The Original SMiLE Sessions Finally Getting Released

Back in 1966 The Beach Boys released what many people, myself included, consider to be the greatest album of all time, Pet Sounds.  By the end of that summer they were  already back in the studio working on what was supposed to be an even better follow-up.  The band was really excited about what was supposed to turn into the album SMiLE. The late Dennis Wilson was heard saying, “In my opinion [The SMiLE Sessions] makes Pet Sounds stink — that’s how good it is.”  But due to various business and legal complications, SMiLE, never saw the light of day.  At least not the original recordings.

A few years back, Brian Wilson went back into the studio and took a bunch of those original songs and recorded a new album that he released as SMiLE.  Which was great, but now we are going to get the chance to hear the songs as they were recorded in those original sessions.  Original band members, Al Jardine, Mike Love, and Brian Wilson have gotten together with Capitol/EMI to compile a collection of songs that will be released later this year as The Smile Sessions.  The collection will be released in both physical and digital formats, including a deluxe boxed set that will include “early song drafts, alternate takes, instrumental and vocals-only mixes, and studio chatter.”  This is making my impossible dream of a new Beach Boys album a reality.  Hope you guys are at least half as excited as I am.

Thanks to Paste and Blurt for sharing this wonderful news.

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