weren't enough, disc one contains tons of Bonus Material: the world premiere of 'Smile' , recorded London 2004, after the show footage, more interviews...
Disc 2: the complete live performance of 'Smile', and even more Bonus Features! Both discs are recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, and the 5.1 mix is "in the audience" perfect! The video quality is excellent (except, of course, for early footage).
I just don't think a package could be more exhaustive, or more well done, than 'Brian Wilson Presents Smile'. An excellent recalling of not only the genius of Brian Wilson and 'Smile', but also of the history and growth of pop music since the 1960s. At $50.00, it would be a bargain. At somewhere around $20, it's a no-brainer, and the bargain of the new millenium! If you care at all about music in the last 40 years, get this DVD set! Excellent. My highest recommendation.
