When a project of the magnitude of Making God Smile is undertaken, the result is often unsatisfactory to those who are fans of the originals. But alas, this two CD tribute to Brian Wilson was refreshing and well put together.
The interpretations of Brian's songs ranged from fairly direct reproductions ("Good Vibrations" by Phil Keaggy) to the slightly strange and experimental ("Help Me Rhonda" by Kevin Max and Jimmy A). While each artist who participated in this project took a different approach, it is obvious from the finished project that there was a shared respect for the life work of this Beach Boy.
This album is a solid venture, and there are no songs that are a real disappointment; however, a number of tracks stand out from the crowd. Kate Miner's rendition of "God Only Knows" is sweet and sincere enough to bring tears to your eyes, Jason Harrod brings new life to "In My Room," and it is just fun to hear Terry Scott Taylor doing "Vegetables."
A person couldn't ask for more out of a Brian Wilson tribute, and anyone who has fond memories of the Beach Boys and Brian will get great joy out of this album.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dave KerschbaumSilent Planet Records knows how to throw a good birthday party. While Hit Radio is populated with boy bands and midriff girls who are younger than your car, Brian Wilson turned 60 years old this summer. And although many young VH1-watchers may only recognize Wilson as that guy the Barenaked Ladies sang about, Wilson's innovation and influence in rock music cannot be denied. With Making God Smile,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Ken MuellerIn honor of tunesmith Brian Wilson's sixtieth birthday, the folks at Silent Planet records have put together a pretty decent tribute album. While most tribute albums tend to be pretty uneven affairs, this one, with few exceptions, is quite good. The large majority of the tunes are from the Beach Boys catalog, including the "lost" album Smile, while a few are from Wilson's solo work in later…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshI can remember back in 1964 wandering the halls of the local high school in my sophomore year with two other guys trying to perfect the harmonies to "In My Room" by the Beach Boys. Fortunately for the rest of the world that is as far as my singing career ever went. Also fortunately that was just the tip of the iceberg concerning the music of Brian Wilson. Although my personal taste has always run…
