Wilson's unmatchable ability to compose a group harmony is evidenced from the opening of the record, with the vocal piece 'Our Prayer/Gee', which appeared, minus the 'Heroes And Villains' references on 20/20. The piece flows in to 'Heroes And Villains', a track which still sounds experimental in the 21st century. Although released as a successful single and as part of Smiley Smile in 1966/67, this version of the record has a clearer sound than any version previously released, and is not truncated in any form.
Heroes And Villains
'Heroes And Villains' pieces together a multitude of pieces, switching from one sound to another, whilst still maintaining some sort of coherence. Diversions in to a Hawaiian sound, the most excited Brian Wilson vocal in decades, the abandonment of music in place of a capella backing, and a section which is reminiscent of a Christmas track make 'Heroes And Villains' an apt introduction to Wilson's long-lost masterpiece.
The main melody of 'Heroes And Villains', plays as the unifying force behind the first section of Smile, and is referenced in the following 'Roll Plymouth Rock', which on its chorus features some dazzling vocal arrangements.
Cabin Essence
One of Brian Wilson's original intentions with the Smile project had been to make the record fun, and this is evidenced in 'Barnyard', a short trek through said habitat, and a brief injection of 'You Are My Sunshine'.
'Cabin Essence' returns to Wilson's own material. Van Dyke Parks' impressionistic lyrics allied with the harmonica and banjo of the opening verse evoke a tranquil and beautiful scene, whilst one section of the song uses voices to effectively reproduce the sound of winds tearing across the plains.
Surf's Up
The second section of Smile begins with 'Wonderful', which had appeared in a far less beautiful form on 'Smiley Smile'. Whilst that version had a sense of foreboding about it, the 2004 version is a melodic and gentle paean to innocence. Subtle horns and a beautiful yet simple harpsichord underpin the warm vocals, which lead into 'Song For Children', an uplifting piece which floats along on its own loveliness.
One of the reasons for Smile's mythical placement in musical folklore is due to a TV appearance from Wilson in April 1967, in which he played and sung a song called 'Surf's Up'. Such was the reaction to the tune that it was later re-recorded to some extent to provide the title track to 1971's Surf's Up album, despite Wilson's protestations.
The version on Smile loses none of the beauty and composure of the earlier incarnations, although it lacks the delicacy of Carl Wilson's voice, which appears on the 1971 album version. Van Dyke Parks' lyrics are at their best on the track, playing with language to create sentences which at the same time make a literal, if not recognisable, sense.
Good Vibrations
The third and final section of Smile features some of the more humorous and fun-loving pieces of the record. Mallets, drills, and saws are used on 'Workshop', and carrots and celery are used as percussion for 'Vega-Tables'. 'On A Holiday' uses the slide whistle liberally and re-introduces the chorus of 'Roll Plymouth Rock'.
'Wind Chimes' featured as a drab, marijuana-influenced track on Smiley Smile, but here it refocuses on the marimba and brings in a powerful and dramatic horn and vocal section, which demonstrates Wilson's ability to bring undiluted joy to his music.
Joy is not associated with 'Mrs. O' Leary's Cow', which was originally known as 'Fire', and was to be part of an elements suite. The instrumental is popularly known as the piece which finished Smile in its original form. Wilson's drug-taking and paranoia came to a head during its recording, as after the building across the street burned down shortly following the performance, Wilson terminated the Smile sessions.
The album closes with a new recording of 'Good Vibrations', the million-selling mega single which followed Pet Sounds and affirmed Brian Wilson as the musical genius of his generation. The version offered on Smile features slightly altered lyrics to the single release, which also appeared on Smiley Smile, although this version has been available on various Beach Boys re-issues and outtakes. The majesty of 'Good Vibrations' is still evident, although the original is so engrained in the popular mindset that the reworking does not have the same impact.
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