There is also conceptual brilliance at work in "Kokomo" - it completes the Caribbean exploration that was begun with "Sloop John B." The Caribbean connection does many things: it allows the Beach Boys to extend the idea of paradise from Southern California to the Caribbean, a repository of many of the same pleasures as Southern California and a place to pick up new and enticing rhythms.
The Caribbean is another vision of Paradise - in some preferable to over-crowded, busy, expensive, Californa. "Kokomo" updated the Beach Boys appeal to a more exotic locale with sympathic vibrations.
It has been very nice to see the revival of Brian Wilson, ironic that he alone remains alive of three very talented brothers, brothers whose pursuit of musical Paradise will remain one of the 20th century's greatest musical legacies.
And I agree with Bill Sherman's comment on the original post of this review that I underestimated the quality of the Beach Boys' '70s work, although my alibi is the focus on the hits as they appear in the collection.
Bill's own review of Wilson's recent Gettin' In Over My Head is here..
I look forward to finally hearing Smile, although nothing about my conception of Wilson's pop genius depends upon it.
UPDATE
A remarkable mini-film about the making of Smile - with music, interviews with Brian, Van Dyke Parks, fans who saw the live performance earlier this year and candid video from the studio - is now available here (Windows Media) (QuickTime)
Article comments
1 - Emily
Great post, Eric! FYI, California has recently granted permission to mark the childhood home of the Wilsons in Hawthorne, CA an official state landmark, even though the home was dozed over a decade ago to make way for the 105 freeway.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Emily, I really appreciate the kind words and that's great news about the Hawthorne home and its famous garage, which no longer exist
3 - Eric Olsen
Update - a mini-film about the making of Smile is now available above, check it out.
4 - riley moriarty
There was talk that a recording of the smiLE concert from carnegie hall 10/12 or 13 may be available through NonSuch Records. Do you have any information on that?
5 - Eric Olsen
Riley, I don't see anything about it yet on Brian's site