The Beach Boys - Smile Sessions box set product review

[@NevilleGodwin]

It's not for the casual fan/listener. They can buy the CD/Album packs. This is for the real fans, who relish Brians production and so do want to listen to all the takes. I agree for the casual fan it is too much, but it's simply not made for them.

[@DummyYEEEAAHHHHH]

Well ya know it just wasn't made for these times 😉

[@pyramider5298]

If Smile would have been released in January 67 as intended, they'd have beaten Sgt Pepper to the punch by 6 months & probably would've delayed Pepper's release due to a Beatle rethink. Unfortunately, the opposite happened, Brian started second guessing himself, you know the rest.

[@VinylRewind]

Yup, and it pains me to think what could have been

[@damnitboy9635]

Sadly he was nowhere close to being done with SMiLE in Jan '67. Plus, say he had finished recording all the tracks by that time, the amount of extra time it would take to sequence and assemble the tracks would take forever considering they would have to "cut and paste" tape. Brian simply overwhelmed himself (on top of everything else going on around him at the time). It pains me because the Beach Boys should or would have been held in higher regard had things gone differently, but sadly after SMiLE had been shelved, and their last minute backing out of the Monterey Pop Festival, their momentum was gone virtually overnight, and people then saw them as a joke and largely ignored the band's next string of albums until Endless Summer in the mid 70's. Oh, what could've been...

[@Ratelzwatel]

Is there really a competition between 'Sgt. Pepper' and 'Smile'? If so, the early 1967 single 'Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane' already showcased what to expect. 'Sgt. Pepper' is more a conventional pop album. 'Smile' is more like 'The Days of Future Passed' (1967), by The Moody Blues.

[@barbarawebb7185]

DamnitBoy is that why Monterey Pop participant Grace Slick pays them no mind when asked?

[@ontrakmerchantservices9984]

I agree w/you & Vinyl Rewind. There is some beautiful work here, if only Brian had released Smile in 1967. The beauty of the Beach Boys is that they were NOT the Beatles - like the Stones, they offered something uniquely all their own. Great music from one of the greatest bands of the era.

[@Giggens]

Good review man! I would love to get a copy someday, as I have the 2 LP set, but the singles, book and everything else is just so cool.

[@lilysoryu3991]

The finished reconstruction of SMiLE in this set is one of my favorite albums of all time :)

[@dixielandfarm]

I have the 5 cds and the double vinyl album - I couldn't spring for the set - but what an AMAZING album and I am glad they spent the time making such a beautiful package; this album deserves it. Since this came out, I never visit my bootlegs anymore :)

[@VinylRewind]

never heard any of the bootlegs, I always wonder how stuff like that gets out

[@praxicoide]

Vinyl Rewind I have four bootlegs; two of them bought and two downloaded. It's crazy how different they sound depending o. how they are assembled. I don't mind the full sessions, but price is an issue. I really wish the singles were released separately, since they are beautiful and deserve a stand alone release.

[@stevenriddle22]

As a musician and a fan, I think the outtake extras are something "new and extraordinary " for it takes you inside the studio in the middle of the making. I think it's interesting for the fact it teaches me how a genius worked in the making of his creation. I think it's top notch and very well for learning and experience

[@1BKPictures1]

There's a more budget friendly 2 CD version of this as well. Good video!

[@roflol65]

absolutely incredible album. I own the 2LP version of it, but after watching this i might pick up the full boxset

[@BazookaToe]

I wish I could have bought 21 of them when it came out. 1 for myself and 20 as an investment. It’s crazy how much they sell for now.

[@poptardsplays924]

Geek, the production value of your videos is through the roof. Seriously professional quality stuff. Have you ever thought about doing a Pet Sounds/Sgt. Pepper Comparison? That'd be pretty sweet!

[@VinylRewind]

thank you. Actually, no I haven't. that's a good idea though

[@henrynursesings]

Vinyl Rewind please do smile Vs pet sounds

[@rafaelsantosx]

It's unfair, since Smile is still unfinished.

[@burlingtonbill1]

@@rafaelsantosx Compare Smile 2004 w/ PS then. It's finished.

[@williampowell6067]

Why does Brian’s box light up? I love this set! I love the outtakes. I sat and listened to every disc. This set it worth every penny.

[@youmalty]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the music as well some time. I hope the endless takes/sessions haven't put you off the actual music, which is mindblowing. I've never listened to the Pet Sounds sessions for the same reason. The album is perfect - why would you want to take it to pieces? But with Smile, it's the reverse - it only ever existed in pieces! Back in the day, I had a good quality bootleg of Smile for years. It stitched together tracks and had a few random outtakes and I was obsessed with it. Then eventually, Brian Wilson went back to the project and performed it live, which I saw and it was incredible. But even though he had finally finished it, what did I find myself doing? Going back to the bootleg! The magic of Smile isn't just the music that exists, but listening to it and thinking about what it could have been. I doubt I'll listen to the sessions very often, but it's great that it's all there officially now - an unfinished jigsaw for everyone to have a go at!

[@VinylRewind]

Never looked at it that way. I do intend to do a formal review with a little bit of Smiley Smile mixed in

[@DrakusRecords]

This is the biggest problem I have with bands releasing all these outtakes and endless versions of songs. It does, after awhile, dilute the quality of the music. It's very interesting stuff to study if you're a musician or music scholar, but to the average fan it takes away from the magic. I'm glad we finally got SMiLE though, that needed a release. It would have been cooler, though, if they replaced one of those outtakes discs with a finished version of SMiLE using those same sessions. But I suppose Brian considers his 2004 version of SMiLE to be the official finished version.

[@drifter402]

@@DrakusRecords the avarage fan won't listen to them so it's all good

[@sydglover4842]

@@VinylRewind What's your opinion on Smiley Smile?

[@TheBrickSpot]

I already put this number 1 on my list. I've never been so sure I've wanted something ever! I personally really enjoy the sessions and have already listened to all of them on KZbin. I'm also starting a project to make a full stereo mix of SMiLE and these sessions can be used to piece together most of the vocal and instrumental tracks. Great video Vinyl Geek!

[@Fic1999]

Here in Croatia, it actually costs about 160 dollars, but I really want it, I might buy it for Christmas.

[@TheBrickSpot]

Filip Obajdin If You like Brian Wilson's Work I would recommend it. I also see it as the closest thing out there to another Pet Sounds

[@VinylRewind]

that's really cool, I would like to hear the stereo mix

[@TheBrickSpot]

Vinyl Rewind I will upload it on my second channel "HeGivesMixes"

[@Barcik131]

The 2xLP version does contain the insert.

[@VinylRewind]

thank you

[@goldwaterproductions]

You should do a review of the Brian Wilson solo version of Smile from 2004. It's the entire album reworked, rerecorded and even more important, finished. All the songs that are incomplete in the Smile Sessions are complete, finished songs, and he even brings back a song he conceptualized back in 1967 but never put to tape. All in all, the album is amazing. Besides Brian's vocals not being what they used to be (considering he was 61 when the album was being recorded), it's definitely worth a listen. I would love to see a review of that.

[@Ratelzwatel]

Which song did he never put to tape in 1967? As far as I know, the 2004 Smile is entirely based on what was already recorded.

[@rafaelsantosx]

Great, but it lacks the other BB voices.

[@Ratelzwatel]

"Smile 2004" lacks the other Beach Boys voices, indeed, but I find the album and its voices strong enough to not really miss them very much. However, I do sorely miss the finished lyrics of 'Good Vibrations'. Using alternate lyrics seems to me like trying to avoid Love's lyrics for the sake of avoiding them.

[@rafaelsantosx]

Yes, I miss the final lyrics and also Carl's voice in Good Vibrations.

[@brianinglis3805]

I've never listened to Brian's Smile album because it's not "The Beach Boys" & his voice had gone by then. I like the Smile album released in 2012 because although unfinished it's the closest we will ever get to hearing the original Smile. From what I've read the 2012 version is a pretty faithful reproduction of the original intent with only one song lacking vocals that were never recorded. Pet Sounds had instrumentals on it so I'm not complaining about missing vocals.

[@liamkeane4214]

I went to purchase the box set today and realized I am never going to listen to all the tracks, I then purchased the two lp's which include the picture book. I think it is a much better move than purchasing the whole box set( which is still very cool)

[@nateuhrich1527]

One of the best purchases I've ever made

[@Ozznando]

This is my favorite box set. The outtake cd's are worth the price alone! The LP's and 45's sound incredible. If you are a fan of this album the Big box set is the way to go.

[@Agos226]

I disagree listening to Brian produce is like magic to me

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

Love the Capitol “ Rainbow” labels.

[@nicholasmartin793]

I got the CD version. If I remember correctly, it does come with the book (in a smaller size, of course). While I don't think the CD version has all the recordings this box set does, I do have to agree that having different recording sessions is a little monotonous, however, with the limited amount it does have, there is enough to get the idea without going overboard.

[@mikevieira8583]

I live near Santa Cruz, CA and used to be an avid surfer. One day, out at 41st St/Pleasure Point I had a really close call with a GWS. I paddled hard, caught the next whitewater break in and sold my board and wetsuit on the beach. I haven't swum in the ocean since. Maybe that is why I'm not keen on Beach Boys surf oriented albums. I love Pet Sounds because it's so raw and emotive. I also love random singles like Help Me Rhonda. It sounds like I need to give Smile a chance. I'm really enjoying your channel. :)

[@burlingtonbill1]

Interesting story, but you must remember that none of the BB actually surfed except Dennis. They got into car songs and girl songs after only a couple of early albums. "Real" surf bands like Dick Dale disdained them.

[@vincenzoverona7611]

SMiLE Sessions is a great album....

[@motherbrain86]

so much fun hearing the whole 6 discs last winter while working

[@LassePettersson-r8h]

Lucky enough to get one of the 10 signed deluxe box sets that light up and are signed by Brian Wilson. Amazing stuff.

[@mrmjb1960]

There was also a 10 Minute version too of Herors and Villains never issued using all the bits and Pieces of the sessions. There is aleo a 2CD set too.

[@HansonZhang-ri2lj]

"It lights up!" --- Brian Wilson

[@whiteshadow59]

i bought the 2 cd version boxset which i'm happy with. The only problem with cd boxset is it's slightly bigger than your average cd boxset

[@starshiptrooper7670]

Another great review. If your a student of Brian Wilson its worth it!

[@joesosa41]

I purchased the 2LP version from Amazon a few years ago and got the other five discs in in digital format available automatically in my account due to their digital copy system. It was a nice deal I didn't expect considering they had the best price for the 2LP set at the time and I can download as many times as I want.

[@alantrybom5794]

Awesome video, thanks for making it!

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

I know on the Pet Sounds sessions they had isolated vocals which I adored more than the album itself. Great album, but I totally get what you mean about the sessions if you're not into that sort of stuff.

[@VinylRewind]

I'm all for a documentary that pulls from the raw sessions and puts them in context, but to hear take after take, feels more like work than pleasure.

[@SuperAtlantis1]

Classic box. I have the 2 CD box. It comes with the booklet and poster, button.

[@areamusicale]

I wouldn't call it an album, but more a collection of song randomly played in different movement. In any case it is a great record and very easy to get into it. Mike Love hated it ! ... I don't like the Smiley Smile LP, which is supposed to be the best selection of tracks from the Smiley Session. For me, it misses out the beauty of the randomness of Brian's project. The best of all Smile is Wilson's 2004 remake.

[@burlingtonbill1]

I think you meant to say "HATED" rather than "heated." :-) It's funny to hear Mikey say in 2011 (or later on) that "Smile is GREAT music" when he HATED it back in '67 !

[@areamusicale]

@@burlingtonbill1 oops! :-P

[@kjuergens1985]

I knew I would regret not buying the light-up box set. Now it's going for $1,000+ on Discogs, last I checked. This album changed my life trajectory. And I do find it fascinating listening to the different iterations of the various compositions (I eventually bought the digital box set). Good Vibrations could have come out 20 different ways. But I'm not only a devoted fan, but also a composer/songwriter myself. So the bonus tracks have a lot of value for me that they don't have for the casual fan. But I also have to agree with you, that it can get monotonous. Lastly, another awesome thing about this release is that it gave skilled remixers so much material to work with; I actually prefer their reconstructions of the album over the one on CD 1. Rather than stringing the tracks together in an order reminiscent of Brian Wilson's SMiLE, they took other approaches in terms of the order of the tracks, the use of other takes, and in some versions the use of crossfades. But they couldn't have done that without this box set.

[@sjdrifter72]

I got the light-up box set in 2011. Paid over $700 for it. There is a video that was posted last year of a guy who also has one but said that it comes with batteries already included and if the box is left sealed the batteries would corrode and render the set unusable as far as the light-up feature is concerned. Regardless, I've kept mine sealed for all this time and feel it's more valuable that way since it also has Brian Wilson's signature on it.

[@TheMajorMaduro]

cool video! I bought The Box upon release and mainly listen to the sessions rarely going for the album itself, but I will spin it if I have company and we are in the mood for some Brian Wilson magic.

[@VinylRewind]

oh wow, anything from the sessions that really sticks out for you?

[@Jbones72]

Kenny Nielsen 2 The Surfs Up selections on disc 2 is worth the price of the album alone!

[@markcollins9903]

Got beach boy s dvd yesterday for£399 in hmv in Exeter Devon. Brilliant

[@joshua.tyrone]

I just bought what seems to be the last unopened copy of the boxset on Google from Japan for just under $300. I can't find anything about him reprinting it so if you have one hold on to it could be worth a fortune soon!!!

[@Jbones72]

I have the double LP & the deluxe edition iTunes version, that's enough for me. Almost finished Brian's autobiography, check that out too.

[@quinnspears3135]

Honestly, Pet Sounds and this box set were my very first Beach Boys possessions, everything else in the catalog came after these two things, I’m just so fascinated by the 65-67 period of there career, I have the same copy that you have here however I wish I could find one that has light up option… Lol. Is there a video of your review of the music and album itself.? I’m curious as to what you think of the album.! Cheers.!

[@elijahhernandez983]

I actually picked up the box set a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the track wind chimes got scratched so now I have to pick up the double lp to replace it because that's one of my favorite songs on SMiLE

[@Fic1999]

Just bought it for Christmas, little bit expensive but great album!

[@daryljspetz2967]

I enjoyed your video of The Beach Boys Smile Sessions Box Set i bought the vinyl album instead because the box set was too expensive so i was better off to buy the vinyl album it was a little cheaper thanks for posting it up and keep up the good work.

[@crunch1757]

Personally I prefer BWPS to the sessions. I think Brian's older voice fits it better, plus there's kind of tbe catharsis of it

[@michaelmattice4986]

Looks to me like all of that is totally worth $100...Especially considering hearing the music is priceless:)

[@johnsavala8202]

A must have.

[@matthewtarpley1497]

You sound like Bruce Johnston, from the Beach Boys.

[@chrishorton615]

Smile was Brian Wilson's Lifehouse.

[@OnionSavoya-gm6op]

I hate to sound like an idiot. But from what I understand 'Smile' was recorded but never released official. Yet a tracklist exists. The songs exist. My question: Did Brian Wilson design 'Smile' To be an album that fans put together for themselves? Like produce your own Beach Boys album.

[@TheReverantChoir]

i think they released a lot of the sessions material for fans to make their own mix

[@soaribb32]

I wish it came out before, it's sad.

[@josephgarcia2937]

I own the double lp, you should review the album, it's one of the best albums I've ever heard behind Pet Sounds and Revolver. Also you should review Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson, I picked one up at a flea market not long ago and I've really enjoyed it. Also I love your videos!

[@VinylRewind]

I will review this album. As far as Nilsson, I love tha album

[@Zelomeisterdude]

I was reading the reviews on Amazon, looks like the vinyl pressing of the 2LP set is not up to snuff, most of the reviews of the LPs I read are not positive. Lots of complaints about noise and hiss.

[@VinylRewind]

I didn't notice a lot on my first pass but I can check it out again.

[@Jbones72]

Zelomeisterdude mine is fine too, pick it up.

[@haroldbailey9011]

Just a heads up. All the songs are definitely in mono

[@markcollins9903]

I'm going to buy that

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

Loved it. Had it. Got destroyed in the tornado.

[@LucaFacciniBrit]

this is insane... i think I know my Christmas present now

[@VinylRewind]

awesome

[@jon4139]

Nice album. Recently picked up Endless Summer for $4 with the original poster insert. Found it strange that sides 2 and 3 are on the same record and side 1 and 4 are on the other, is this normal? Doesn't it make more sense to have it 1/2, 3/4? I've never noticed it on any other double LPs, what do you think?

[@VinylRewind]

Endless Summer is a great find for $4. That type of format is called an "Auto-Coupled Release". The reason for it is that record changers were very popular with most record buyers at this time and it was a convenience format. Basically you would stack record 2 ontop of record 1 and when record 1 finished playing, the player would automatically drop record two and start playing. Once that was finished, simply flip over both records and repeat. Needless to say, it's easy to understand why record changers were phased out by record players (turntables).

[@jon4139]

Thanks for the very informative answer, real interesting. Assuming I'm too lazy to swap it out more than once (and it is just a compilation anyway), is the ideal order 1-4-2-3 or 1-4-3-2 do you reckon

[@craigwillis4582]

+Vinyl Rewind can you please do a review on the Beatles White Album

[@VinylRewind]

working on it

[@VinylRewind]

I'd go 1-4-2-3

[@evanlanctot323]

I just picked up the 2-LP version. Saved myself so9me major ca$h!

[@markcollins9903]

I want that

[@pedrorocha9722]

Ain't it strange that on the back album photo the only guy missing is the master mind of the whole project? If I was he back then, I would have been saying «WTF, Capitol ??»

[@edwardscott2498]

I love your house

[@PeasGraveny]

Aw,man. If the outtakes aren't that interesting to you then give it to me!😁 But, seriously, if you don't find the session tapes very interesting then I think you're just not 'getting' it

[@PeasGraveny]

...I don't mean that as an attack or anything, you just prefer the (un)finished product but that's not enough for me.I want to hear everything that exists cos Brian was really on to something when he was putting Smile together and I feel able to tune into that something when I listen to any of the music he recorded from mid '66 to mid '67. That's why Smile has the reputation it has,because Wilson and Parks were tapping into stuff that was previously untapped and some of us feel that magic in the Smile music.That's why I'd love every single second of Smile tapes to listen to.

[@kenni123064]

Beach boys smile is a pure genius have a record and yes Brian Wilson did have a nervous break down why because he wasn’t afraid to cross boundaries him and van Dyke Parks along with Brian‘s close friends created a very very special album that isn’t within this universe this album cannot compare with anything there is not one Beatles record that Can even come close to this record this album is a genius sent from the heavens above what can I say I’ll take the beach boys any day over the Beatles. I don’t get it you wouldn’t like to be a fly on the wall in the studio of the most famous unreleased record ever in the history of music I disagree it would be so interesting especially if you’re a musician or a producer Brian took this record beyond limits I would love to find out all the secrets there’s only gives you a glimpse of the tracks and the sessions it’s a balance and a small sample of what it took to make this great record

[@michaelpage2245]

Could you review Fuzz-Fuzz

[@VinylRewind]

added to my list

[@reraoriharhoaifbkoasfbfef]

insane

[@Nathan-dj9oo]

Where can I get your chair?

[@VinylRewind]

Real ones are pricey, but if you search Eames chair, you'll be able to find a replica

[@karroketo]

Amigo, box sets are for nerds, and nerds love to listen the 20 versions of Good Vibrations, I wish the book had more info though, the singles are a waste for me .... Packaging is quality paper.

[@PaulinaAngel]

I'm sorry, but I bought it for my birthday back in 2011 when it came out, and it is the best box set I've ever bought. I think you are totally wrong with your review, considering that you fail to mention some stuff in the box set that are actually historic. I need to make a video that rebutted this video. Sorry but I'm going to have to dislike this video

[@samb8689]

Ruins the magic? Lmao

[@rjpg]

Review is a joke. He says NOT a music review, then says MUSIC is monotonous. The shadow box is a PLUS.