Customer Reviews

Beach Boys - Good Vibrations Tour

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Finally got around to buying this title. First and foremost, those looking for some live Brian Wilson stage action circa 1976 will be disappointed. He sings no songs onstage and they don't even cut to him the few times he is on the piano. I saw no footage of him on bass either.

Instead, the value of this DVD is held mostly in the studio performances:

I'm Bugged at my Old Man - Bri, Dennis and Carl around a piano. Notice them all looking at each other and laughing at some of the lyrics as if they might have been true happenings in the Wilson household.

That Same Song - Live in a baptist church with the boys and a full choir singing accompanied only by an unknown guy on piano

Dennis Wilson - You are so Beautiful - same as the 'An American Band' footage if I'm not mistaken

The rest of the 'live' show is unexciting subpar to the Knebworth show of just a few years later in regards to performance quality and participation from Brian. The Akroyd/Belushi bits and sketches are all throwaway as far as I'm concerned.

Dr. Landy was right. At this time, Brian was not ready to be 'back' in the band which is well evident in his performances, state of mind and songwriting quality.

For a high quality viewing experience search out the little seen 'The Beach Boys Video Hits' on DVD. This footage includes all of their live TV performances dated roughly 1961-1965 with many live BB performances with very energetic Brian Wilson participation (Little St. Nick, When I Grow Up to Be a Man, Barbara Ann, Monkeys Uncle, etc.) It's no wonder everybody cried when Bri told them he would no longer tour. It was a different band before 1965...

I've always felt that when the boys got back together to do Nashville Sounds, they should have been finishing SMiLE instead. This would have given them the chance to maturely demonstrate to the world the talent, spirit and harmony that is 'The Beach Boys'.

This concert was filmed during the infamous "Brian Is Back" campaign in 1976 and shown on TV at the time. The concert is interrupted by footing of interviews with band members and friends. Curiously, the whole thing works, even though the performances on stage seem forced at times, Brian looks disturbed on stage and the famous harmonies are missing in most parts. Still, there are true highlights: For me, the performance of "That Same Song" with a gospel choir (not on stage) is simply amazing. It is far more emotional and powerful than the original version that appeared on 15 Big Ones. This should have appeared on record. Another highlight is Dennis rendition of "You Are So Beautiful". For fans of Dennis, this DVD is a true find, because he is shown prominently throughout the film. He plays it cool as a member of the jury for a beauty contest with "California Girls" playing in the background. Great stuff.

The full screen picture quality is so-so (70s TV standard), The sound actually quiet good thanks to remastering and DTS 5.1. Running time is relatively short and there are no extras. Still, grab it if you love the Beach Boys. It is a great addition to every fan's collection.

Much as I love the Beach Boys, and I mean from way back when Surfing USA was released in the UK, this is truly awful.
The lead vocals are so bad they ruin all that is going on behind, and this is mainly down to Mike Love.
Nearly all of the live tracks are so bad as to be un-listenable.

Worth having for those who feel they need to have footage of interviews or band segments that may not be available anywhere else.The live footage is pretty rough compared to how good they normally are.The "Good Timin" in Knebworth concert is a lot better.Here they all seem out of tune uninteresting on stage with the exception of Dennis Wilson.He delivers strong with his version of "You are so Beautiful".It's always painful for me to watch Mike Love on stage dancing aroung like a cheerleader.He's just a buzz kill to the music.Some of the interviews/skits are better than others,but there is nothing here that I would say a devoted Beach Boy's fan would need to see.I was hoping for more footage from Brian's 34th birthday party with all the Wilson family and Paul and Linda McCartney in attendance.Instead I got less than in "The American Band" documentary has to offer on the occasion.I would love to see All that was recorded from that night.All in all it's just a mediocre 70's t.v. special.That's about it.