Pray For Surf: SMiLE. In Three Words.

SMiLE. In Three Words.

My Reflection After Reading David Leaf's New 5-Star Book on SMiLE

Phil Miglioratti

{Note: “p. XXX” designations are from David Leaf’s,

“SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson”}

{SMiLE Album Cover 1966 In-Store Advert from my collection}

Brian Wilson tried to warn us.

The Beach Boys next album, after the amazing “Pet Sounds,” was not going to be “Pet Sounds, Volume 2.” Nor would it be an album of rock-and-roll songs. He told us what to expect: “I’m writing a teenage symphony to God.” (quoted in “Goodbye Surfing, Hello God” by Jules Siegel)

· Teenage – Brian was no longer a teenager but “teenage” was about the best descriptor he could use. The music was composed and recorded to attract the ears and heart-aspirations of young listeners. Unlike “The Beach Boys Christmas Album”, a mere two years previous, this would not be a vinyl with one side directed to a younger crowd and the flipside aiming to please their parents. He wanted to create music that expressed the hopes and the screams of an emerging generation. He gave birth to a message of joy (“smile”) and health (“vegetables” (“eat a lot”)) and, in my opinion, an early recognition of America’s uncovered history (“are you sleeping, Brother John”). Brian was signaling that his audience was not changing ((“join the young…a children’s song…listen as they play .. their song is love and the children know the way”) but his message was maturing beyond sun-surf-sand, and the status quo (“the child is the father of the man”).

Teenage. Young Generation. Something New. Out-of-the-Box. Modern.

Certainly, and forever, Unconventional.

“I want to write hymns, yeah,

real hymns but ones that will appeal to kids.” Brian Wilson

· Symphony – Brian was creating new music. Not merely new songs but new soundscapes. Voices + instruments + noise. Songs and snippets, and segways. A modern approach to classical music? A full-blown oratorio? Symphonic sounds from orchestral instruments but not a traditional orchestra. Psychedelic sounds from uncommon instruments (electro-theremin, tack piano, even vegetables). A symphonic suite comprised of modular “feels” that were to be spliced together, bulging beyond the boundaries of a 33 1/3 vinyl album. A collage of musical sounds and harmonics and evocative wordsmithing. A grand experiment that desperately needed the technological advances that could not yet be conceived. Brian was a 20th century artist reaching back to 18th century musical format to produce a truly unique sound experience that looked forward to the 21st century. It is and will be forever the most beautiful, colorful, mind-blessing unfinished symphony in history.

· God – Brian had introduced Top 40 Radio to God with the single “God Only Knows” but was now creating an entire album driven by his spirituality. A work of art for and/or honoring the old master Painter? Brian had recorded “The Lord’s Prayer” and would in future years record “He Came Down,” “That Same Song,” “God Did It,” and “Love and Mercy.” Had he lived in the 1700’s, like Bach before him, he would have written his other-worldly music in the context of theater and church. In our time, Brian is a worship leader, who’s unconventional praise music brings joy and peace, love and mercy, to the whole world.

“I feel very spiritual when I am making music

I feel very godly and spiritual.” Brian Wilson p. 57

“It’s not what pop music is supposed to be. (This) is somebody believing in something.” Van Dyke Parks, p. 54

“Brian is one of the most spiritual persons I know. He is very God-like, and he is very God-loving. And he gives glory to God and he honors God when he says ‘I am God’s conduit and God gave me this music. And we prayed today on the way to rehearsal.” Jeffrey Foskett p. 151-152

“We shared an amazing number of deep conversations about life and about God. One evening after dinner we had an amazing conversation about our lives. Brian talked about how God came into his life as a little boy and what God means to him today. He next morning around six a.m., Brian comes down in. his bathrobe and begins playing … seven beautiful cords … ‘They make me feel spiritual’ (I said) …’Me, too’ (said Brian) … ‘Walking Down The Path of Life’ (I said) … (Brian leaped up and yelled “Go grab a pencil and paper right now!” Jerry Weiss p. 234

...“Backstage, my friend asked Brian where the song came from. He said, "God gave it to me." Naturally. Brian released a single of it late last fall, with all the proceeds going toward Katrina relief." Walking down the path of life, I feel His presence day and night.” (Outwalking)

“I come from a religious background where God has often been depicted as quite frightening, really. I realized that what my heart had been searching for all along is the joyful God to whom the ‘teenage symphony ‘ that is SMiLE was written.” Charlotte Martin p. 303

Liner Notes: Brian thanks “God for choosing me to carry his spiritual message to the world.” p. 313

“One day I will write songs that people pray to.”

Andrew Loog Oldam quoting Brian Wilson

Pray For Surf

Sunday, March 30, 2025

SMiLE. In Three Words.

My Reflection After Reading David Leaf's New 5-Star Book on SMiLE

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