Brian Wilson’s Grand Vision
In short, this is how Smiley Smile began. In 1966, Brian Wilson set out to create Smile, an album he called a “teenage symphony to God.” He wanted it to top Pet Sounds and redefine pop music. Teaming up with lyricist Van Dyke Parks, Wilson crafted songs full of vivid Americana, surreal lyrics, and intricate studio techniques.
The plan was ambitious. Wilson recorded Smile in fragments, intending to piece everything together later. The album’s sound featured everything from harpsichords and banjos to bicycle bells and celery crunching. But Smile never saw the light of day—at least not in its original form.
How Smile Fell Apart
The pressure mounted. Capitol Records wanted a quick follow-up to Pet Sounds, but Wilson’s experimental approach took time. Some Beach Boys, especially Mike Love, questioned the abstract lyrics and avant-garde direction. Meanwhile, The Beatles had Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on the horizon, adding even more pressure.
Paul McCartney’s Crunchy Cameo
During the Smile sessions, Paul McCartney dropped by the studio. He didn’t just watch—he grabbed a microphone and chewed celery and carrots for the song Vegetables. The moment reflected the playfulness Wilson and McCartney shared at their creative peaks.
The Birth of Smiley Smile
With Smile abandoned, The Beach Boys scrambled for a new album. Instead of finishing Wilson’s magnum opus, they retreated to his home studio and quickly recorded Smiley Smile. The shift was dramatic. The grand orchestration of Smile was replaced with sparse, quirky arrangements.
Key Tracks on Smiley Smile
- Heroes and Villains: A scaled-down version of Wilson’s intended Smile centerpiece.
- Vegetables: Now even more playful, complete with McCartney’s chewing sounds.
- Wind Chimes and Wonderful: Stripped-down, dreamlike versions of their Smile counterparts.
- Good Vibrations: The polished hit from the Smile sessions was left mostly intact.
Who Played What?
- Brian Wilson – Lead vocals, piano, organ, bass, production
- Carl Wilson – Lead vocals, guitar, bass, percussion
- Dennis Wilson – Drums, lead vocals, percussion
- Mike Love – Lead vocals, saxophone, tambourine
- Al Jardine – Lead vocals, bass, guitar, percussion
- Bruce Johnston – Backing vocals (uncredited)
- Paul McCartney – Celery and carrot chewing on Vegetables
- Session Musicians (The Wrecking Crew):
- Hal Blaine – Drums, percussion
- Carol Kaye – Bass guitar
- Lyle Ritz – Upright bass
- Al Casey – Guitar
- Don Randi – Piano, organ
- Jim Gordon – Drums, percussion
- Jay Migliori – Saxophone
- Tommy Morgan – Harmonica
The Album Nobody Expected
When Smiley Smile arrived in late 1967, fans were confused. Where was Smile’s grand vision? Critics gave mixed reviews. The album lacked the boldness of its predecessor, but it had a strange, hypnotic charm. Over time, that charm won people over.
The Long Road to Smile
For decades, Smile remained a myth. Bootlegs circulated, teasing fans with what could have been. In 2004, Wilson re-recorded the album as Brian Wilson Presents Smile. Finally, in 2011, The Smile Sessions gave listeners an official glimpse of the abandoned masterpiece.
Legacy of Smile and Smiley Smile
Had Smile been released as intended, it might have rivaled Sgt. Pepper in cultural impact. Instead, its legend grew from mystery and speculation. Smiley Smile, though a compromise, carved out its own cult following.
The Beach Boys’ story took many twists and turns, but one thing remained clear: Brian Wilson’s vision shaped music history in ways no one could have predicted, whether realized or lost.
Ed. Note: Be sure to check out other blog posts here where “magic” seemed to start in a studio and make it into the recording. Start with Jimmy Buffett’s “Volcano” and go from there!
Photo Credits
“Hang on to your ego, hang on, but I know that you’re gonna lose the fight” by dullhunk is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
“Carrots and Celery” by Honey Tee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Hal Blaines Drum Kit” by michaelwfreem is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
