Brian Wilson - Make Of "Smile", solo version. XXI

[@ChazWick4]

I can't believe I haven't seen this footage. It's like Brian in the mid-60's all over again, directing the studio musicians and bringing his songs to life. Look how happy he is

[@Grayham4]

Hes having so much fun just like pet sounds XD

[@Grayham4]

Casper Jean Rimbaud That doesn't mean he wasn't also totally goofing off

[@Mozart1220]

He had a breakdown long before Pet Sounds. That album was the therapy.

[@sclerismockrey8506]

@ His first panic attack 'breakdown' was two years BEFORE Pet Sounds. During the Pet Sounds sessions he was fine, alert, strong, in charge, happy and emotionally together. You hear it in his comments and directions and joking around all through the PS sessions tapes, and in the interviews and memories of everyone who took part. His real mental breakdowns came during and after the SMiLE sessions. Watching this really does remind me of his attitude and happiness we have on tape during the PS days.

[@psychedelicpiper999]

@@sclerismockrey8506 He was having a good time during most of the SMiLE Sessions, too. You can hear it on the tapes. Towards the end, he had a breakdown, after Mike Love started giving him crap, and the Fire sessions.

[@chipurBillWhite]

“I was born scared.” He said it tongue in cheek, but it really says it all. Ask anyone struggling with an emotional/mental disorder.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

I understand that statement/sentiment all too well. I know exactly what he meant. I just wish I was even a tiny fraction of the genius that he is.

[@Skizze37]

"God, there's so many parts to this damn song."

[@tombranson9341]

The scene @15:51, when Brian closes his eyes and listens to the harmonies, he looks like he went back to the '60's, to a blissful, quiet, peaceful place in his life, past all the trauma. You just look into is mind, and see that he is having a flashback of Carl, Dennis, Al, Bruce and Mike doing those harmonies in exact duplication, perfect... and tears to my eyes.

[@jerrileegeorge7385]

Mine too!

[@FranklinCrew]

This is the happiest I've seen Brian in modern age

[@volkswagginnn]

"Right tf on" -Brian Douglas Wilson LOL!

[@archdukeofsynth]

Still bitching about individual string ensemble players not being loud enough almost 40 years later. What an ear, amazing.

[@Blinki18284]

Wow. Brian really had a great rebirth in the 90s and 00s. I always wondered if he really played a big role in the re-recording process of Smile or if he was just "the face" and it was his great band that actually did it, but Brian seems to be in full charge here. I feel so happy for him. :)

[@SceneComparisons]

Darian Sahanaja did everything. No wonder all the takes are perfect and Brian just move on. The band must've worked endless only to come in the studio and nailed and make Brian happy.

[@deborahsuewho]

@@SceneComparisons And that these young folk weren’t here when it all happened back when. I am so touched by their respect and dedication. Brian obviously felt very safe with these kids and it touched my deeply. I urge everyone sure to see this entire doc if you haven’t and you’ll better understand what I’m trying to convey.

[@goldwaterproductions]

@@SceneComparisons well they had being touring on the album for two months prior to the first day of recording, so yeah maybe Darian made sure they came to the sessions ready to go, but they already knew the music by heart basically at that point

[@paulamiles9559]

He did it...with Melinda and his wonderful band. Jimmy Hines, Nelson Bragg, Jeff Foskett, Nick Waluska, Darian Sahanaja, Probyn Gregory, Scott Bennett , Paul von Mertens and Bob Lizak. And Taylor Mills on vocal . Anyone who wants to be snarky( " Brian and his ' enablers'") should see this.

[@paulamiles9559]

And Taylor Mills on vocal

[@FranklinCrew]

brian cussing is phenomenal

[@Grayham4]

Brian loves heroes and villains so much :) i love how exited he is and he still has that amazing specific hearing

[@Mozart1220]

My favorite song of alltime, and all I'd heard was the "Smiley Smile" version

[@yoblol]

@@Mozart1220 Smile Sessions version is way better but you do you

[@kylev938]

pretty sure comment above was saying his fav song wasn't even the best version of said song...

[@Ruskefaen]

Brian is in such a good mood here. It's a joy to see!

[@NOWtheband]

"I was scared, obviously. I was born scared" ;-)

[@gigid9606]

but we all are, we all arent just so honest about it. But we are all born scared.

[@NOWtheband]

@@gigid9606 - Possibly but I can't remember whether I was or not, so I can't definitively say that I was as you seem able to. ;-) Jah!

[@wendyjones6077]

I love the confidence he has in the studio. Of course, it is well earned. He should spend a lot of time in the studio. It seems to be so good for him.

[@magnusloven2041]

7:19 he's so pure almost making me cry

[@DanHarrisonKing]

15:49 He finally got to make his masterpiece

[@MrKennyBones]

It’s like all the memories are coming back to him in this very moment. Absolutely incredible

[@SceneComparisons]

I loved every second of this

[@bluesun694]

Recently watched the movie Love and Mercy, and I am so impressed with Brian Wilson....what a musical genius! He's dealt with mental illness, child abuse.....He is endearing! So humble and such a very sweet , talented man! I'm from a younger generation and never paid much attention to The Beach Boys before...have always liked their music, but now I love it! okay....feel like I've been living under a rock -- Pet Sounds is so amazing! Can't stop listening & am definitely going to get the album! :D p.s. Love Smile, too!

[@jerrileegeorge7385]

With the videos, movie replays, newer versions of so many hits, I have also been sucked back in for the first time. Oxymoron! 60+/-years since I fell in love with them - I was pulled into Disco in the 70's/80's and recently I'm hearing the 'everything old is new again' revival tours with the amazing igniting of Brian!! I just turned 69 and I'm a groupie again! ❤ Keep smiling Brian!

[@ReeseChown]

He finally did it, a historic achievement. The first time around, recording stalled from Brian hearing voices and he started eating crazy food and getting high. He took the record that nearly broke him and kicked its ass. Long live Brian Wilson

[@manfredschmidt9872]

Watching Brian working in studio is so much inspiring...

[@fschmiechen]

This is fantastic. Brian on top of his game. Can't believe it.

[@jakesnake66]

At this point in his life this is a miracle! He's been through physical and emotional abuse from a demented father, the heights of fame, being labeled a genius, having it all crash down, years of debilitating mental illness, drugs, obesity, crooks and hangers on, tragedies and heartbreaks...hell the guy never could hear very well (thank you Murray)...yet here he is not just existing but creating...even that old voice is still beautiful. The man is music incarnate. He really is. He's literally a living embodiment of musical brilliance. NOTHING has been able to take it all away.

[@mumbles215]

I am so grateful I got to see him. Right around the time you posted this lol.

[@DomPatek]

One of the rare occasions of Brian being absolutely normal.

[@mbrenner3629]

Brian was always normal. It's the drugs that were abnormal!

[@pennyenicks7905]

The studio is his most comfortable place. He know what he wants and he know show to do it.

[@randalclarke5487]

Indeed, he seemed zombified on the last few tours. Obviously he is in his element in the studio. Sad his wife makes him tour

[@matthewrider5906]

Was glad to see that Brian actually did produce this, too!

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

Define "normal". I, for one, am thankful that Brian is not cookie-cutter normal and travels to the beat of his own drum. Fuk normal.

[@jasonmeza9500]

Genius at work. Still alive still brilliant.

[@jerrileegeorge7385]

While watching, I had goosebumps thinking of how Carl would have loved to witness the magic they used to bring Smile to life. Carl had faith in Brian and tried to be there to support him. I hope he was able to witness this! Both he and Dennis would be so proud!

[@christiandigennaro9436]

BRIAN.....ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIAN AND SONGWRITER OF ALL TIME!!

[@billcowie]

Fascinating insight into the master at work. 35 years after his "peak" he still brings positivity, humor and an exacting discipline to the execution of his art

[@mike8903]

I used to wonder just how involved Brian is when he's producing in his later years....this has been amazing to see him leading the way just like always

[@sugarbabygirl22]

This is just fantastic. Thank you so much for posting. It's incredible to see Brian pick up right where he left off in the 60's. It's almost like no time had passed. Brilliant.

[@disappointmentpotato9408]

That's the most Brian Wilson thing he could have said "I have a feeling this is gonna be a good session, the energy is just right today"

[@magneto7930]

Once a genius, always a genius!

[@mickstanding5311]

brilliant is the only word to describe this cat incredible ear.

[@jaggass]

He has the ears of a dog.

[@1401minstrel]

And it's just one ear, too! Brian only has 6% hearing in his right ear. It amazes me that perhaps the most masterful record producer ever has never heard anything in stereo. He used to have Carl assist him with stereo mixes, until Carl took over production duties on his own for some albums.

[@DenkyManner]

Incredible. Most impressive to me is how he can hear every individual part and when there's a problem he instantly knows what the fix is.

[@Blend42]

And there he is, producing! This is great footage of Brian in charge!

[@burpreynolds3250]

I love to see Brian in his element enjoying himself. God bless him.

[@impalaman9707]

At 0:57---I LOVE that vintage mid-60s guitar sound Jeffrey is getting. Reminds me of the sound Carl got from his Rickenbacker in the same era

[@dannyd1572]

Brian, you are so underrated. I'm not into the Beach Boys, so I can say this with a non-biased perception. Just a wonderful genius. I hope someday you will be celebrated and revered as one of the greatest producers, songwriters, mixers, of all time. Hugs to you Brian.

[@neldinsky]

Brian is known worldwide as a genius so....not underrated. His story is been made into several movies, there are several books about him, several DVD's, tons of records, Brian is revered by his peers as the Mozart of rock. not underrated. N

[@machia-mw1lm]

This highly introspective and artistic work is just another piece of Brian Wilson who is at ease here with his music. Happy for him that he found peace on earth.

[@sclerismockrey8506]

16:11 to 16:20 or so... is the artist in true form, hearing the music in his head now existing outside his head... and just diggin' it. I love it.

[@BBPalmer420]

that's a great feeling no doubt. Very hard to get there

[@sweetdiva32]

He looks like he’s getting emotional and almost crying about it, but it’s in a happy way. Brian is so adorable and bless his heart ❤️

[@et2petty]

I love seeing Mr. Brian, listening, to the different performances, and instruments, and singing. He immediately hears what works and what possible was off, even slightly. And most of all, the positive, encouraging vibe, yet, leading the sound correction when necessary. At 6.52 the wonderful percussionist, Nelson Bragg !!!!! And Markus Sandlund, Cellist, sadly was lost jn the 2005 Thailand tsunami RIP

[@andrewmartinez9158]

I love this. It definitely exemplifies how much of a perfectionist Brian is. However, he’s not mean about; in fact, he’s very encouraging. I’d still be so intimidated by working with a genius like Brian Wilson, though.

[@lowenbad]

I couldn’t believe when this dropped in 2004. I bought it on vinyl the week it came out. Still play it about once a month.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

This was such a great period in Brian’s life and career. The early to mid oughts. The joy seen here is so genuine, and quite palpable. When this man is firing on all cylinders, mountains move and the earth shakes. Beautiful things result. Brian Wilson is a gift to the human race.

[@cosmicdrifter287]

brian is on fire here! and those wondermints really can play!

[@Ncp2666]

this humble genius touches my heart like no other artist. such great footage! ❤

[@kako1023]

Kirill ,Thanks for sharing my favorite ICON.. I love Brian and he is so brilliant and wish I can hug him.

[@retrowb3982]

Love, Brian. Simply brilliant.

[@jerryh.9812]

So heart-warming to see Brian both happy, and amazingly talented still!

[@AVPROJECT1]

Amazing video!!! Here Brian is so brilliant....I would like to see more of back "stage" recording session. Thank you to published it.

[@veritasuno3304]

shooting "all that footage"... was worth it !

[@quicksite]

Astonishingly uplifting to see Brian in the saddle producing, totally on game, thrilled to be collaborating with studio musicians reproducing his sounds.

[@lisden6683]

4:50 I bet this brought back bad memories for Brian because of that whole tape

[@jacqueshenry267]

Interesting (and very satisfying) to see how Brian is much more implicated in the process than in Beautiful Dreamer Documentary. The studio is his true instrument.

[@goldwaterproductions]

Seeing Brian in his element producing a great album is so magical to watch.

[@tbbb2]

This guy is in a world of his own when he's in the studio.......it is amazing to see that mind working......first of all developing this music, and second, being able to get the players to understand what he wants. Incredible!

[@mumbles215]

This is pure gold.

[@withgoddess8300]

I love him.

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

This is good....really good.

[@irenegewinner8193]

Brian in charge...sweet.

[@Grayham4]

Oooo i love the horns in wind chimes

[@StefanoBova]

Man , just a hint of Brian’s old falsetto was so touching and beautiful in the vegetables session.

[@sash7551]

What an amazing director so encouraging so positive who wouldn’t want to play for him…. Total genius so clearly obvious

[@JohnNoirSmith]

I'm so happy he actually made some finalized version of SMiLE

[@Javier23gol]

RIP Jeff Foskett

[@JoshHumble]

It's emotional seeing Jeff and Nick seated together in the beginning playing parts - both gone way too soon.

[@paulamiles9559]

​@JoshHumble it makes me want to cry. Jeff worked really hard with the hospital in Houston to extend his life as long as he could.

[@Joe-z6o]

Ahhh shit! He died? No way. Darn

[@likesnoozn]

So glad I saw Brian perform this great piece of work at Jones Beach Theater, NY in ‘05. A perfect evening.

[@Wolfsky9]

Hands-down, BW's band was THE most talented group ever.----------EVER.------------vocally & with the incredible instrumental talent, his band was untouchable. ---------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o

[@cherriphelps0108]

Amazing! Thank u for this!

[@amandagay7830]

"That sounds bitchen" and I'm back in 1960s LA again! (We don't say that in London) Fantastic film!

[@surfcollector]

And don’t forget, this dude is deaf in one ear. Amazing

[@julieannemichelle]

I was thinking that exact same thing.❤

[@acb9896]

He picked up a single string in a wash of a quarter symphony ensemble... With ONE seventy year old bloody ear. Foskett is his secret weapon but he still is just amazing.

[@Mozart1220]

His voice held out better than McCartney's, but Brian hasn't toured constantly since 73.

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

Except Brian kinda damaged his voice in the '70s from all the drugs and cancer sticks he was consuming (it's most apparent on _15 Big Ones_ and _Love You_ ), as did Dennis. He was able to work his way back, but it was never again what it was in the '60s. Paul's voice has really only started giving out in the last decade or so, IMO.

[@tomevans5838]

Paul can still sing in the original key of his songs.

[@theretrogamer14]

If Paul didnt stop touring for a moment in 2005 he would probably be sounding just as good as he did back then

[@mrs.featherbottom5901]

unfortunately both of them lost the expressiveness in their voice, but Brian has it the worst

[@Kiekhaefer6]

Incredible.

[@LightsPersonalAcc]

I know some people say his current wife is ‘manipulating’ him to do more and more stuff, but I really don’t think that’s true. I mean, just in this video, you can see he’s comfortable doing more work and how engaged he is. And why wouldn’t he be? I would be thrilled too if I was in my late years and I get to finish something that meant so much to me, after decades passed, with great young musicians who are fans of my work. Now, I do think it could be true that he’s easily influenced and that’s why he’s doing so many shows. He’s 80 now, with back problems, still doing tours, which, I really hope he retires pretty soon, for his own health’s sake. But I’m glad to know that, at least this 2004 version of SMiLE, was definitely what Brian wanted, and that he was in full control of it.

[@ReeseChown]

I agree with you, I don't see any of his wife's influence here. This is the real Brian Wilson in top form. All the drugs, booze, weight and illness never defined him, he is his music and vice versa. He knew he had to finish this album. The first sessions stalled and he went insane, this was a triumphant achievement.

[@jerrileegeorge7385]

And chose to work so hard and dig into himself so deeply. He was clearly NOT manipulated. Actually, seemed like his wife was the only person who encouraged him and reminded him of how important this was. Never took credit for her part in it!

[@mrs.featherbottom5901]

This footage is so precious

[@DJMDHertzel]

Fantastic!

[@friedrich.-2302]

16:35 PERFECTO!! :D

[@Roundtablewithdrew]

Thank you for this!!!

[@EltonBeatles]

I can see why the Wrecking Crew loved to work with him.

[@AntheaCarson]

Amazing to listen to each individual section in isolation

[@SeahorsesJay]

I have the DVD and I don't remember seeing any of this? I'm stunned...

[@sterylmeryl]

thanks for posting..can you post the rest?

[@MichaelHattem]

15:35 - 15:50... fantastic.

[@ms8596]

F'ing A amazing watching Brian work on Smile in '03/'04. Imagine what it would have been like in '66/'67. No dissenting voices though during the latter period.

[@impalaman9707]

I'm a big fan of the bass harmonica---I think it has a cool buzzy sound

[@josmith6306]

Brian Wilson was way ahead of his time. At 4:20, the sounds are eerily similar to that futuristic sound created by the Beaver Brown band's Season In Hell (Fire Suite) track for the 1983 Eddie and The Cruisers soundtrack.

[@toastyplatters70]

@6:50 ComPLEtely in the zone :)

[@jaggass]

I bet Vege-tables was the hardest to make. The percussion is very complex on it.

[@saltedpork461]

They completely blew through the celery budget.

[@animefinn]

12:19 did he think he was conducting Leon Russell for a second?

[@DeanandLisa1803]

15:48 🙂

[@bullseyecello]

15:46 👍🏽👍🏽

[@Wormhive]

Best moment 12:51

[@zacthesnacdavidson]

12:59/16:57 It's so goofy to hear Brian swearing lmao

[@LightsPersonalAcc]

There’s a clip of him saying “my horse would be so bitching up here” in the Pet Sounds sessions, where he suggests he brings a horse to the studio

[@felippepompeo]

a fucking genius.

[@gobrewersgo7547]

Imagine if Carl had still been alive. I think he would've worked right alongside Brian on this project and both would've loved it.

[@Guyzo997]

was this included on the BWPS DVD? I don't remember seeing it there

[@NOWtheband]

+Guyzo997 - i think it's an extra feature on DVD

[@Mozart1220]

It's not on MY DVD.

[@neilpye6089]

It's a double dvd with beautiful dreamer

[@allenjones3130]

Yes.

[@rapgen5805]

1:52 what instrument is this?

[@danmclachlan2042]

A bass harmonica!

[@allenjones3130]

SMILE was recorded and issued in 2004.

[@Vinyl_guy]

I could see him struggling a little bit during the fire session, but he overcame it and owned it

[@joelvesterstrom776]

What doc is this from? I need more!

[@JoshHumble]

This is AMAZING. This isn't on the SMiLE 2004 DVD is it?

[@Cream_Cream_Cream]

13:00 i didn’t think Brian would use F word😂

[@allenjones3130]

He's been using it for years!

[@Cream_Cream_Cream]

@@allenjones3130 Badass!!!

[@Vinyl_guy]

16:57 “right the fuck on”

[@kako1023]

To the thumbs down your mind is blank.