Search - Beach Boys :: Live at Knebworth 1980

A good clean performance...

Home Cinema | Switzerland | 11/30/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"...for a band where at least 2 members were inches away from falling apart. The state of mind and body of both Brian and Dennis in the early 80s is well documented and it is for me kind of astonishing, that the band played so well this day. But did they really? I saw the Beach Boys a few years later here in Europe and the sound was never that smooth. I know, I know, the majority of the live albums produced by big stars used overdubs. But since this album is a document "for fans only", I believe it should have been left in its raw state with all the flaws. I would have liked to listen to the whole show with all announcements in its chronological order. That would have been for the fans. Oh well, of course I bought the album anyway to complete my collection. And I must admit I enjoy listening to it none the less. There are a couple of tracks on it which I never heard in its live version from their "Keeping The Summer Alive" album, which was released just months before this show.
Since most songs are from their classic 60's repertoire and the sound is as mentioned really good, this album is also a good alternative to the numerous Greatest Hits compilations for the Beach Boys beginner. For the die hard fan, it's a mixed bag. If you consider it to be a "must have" is left up to you."

Great Cd - not advertized correctly

Home Cinema | 01/30/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The album review mentions this as the last concert featuring the original line up. The fact that I saw them in 1981 makes this statement untrue. However if they may mean that this is the last live recording officially releasted by them, than this is true. Regardless of the meaning a really good 'live' show!"