Come anticipate Brian Wilson with me

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

So this is the thread where I ask who else is going to see Brian on the Smile tour (I'm going to RFH tonight) and any clues as to what kind of set he might play... like is he gonna do a bunch of other songs then Smile all the way through, like he did on the Pet Sounds tour?

― Mog, Friday, 20 February 2004 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

I still don't even know what exactly comprises 'Smile all the way through'

― Silly Sailor (Andrew Thames), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

It's a nice cheery slogan, tho.

― Silly Sailor (Andrew Thames), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:03 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm going on Tuesday with Mrs Tico Tico.

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Well, I'm supposed to go to tomorrow's gig but unfortunately, don't think it will be possible...
I don't think I will ever recover from having a brian wilson's gig ticket and not go ! (and by the way, I don't have a clue what a Smile concert is supposed to be ! I don't think Brian Wilson even remembers/knows what Smile should have been !)

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:24 (twenty-two years ago)

I suspect BW has a fairly clear idea right now what he thinks "Smile" is, though whether that bears much / any resemblance to what it might have been first time around is another matter. I bet Harvey
W already knows what he'll play.

I'm going tonight and again on Tuesday.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:26 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm going on Tuesday. Fancy meeting up beforehand for dinner/drinks Tim?

― marianna, Friday, 20 February 2004 12:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Tim isn't Mrs Tico Tico, in case anyone was wondering.

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Marianna: yes.

TT: it's the greatest tragedy of my life.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Well that's the whole point : are we interested by Smile as BW sees it now or by Smile as it was intended in the first place...
I'm not too convinced (almost scared actually) by BW's "taste", these days...

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:34 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm interested in both, and what may or may not have been intended thirty odd years ago is probably past any kind of speculation. I can barely wait to hear what they come up with tonight. The choice of songs at the last BW show I went to in London was pretty much impeccable I thought, including some unexpected bits like "Good Timing", so I'm relaxed about BW's taste.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 12:40 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm going tonight, and judging by the last two times we saw him do Pet Sounds his taste is pretty solid. His musical director and those musicians he surrounds himself appear to be very careful in keeping all the details without being too clinical or session muso about it. I can be unreasonably picky sometimes (e.g. getting annoyed at the Relapse era Jane's Addiction because Flea played the basslines with his fingers and not a pick Eric-style.) What I am curious about is how they are going to approach the more unfinished sounding tracks, leave them be or ignore them? One other thing, is there a knowlegable ILM bod who knows what the intended tracklist was going to be?

― mzui, Friday, 20 February 2004 12:59 (twenty-two years ago)

As for my doubts about the 2004 version of Smile is what is he gonna do of heroes & villains, for instance ? play the single version or the segmented version (bicycle rider etc.) ?

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 13:13 (twenty-two years ago)

I suppose we'll find out in a few hours.

The piece in the Guardian today seemed to suggest that BW had completed Smile with Van Dyke Parks and one of the Wondermints, but that they thought they'd turn it into a show first, then worry about putting together a finished recording. It seems to me that the people BW's working with now have a pretty decent understanding of his music as something more than the Mike Love model cars and beaches Beach Boys. Can't say fairer than that.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 13:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Ok, concerning the understanding of Smile, I agree that no one can be worse than Mr Love... Isn't he still touring as the Beach Boys now and then, by the way ?
I remember a very funny interview in which he was saying that what made Good vibrations a hit was his "I'm pickin up good vibrations...". funny guy...

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 13:41 (twenty-two years ago)

You purists will have to forgive me, but I'm ashamed to admit that among all the speculation over the running order and contents of Smile, my main concern is whether he's also going to play God Only Knows. Must be something to do with having two X chromosomes...

― Mog, Friday, 20 February 2004 13:45 (twenty-two years ago)

Curses, you've outed me as rockist filth. Sorry.

I bet they do play a set of hits, and I bet GOK is one of them.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 13:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, I guess they will play one part "hits", one part "Smile". Like on the Pet Sounds tour... (but as far as I'm concerned, I didn't really like the version of "God only knows" they did, then...)

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Last time I saw him they did Wonderful then straight into Sail On Sailer, I was nearly blubbing.

― mzui, Friday, 20 February 2004 14:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Wonderful is so great... (not the smiley smile version, though).
I'm also wondering how they're gonna play Surf's up... piano only or the whole orchestrated version...
So many questions : I can't wait to read this thread on monday ! (and I will be crying oceans tomorrow night when I will not be at the concert I had a ticket for... I am a cork in the ocean, indeed...)

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:44 (twenty-two years ago)

i'm just hoping he doesnt die before 6th march.

― Flotsam of the Fishfolk (Flotsam of the Fishfolk), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:53 (twenty-two years ago)

why would he !?

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:58 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't think he's planning to.

― mark grout (mark grout), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:59 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't think he plans anything !

― AleXTC (AleXTC), Friday, 20 February 2004 15:15 (twenty-two years ago)

he just turns up

― mentalist (mentalist), Friday, 20 February 2004 16:00 (twenty-two years ago)

It's gonna be great.

― harveyw (harveyw), Friday, 20 February 2004 16:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Tim: yes, I do already know what they're gonna play. I almost wish I didn't.

― harveyw (harveyw), Friday, 20 February 2004 16:20 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't know what they'll play and I also don't know whether I want to know or I want not to know. If you see what I mean. Pop music, eh?

Hopefully see you in a little while, H.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 16:34 (twenty-two years ago)

T & H, you could paid 47 quid less and gone to How Does It Feel To Be Loved. I know exactly what they'll play, because I've been before. Now That's What I Call Gurly Dickweed (with a bit of Northern Soul) Vol 1-3, featuring Therese, Pristine Christine, Seven Days Too Long...sorry, you've been before. You know, too.

― Canada Briggs (Canada Briggs), Friday, 20 February 2004 16:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Arf! Yeah, HDIF is rub now, innit?

Even so, I may well pop down later, depending on how euphoria-filled I am.

― harveyw (harveyw), Friday, 20 February 2004 17:09 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm faily sure I won't, although it sounds as though the company there would be triffic. North of the River? That time of night? I should blinkin' coco.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 20 February 2004 17:17 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm not too convinced (almost scared actually) by BW's "taste", these days...

I think Brian's always had questionable taste. If anything it's probably a lot better these days.

― maypang (maypang), Friday, 20 February 2004 17:20 (twenty-two years ago)

so how was it? I expected a full setlist to have been posted by now

― zebedee (zebedee), Saturday, 21 February 2004 15:46 (twenty-two years ago)

*bump and what zebedee said*

― zappi (joni), Saturday, 21 February 2004 19:45 (twenty-two years ago)

They were so blown away that all the audience can do is wibble.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 February 2004 20:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Anyone know if he's doing this in the US soon? I'm jealous.

― dean! (deangulberry), Saturday, 21 February 2004 20:36 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm seeing it up in Newcastle in 2 weeks' time; really looking forward to it, and i'll try to avoid 'spoilers', set lists etc. ;-)

― Tom May (Tom May), Saturday, 21 February 2004 21:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Some of my photos & friday's setlist at www.livejournal.com/users/small-circle.

Wibble.

― harveyw (harveyw), Monday, 23 February 2004 09:03 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes, wibble. Still.

― Tim (Tim), Monday, 23 February 2004 10:01 (twenty-two years ago)

i was at the RFH show on saturday. wibble!

― pete b. (pete b.), Monday, 23 February 2004 10:23 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm still anticipating.

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Monday, 23 February 2004 10:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Well... Friday night was pretty awesome. You'll have to get one of the completists to post a full setlist, but you'll be happy to know I did get my greatest song wish...

― Mog, Monday, 23 February 2004 10:52 (twenty-two years ago)

"Barbera Ann"?

― mark grout (mark grout), Monday, 23 February 2004 10:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Well, actually it was 'God Only Knows'... though 'Barbara Ann' may have feaured too... don't wanna give too much away for those who haven't been yet.

This is the post where I court controversy by saying that although it was an amazing, emotional and magical night - and 'Smile' was *fantastic* - it still didn't knock the Twilight Singers off the spot of best gig of the year so far...

― Mog, Monday, 23 February 2004 11:03 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes Ned, I'm certainly still wibblng about the Friday night gig, made all the more special by Van Dyke Parks sitting about 5 yards away! Cripes! What I'd forgotten about (since the last time I saw BW) is how emotional it all gets sometimes, becuase the melodies and words are childlike and beautiful most times, I really makes you a bit tearful. I won't put up spoilers for anyone as much as I'd like to rave about the gig, that's all it would be, a rave and therefore a bit boring to read. Suffice it to say that it was a special gig and already a happy memory.

― mzui, Monday, 23 February 2004 11:39 (twenty-two years ago)

I was there last night. A friend who was also at Friday's says that the set list was only slightly different. For those who don't know, the 1st segment features an Elvis 68 type group huddle. Acoustic versions of various bits and bobs. The band then fans out into the full ensemble for a couple more numbers. Interval then followed by the Smile piece (about 45 mins). Rounded off by full band versions of most of the remaining hits. Words fail me really. Oh, Kevin Shields was in the bar beforehand.

― Robert Moore (treble), Monday, 23 February 2004 15:22 (twenty-two years ago)

This all sounds like total HEAVEN. I hope he does the SMILE tour in the States.

― Jay Vee (Manon_70), Monday, 23 February 2004 16:02 (twenty-two years ago)

This sounds really interesting — BUT, I do have say that I'm not exactly holding my breath w/ him. His voice is pretty awful now and the sight of him sitting there with his facial stroke in front of a keyboard that's not plugged in doesn't exactly light me on fire (though I like the idea of the Elvis '68 thing).

Do I wanna hear his take on Smile? Hell, yeah — even if it is the Wondermints' take on it. I'd see it here in the States for sure. But still — I have my fear.

― Naive Teen Idol (Naive Teen Idol), Monday, 23 February 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

You Are All Bastards And I Hate You.

I missed out on tickets for Brian playing Bristol, mainly through prevaricating due to the price and the shiteness of the venue. I didn't feel so bad when I found out I was going to be in Glasgow next week anyway, so even if I had tickets I couldn't have gone.

Then I've read all week about how good it was at the RFH, not least from a friend mailing me privately about it. Multiple times. Then I found out there were still tickets on sale for Glasgow. When I'm there. Seat isn't anything special, but...

I AM NOW £60 poorer. I HATE YOU ALL.
But I will see Brian Wilson do SMiLE. I Love You All.

You bastards.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 16:33 (twenty-two years ago)

My god... that was bloody wonderful stuff. To see this live, as I did last night in Newcastle, left me in awe throughout. Was a staggering symphony of a piece... all fitted together beautifully. The band were majestic; bringing the original Smile genius to breathtaking life. Wilson himself; very understandable that his vocals are not what they were, but there were very moving moments. He seemed to deliver the ones with new lyrics with more gusto, as well as "Vegetables" and "You Are My Sunshine": "Barnyard" and "Holiday" were great fun.

"Fire" in its second movement was as powerful as anything I've heard live. Amongst an overall sense of epiphany, this and the movement from "Surf's Up" into "Child is the father of the man" moved me the very most.

― Tom May (Tom May), Sunday, 7 March 2004 23:01 (twenty-two years ago)

four years pass...

Getting very little ink here in NYC, but he's playing a free show in Coney Island tonight!

http://www.brooklynconcerts.com/seaside.html

― Dr Morbius, Thursday, 17 July 2008 15:16 (seventeen years ago)

c u there!

― gabbneb, Thursday, 17 July 2008 15:31 (seventeen years ago)

no, I'll let you hang on to your ego.

― Dr Morbius, Thursday, 17 July 2008 15:34 (seventeen years ago)

keep your tenny on

― gabbneb, Thursday, 17 July 2008 15:38 (seventeen years ago)

is he actually going on at 7? i'm trying to do this and prospect in one night

― gabbneb, Thursday, 17 July 2008 19:16 (seventeen years ago)

he goes on when Marty Markowitz shuts up, maybe by 9

― Dr Morbius, Thursday, 17 July 2008 19:21 (seventeen years ago)

do any reliable authorities know when he goes on?

― gabbneb, Thursday, 17 July 2008 19:25 (seventeen years ago)

enjoyability ranking of this evening's performances/venues:
1. Jerry Douglas at Prospect Park
2. s+b duo getting down on Soul Power in the Fulton St station
3. Brian Wilson at Asser Levy (5 songs - left after Heroes and Villains, which was nice)

― gabbneb, Friday, 18 July 2008 04:05 (seventeen years ago)

he did In My Room and God Only Knows, which was pretty much all I could ask (save for maybe I Just Wasn't Made for These Times)

― Dr Morbius, Friday, 18 July 2008 13:47 (seventeen years ago)

cool. maybe i was just hungry. i wasn't really feeling the audience/venue, tho, and someone didn't seem to always be singing in key.

― gabbneb, Friday, 18 July 2008 13:56 (seventeen years ago)

one year passes...

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-brian-wilson8-2009oct08,0,2518188.story Wilson to finish Gershwin songs

― curmudgeon, Friday, 9 October 2009 17:14 (sixteen years ago)

For many of those involved with the project, the prospect of one day seeing songs credited to "George Gershwin-Brian Wilson" borders on the enticingly surreal. "For me personally," Rosenberger said, "it's a weird dream come true."

― curmudgeon, Friday, 9 October 2009 18:01 (sixteen years ago)

eleven months pass...

DVD coming out in November

Brian Wilson "Songwriter 1962 - 1969" is a documentary film investigating the rich tapestry of music written and produced by this brilliant 20th century composer.

The songs Wilson wrote for and recorded with The Beach Boys during the 1960s are brilliantly re-assessed throughout the main DVD feature which runs over three hours in length across two discs.

There are exclusive contributions from fellow Beach Boys, Bruce Johnston and David Marks; Wrecking Crew musicians Carol Kaye and Hal Blaine; friend and Beach Boys manager Fred Vail; producers Russ Titelman and Bill Halverson; Wilson family friends Billy Hinsche and Danny Hutton, biographers Peter Ames Carlin and Domenic Priore and many others.

Also featured are historical musical performances and rare and classic recordings re-assessed by a panel of esteemed experts, and obscure footage, rare archive interviews and seldom seen photographs. Live and studio recordings of many Brian Wilson classics are also peppered in throughout the film.

― curmudgeon, Tuesday, 28 September 2010 18:02 (fifteen years ago)

So the Gershwin album is boringer than a really boring thing

― reallysmoothmusic (Jamie_ATP), Tuesday, 28 September 2010 18:29 (fifteen years ago)

It was kind of sad listening to him sing on a late-night tv talk show last week. I haven't heard the Gershwin album yet. May just stick with the DVD of the 'ol days.

― curmudgeon, Tuesday, 28 September 2010 18:36 (fifteen years ago)

three months pass...

I love the Gershwin album - only just heard it recently, not having known it was out yet (worst biggest fan ever). Wilson sounds on par, with a much better singing voice than on Smile, and you can tell there's a lot of reverance for Gershwin, despite it sounding very uch like a Beach Boys record.

― Bernard V. O'Hare (dog latin), Tuesday, 18 January 2011 12:36 (fifteen years ago)

Wow. I thought it was properly horrid.

― Alan Partridge Project (ithappens), Tuesday, 18 January 2011 13:29 (fifteen years ago)

I'm not that familiar with Gershwin's work, so that may skew my opinion.

― Bernard V. O'Hare (dog latin), Tuesday, 18 January 2011 14:24 (fifteen years ago)

five months pass...

happy birthday!

― Dominique, Monday, 20 June 2011 18:41 (fourteen years ago)

I got a special invitation to go listen to that Gershwin album with Bob Ludwig( who mastered it )but after hearing samples of it I didn't go

― coffeetripperspillerslyricmakeruppers (Latham Green), Monday, 20 June 2011 20:12 (fourteen years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.