"For all of its legendary reputation, the one thing that's always bothered me about the SMiLE story was the image that it left behind: Brian, the sole genius, left tortured by his gifts and completely alone, his tribute to America left unfinished. But he was never really alone, was he?"

Goodbye Surfing, Hello God! SMiLE was supposed to be the magnum opus of its 24-year-old “genius” creator Brian Wilson. But by 1967, the planned album had been scrapped and Brian left shattered by the experience. To most, the album would be known more in whispers than actual music until Brian was finally able to complete the album in 2004, but the true Wilson acolytes knew better than to believe the hype of an “official” version. SMiLE had been theirs all along. Krista takes Rosie on a bicycle ride through Brian’s “teenage symphony to God” and explains how that journey didn’t end when Brian abandoned the tapes. Shoutout to the multitude of fan organizations keeping all the music we love alive today! Krista takes a swing at the myth of the lone male genius and Rosie compares the feel of the album to hyperpop. Both hosts wish they had physical BEACH BOYS FREAKS UNITED membership cards for their wallets.

SHOW NOTES & SOURCES

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