Album Information:

About The Beach Boys:

The Beach Boys were an American rock band formed in California in 1961. The band consisted of Brian Wilson, his brothers Dennis and Carl, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They became known for their vocal harmonies and were one of the most successful groups of the 1960s and early 1970s, with hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “California Girls,” and “God Only Knows.”

The band's music was influenced by surf rock and early rock and roll, but they also experimented with other styles like psychedelic and baroque pop. Brian Wilson was primarily responsible for the band's sound and became known for his innovative production techniques. The band's lyrics often focused on themes like surfing, cars, and romance, but they also tackled more serious topics like mental health and environmentalism.

During the 1960s, The Beach Boys became one of the most popular rock bands in the world, selling millions of records and touring extensively. Their success was marred by internal conflicts and tensions between Wilson and Love, which came to a head with the release of the album 'Smile' in 1967. The album was intended to be a masterpiece but was abandoned due to Wilson's deteriorating mental health.

In the 1970s, The Beach Boys continued to release albums and tour, but their popularity declined. The band became known for their nostalgic live shows that celebrated their early hits and era of success. Both Dennis and Carl Wilson passed away in the 1990s, but the band continued to perform with various lineups. In 2012, the surviving members reunited for a 50th-anniversary tour and released a new album, 'That's Why God Made the Radio.'

The Beach Boys are considered one of the most influential bands in rock history and are credited with paving the way for other California-based bands like The Mamas & The Papas and The Byrds. Their music has remained popular and influential and has been covered by countless artists. Their legacy has also been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted the band in 1988.

About the album Smiley Smile:

Released in 1967, Smiley Smile was a departure from The Beach Boys' previous album, Smile, which was intended to be their 'masterpiece' but was ultimately scrapped due to a variety of reasons. The album is considered to be one of the most experimental and unconventional albums in The Beach Boys' discography.

The album opens with the track 'Heroes and Villains,' which was originally intended to be the centerpiece of Smile. The track features complex harmonies and instrumentation, including a harpsichord and various sound effects. The second track, 'Vegetables,' is a quirky tune that features vocals by vegetables that were recorded and manipulated by producer Brian Wilson.

Other standout tracks include 'Wind Chimes,' which incorporates the sound of actual wind chimes and showcases the band's signature vocal harmonies. 'Little Pad' is a slower, dreamy track that features a simple melody and harmonies that almost feel like a lullaby.

One of the most interesting aspects of Smiley Smile is the heavy use of unconventional instrumentation such as kazoo, harmonica, and even bicycle horns. The use of these instruments adds to the album's playful and experimental feel.

Overall, Smiley Smile is an album that defies expectations and showcases The Beach Boys' willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds and instrumentation. It may not have been the masterpiece that Smile was intended to be, but Smiley Smile is still regarded as a unique and important album in the band's discography.

Members:

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The band's original lineup consisted of the following members:

1. Brian Wilson:
Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who co-founded the Beach Boys in 1961. He is known for his exceptional songwriting skills, distinctive vocal arrangements, and musical innovation. Wilson wrote over two dozen top 40 hits for the Beach Boys during his time with the band, including 'Good Vibrations,' 'God Only Knows,' and 'California Girls.' He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative composers of the 20th century and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music.

2. Carl Wilson:
Carl Wilson was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who was also a founding member of the Beach Boys. He contributed lead vocals and guitar to many of the band's most popular songs, including 'Fun, Fun, Fun,' 'Good Vibrations,' and 'God Only Knows.' Wilson was also responsible for arranging and producing some of the group's most memorable albums, including 'Pet Sounds' and 'Smile.' He passed away in 1998 at the age of 51 after battling lung cancer.

3. Dennis Wilson:
Dennis Wilson was an American musician and songwriter who was also a founding member of the Beach Boys. He was the band's drummer and contributed vocals on many of their songs. Wilson was known for his hard-partying lifestyle and his wild personality, which sometimes caused tension within the group. However, he was also a talented songwriter and wrote many of the Beach Boys' most popular songs, including 'Surf's Up,' 'Forever,' and 'Little Bird.' Wilson passed away in 1983 at the age of 39 after drowning in the Pacific Ocean.

4. Mike Love:
Mike Love is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who joined the Beach Boys in 1961. He is known for his distinctive tenor vocals and his contributions to many of the band's hit songs, including 'Surfin' USA,' 'Fun, Fun, Fun,' and 'Good Vibrations.' Love was also responsible for writing some of the band's biggest hits, including 'California Girls' and 'I Get Around.' Love continues to tour under the Beach Boys name today.

5. Al Jardine:
Al Jardine is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who joined the Beach Boys in 1961. He played rhythm guitar and provided harmonies and background vocals on many of the band's songs, including 'Sloop John B,' 'Help Me, Rhonda,' and 'Wouldn't It Be Nice.' Jardine also played a key role in the making of the band's 'Pet Sounds' album and later went on to form his own group, the Endless Summer Band. He continues to perform with the Beach Boys on occasion.

Track List for Smiley Smile:

1. 'Heroes and Villains' (3:36): This track is a slightly truncated version of the ambitious song that was originally intended for the abandoned Smile album. It features intricate vocal harmonies and a catchy chorus.

2. 'Vegetables' (2:08): This quirky song is a collaboration between Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. It features unusual sound effects and lyrics about healthy eating.

3. 'Fall Breaks and Back to Winter (W. Woodpecker Symphony)' (2:15): This short instrumental track has a whimsical, cartoonish feel and includes the sounds of woodpeckers in the background.

4. 'She's Goin' Bald' (2:15): This track features a rockabilly-style beat and playful, nonsensical lyrics about a girl losing her hair.

5. 'Little Pad' (2:31): A mellow, dreamy song that includes the sound of a heart beating in the background. The lyrics describe a peaceful, idyllic home.

6. 'Good Vibrations' (3:35): The Beach Boys' classic hit single is included here in a shorter, slightly different version. It's a masterpiece of production, with multilayered vocal harmonies, unconventional instruments, and catchy hooks.

7. 'With Me Tonight' (2:16): This short song has a simple, sweet melody and romantic lyrics about spending time with a special someone.

8. 'Wind Chimes' (2:38): Another ethereal, dreamlike track with a haunting melody and poetic lyrics about the sounds of wind chimes.

9. 'Gettin' Hungry' (2:27): This song has a bluesy, upbeat feel and lyrics about wanting to find some good food to eat.

10. 'Wonderful' (2:23): A poignant, introspective track with reflective lyrics about appreciating good things in life.

11. 'Whistle In' (1:03): A brief instrumental interlude with a whistle sound.

12. 'Wild Honey' (2:38): The title track of the album has a catchy, upbeat rhythm and lyrics that celebrate the simple pleasures of life.

Overall, Smiley Smile is an eccentric, experimental album that showcases The Beach Boys' creativity and range of musical styles. While it wasn't a commercial success at the time of its release, it's now regarded as a cult classic and an important part of the band's discography.

Discography for The Beach Boys:

Here is a complete discography for The Beach Boys in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:

1. Surfin' Safari (1962)
2. Surfin' USA (1963)
3. Surfer Girl (1963)
4. Little Deuce Coupe (1963)
5. Shut Down Volume 2 (1964)
6. All Summer Long (1964)
7. The Beach Boys' Christmas Album (1964)
8. The Beach Boys Today! (1965)
9. Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) (1965)
10. Beach Boys' Party! (1965)
11. Pet Sounds (1966)
12. Smiley Smile (1967)
13. Wild Honey (1967)
14. Friends (1968)
15. 20/20 (1969)
16. Sunflower (1970)
17. Surf's Up (1971)
18. Carl and the Passions – 'So Tough' (1972)
19. Holland (1973)
20. 15 Big Ones (1976)
21. The Beach Boys Love You (1977)
22. M.I.U. Album (1978)
23. L.A. (Light Album) (1979)
24. Keepin' the Summer Alive (1980)
25. The Beach Boys (1985)
26. Still Cruisin' (1989)
27. Summer in Paradise (1992)
28. Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 (1996)
29. That's Why God Made the Radio (2012)

Singles:

1. 'Surfin' / 'Luau' (1961)
2. 'Surfin' Safari' / '409' (1962)
3. 'Ten Little Indians' / 'County Fair' (1962)
4. 'Surfin' USA' / 'Shut Down' (1963)
5. 'Surfer Girl' / 'Little Deuce Coupe' (1963)
6. 'Be True to Your School' / 'In My Room' (1963)
7. 'Little Saint Nick' / 'The Lord's Prayer' (1963)
8. 'Fun, Fun, Fun' / 'Why Do Fools Fall in Love' (1964)
9. 'I Get Around' / 'Don't Worry Baby' (1964)
10. 'When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)' / 'She Knows Me Too Well' (1964)
11. 'Dance, Dance, Dance' / 'The Warmth of the Sun' (1964)
12. 'Help Me, Rhonda' / 'Kiss Me, Baby' (1965)
13. 'California Girls' / 'Let Him Run Wild' (1965)
14. 'Barbara Ann' / 'Girl Don't Tell Me' (1965)
15. 'Sloop John B' / 'You're So Good to Me' (1966)
16. 'God Only Knows' / 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' (1966)
17. 'Good Vibrations' / 'Let's Go Away for Awhile' (1966)
18. 'Heroes and Villains' / 'You're Welcome' (1967)
19. 'Gettin' Hungry' / 'Devoted to You' (1967)
20. 'Wild Honey' / 'Wind Chimes' (1967)
21. 'Darlin' / 'Here Today' (1967)
22. 'Friends' / 'Little Bird' (1968)
23. 'Do It Again' / 'Wake the World' (1968)
24. 'Bluebirds Over the Mountain' / 'Never Learn Not to Love' (1968)
25. 'I Can Hear Music' / 'All I Want to Do' (1969)
26. 'Break Away' / 'Celebrate the News' (1969)
27. 'Add Some Music to Your Day' / 'Susie Cincinnati' (1970)
28. 'Slip On Through' / 'This Whole World' (1970)
29. 'Tears in the Morning' / 'It's About Time' (1970)
30. 'Disney Girls' / 'At My Window' (1971)
31. 'Marcella' / 'Hold On Dear Brother' (1972)

Other releases:

1. Beach Boys Concert (1964, live album)
2. Stack-O-Tracks (1968, instrumental tracks)
3. Endless Harmony Soundtrack (1998, compilation of unreleased recordings)
4. Hawthorne, CA (2001, box set)
5. Made in California (2013, box set)