SMiLE 1972: The Road Not Taken

Artist	The Beach Boys
Released under	The eckoes collection (2022–2023)
Format	Double LP, full stereo
Runtime	1 h 25 min
Revision	Rev. C
Download link	MEGA (WAV + PDF + cover art)

Background

In 1967, "SMiLE" was conceptualized by Brian Wilson as a groundbreaking concept album, intended as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Pet Sounds." This ambitious project was designed to break away from traditional pop conventions, incorporating elements of psychedelia, intricate vocal harmonies, and unconventional song structures. However, due to creative challenges, internal tensions within the band, and external pressures, "SMiLE" was shelved, and The Beach Boys released the simpler "Smiley Smile" in its place. The original "SMiLE" sessions became legendary among fans, representing an unrealized masterpiece that showcased Brian Wilson's innovative musical vision.

Over the years, The Beach Boys revisited the "SMiLE" material. In 1971, Carl Wilson and band manager Jack Rieley retrieved the multi-tracks from Capitol's vaults, with Brian reluctantly joining efforts. Although they worked on repairing and splicing the tapes, the full realization of "SMiLE" did not come to fruition. In 1972, Carl Wilson announced the imminent release of "SMiLE," claiming that safety copies had been assembled with new vocals overdubbed. However, this release never materialized, leaving fans with a lingering sense of anticipation and curiosity about the lost album.

Content

Imagining the potential outcome had "SMiLE" been released in 1972, this conceptual effort by Carl Wilson, titled "SMiLE: The Road Not Taken," serves as a thematic compilation reflecting on Brian and Carl Wilson's state of mind during the "SMiLE" era and its aftermath. Drawing from material spanning 1966 to 1972, released and unreleased, the compilation aims to provide a cohesive narrative and musical journey.

Disc 1 of "SMiLE: The Road Not Taken" comprises the closest approximation of a "SMiLE" LP based on what was completed by 1972. It features tracks that capture the essence of Brian Wilson's original vision. Disc 2, on the other hand, takes a more imaginative approach. Side C of the second disc creates a sonic representation of a therapeutic journey through the ocean, capturing the ebb and flow of emotions. Side D portrays the peaceful transition into a dreamlike state, symbolized by someone falling asleep next to their loved one, eventually drifting into an uninterrupted dream until the end of life. This dual-disc compilation serves as a speculative exploration of what could have been, combining the historical "SMiLE" material with an original thematic storyline. Everything is in stereo.

Sequencing Logic

In crafting this imaginary double album, "SMiLE 1972: The Road Not Taken," several considerations guided the tracklist to ensure a cohesive and engaging listening experience. One primary objective was to maintain a balanced runtime for each side, allowing the listener to immerse themselves fully in the stereo soundscapes of each track. By strategically sequencing the chosen versions in a specific order, Side A and Side B both approximate a similar duration, fostering a sense of symmetry and completeness.

The decision to exclusively feature stereo mixes aligns with the intention to offer a comprehensive stereo experience. Every track, carefully curated for this 1972 what-if scenario, is presented in this format, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate details and spatial dimensions of the music. Given the evolving nature of Brian Wilson's vision between 1966 and 1967, the 1972 perspective offers a speculative approach, acknowledging the myriad changes and uncertainties that characterized the original "SMiLE" sessions. This creative interpretation recognizes that the 1967 release was elusive, making any reconstruction an exercise in wishful thinking.

The inclusion of "Cool Cool Water" on Side A, derived from the Love To Say Dada lineage and serving as the closing track for the Sunflower album, adds a fitting touch to the imagined "SMiLE 1972." This choice underscores the idea that, had "SMiLE" been released in 1972, it could have incorporated material from subsequent Beach Boys albums. Despite some missing vocals on "Do You Like Worms" and "Child is the Father Of The Man," the overall completeness of the chosen pieces aligns with the vision of a 1972 Carl Wilson navigating the intricate jigsaw puzzle of session tapes without Brian's direct involvement. The deliberate structuring of the album, with "Cool Cool Water" and "Surf's Up" serving as side closers, and "Good Vibrations" and "Heroes and Villains" as side openers, forms a thematic "SMiLE sandwich," contributing to the conceptual flow of this speculative sonic journey.

A key aspect of the album's flow is the intentional sequencing that enhances thematic connections between tracks. For instance, the transition from "Do You Like Worms" to "Cabin Essence" capitalizes on the train whistle-like conclusion of the former, seamlessly leading into the latter's evocative sound design reminiscent of a train journey through America. Additionally, the strategic placement of "Child Is the Father of the Man" before "Surf's Up" reinforces thematic continuity, as the former is creatively reimagined as a coda in the latter. These choices contribute to a rich and coherent narrative, demonstrating the imagined 1972 approach while navigating the intricate legacy of the original "SMiLE" sessions.

Tracklist

Side A (21 minutes): SMiLE 1972 - The Main Sessions, pt.1

1. "Our Prayer"
   Source: Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version. Featured on the compilation "Made in California".
2. "Heroes And Villains"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "The Smile Sessions".
3. "Roll Plymouth Rock"
   Source: Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version. Featured on the compilation "Sound of Summer".
4. "Cabin Essence"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version. Edit: Synchronization of Clean Vocals from the 20/20 stereo mix via MS encoding + Stereo Backing Tracks and partial Stereo Vocals from the Smile Sessions.
5. "Fire"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions with Smiley Smile vocals. Edit: Incorporates Stereo Instrumental Session and Burning Wood sound effects from Smile Sessions box set, vocals extracted from Stereo Smiley Smile.
6. "Cool Cool Water"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Sunflower".

Side B (21 minutes): SMiLE 1972 - The Main Sessions, pt. 2

1. "Good Vibrations"
   Source: Stereo Mix of Smile Sessions version, mainly from the "Sound of Summer" compilation, with Hmm-Dee-Dum and Extended outro from Smile Session box set spliced in.
2. "Wind Chimes"
   Source: Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version. Featured on the "Sound of Summer" compilation.
3. "Vega-Tables"
   Source: Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version. Featured on the compilation "Made in California".
4. "Wonderful"
   Source: Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version by fanmixer @soniclovenoize.
5. "Child is the Father of The Man"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version.
6. "Surf's Up"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Surf's Up" with Carl Wilson on lead vocals.
7. "You're Welcome"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix of the Smile Sessions version.

Side C (21 minutes): SMiLE 1972 - The Extended Journey, pt. 1

1. "Diamond Head (Part 1)"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Friends". Edit: First half only fading out before the noisy bridge.
2. "Little Pad"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Smiley Smile". "Workshop Session" sound effects added in second verse.
3. "Old Man River"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix from the compilations "Made in California" and "I Can Hear Music". Edit: Acapella Intro followed by Alternate Version band version + Alternate Version Track to cover-up bridge conversation.
4. "Let The Wind Blow"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix of versions from the Sunshine Tomorrow compilation. Edit: Wild Honey Stereo Mix w/ No Fade Out / Clear Cut ending edit made with Session Highlights Instrumental.
5. "Country Air"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix of versions from the Sunshine Tomorrow compilation. Edit: Wild Honey Stereo Mix w/ No Fade Out / Clear Cut ending edit made with Track And Background Vocals.
6. "Lonely Days"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix from the compilations "Hawthorne, CA" and "Sunshine Tomorrow". Edit: Hawthorne mix + Alternate Version ending.
7. "Trombone Dixie"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the "Pet Sound Session" boxset. Edit: Stereo Backing Track shortened for a clean ending.
8. "Tune X"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "The Smile Sessions".
9. "Whistle In"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Smiley Smile".
10. "Diamond Head (Part 2)"
    Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Friends". Edit: Second half only fading out when the ukulele starts playing.

Side D (21 minutes): SMiLE 1972 - The Extended Journey, pt. 2

1. "With Me Tonight"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Smiley Smile". Edit: Edited-out studio comment.
2. "I Went To Sleep"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "20/20".
3. "Feel Flows"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix from the album "Surf's Up". Edit: Vocals extracted and recentered + bad edit fixed.
4. "All I Wanna Do"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix from the album "Sunflower". Edit: Vocals extracted and recentered.
5. "Big Sur"
   Source: Custom Stereo Mix from the compilation "Feel Flows". Edit: Cleaned up the original 1970 rough mix.
6. "All This Is That"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the album "Carl and the Passions - So Tough".
7. "Til I Die"
   Source: Stereo Mix from the compilation "Feel Flows". Edit: Extended version identified as "(Long Version With Alternate Lyrics)".

Credits

Made in 2022-23 by eckoes. Strictly non-profit. Enjoy

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