Smile Sessions, The

BEACH BOYS: “The Smile Sessions Sampler” – Interesting collection of Beach Boys music, with primary emphasis on very short harmonic pieces, good for use when programs need a quick one or two minutes before next show. Odd mix of tunes and topics, which, except for Good Vibrations, are not representative of the surf music I listened to going to high school in Southern California! -- Sunshine, April 2012

1) Our Prayer – Lovely choir-like a cappella harmonies. (1:05)
2) Gee – More classic harmonies, upbeat swingy. (0.51)
3) Heroes And Villains – Lyrical story with harmony. Longest selection so far. Talking about a Margarita at the Cantina! (4:52)
4) Do You Like Worms (Roll Plymouth Rock) – Ferris wheel music. Then rather solemn. Caliope-esque. Choo choo train harmony at end. (3:35)
5) I’m In Great Shape -- Jazzy '40s sound. (0:29)
6) Barnyard – Funny lyrics. Animal noises. (0:48)
7) My Only Sunshine – Upright bass. Rather somber rendition of classic tune. Then back to the carnival. (1:55)
8) Cabin Essence – Somewhat like Good Vibrations, but more solemn. Mood changes several times.(3:30)
9) Wonderful – Harmonic ode to a lady love. Almost a lullaby. (2:04)
10) Look (Song For Children) – Piano, muted trumpet? Then bounces. A bit like Paper Moon soundtrack. (2:31)
11) Child Is Father Of The Man – Good harmonies. Piano. Not at all like Blood, Sweat and Tears. (2:10)
12) Surf’s Up – Almost like a Beatles song. Talking about diamond necklace. Very stoic harmony. (4:12)
13)I Wanna Be Around/Workshop – Instrumentation like a pinball machine, with hammering and sawing in the background Someone says “Ow” at the end! (1:23)
14) Vega-Tables – Yes, the green dinner items. And carrots. Would be good on Sesame Street. (3:49)
15) Holidays – Celebratory xylophone along with a clown’s whistle. Goofy. (2:33)
16) Wind Chimes – Tones depict the title, with vocals talking about wind chimes. Asian sounding. (3:06)
17) The Elements: Fire (Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow) – Circus and traffic. Goofy whistles. Fire engines??!! “Sirens” screaming. (2:35)
18) Love To Say Dada – Subdued harmonies of baby talk. The gets peppy rhythm and glotz. (2:32)
19) Good Vibrations – OK, we all already know this one. The only track that is representative of what everyone remembers about the Beach Boys. (4:15)
BONUS TRACKS:
20) You’re Welcome – Happy little ditty. (1:08)
21) Heroes and Villains (Stereo Mix) – Tinny mix of #3. (4:53)
22) Heroes and Villains Sections (Stereo Mix) – “African”, then silly mix of #3. The vibe fluctuates. More interesting than many other tracks on this CD. (7:16)
23) Vega-Tables Demo – Short version of #14 with two takes. Silly sounding. (1:46)
24) He Gives Speeches – Another somewhat Beatle-esque scenario. (1:15)
25) Smile Backing Vocals Montage -- Reminds me of Christmas caroling, even though it isn’t Holiday oriented. Fun harmonies and interplay. (8:30)
26) Surf’s Up 1967 (Solo Version) – Different, better version of #12. (4:00)
27) Psycodelic Sounds: Brian Falls Into A Piano – Dialogue and chatter, looking for Brian Wilson . . . Funny. (1:30)