Sound clips now available at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005J29HCQ/?tag=imwan-20

After seeing this video I am amazed they didn't release this far earlier, the guys in the band talk about the recordings so fondly, what was the big problem with finishing it off?

This video really has me very excited about these CDs, can't wait now !

This might be the best week of the year for releases - Smile - FZ's 71 4 cd set and Aqualung - not enough hours in the week to digest it.

Unless you pre-scheduled vacation like I did. Sorry to brag but I just had to do this!

Rick A.

i was in best buy about 30 minutes ago and they had plenty of copies of "smile" on the shelf.

they had the big set too.

i'm not buying it, but i know many are looking forward to it.

sadly, i did not even look at the price, sorry.

Wow! They jumped the gun by four days. Will these be on eBay tonight?

According to Phil, Capital Records is likely dispatching a fleet of secret agents in black helicopters to that Best Buy as we speak.

good news - bad news -

F Zappa release delayed - "Dear People of Earth,

We thank you for your kind indulgence and excellent taste in music and ask for your patience. The Plan A from our production plant has now moved to Plan B. What this means is that Carnegie Hall will be shipping the week of the 14th of November and that you will have to indulge in "other" tricks and treats for Halloween.

Thank you, again.

xxx,

the barfies"

the good news - while I wait for the Smile box - I picked up the 2 disc Smile set from my local indy store -

Disc 1 80 minutes Captial label

Disc 2 - Brother label

this is GREAT!

My indy store has the 2 disc set for $ 32
the box $150

I have absolutely NO desire to own this. I listened to the samples on Amazon and wasn't moved by anything I heard. I do sincerely hope that for all those anxiously awaiting their versions..... that it is everything you hoped for AND much more!! I really do........... (honest, I'm not kidding!)

Different strokes!

So, it's released. People have all formats in their possession, and are going batshit crazy. Life is very, very fine.

i only hope, for those who hoped for this for so long, that is better than the wondermints version of a few years ago.

My single-disc version shipped from Amazon UK today!

Amoeba, Pepperland and Rockaway all have plenty of each version, and selling briskly this morning from what I see; most everyone going to checkout has it in their basket. Gonna just grab the 2-CD Lift-Top Box today because I had to pre-order the big set from Fingerprints to gain entry to meet Brian next week.

SMiLE's fanfare upon arrival was underwhelming - it just suddenly appears. But holding it in your hand...!

Mine as well !

I guess I have to ask: is this a regional thing where retailers in certain parts of the country are routinely putting out merchandise ahead of the release date, or has the entertainment industry becoming less stringent in enforcing street dates? A few years back, if a store "accidently" sold a Harry Potter book to some kid three days early, it was national news--and don't forget how once upon a time Best Buy opened at midnight to sell Beatles "Anthology" CD's.

What's the deal with the "Smile" box hitting shelves ahead of the street date?

I checked Best Buy after Renny's post. No sign of SMiLE.

I had one store tell me they put stuff out when they got it, even if it was before street date. Didn't think too much of it because it's a small chain and I figured they might not be tied into the system. But I've noticed lately that Barnes & Noble is putting books out before the street date. Last weekend, I saw the Tony Iommi autobiography out a full 10 days before the street date.

Alan

My lp version arrived this morning c/o Amazon UK. I'll play it later cos I'm tired from that bill paying thang called work but the colour art book is interesting to look at as are Brian's notes on one of the lp inner sleeves about the how and why it's out now.
Reading between the lines clearly the sessions burned him out and like I guess many of us, he just moved on and effectively forget about the sessions as the alternative was too painful emotionally. The whole trail toward the release starts from the 30th Anniversary set, the incorporation of songs intro his concerts with their public acceptance and the BWPS version coming out. You could say he's at peace with Smile now.

Played last night. it was very clean sounding with plenty of bass. Record surfaces glossy with quiet surfaces so I can recommend this if you want the lp version.