SMiLE - Carnegie last night

[RT Atlanta]

This is a summary of the show from my brother (who's become a huge Beach Boys/ Wilson fan in the last few months and has really enjoyed the aura of project SMiLE). My brother is a colorful writer (wish he'd quit his day job and try and find a writing gig - any leads in NYC fellow DUers?) :)

"I saw SMiLE last night with Rothschild at Carnegie Hall; it was
fucking amazing. Ususually, when an old artist goes on stage with a
touring group it's a paltry shadow of their former great work-it gives the fans something to cheer for, but can't stand up agains their old rocker selves...Not this time...not last night. The first half of the concert was solid Beach Boys classics with a few of his newer pieces mixed in. Prior to ending the first half, the plaed Sloop John B and God Only Know from Pet Sounds. It was like emerging from the clouds and staring into Gods face as he looks at you and says "You are my most wonderous creation." The pet sounds material was spot on, pitch perfect replication of the original Album. As we moved into intermission, I was trying to lower my expectations about Smile, that it wouldn't be that good live, that there was no way they could reproduce the myriad of sounds and harmonies that are on the album. As the second half began,
and so with it, Smile started I sat in awe for the next hour solid. In saying that it was probably the best night of music I have ever heard in my life, I am downplaying how great it was. Somehow the magic composition of beach music, orchestration, rock, harmony, acapella, and this droning of sounds made some masterful symphonic chord progression; Brian wilson played the band and the audience as if it were another one of his instruments in the studio. Anyway, after the show finished, Rothschild and I went around back to see if we could meet him. After about 45 minutes he came out, shocked by the people waiting around to see him. He didn't stay long and quickly hopped into the his car. But I was standing right nex to the car and he looked right at me and was pointing and waving. I yelled "Thank you Brian, it was wonderful." He smiled, waved and said something to me. I will never know what it was because the window was half-up. I will probably wonder what he said for
the rest of my life, but fuck it, it was an amazing amazing night. Just thought I would give you a recap."

I had a huge "smile" on my face after reading his summary. Rock-on was all that came to mind and a big WOW! I definitely need to get the album.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Brian's music is so filled with love, it's infectious

I don't know if I've already missed it in L.A....if not I am dying to see it...thanks...and your brother's excitement in his review was palpable...thanks

[mark0rama]

2. Bravo, Brian Wilson

His place in pop music history was already secure; conquering his demons to complete this singularly great work is another personal and career triumph.

Had he died without completing SMiLE, you know that most every obituary written for him would have noted it in the first or second paragraph, tragically eclipsing an amazing career. Now he will instead be remembered for another towering achievement. Thank you, Brian.

[RT Atlanta]

3. Follow up

More from my brother on the show:

"We indulged before hand so I am sure that had something to do with
it...I will have to tell you about it later. Rock on!"

;)

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

4. I scooped up the rerelease last week - un-fucking-believable - even sober

:thumbsup: