The Beach Boys as Proto-Prog

I agree, but particularly for Smile

Sorry no from me. I would rather have Abba (so to speak)

If it influenced Sgt. Pepper that would make it proto-proto prog and we don't have that category here. 

So if you like the Beachy Boys, just enjoy them as they are.

If only they'd used a mellotron instead of a theremin on Good Vibrators, the first pop song about a sex toy...


Edited by Slartibartfast - June 23 2012 at 05:59

dreadpirateroberts wrote: Dean wrote: But Smile wasn't released until 2011 (2004 for the Brian Wilson version), it was only influential by reputation - Pet Sounds has the requisite elements (psychedelic pop, baroque pop) and was influential on 60s UK pschedelic rock (Sgt Pepper and Piper at the Gates etc.), but was it Proto-Prog?  True. I should get Smiley Smile one day to see what those substitute 'Smile' moments are like

It's interesting to hear, but definitely a disappointment if you expect something like Smile.

I agree with Dean here.

dreadpirateroberts wrote: Moogtron III wrote: dreadpirateroberts wrote: Dean wrote: But Smile wasn't released until 2011 (2004 for the Brian Wilson version), it was only influential by reputation - Pet Sounds has the requisite elements (psychedelic pop, baroque pop) and was influential on 60s UK pschedelic rock (Sgt Pepper and Piper at the Gates etc.), but was it Proto-Prog?  True. I should get Smiley Smile one day to see what those substitute 'Smile' moments are like It's interesting to hear, but definitely a disappointment if you expect something like Smile. I reckon I will one day, but you'd suggest not to rush out for it? I actually find myself (especially after getting 'Pacific Ocean Blue' a few years back) craving more Dennis-penned songs, so I should also probably explore their early 70s/late 60s stuff more fully (Forgive the thread hi-jack)

Well, Sunflower has better reviews, but it's more polished than Smiley Smile.
Surf's Up has nice songs of most of the group members, but not Dennis, if I recall well.
Smiley Smile stands in no comparison to Smile.
It's underproduced and an attempt to deliver an album following the failing of Smile.
The Allmusic site still gives it 4 stars, so I don't know, you might like it.
It has some nice moments, but IMHO that's mainly because of the other versions of Smile songs.

Dean wrote: But Smile wasn't released until 2011 (2004 for the Brian Wilson version), it was only influential by reputation - Pet Sounds has the requisite elements (psychedelic pop, baroque pop) and was influential on 60s UK pschedelic rock (Sgt Pepper and Piper at the Gates etc.), but was it Proto-Prog?

by 'Smile' I of course meant Smiley Smile--  the point being that whatever you want to call it, a very important record was released in 1967 that, but for one or two classic hits, contains strong evidence for Protoprog - or perhaps proto Avant rock - and should be seriously listened to by anyone concerned.   Further and perhaps just as significant is the Beach Boys crucial contribution to the art and craft of rock music, not just the mechanics of it.   They were the first rock'nroll band to take their music "too seriously", to apply recording methods normally reserved for classical, big band, and Pop Vocal, and to push the limits because they could. 

I'm not pushing for their inclusion in Protoprog, I'm saying there absence from it is an obvious deficit that should be rectified someday.   Pet Sounds ?   No, it doesn't hold up as 'proto' much of anything

no

Edited by Ancient Tree - June 24 2012 at 14:32

I don't believe the Beach Boys are proto-prog.  I'm not even sure the Beatles are, except in the sense that the Beatles were pretty much the catalyst for virtually everything.