This series represents my thoughts on Brian Wilson’s unfinished SMiLE album, using as much information as possible to get a complete picture of his intentions from 1966-1967. This body of music has influenced me more than any other work of art in any other medium, and Brian’s other music has had a big impact on me as well. So, it’s a subject that’s very near and dear to my heart. I’m not trying to disrespect Brian’s later 2003-04 solo reconstruction but….weighing the evidence…I believe the original project would have taken a much different direction. Furthermore, I believe this alternate reconstruction of the work is superior and deserves wider recognition. It is my hope that this series of essays will persuade my readers to rethink this music and how best it ties together.

Part 1 | Background
Prologue: The Impact of the Beach Boys on My Life
Chapter 1: The Packaging and Auxiliary Materials
Chapter 2: The Men Behind the Music
Part 2 | Zen Jigsaw Puzzle
Chapter 3: The Album’s Structure
Chapter 4: My Fan Mixes
(Post Script): My Last Mix
Part 3 | Philharmonic Fantasia
Chapter 5: The Americana Songs
Chapter 6: The Innocence Songs
Chapter 7: The Elements & Outtakes
Part 4 | Tragicomedy in 2 Discs
Chapter 8: Psychedelic Sounds Disc 1
Chapter 9: Psychedelic Sounds Disc 2
Part 5 | Witnesses of Wonderment
Chapter 10: The “Gospel” of Vosse
Chapter 11: The “Gospel” of Anderle
Chapter 12: The “Gospels” of Siegal & Hutton
Part 6 | Trinity of Psychedelia
Chapter 13: Mute Muses
Chapter 14: Symphony of the Stars

Part 7 | Beyond the Music
Epilogue: Brian Wilson’s Solo Output
Appendix: Sources for Further Research
Sequel? : An Aquarian Testament
(^This was my original project, intended to be an “answer” to SMiLE the way Sgt. Pepper was an “answer” to Pet Sounds which itself was an “answer” to Rubber Soul. It was inspired by my experiences with psychedelia and what I’d read about the Age of Aquarius, a subject that came up during my research into SMiLE‘s conception.)

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