Music Anecdote #1 - "She's Leaving Home"

I once read (or heard) a story when Brian Wilson was in the studio working on his next project "Smile," Paul McCartney walked in, sat on the piano, and played sections of "She's Leaving Home," then said his goodbyes and left. This happened before Sgt. Pepper was released. I also think it read that Paul was being a show-off, and acted like a faux pas gentleman, just to get Brian reeling.

Regardless of what exactly happened, I've felt more sorry for Brian by aforementioned than many other misgivings scattered throughout his life. I still love the Beatles, and have always been my favorite band, but reading about boasted egos are equivalent to a woman's crusty panties - a turn off.

I sometimes wonder if that scenario was the start of what was to become in Brian's mindset. Did hearing Paul's truncated "She's Leaving Home" diminish his own self-confidence? Pet Sounds didn't exactly fly off the shelf, and it must have puzzled Brian deeply, since he felt Pet Sounds was at the time, his magnum opus.

Brian must have figured after hearing SLH, in whatever capacity Paul played that day, the song and (Beatles) next album would reach the heights Brian could only dream of, but was something he could touch from what was playing in his head. Unfortunately, it must have been painful for Brian recording for months on end, trying to transfer and duplicate what was in his head during Pet Sounds. Those thoughts may have crossed his thoughts during Paul's little exhibition, and possibly his mind decided at that moment to take a break - Smile is on hiatus.

Addendum -

The above is just me blabbering away. I don't say or intend with perfect facts, but just to keep my mind questioning. In a simpler way of explaining - the "What Ifs" in life.

P.S. I know most of the story behind Brian and "Smile." The above is just more food for thought.

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