The Beach Boys - The Smile Sessions

The Smile Sessions is a Beach Boys album that was recorded in the 60s after Pet Sounds but never finished or released in full until now, 2011.  The project was never completed because the band's main songwriter, Brian Wilson, went crazy. 

Before I start I need to say that I didn't listen to the entirety of the tracks.  After the album finishes (the first 19 songs) there are several CDs worth of studio outtakes and other not-completed material that I am not interested in hearing.  

The Smile Sessions is about average length (48 minutes) but five of the 19 main tracks are under two minutes long.  Most of the songs transition well with a great flow, especially towards the beginning where some of the tracks feel like they were made to be next to each other.  The instrumentation is of the same quality as Pet Sounds.  Brian Wilson's distinct falsetto vocals and vocal harmonies are present, creating entertaining, lovable melodies for most of the songs.  The tracks have many layers of instruments, vocals and other sounds, making for interesting and rewarding re-listens.  The songs are well produced and sound crisp. 

 Much of what made Pet Sounds an amazing album is present on Smile, only some of the tracks feel unfinished.  The songs are solid and stand up well in re-listens.  I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys the 1960s Beach Boys, especially for fans of Pet Sounds. The Beach Boys have not disappointed (Well, maybe a 40 year wait would count as a disappointment) me with this release. 

Track Highlights: Our Prayer, Gee, My Only Sunshine, Look (Song for Children), Child is the Father of Man, Surf's Up and Good Vibrations.

                                7/10

Tool - 10,000 Days review

1 Vicarious - Amazing song about violence, generally considered the star of the CD. Vicarious has some of the best guitar work you'll ever hear.     5/5




2 Jambi - Starts off with a great riff. Near the middle there is a breath taking guitar solo. Great bass 5/5




3 Wings for Marie (Part 1) - This is the intro for "10,000 Days". It is a lot slower than the first two songs. The beginning makes me think of Pink Floyd, for some reason. Over 11 minutes long. 3/5




4 10,000 Days (Part 2) - The song starts off slowly. This is one of Tool's most thoughtful songs. It is about Maynard's mother. 9/10 (This song takes a few listens)




5 The pot - Starts off with Maynard showing off his singing skills. The song is overall weaker than the other songs on the album, but has a hook to it that makes up for lack of technicality. Nice guitar solo. 4.5/5




6 Lipan Conjuring - This is an interlude. I am not sure of it's meaning or purpose. It sounds like some kind of native ritual. I would give this a 2.5/5 but I am a fan of interludes and their artsy stuff... You might not like it.




7 Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman) - This song is the intro to "Rosetta Stoned". It is mostly art not so much music until the end of the song. During the last minute or so, you hear voices talking about how "the patient won't talk". 4/5




8 Rosetta Stoned - This song starts off hard and heavy. The vocals are rapidly telling the story in first person, of a man who was abducted by aliens. I believe this is actually a story about a man who was "Stoned". This is possibly the best drumming on the album. Also the heaviest song on the album. This song is over 11 minutes. 4/5

(This song has excessive swearing, so watch out, if you care)




9 Intension - This one is very artsy. The first time I heard it, I didn't like it at all. It grows on you a lot. Don't give up on it. 4/5




10 Right in Two - Nothing weird about this one. Great bass, and guitar. Also this is some impressive drumming. 4.5/5




11 Viginti Tres - Very weird song. The first time I heard it I had to look up the writing credits because I thought I heard a little Trent Reznor on this. (Nine inch Nails). This song is quite artsy. It is like "(-) Ions" from Aenima. There is some vocals near the end, but you can't really tell what he is saying, and I'm pretty sure it isn't in English or German. 3.5/5

The album is great. The only thing that is lesser about it is the interlude "Lipan Conjuring", I didn't find it as strong as the interludes on "Lateralus" or "Aenima".
Like all of the Tool albums, this will take a few listens to get used to.

8.4/10