MOJO Magazine – March 2004 – Issue 124 – Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, The Velvet Underground, Norah Jones & Lost Albums

Original UK Music Magazine | March 2004 | Issue 124 | Brian Wilson Cover | Vintage Rock & Music Collectable

An original March 2004 edition of MOJO Magazine, Issue 124, featuring a striking full-cover photograph of Brian Wilson, legendary songwriter, producer and founding member of The Beach Boys.

This issue celebrates Brian Wilson's extraordinary musical career, with particular emphasis on the long-awaited revival of his legendary Smile project.

The cover advertises an exclusive Brian Wilson interview and live preview, documenting an important moment in the history of one of popular music's most famous unfinished albums.

Another major attraction is an extensive 25-page retrospective on The Velvet Underground, examining the influential New York band and its members, including Lou Reed, John Cale, Nico and Andy Warhol.

The magazine also includes a special feature on 67 Lost Albums, exploring overlooked, unfinished and forgotten recordings, alongside articles on Norah Jones, The Mars Volta, The White Stripes, Prince, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who and Bad Brains.

Published in March 2004, this original issue provides an excellent snapshot of early-2000s music journalism, combining classic rock history, experimental music, contemporary artists, rare recordings, interviews and music criticism.

Front Cover – Brian Wilson

The front cover features a large archival colour portrait of Brian Wilson during his younger years.

Wilson is pictured looking directly towards the camera with a calm, serious expression.

He has medium-length brown hair, styled in the distinctive fashion associated with The Beach Boys during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He is wearing:

• A blue textured jacket with broad lapels.

• A bright yellow-orange patterned shirt.

• A contrasting dark undershirt.

The image is presented against a vibrant yellow and orange background featuring a radiating sunburst pattern.

This design gives the cover a strong psychedelic-pop appearance, reflecting the musical era associated with Brian Wilson's most ambitious work.

The large black MOJO masthead stretches across the top of the cover, partially behind Wilson's portrait.

Main Cover Headlines

BRIAN WILSON – SMILE

Exclusive Interview & Live Preview Inside

The accompanying headline advertises a special feature examining the return of Wilson's celebrated Smile project.

Additional prominent cover headlines include:

• The Velvet Underground – 25-page retrospective

• 67 Lost Albums You Must Own

• Norah Jones – Sexier, Darker and Back

• The Who

• The Beatles

• Bob Dylan

• Charles Manson

• Bad Brains

• U2

• The White Stripes

• Prince

• The Mars Volta

• Readers' Poll Results

A small black-and-white photograph of The Velvet Underground appears in the upper-right corner.

The cover combines archival music photography, bold typography and vivid colours, making it particularly attractive for display within a Beach Boys or Brian Wilson collection.

Main Feature – Brian Wilson and Smile – Page 44

One of the principal features begins on page 44.

The article is written by Sylvie Simmons.

The photographed contents page describes the feature as examining the return of Brian Wilson's long-lost Beach Boys masterpiece, Smile, as a live musical event in 2004.

Brian Wilson – The Beach Boys

Brian Wilson is internationally recognised as one of popular music's most influential songwriters, composers and producers.

As a founding member of The Beach Boys, he helped develop the group's distinctive sound, combining sophisticated vocal harmonies with ambitious studio arrangements.

The Beach Boys became famous for recordings including:

• Surfin' U.S.A.

• California Girls

• Wouldn't It Be Nice

• God Only Knows

• Good Vibrations

• Sloop John B

• Don't Worry Baby

• Heroes and Villains

• Surf's Up

Wilson's musical innovations became particularly evident during the recording of the band's celebrated 1966 album Pet Sounds.

The Smile Project

Following Pet Sounds, Wilson began work on an ambitious album originally intended to be titled Smile.

The project involved experimental arrangements, elaborate vocal harmonies, unconventional instrumentation and collaborations with lyricist Van Dyke Parks.

Although sessions took place during 1966 and 1967, the original project was never completed in its intended form.

For decades, Smile became one of the most discussed unreleased albums in rock history.

In 2004, Wilson returned to the project, performing the music live and eventually releasing a newly recorded version.

Historical Significance

This March 2004 issue is particularly interesting because it was published during the period surrounding the first complete live performances of Smile.

The article offers contemporary reporting on an important moment in Wilson's career, rather than a retrospective written many years afterwards.

Interior Photograph – Brian Wilson

The photographed contents page includes an archival black-and-white photograph of a young Brian Wilson.

Wilson is pictured outdoors, wearing a patterned shirt with medium-length hair.

The photograph is labelled Brian Wilson – Page 44.

It complements the colourful archival portrait featured on the front cover.

The Velvet Underground – 25-Page Special – Page 64

Another major attraction is the extensive 25-page feature devoted to The Velvet Underground.

The feature begins on page 64 and examines one of the most influential groups in experimental rock music.

The photographed contents page identifies four principal sections.

Page 64 – Introduction

Written by Victor Bockris.

An introduction examining the band's influence and the significance of their overlooked third album.

Page 72 – Nico

Written by Will Hodgkinson.

A feature examining the life and career of Nico, the German singer and performer associated with The Velvet Underground.

Nico became internationally recognised through her work with the band and her subsequent solo recordings.

Her distinctive vocal style and experimental musical approach made her an influential figure in alternative music.

Page 78 – John Cale

Written by David Sheppard.

A feature examining John Cale, the Welsh musician, composer and producer who helped establish The Velvet Underground's experimental sound.

Cale's work extended beyond the band into solo recordings, avant-garde composition and music production.

Page 84 – Andy Warhol

Written by David Dalton.

A retrospective examining Andy Warhol and his association with The Velvet Underground during the 1960s.

Warhol's involvement connected the band with New York's experimental art scene and the Factory.

The Velvet Underground – Musical Legacy

The band's best-known members included:

• Lou Reed.

• John Cale.

• Sterling Morrison.

• Maureen Tucker.

• Nico, who collaborated with the group.

Their influential recordings include:

• Sunday Morning

• Venus in Furs

• Heroin

• I'm Waiting for the Man

• All Tomorrow's Parties

• Pale Blue Eyes

• Sweet Jane

• Rock & Roll

Their musical approach helped influence punk rock, alternative rock, art rock, noise rock and experimental music.

Interior Photograph – The Velvet Underground

The photographed contents page includes a large black-and-white archival group photograph.

Several members and associates of The Velvet Underground are pictured together in an informal indoor setting.

The image includes musicians wearing dark clothing, sunglasses and distinctive 1960s fashions.

A child is also visible within the group photograph.

The photograph is labelled The Velvet Underground – Page 64.

The image has considerable historical appeal for collectors of 1960s underground music, Lou Reed, Nico, John Cale and Andy Warhol-related publications.

67 Lost Albums – Page 51

A major feature beginning on page 51 examines 67 lost albums.

The magazine describes these as unfinished, overlooked or forgotten recordings.

The article explores recordings that never achieved their expected recognition or remained unavailable to listeners.

This feature is particularly relevant to collectors interested in:

• Unreleased recordings.

• Abandoned studio projects.

• Rare albums.

• Forgotten rock recordings.

• Music archives.

• Experimental music.

• Record collecting.

• Lost master tapes.

• Historical recording sessions.

The photographed contents page includes a selection of album artwork associated with the feature.

One visible image references Johnny Cash, while another features artwork associated with Bad Brains.

The feature offers a fascinating look at recordings that remained outside the mainstream music catalogue.

The Mars Volta – Page 58

The magazine includes a substantial feature on The Mars Volta, beginning on page 58.

The photographed contents page describes the band as an experimental progressive-rock group.

The article examines the band's unconventional approach to rock music and their rapidly developing reputation.

The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta were formed by Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, following their involvement with At the Drive-In.

The band's music combines:

• Progressive rock.

• Psychedelic rock.

• Experimental rock.

• Latin influences.

• Jazz-inspired arrangements.

• Complex rhythms.

• Extended instrumental passages.

Their debut album, De-Loused in the Comatorium, was released in 2003.

The magazine therefore captures the group during an important early period of their career.

Interior Photograph

The photographed contents page features a colour portrait of two members of The Mars Volta.

Both are wearing dark jackets, with distinctive curly hairstyles.

The image is labelled Mars Volta – Page 58.

Readers' Poll Results – Page 42

The magazine includes the results of its readers' music poll, beginning on page 42.

The feature examines readers' opinions on contemporary artists and popular recordings.

The photographed contents page specifically references:

• The White Stripes.

• The Darkness.

The article provides an interesting snapshot of music tastes and reader preferences during 2004.

The accompanying contents-page photograph features two musicians standing against a decorative red background.

Norah Jones – Page 91

The front cover prominently advertises:

Norah Jones – Sexier, Darker and Back!

The magazine includes coverage of Norah Jones within its album-review section, beginning on page 91.

Norah Jones in 2004

Norah Jones became internationally successful following the release of her debut album Come Away with Me in 2002.

The album combined jazz, soul, country and traditional pop influences.

Her second studio album, Feels Like Home, was released in February 2004.

This issue therefore appeared during the period of Jones's highly anticipated follow-up release.

Interior Artwork

The photographed contents page includes a large illustrated image associated with Norah Jones.

The artwork uses:

• Blue and turquoise tones.

• Stylised facial features.

• Decorative floral shapes.

• Flowing black outlines.

• A distinctive graphic-art appearance.

The image is labelled Norah Jones – Page 92.

Additional Music Coverage

The photographed contents pages reveal a substantial selection of articles, music news, album reviews and regular features.

Page 9 – All Back to My Place

A regular feature referencing:

• Ryan Adams.

• Lydia Lunch.

• Michael Madsen.

Page 11 – Theories, Rants, Etc

Reader commentary and music discussion referencing:

• The Doors.

• Teddy Page.

Page 15 – Hot News

Music-industry news covering subjects including:

• Festival in the Desert.

• Contemporary music charts.

• Music in Cambodia.

• Jack Black.

• Madonna.

• Jolie Holland.

• Metallica.

Page 18 – Celebrities

The photographed contents page includes a colour photograph of a man holding a koala.

The image accompanies the magazine's celebrity-related coverage.

Page 34 – The MOJO Quiz

A regular music quiz featuring questions on music history and popular culture.

Page 38 – Real Gone

A retrospective feature remembering Ruben Gonzales.

Page 91 – Albums

The album-review section includes coverage of:

• Norah Jones.

• Courtney Love.

• Franz Ferdinand.

• John Frusciante.

• Lone Pigeon.

• Ryan Adams.

Page 94 – Albums

The photographed contents page includes artwork associated with Courtney Love's America's Sweetheart.

Page 112 – Reissues

The reissue section includes coverage of:

• The Waterboys.

• Yellow Magic Orchestra.

• Noel Harrison.

Page 114 – Reissues

The contents page includes artwork associated with Diana Ross.

Page 120 – DVDs

Music DVD coverage includes:

• The Beatles' First US Visit.

• Frank Zappa's Baby Snakes.

• The Undertones.

• Sam Cooke.

Page 122 – Books

Music-related book reviews covering jazz history and music biographies.

Page 126 – Lives

Live-performance coverage including:

• The Flaming Lips.

• The White Stripes.

• Bob Dylan.

Page 132 – Lives

The photographed contents page includes a colour photograph of a seated musician performing onstage with a guitar.

Page 134 – How To Buy

A music-collecting feature examining recordings by Prince.

The contents page specifically references Sign o' the Times.

Page 136 – Nuggets

Music memorabilia and unusual collectables, including:

• Vintage records.

• Rare albums.

• Music-related artefacts.

Page 138 – Enlightenment

The magazine's regular music-history question-and-answer feature.

Page 140 – Buried Treasure

A retrospective feature on the album Fingers, by Airto.

Page 146 – Hello, Goodbye

A historical feature examining Gene Parsons and The Byrds.

Interior Photography and Magazine Design

The supplied photographs show two original contents pages, providing a detailed overview of the magazine's editorial layout and photographic material.

Page 3 – Main Features

The first contents page includes:

• An archival photograph of Brian Wilson.

• A photograph of The Mars Volta.

• Album artwork associated with the Lost Albums feature.

• A photograph accompanying the Readers' Poll.

• A large archival photograph of The Velvet Underground.

The page uses a predominantly white background with black headings, gold page numbers and orange photographic labels.

Page 4 – Reviews and Regular Features

The second contents page includes:

• A colour live-performance photograph.

• A photograph of a man holding a koala.

• Courtney Love album artwork.

• Diana Ross album artwork.

• A large stylised illustration associated with Norah Jones.

These images demonstrate the magazine's broad coverage of music history, contemporary recording artists, live performances and archival releases.

Publication Details

Magazine: MOJO

Issue Number: 124

Publication Date: March 2004

Original UK Cover Price: £3.80

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Music Magazine

Main Cover Artist: Brian Wilson

Main Cover Feature: Brian Wilson – Smile

Main Brian Wilson Feature Writer: Sylvie Simmons

Major Special Feature: The Velvet Underground – 25 Pages

Additional Major Feature: 67 Lost Albums

Other Featured Artists: Norah Jones, The Mars Volta, Prince, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who, Bad Brains and others

SKU: 1590

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned original magazine showing visible signs of previous handling and age-related wear.

The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The Brian Wilson cover remains bright and visually striking.

The yellow and orange background retains strong colour, and the main portrait remains clearly visible.

The printed headlines and masthead are readable.

Visible Wear and Imperfections

• Light surface rubbing across the front cover.

• Fine handling scratches visible in the darker printed areas.

• Minor wear along the spine and left-hand edge.

• Slight rubbing around the upper-left corner.

• Light handling wear along the top edge.

• Small surface marks consistent with previous handling.

• Minor corner wear, particularly around the lower-left corner.

• Light rubbing along the lower edge.

• Slight wear around the right-hand edge.

• Some natural curvature to the photographed interior pages.

The cover shows general signs of age and handling consistent with a magazine published in 2004.

The Brian Wilson photograph remains clearly defined, with no obvious major damage obscuring the main image.

Spine and Binding

The spine is visible and appears intact in the supplied photographs.

Some light rubbing is present along the left-hand edge.

The magazine opens to display the photographed interior pages.

The complete binding has not been examined page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents pages appear generally clean and readable.

The photographs, headings and printed text remain clearly visible.

Some natural curvature is present where the magazine has been opened.

No obvious major tears or substantial missing sections are visible in the photographed pages.

Full internal completeness has not been independently verified.

Overall Condition

Good pre-owned vintage appearance based on the supplied photographs.

The magazine shows light surface rubbing, fine handling scratches, minor edge and corner wear and general signs of previous handling.

It is not being described as mint or immaculate.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Free Gifts and Additional Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

The original issue advertises a free Raw Soul CD.

The original free CD is no longer included.

Any other original free gifts, promotional CDs, loose supplements, additional inserts or accompanying items are also not included.

Only the printed magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas shipping.

Collector Appeal

This original March 2004 MOJO issue may appeal to collectors of:

• MOJO Magazine back issues.

• Brian Wilson memorabilia.

• The Beach Boys.

• Smile album history.

• Pet Sounds.

• 1960s psychedelic pop.

• Classic rock.

• The Velvet Underground.

• Lou Reed.

• John Cale.

• Nico.

• Andy Warhol.

• Experimental rock.

• Art rock.

• Alternative music.

• Rare and unreleased albums.

• Music archives.

• The Mars Volta.

• Progressive rock.

• Norah Jones.

• The White Stripes.

• The Darkness.

• Prince.

• Bob Dylan.

• The Beatles.

• The Who.

• Bad Brains.

• U2.

• Vintage music journalism.

• Original music-magazine cover artwork.

• Rock music history.

Summary

An original MOJO Magazine, March 2004, Issue 124, featuring a striking archival Brian Wilson front cover.

The magazine includes an exclusive interview and contemporary coverage of the return of Wilson's legendary Smile project.

A substantial 25-page Velvet Underground retrospective examines the influential band's history, including features on Nico, John Cale and Andy Warhol.

Additional highlights include 67 Lost Albums, The Mars Volta, Norah Jones, readers' poll results and extensive music reviews.

The magazine offers an interesting combination of classic-rock history, experimental music, rare recordings and early-2000s music journalism.

Condition: Good pre-owned vintage appearance with visible surface rubbing, minor edge and corner wear and general signs of handling. Full internal completeness has not been verified.

Important: Original free Raw Soul CD and any other accompanying promotional items are not included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1590