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New Video and Tour is Spreading Good Vibrations! A Kweevak.com DVD Review by Laura Lynch Brian Wilson is the legendary arranger, performer, producer and writer for The Beach Boys. Brian has penned numerous number one hits and many of his songs are cherished as classics. Mr. Wilson was also an important part of the musical revolution that took place in the mid-sixties. Brian and other artists such as The Beatles were elevating rock to a more cerebral and complex level.
In 1966, The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds was considered a masterpiece with its multi-layered, inventive arrangements and astute lyrics. Many reflect on it as "the great American pop album." As the rest of The Beach Boys toured playing the "surf music" that they were so well known for, Mr. Wilson was in the studio building on the momentum of Pet Sounds. Brian teamed up with Van Dyke Parks, a visionary composer and many talented musicians to expand upon his complex musical visions. Yet, stress and strain would lead to the abandonment of the much anticipated record. In subsequent years, Brian would deal with psychiatric problems and little musical output. In 1995, Brian married Melinda, his loving and supporting wife. Slowly, Mr. Wilson returned to his passion – music. The idea of finishing Smile grew from the seeds of touring where a few songs from the Smile period were considered. Brian was surrounded by top-rated professional musicians who rallied around him and were passionate about the completion of the 1966 masterpiece. After months of rehearsals and organizing the complex material, Smile was premiered in London on February 20, 2004. The tour received critical acclaim and extended standing ovations from audiences. The positive feedback inspired Brian, Van Dyke Parks and his band into the studio. Mr. Wilson returned to his original modular approach in the 2004 recording of Smile. Each section of the songs were separated to enhance the sounds and textures. The finished product was even more than what people had hoped for. Brian Wilson has come full circle in dealing with his demons by successfully completing Smile. The two disk DVD set entitled Brian Wilson Presents Smile documents the incredible Smile journey. Disk one is "Beautiful Dreamer" and opens with Brian speaking about his early influences and difficult childhood. Mr. Wilson speaks candidly about his use of drugs, which in his case may have unlocked creativity. In the mid 60's, the United States was in much turmoil, Brian and Van Dyke wanted to present a positive American story that they described as a "teenage symphony to God." The theme of Smile was a travel log from the perspective of a person bicycling from the east coast of America to the west. The documentary is well produced melding clips from the original Smile sessions with interviews and comments filmed with Smile artwork in the background. The DVD juxtaposes the past and present in a cohesive story, weaving the making of the music with frank discussions with Brian and associates. There are many clips that capture the creativity and wonder of the time. One scene shows Mr. Wilson the musical genius picking up various instruments and easily playing them to show the artists exactly what he was looking for. Many recalled the fun and inventive environment that the Smile sessions started out with. At one point, Brian installed a sandbox in his living room and put his grand piano in the box so that he could feel the sand at his feet as he crafted and played music. People would sit on its edge enjoying creating in a "beach setting." All was well until the pets started leaving wastes in the pristine white sand. As the film progresses the tension increased and the joy in the project diminished. When The Beach Boys returned from their triumphant touring, they were not enthusiastic about the avent garde music that Brian was producing. Mr. Wilson considered their harmonies an important part of the larger Smile canvas but the band wanted to stick to the successful formula of "surf music." Their lack of support sowed the first seeds of doubt. Outside the studio personal pressures were also mounting. Brian was convinced that he was being watched, which in part was true as his father had hired a private eye to document Brian's drug use. As the problems escalated, Van Dyke and others departed. Mr. Wilson broke down and Smile was shelved. The process of completing Smile was a slow journey that began with Brian returning to music in the mid nineties. It was a daily battle for him to work and perform but over time he became more confident and started enjoying the process. When the band first started preparing the Smile material for live shows, Mr. Wilson appeared uninterested but with gentle prodding he became engaged in the music. On opening night at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Mr. Wilson was clearly nervous despite many well-wishers including Paul McCartney stating "you are just too good." Clips show Brian meditating before the show and summoning the courage to perform. "Beautiful Dreamer" climaxes with the closing song 'Good Vibrations' and the incredible crowd reaction to the music. Afterward Brian stated that "the demons had left me, I felt healed." Disk two includes a complete, well filmed Smile performance and some bonus features. The live show opens with 'Our Prayer' – a vocal heavy hymn. 'Heroes and Villains' all the way through 'Cabin Essence' is an incredible orchestration of harmonizing vocals, elaborate instrumentation, sound effects and major structural transitions within each song. Various tempos and textures are utilized throughout what is known as the first wave. Diverse techniques and tones are also used in the second and third waves. The next part of the live performance is the second wave starting with 'Wonderful' a complex song that has the feel of a children's song. This whimsical style continues on through the next few compositions. As the concert progresses, close-ups of Brian captures him gently smiling. The third wave contains songs about healthy living such as 'Vega-Tables.' One of the most dramatic pieces is 'Mrs. O'Leary's Cow' which is also known as 'Fire'. It is a frenzied, ominous piece pierced with sirens and other dramatic sound effects. 'Blue Hawaii' echos the prayer from the begging of the set before culminating with 'Good Vibrations'. Brian Wilson Presents Smile is an inspiring DVD collection about creativity, courage and closure. Smile is the story of the trials and triumphs of one of America's most respected pop icons. The second disk captures the incredible achievement of the finished product that is the Smile CD and concert experience. Related Links: For more information on Brian Wilson and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- BrianWilson.com | BUY DVD | BUY CD
Originally Published: 05/31/2005 on Kweevak.com |
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