Brian Wilson Presents - Smile (DVD, 2005)

If you like the album, SMiLE, you'll love the video. It's practically a note for note re-creation of the album played by expert musicians in front of a respectful and adoring audience.

You might ask yourself, if it's a total re-creation and I already have the CD why do I need the DVD? Trust me, you need it. By watching the video you go to school on how this excellent music was created and you marvel at the musicianship and the versatility of the players, the singers and of course Brian, who is unequalled. I'm guessing that this is so well done because SMiLE was presented on stage before it was ever recorded by this group. As such, the album is actually a re-creation of the stage presentation which is the reverse of the norm.

I have no negative criticisms whatsover. The music is presented meticulously. The audience does not get in the way with shouting, cheering, whooping, hollaring or that obnoxious "wooo" noise. I'd rank this as the best video that I've even seen by rock musicians. For what it's worth, I also love Scorsese's The Last Waltz, with The Band though that's more of a movie while SMiLE is pure video.

As far as the music goes, a comparison with Sgt. Pepper is in order. Pepper is darker, more brooding and not exactly a feel good record. SMiLE, on the other hand, is more symphonic. It's uplifting, cheerful and ends on a distinctly high note that'll make you SMiLE. And isn't that music is all about, making you feel good?

I don't know if and how Brian will ever be able to top this. It was a long time coming but it's here now and for all time. Enjoy!

Thanks Brian.