#126. As a music lover, one of the more interesting stories to me was the Smile saga. After The Beatles released Sgt Pepper, which in Brian Wilson's mind bested their classic album Pet Sounds, the competitive spirit in Brian (which was also fueled by chemicals and untreated depression) set about to make the ultimate trip of an album.
Volumes have been written about this album, which eventually was scrapped and began Brian's long descent into a deep dark place where he all but retired from the music business. Brian resurfaced a few times, and finally conquered his stage fright enough to actually appear to enjoy himself on stage. But the biggest surprise came in 2003 when word came out that he was digging out Smile and was finally finishing it. Not only did he do that, but he triumphed on stage with the tour of Smile, of which I saw the Disney Concert Hall show in 2004.
Now i hear Capitol Records is putting together a release from the original sessions. I'll believe that when I see it. But then again, I never thought I would see the day where Brian would have completed Smile.
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