Brian Wilson - Live at the Roxy Theatre

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Music reviews of Live at the Roxy Theatre

Music Review: Brian Is Back... With A Vengeance
Rating: 5 Stars

This 2 - disc cd captures the highlights from BW's two - night stint at the Roxy Theater. On disc 1, Brian mixes in some of the expected Beach Boys fair ( e. g. "I Get Around", "California Girls ), a few solo numbers, and some of the best from the '60s' period that aren't respected as much as his wide variety of hits he had in his Beach Boys hayday. His voice is in top form. It has matured greatly, but his trademark falsetto still works ( just listen to the intro on "Don't Worry Baby"). I'm so glad that he chose to include the late Carl Wilson's "This Whole World". This has always been a favorite Beach Boys number in my book, and since Carl and Brian were both magnificent singers, it's fitting that it's here.

Disc 2 is more obscure. After years of personal problems, he seems to be able to look back on his troubled life with humor. Unfortuneately, the humor is quite sinister. This is no more apparent than the segue from the Barenaked Ladies' "Brian Wilson" to the spooky, yet all - too appropiate "Til I Die". I got chills when I heard the original version, and I still had goosebumps when I heard this, the live version. There is also one truly moving moment on the cd. His performance of the touching "Lay Down Burden", a tribute to late brother Carl, is so affecting, you may just shed a tear. Brian also pays tribute to his late baby brother by performing a song that was Carl's favorite Beach Boys tune, "God Only Knows". "Good Vibrations" is a powerhouse, especially with its new coda. As the album begins to wind down, you can tell that Brian really wanted to make this show perfect. He gives an A+ reading of "Caroline, No". This is followed by a solid "All Summer Long", carried blissfully by the vibraphones. After this comes a new solo recording I'd never heard before. "Love & Mercy" is an absolutely lovely song that capures you from the first listen. As an added surprise, there are two bonus live performances and an exclusive interview with Brian. The two bonus live recordings are "Sloop John B." and a smokin' "Barbara Ann".

Brian, welcome back.

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