Post by Reg on Apr 19, 2010 16:35:22 GMT
Beach Boys- "Pet Sounds" in mono (how it was intended), stereo or even (if you're able) in surround sound, followed by Brian's "Smile"...........
Alternatively, listen to the Beach Boys' "Smiley Smile" (itself an album that's well worth a listen or two) prior to the way it should have worked out ("Smile").
Also recommended: any of Brian's solo work, but particularly his last album, 2008's "Lucky Old Sun".
To be honest, there are gems on pre- and post- "Pet Sounds" albums, but "Love You" is the best example of Brian's songwriting and production skills in the "long weekend" of his troubles between the mid-sixties to early-nineties. The album provokes strong opinions from either side (rough production/simplistic lyrics, for example) but I think it's great.
Music aside, a great example to those going through mental problems, who have perhaps had (a) false dawn(s) that you can indeed come out the other side, however long it takes.
On the music front, I think his last album (qv) is his best original body of work ("Smile" excepted, being mainly reworkings and finishing-offs of stuff started a couple of decades previously) since "Pet Sounds", which deserves another listening...............and a further one......................and once more, just to be sure.
Then do the same with "Smile".
For die-hards like me, treat yourself to the "Pet Sounds Sessions" 3-cd box set, which also contains out-takes, different vocals, early takes, instrumental versions and, in my view best of all, vocal only versions. Marvellous.
Alternatively, listen to the Beach Boys' "Smiley Smile" (itself an album that's well worth a listen or two) prior to the way it should have worked out ("Smile").
Also recommended: any of Brian's solo work, but particularly his last album, 2008's "Lucky Old Sun".
To be honest, there are gems on pre- and post- "Pet Sounds" albums, but "Love You" is the best example of Brian's songwriting and production skills in the "long weekend" of his troubles between the mid-sixties to early-nineties. The album provokes strong opinions from either side (rough production/simplistic lyrics, for example) but I think it's great.
Music aside, a great example to those going through mental problems, who have perhaps had (a) false dawn(s) that you can indeed come out the other side, however long it takes.
On the music front, I think his last album (qv) is his best original body of work ("Smile" excepted, being mainly reworkings and finishing-offs of stuff started a couple of decades previously) since "Pet Sounds", which deserves another listening...............and a further one......................and once more, just to be sure.
Then do the same with "Smile".
For die-hards like me, treat yourself to the "Pet Sounds Sessions" 3-cd box set, which also contains out-takes, different vocals, early takes, instrumental versions and, in my view best of all, vocal only versions. Marvellous.