Disco de Brian Wilson: “SMiLE [DVD]”

Buy this DVD for:

- a brilliantly-shot and -recorded complete performance of SMiLE that will open the music up to you in a way that simply listening to the CD never will. Worth the price of admission for this alone.

- some fascinating behind-the-scenes footage shot during the CD recording sessions.

- some revealing and often moving sequences shot during the process leading up to the debut performance of SMiLE in London in 2004 (contained in the "Beautiful Dreamer" documentary).

Do not buy this DVD for:

- the true story of why the Beach Boys' original "Smile" was never finished, and why Brian Wilson essentially disappeared for the next 25 years.

"Beautiful Dreamer" is an interesting addition to the ever-growing list of books and documentaries about Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, but it shouldn't be your only source if you're looking for a balanced view.

Produced by and largely populated by current Wilson insiders, "Beautiful Dreamer" tries very hard to whitewash the story that's been told and re-told by many others who were there at the time. Dismissing any discussion of the destructive power of drugs (drug use only served to expand Brian's consciousness and make him more productive, we're told) or of any form of mental illness other than "undiagnosed depression," the film lays the blame for the abandonment of "Smile" at the feet of... the other Beach Boys. Apparently it was their rejection of the work that sent Brian into that 25-year spin.

I don't criticize the film for not trying to tell Wilson's complete life story. The focus here is on SMiLE, as it should be. But after shaping a narrative that takes genius Brian to the point where he was about to re-order the landscape of American popular music, only to be cruelly rejected by his brothers and cousins, the timeline literally jumps 25 years into the future, skipping everything that happened to Wilson that turned him into the clearly damaged man we see on the screen today.

No mention is made of the fact that a good half of "Smile" was subsequently recorded and released by the Beach Boys in the form of individual songs, none of which are heard in this film. (And it's jarring to hear contemporary recordings of the songs while the original 1966 sessions are being discussed.)

Much, much better is the second half of the documentary, which picks up at a point where Wilson and his current band are already a functioning unit, having performed "Pet Sounds" and toured as a successful concert attraction. It's clear the decision to finish 'Smile" is not an easy one for Brian, but he has an existing support team already at hand, talented musicians who are fully equal to the task of helping Wilson get through an emotionally arduous process (sometimes, apparently, by doing all the work themselves).

The film lightly traces the process of reconstructing the original tracks, establishing where the gaps were, choosing a running order, filling the gaps with new or remembered music, deciding to focus the project on debuting as a concert work in London in April 2004, and then rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing. Throughout, we are never allowed to forget that for Wilson this is an emotion- and memory-laden process that appears to be causing him pain and sometimes causes him to withdraw.

Still, the London debut is triumphant, and the sequences shot before, during, and after the concert are riveting and often moving.

Aside from the music itself, much of the appeal here -- both during the second half of the documentary and throughout the concert on Disc 2 -- is Wilson's large, talented, and engaging band, who are clearly devoted to Wilson and his music while having a great deal of style and presence of their own.

In all, this is a very generous package with a scintillating concert video at its core. The documentary and the bonus material (including several of the full interviews that were exerpted for the documentary) all offer insight into the Brian Wilson story, even if it's sometimes necessary to read way between the lines to see it. Highly recommended.

The David Leaf documentary, found on Disc 1, is a remarkable, stark and suprisingly honest tale of Brian Wilson, his creative brilliance and struggles, and the re-creation of "Smile" at long last. That's a fine program, and well worth your time.

But what's the real selling point for this set, is the live performance of "Smile" found on Disc 2. This was filmed on a soundstage for a specially invited audience, and is certainly somewhat "staged".

Brian and his band have never sounded better than on this recording. They're sharp as ever, but the energy and excitement that all involved have in performing "Smile" is striking and infectuous. Brian looks to be truly relishing in his great work - smiles abound, and his live vocals have never been this clean since his return to the stage.

The mix might be one of the finest live pop DVD presentations you'll ever here. The huge ensemble's varied instruments are amazingly clear, and the sound roars out of your speakers. For such a "sensitive" piece, it rocks hard.

For those of us lucky enough to have attended one of the "Smile" concerts, this is a wonderful souvenir. For those that didn't make it to a concert, now you'll see what all the excitement was about.

As for the bonus features - they're hit and miss. The interview/discussions between Brian and Van Dyke Parks are charming, even rather illuminating. Brian's solo interviews are less so, but pleasant. The solo piano clips are less interesting - "Heroes and Villains" is hardly anything one would want to hear a solo piano play.

Of all the bonus materials, the featurette on the "Smile" recording sessions is the big winner. You'll see Brian back in his element, even back at his favorite studio, in the booth, directing his musicians to perform the old arrangements on his watch. It's a fascinating glimpse at the old maestro, regaining his craft and clearly in charge once again.

On so many levels, this DVD set belongs on the shelves of fans of pop music, regardless of age. It combines both the story of, and performance of, one of the great creations of pop music in a way seldom experienced.

As one fan on the documentary says: "Sgt, WHO???"

The Good

Disc 1: Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile

The first disc is a two hour documentary on Brian's beginnings, his success with the Beach Boys, his agonies with Smile, and his triumph return. It's chock-full of information and insight. One thing I didn't know is that Brian Wilson is deaf in one ear. As Brian tells his story we find out that his father was very controlling and abused his children. Brian was inspired to write music by George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue". Wilson had to fire his father as manager and do everything himself at a young age. It was a bad LSD trip that inspired him to write "California Girls". The Beach Boys constantly fought with him over the ever-changing sound that he created for them.

While composing the music for Smile, Brian set his piano in a sandbox. He also set up an Arabian tent for inspiration. He used it until he realized how hot it was inside. Smile was originally set for release in January of 1967. It was shelved because of Brian's frustrations with the Beach Boys adapting and accepting the music and pressures from the record company. Smile is a concept album that depicts a bicycle trip from Plymouth, Massachusetts to Hawaii (I know, how do you get to Hawaii on a bike?).

It wasn't until Brian got married in the nineties that he got the psychological help that he need as a result of a nervous breakdown he suffered in the sixties (there's more to it than that). His wife inspires him to perform live again and revisit Smile. It all culminates with a historic concert in England 2004. Don't worry, there's plenty more-I didn't ruin it for you. Bonus materials included on this disc are a theatrical trailer, highlights from the show in England, an after-show featurette, and interview highlights.

Disc 2: Smile Live Performance

The second disc features a liver performance that was recorded in Los Angeles, California. Brian Wilson appears center stage seated behind a keyboard. He is backed-up by a 15+ member band that included a string section, back-up singers, percussionists, and more. The show begins with the spiritual, hymn-like "Our Prayer/Gee". The albums centerpiece "Heroes and Villains" shows that Wilson's signature sound is still intact. "Roll Plymouth Rock" has great vocal harmonies and catchy keyboard work. "Barnyard" is quite playful as everyone is assigned an animal noise. With its banjo and harmonica accents, "Cabin Essence" makes you feel like you're sailing down a river bank.

Wilson continues to show his playful side with the healthy eating promotion of "Vega-Tables". A carnival atmosphere is set with "On Holiday". On "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow", the string section, keyboards, slide whistles, and kazoos combine to create the panic that a fire causes. Do you need me to talk about "Good Vibrations"? Bonus materials included on this disc include outtakes from the documentary, a Brian Wilson photo gallery, Brian Wilson at the piano (which includes brief performances), a recording of featurette, and a video for "Heroes and Villains" that was arraigned by a contest winner.

The Bad

Brian Wilson sat behind a keyboard throughout the whole live performance, but I'll be damned if he played one note.

The Verdict

I was skeptical going into the live performance of the DVD. I've heard time and time again that in recent years that Brian Wilson just doesn't perform well in a live setting. That's why I was shocked when so many reviewers put Smile on their Best of the Year lists. I avoided it. That was a mistake! This particular performance is spectacular, inspiring, and fun. Brian brings along so many great musicians to help capture the unique and complex sound of Smile. The outcome is flawless.

This DVD is a must buy for anyone that loves music. Not only does this work capture the brilliance of Brian Wilson in all music-making dimensions, and especially the joy that is Smile, but with surprising honesty and realism, it captures in documentary fashion his voyage to redemption...the purging of deeply-seated demons...

Watch Disk 1 first, and then the afterwards, the concert reactions in Extras. Then watch Disk 2.

If you had an out-of-body experience watching the movie Ray, you'll have a similarly emotional and perhaps more rewarding experience with this DVD.

Smile, unlike Ray, has a very happy and totally fulfilling ending.

At 4 hours plus, this DVD satisfies a wide audience. The first disc is a documentary on the whole Smile project- starting with a brief history of Brian through the early days of the Beach Boys. It shows the genesis of the original Smile album that never was, starting with the completion of Pet Sounds, and includes a lot of insight and interviews with the key people involved in the project. This is no Beach Boys story, clearly showing who was the brains, talent, and leader of the band up until this project's abandonment ("Mike didn't like it"). It then fast forwards 37 years and shows how, and why, Brian resurrected it, ending with the world premiere in England. It's a triumphant ending, with Brian finally clearing a hurdle that everyone, including himself, never thought he would. This is not only fascinating for Smile fans, but also for anyone who doesn't think they are, as it will most likely make you more interested in, and more appreciative of, this project.

The Second disc is a live performance of "SMiLE". This appeals to everyone as well: those who have the CD, but did not see him live on this tour, those that are unfamiliar with Smile at all, and those that have the CD, and saw the show, and simply want a souvenir of that experience.

I can't help but wonder after watching both discs just how different our musical scene, and Brian, would have been had this project been completed in 1967. Maybe if Mike Love would watch it he'd finally see how wrong he was, and is, and stop acting like a pompous egomaniacal know-it-all.

Sorry, just had to stick my two cents in on that. Rock on Brian, and Thanks!