The Beach Boys - Ma SMiLE (WTS Popkid No.9)

 

Never ever trust the so-called "rock critics". They’re idiots, clueless, self-centered (I'm talking about the older ones who were worth their salt - today's are unworthy of any further mention) and all they care about is pushing the stuff for the right amount. I'm writing all this as a review junkie of sort (isn't human existence a contradiction anyway?). In the pre-Napster, Limewire, Soulseek etc days, "Smiley Smile" was the most tangible thing anyone had and the closest to the legendary and aborded "SMiLE". And many of those wankers had smashed it. Today and by having listened to countless bootlegs of every quality, countless remixes (some by fans I dare say are particularly imaginative), as well as the official release of the sessions and Brian Wilson's reinterpretation without the Beach Boys, I consider "Smiley Smile" a near-masterpiece! In some cases I find the songs creepier and weirder, which I think is a cool thing for a pop record. 

I was sitting the other day doing nothing, just fooling around the net and came across a debate about "SMiLE" and "Smiley Smile". Honestly, I enjoy those clashes as much as any classic battle in football (or soccer, for my US readers). Then I thought it would be interesting, if not a good idea, to try rebuilding an album containing recordings from both officially released issues. And so I did! It was much easier than I thought it would be. In fact, I spent more time designing the cover for this one because I already had a clear idea of what I wanted in. So here's a mixture of brilliant peculiarities ("Smiley Smile") and the stunning and intricate production that Brian was working on before it became too overwhelming for him ("SMiLE Sessions"). 

PS: I believe the "20/20'"versions of 'Our Prayer' and 'Cabin Essence' are better, but then again this one began as a dispute over two albums.