VDP SMiLE Essay
I'm not sure if you have all read the new VDP essay on thesmileshop.net, but I thought I'd post it, it makes it pretty clear what a gracious fellow VDP is. (apologies to those of you who've read it on other message boards like CE/netsounds.
SMILE -- YOU'RE IN LONDON
by Van Dyke Parks
It's phenomenal to be in a magical city next to a true celebrity. I went with my wife Sally to London, so we could hear the first three shows of "Smile". It's a city of reflected glory.
We stayed at the London home of friend (the celebrated guitarist) Richard Thompson, and found Hampstead Heath a refreshingly quiet residential neighborhood.
When we arrived from the airport, we unpacked. With the first sensations of jet-lag, we spruced up, and walked out the front door to dine out in the shank of the evening. As the front door gently closed, I heard myself ask Sally "...do you have the keys?" Click........she didn't.
It was snowing gently, and cold. We had no car nor cel phone, yet the house was tighter than a drum. We would have stood there forever, had it not been for the assistance of a next door neighbor. He was animmigrant from Persia, and after a cup of bi-lingual converation and hot tea in his home, he extended his hospitality to assisting us by breaking the front window of Richard Thompson's home. Kindness of strangers. A good omen.
Next day, we had the window replaced. It is of Italian glass. It comes from Italy, and because it's very rare glass, it would cost 300 pounds to replace. We were off to a good start once the glazier did his repairs.
In about two days, we recovered from our arrival, ready for the first performance of "Smile". By now, we were thinking Yiddish, speaking British.
As we walked into the Royal Festival Hall, there was a standing ovation.
In spite of what has been reported, the applause was for my wife, really. She was the one who wrassled me to my seat. The audience was just showing their appreciation and relief that I would not be on the stage.
Brian absolutely conquered the work! A terrific piece of theatre, it came closest to my original hopes for full-screen animation. It was an electrifying experience, no doubt in part because of the audience- interaction. I believe "Smile" is a pioneer (although unintentional) interactive album. Anyone familiar with the pirated music has his own sequences in mind. Brian would now debut his preference, deservedly.
I'm delighted with that sequence, and the Wondermints. Wow! As people, as musicians, with a terrific esprit de corps, they deserve great gratitude.
"Smile" struck me as much smaller than I'd remembered (I hadn't listened to it in 37 years really). Yet, it appeals to me, like a small collection of finely engraved postage stamps, for intimate viewing.
Then what's the big deal? I'll tell you the truth:
It's The Singer, Not The Song!
BRIAN WILSON
This is a must-see show. Hit it when it comes to your side of the Pond!
March 24, 2004
(c) 2004, Van Dyke Parks
[cross-posted to smileysmile & outsider_music]
SMILE -- YOU'RE IN LONDON
by Van Dyke Parks
It's phenomenal to be in a magical city next to a true celebrity. I went with my wife Sally to London, so we could hear the first three shows of "Smile". It's a city of reflected glory.
We stayed at the London home of friend (the celebrated guitarist) Richard Thompson, and found Hampstead Heath a refreshingly quiet residential neighborhood.
When we arrived from the airport, we unpacked. With the first sensations of jet-lag, we spruced up, and walked out the front door to dine out in the shank of the evening. As the front door gently closed, I heard myself ask Sally "...do you have the keys?" Click........she didn't.
It was snowing gently, and cold. We had no car nor cel phone, yet the house was tighter than a drum. We would have stood there forever, had it not been for the assistance of a next door neighbor. He was animmigrant from Persia, and after a cup of bi-lingual converation and hot tea in his home, he extended his hospitality to assisting us by breaking the front window of Richard Thompson's home. Kindness of strangers. A good omen.
Next day, we had the window replaced. It is of Italian glass. It comes from Italy, and because it's very rare glass, it would cost 300 pounds to replace. We were off to a good start once the glazier did his repairs.
In about two days, we recovered from our arrival, ready for the first performance of "Smile". By now, we were thinking Yiddish, speaking British.
As we walked into the Royal Festival Hall, there was a standing ovation.
In spite of what has been reported, the applause was for my wife, really. She was the one who wrassled me to my seat. The audience was just showing their appreciation and relief that I would not be on the stage.
Brian absolutely conquered the work! A terrific piece of theatre, it came closest to my original hopes for full-screen animation. It was an electrifying experience, no doubt in part because of the audience- interaction. I believe "Smile" is a pioneer (although unintentional) interactive album. Anyone familiar with the pirated music has his own sequences in mind. Brian would now debut his preference, deservedly.
I'm delighted with that sequence, and the Wondermints. Wow! As people, as musicians, with a terrific esprit de corps, they deserve great gratitude.
"Smile" struck me as much smaller than I'd remembered (I hadn't listened to it in 37 years really). Yet, it appeals to me, like a small collection of finely engraved postage stamps, for intimate viewing.
Then what's the big deal? I'll tell you the truth:
It's The Singer, Not The Song!
BRIAN WILSON
This is a must-see show. Hit it when it comes to your side of the Pond!
March 24, 2004
(c) 2004, Van Dyke Parks
[cross-posted to smileysmile & outsider_music]