Many diehard Brian fans had already heard the Sweet Insanity and the
Landylocked boots (and got thier hopes waaay up for a masterpiece) and when
they heard Thomas' 1970's bland arrangements and production that could have
been for James Taylor, old cover versions, Jimmy Buffet - and the album bombed
commercially - the fans turned against Thomas (with Melinda who later suied
him, saying Thomas was taking advange of the partnership between him and
Brian). 

I dont think "Imagination" is a bad album, I loved the title track,  "Lay Down
Burden" "Happy Days" and even the mushy "Dream Angel". Thomas did a great job
stacking Brian's vocals.  

The best thing to come out of the whole "Imagination" mess is Brian needed a
touring group to promote the album, so he hired the Wondermints and Jeffery
Foskett - if it wasnt for them you'd wouldnt have the new Smile,
.



Billy G. Spradlin
http://listen.to/jangleradio