In Concert [Live, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

The Beach Boys | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 18, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B00004U66Q
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,227 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #57 in Music > Pop > Oldies > Baroque Pop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Released in the wake of Holland, one of the Beach Boys' last creative triumphs, this 1973 set captures a band feverishly trying to reconcile its past, present, and future--no mean feat considering Brian Wilson had long since retreated into seclusion due to overwhelming personal problems and friction with his bandmates. Aside from the Ramones-like energy of their teenybopping early '60s prime, this is arguably the band's performing peak. Supplemented by Holland sidemen Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar (who would later add the Rutles to his strange résumé), the band offers up several strong versions of then-recent material ("Sail On Sailor," "Trader," "Darlin'," "Marcella"), a few key Pet Sounds cuts, and a few surprises (a bluesy "Leaving This Town," the haunting Wild Honey track "Let the Wind Blow") in this collection's first half, then largely turns matters over to Mike Love for an energetic run-through--and disturbing preview--of their long-running oldies revue. Also included are new liner notes by longtime Wilson biographer Timothy White. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

Their live double LP from '73, a #25 album featuring the perfect cross-section of Beach Boys songs-the live versions of which arguably surpass many of the studio versions! This nicely priced 2-CD set includes Surfin' USA; California Girls; Fun, Fun, Fun; Wouldn't It Be Nice; Good Vibrations; Sloop John B; Heroes and Villains; Don't Worry Baby; Darlin'; Caroline, No; Sail On Sailor , and nine more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beach Boys Never Sounded Better !!!, August 25, 2000

By 

paperbackriter (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: In Concert (Audio CD)

Wow! What a thrill that Capitol finally got it together and re-released this gem of a live album which proves just how captivating the Beach Boys could be in front of an audience.(I've been searching for this CD ever since my crummy 8-track player devoured my copy nearly 20 years ago! )Those who have only seen the Boys in recent years, methodically whipping out one "golden-oldie" after another, will be stunned by how relevant the Beach Boys sounded in the early '70's. I mean where else are you going to hear strong live versions of great tracks from "Pet Sounds", "Holland" and "Wild Honey" ? This CD is the only document from this vibrant period in Beach Boys history and that alone makes it worthwhile.

Recorded in 1972 and '73 when Carl Wilson assumed leadership of the group in lieu of brother Brian's absence, the touring version of the Beach Boys was never tighter. South African guitarist Blondie Chaplin and drummer Ricky Fataar climbed aboard and bolstered the band with their dynamic chops. Vocally, Al Jardine and the grossly underrated Carl never sounded better. Al's renditions of "Surfer Girl" and the Pet Sounds classic "You Still Believe in Me" are not only heartwarming, but add a new twist to songs which Brian originally stamped with his trademark falsetto. Great job Al !! Other highights include Al and Carl teaming up on the rare "bicycle" version of "Heroes and Villains", as well as Carl's souped up reading of the catchy "Marcella". Carl pretty much steals the show with a haunting rendition of "Caroline No" which is nearly the equal of Brian's classic Pet Sounds version. Toward the end of the set, Mike Love takes over and drives the band home with his peppy take on early hits such as "Surfin USA" and "Fun,Fun,Fun". Certainly these tracks are worthy, but they are not what makes this CD such a treasure -- it's the aforementioned songs and other live rarities such as "Darlin'", "The Trader" and "Leaving This Town" that make it all worthwhile. Great stuff. Highly recommended !!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Beach Boys live album, March 7, 2005

By 

Michael Stack (North Chelmsford, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Concert (Audio CD)

Without a doubt the best of the Beach Boys live albums-- taken from tours for Holland, this is from the last tour before emphasis on older material began. In fact, of the 20 cuts on this disc, only six date from before Pet Sounds. The band includes Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar, musicians from South Africa who joined the Beach Boys on their previous two studio albums.

It is in fact Blondie who is first heard, with his great lead vocal on "Sail On, Sailor". The set continues through later Beach Boys material and a few "Pet Sounds" songs-- of particular note are a great take on "You Still Believe in Me", powerful readings of "Heroes and Villains" and "Funky Pretty" (the latter again featuring a stellar vocal by Blondie), and a totally moving take on "Let the Wind Blow" (with a stunning lead by Carl). Also of note is "We Got Love", recorded for "Holland" but not released. The only complaint is there's no Dennis songs on here, but its a small complaint, given how powerful the album is.

Overall, a great set, and well worth having.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you only buy 1 Beach Boys live CD, this is the one, March 22, 2005

By 

Greg Brady "columbusboy" (Capital City) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: In Concert (Audio CD)

There are several options to get the Beach Boys live (without bootlegs, that is): the twofer release of "In Concert/Live in London", this CD, and "Good Timin'" (a 1979 English show). For sheer excellent song selection and performance, this is far and away the best of the three.

The songs get extra energy from the band performing as close to rock and roll as the band got and they feature some of their best material (rather than strictly "sun and fun" numbers). It's hard to realize now but there was a time when a Beach Boys concert meant you might actually hear some NEW material from them. With the extra oomph, even their weaker material ("Funky Pretty", "Marcella") sounds passable.

Of the 20 songs here, only 5 come from before "Pet Sounds". No 'oldies jukebox' here...this was a band that realized they were still MAKING great music...and they actually bothered to perform it.

HIGHLIGHTS:
"Leaving this Town" is especially vibey live...with a great keyboard solo and impassioned Blondie Chaplin vocal. They absolutely TEAR into "Heroes and Villains" (listen for Dennis to use the rare "Bicycle rider.." section in the lyric...). A delicate "Caroline,No" is transcendent. "Let the Wind Blow" here leaves some of the harmonies out, making it more R&B than the album version. It underscores the desperation of the lyric. It especially kicks in at the "Let the bees make honey.." section. "Good Vibrations" cooks as what must have been the concert closer.

LOWS:
Nothing really outright "bad" here, though "Marcella" and "Funky Pretty" are lesser tunes. They sound as good as they ever have here in a live setting. "Fun, Fun, Fun" doesn't sound bad but it's a letdown as the encore after a frenetic "Good Vibrations".

BOTTOM LINE:
Great song selection, the guys are tight, they sound like they want to be there. If you're getting live Beach Boys, get this one.