BeatlesForever, what do you think of the new versions of 'I'm in Great Shape' and 'Barnyard', with the vocals from the "Humble Harv" demo flown in? At first hearing I though it was kind of cool, but after having heard the album about a dozen times now I think they're a bit of a stain on the album. Brian was such a perfectionist while he was working on 'Smile', every single note had to sound and feel absolutely perfect. I think it completely goes against his original vision that they used such raw live vocals on the album. I think it would have been better if they had just left these songs instrumental.
And what do you think of the new version of 'Surf's Up'? I think the 1971 version is just perfect and can't really be improved, but for historical reasons I understand why they replaced Carl's 1971 vocal with a 1967 vocal by Brian. I think I like this version just as much. The ghostly "Bygone, bygone" and "Canvas the town and brush the backdrop" parts by Carl are a nice touch (and of course an essential one, since Brian simply didn't record these lines in 1967).
Hi Joost! How are you? Here's where all of my SMiLE bootlegs come in handy. In my opinion, many different takes were spliced together in order to construct a more "nearly completed" SMiLE album. I also believe that "I'm In Great Shape" and "Barnyard" were never completed in its entirety seeing that they were originally to be used as part of another song or section that was never completed. On two of my SMiLE bootlegs, there are some takes containing vocals only for "Barnyard." I do agree with you Joost, "Barnyard" should have been left as an instrumental only. Overall, I'm just thankful that we have SMiLE to listen to and appreciate.
WOW, I love the new version of "Surf's Up!" No disrespect to the late great Carl Wilson but "Surf's Up" sounds better with Brian's falsetto. That's the way it was meant to be. Carl should have never replaced Brian's falsetto with his own for the 1971 version. I do love the 1971 version very much but Brian's smooth falsetto gives "Surf's Up" the life that is needed to make the song.
What do you think of "Child Is Father Of The Man?" The take containing Brian's beginning "Child" falsetto vocal was spiced together with the rest of the song. I love the harmonies duing the chorus, it does give the song a new life. On my SMiLE bootlegs, I do have some takes containing just the instrumental music only without the harmonies.
I LOVE "Wind Chimes" and "The Elements: Fire (Mrs. O'Leary's Cow)," they sound so much better in the new SMiLE boxset. "Fire" sounds so much better now than it ever did on the SMiLE bootlegs. You can really hear all of the sounds better now than the hidden sounds in the SMiLE bootlegs. Take care Joost.
