Search - Brian Wilson :: Live at the Roxy Theater

Smile!

Jonathan J. Casey | the twin cities | 06/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before you buy this album, you should know that Brian Wilson's voice is not made of the heavenly syrup it once was, and the inclusion of one of the Beach Boys' worst singles ("Do It Again") only increases this sense that you can't go home again. That said, I am one of those people who believes Brian Wilson is a true twentieth century genius, and to see him up on stage again playing these songs after decades of abuse is a supreme joy. While his rendition of "Be My Baby" lacks the power of the original, the love and happiness with which he approaches it makes up for his cracking voice and the weak saxophone solo. The band includes the excellent pop quartet The Wondermints and members of Poi Dog Pondering, who provide a broad instrumental palate as well as vocal support. Disc 2 is really where the good stuff is, even with the somewhat disturbing inclusion of a bit of Barenaked Ladies' "Brian Wilson" (it just doesn't seem right for the man himself to be singing "lying in bed like Brian Wilson did," referring to the many years he spent locked in his bedroom, afraid of the world). "Til I Die" sounds as good as ever, and "Darlin" rocks harder than the original. Two instrumentals from "Pet Sounds" are followed by a less-than-spectacular "God Only Knows" and "Lay Down Burden," the eulogy for his brother Carl (who died in 1998). "Love and Mercy" is a wonderful way to close the album, the lead-off track from Brian's 1988 solo album (and his comeback after years of drug abuse and overeating), here it is stripped of the gross synthesizer over-production that gummed up the original and serves as a sort of closing prayer. The naive lyrics and sweet sentiment seem to be Brian's mantra, and I have to say it's a message that I take to heart. Brian Wilson brings out all that is good and squishy inside of me, so even though his current work is nowhere near as amazing sounding as what he did in the 60's, somehow he's still doing it right. I want to thank him for that."

The best live album of this 21th century beginning

06/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For all the unlucky people - like me living in Paris - who have not seen and heard Brian in concert, and also for all the others, this 2 CD set is essential. I regret I can't have the right words in english to say how much this collection is great. From "Surfer girl", "California girls" and other Beach Boys first era hits, to "This whole world", "Add some music to your day" and Brian's personal tunes from his solo carreer like "Love & Mercy" and "Lay down burden", Brian and his backband invites us to a fabulous travel into emotion and joy and beauty and timeless pleasure. Beyond his well known status of "genius", Brian is certainly one of the major figure (the first for me) of the rock and pop music of the second half of 20th century. And, yes, we are in 2001 and the magic thing still works. BUY this 2 CD magic set (with two bonus tracks compare to the first issue for net only selling), this is the best buying for you in this year ! Hugues."

A nice return to form...

Rob Damm | 06/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Forget the giant sandbox, the magic transistor radio... hell, forget "Smile" for a minute and just drop these discs into you CD player and *listen* to Brian Wilson sing and play piano! Listen to these songs as if for the first time, listen to his still-supple but no-longer-sacchrine voice, listen to the amazingly empathetic backing band. Seperate the man from the myth, and your are left with a wonderful live performance of some of the greatest songs ever written. The new takes on the "Pet Sounds" material are beyond beautiful, Brian's reading of the Barenaked Ladies music-geek anthem "Brian Wilson" proves that he is not a fried, drugged-up loony, but a "with it" guy with a slightly twisted sense of humor. The recording is nicely done, capturing the ambience of the Roxy nicely with good dynamics and plenty of inner detail. A great album that is full of charms."