Kudos, Brian

Re “At Last, a ‘Smile’ for the Ages,” by Randy Lewis [Sept. 27]: “Smile” is bloody brilliant! Poured myself a nice stiff drink, read the booklet and then put on the headphones, turned out the lights and listened to it from beginning to end.

As many times as I’ve heard all the old bits and pieces, it sounded fresh from the first note -- then I found myself alternately laughing and crying (and I do mean that literally) at the sheer beauty and bravado of it all. The segues are simply amazing, and the musicality of it all is awe-inspiring. How can something be so complex and play-like at the same time?

It was well worth the wait, and might actually be even better for it. I’m just blown away, and so very happy for Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. I’d call it another vindication for Brian, the other being the acceptance of “Pet Sounds.”

John “Chris” Christensen

Lakewood