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Live at the Roxy Theatre [Bonus Tracks]

 
Album Review: Live at the Roxy Theatre [Bonus Tracks]
 

  • Artist: Brian Wilson
  • Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Release Date: June 19, 2001
  • Type: Live
  • Genre: Rock

Review

As if to emphasize that Brian Wilson is really in charge of his solo career, Live at the Roxy Theatre, his first live solo album, begins with him instructing to his band and halting a false start before launching into "The Little Girl I Once Knew." And the choice of that leadoff song, a relative commercial disappointment in 1965, alerts listeners that the set will be an attempt to reclaim gems from Wilson's extensive catalog, not necessarily the string of golden oldies that Wilson's former group does at its concerts. Live at the Roxy Theatre certainly boasts Beach Boys favorites, but it touches on all phases of Wilson's career, from the early surf music to the sophisticated compositions that made Pet Sounds a landmark, solo songs from the 1980s and '90s, and even a couple of new tunes and covers (including the Barenaked Ladies' "Brian Wilson"). Wilson's ten-piece backup band, anchored by the members of the Wondermints, effectively recreates the elaborate Beach Boys studio performances and also sings in Beach Boys-like style. One is reminded of the discovery Wilson and the Beach Boys made in the mid-'60s, when they began touring and recording without each other: the Beach Boys' sound is really more a function of the vocal arrangements than of particular singers. And listening to the mix of selections, one must recognize that this is music of a single sensibility. Anyone familiar with Wilson's life may be surprised that he is as enthusiastic and involved in this concert as he is. In truth, the old slogan "Brian's back!" has been true for a number of years now, and though he remains an idiosyncratic frontman, this recording confirms it. Live at the Roxy Theatre presents Wilson in good voice for a 57-year-old (even the falsetto is pretty sturdy), with a strong band and an enthusiastic audience, performing some of the best compositions of his career. It makes both a good introduction to Wilson's work and a satisfying summation for longtime fans. (Live at the Roxy Theatre was released exclusively through Brian Wilson's website, www.brianwilson.com.) ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Tracks



CD 1

Track TitleComposersPerformersTime
Little Girl Intro Brian Wilson (:59)
The Little Girl I Once Knew Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (3:24)
This Whole World Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (1:51)
Don't Worry Baby Brian Wilson, Roger "Hot Dog Rog" Christian Brian Wilson (3:27)
Kiss Me Baby Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (3:11)
Do It Again Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (3:25)
California Girls Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (4:06)
I Get Around Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (2:35)
Back Home Brian Wilson, Bob Norberg Brian Wilson (4:33)
In My Room Brian Wilson, Gary Usher Brian Wilson (2:48)
Surfer Girl Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (3:02)
The First Time Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (3:55)
This Isn't Love Brian Wilson, Tony Asher Brian Wilson (3:55)
Add Some Music to Your Day Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Joe Knott Brian Wilson (4:10)
Please Let Me Wonder Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (3:28)


CD 2

Track TitleComposersPerformersTime
Band Intro Brian Wilson (1:29)
Brian Wilson Steven Page Brian Wilson (:55)
'Til I Die Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (3:57)
Darlin' Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (2:50)
Let's Go Away for Awhile Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (2:54)
Pet Sounds Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (4:27)
God Only Knows Brian Wilson, Tony Asher Brian Wilson (3:25)
Lay Down Burden Brian Wilson, Joe Thomas Brian Wilson (3:28)
Be My Baby Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector, Jeff Barry Brian Wilson (4:11)
Good Vibrations Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (6:01)
Caroline, No Brian Wilson, Tony Asher Brian Wilson (5:00)
All Summer Long Brian Wilson, Mike Love Brian Wilson (3:11)
Love and Mercy Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (3:52)
Sloop John B. Brian Wilson Brian Wilson (3:34)
Barbara Ann Fred Fassert Brian Wilson (2:47)
Interview With Brian Brian Wilson (4:21)

Credits

Brian Wilson (Piano), Brian Wilson (Arranger), Brian Wilson (Vocals), Brian Wilson (Producer), Brian Wilson (Main Performer), Scott Bennett (Percussion), Scott Bennett (Arranger), Scott Bennett (Keyboards), Scott Bennett (Vocals), Scott Bennett (Vibraphone), Joe Gastwirt (Mastering), Jim Hines (Drums), Jim Hines (Vocals), Mark Linett (Engineer), Mark Linett (Mixing), Bob Lizik (Bass), Bob Lizik (Vocals), Charlie Bouis (Assistant Engineer), David Leaf (Liner Notes), Darian Sahanaja (Arranger), Darian Sahanaja (Keyboards), Darian Sahanaja (Vocals), Darian Sahanaja (Vibraphone), Nick Walusko (Guitar), Nick Walusko (Vocals), Jeffrey Foskett (Guitar), Jeffrey Foskett (Percussion), Jeffrey Foskett (Arranger), Jeffrey Foskett (Vocals), Paul Mertens (Flute), Paul Mertens (Piccolo), Paul Mertens (Saxophone), Paul Mertens (Sax (Alto)), Paul Mertens (Sax (Baritone)), Paul Mertens (Vocals), Ramon Breton (Assistant Mastering Engineer), Kate Hoddinott (Design), Michael D'Amico (Guitar), Michael D'Amico (Percussion), Michael D'Amico (Vocals), Probyn Gregory (Guitar), Probyn Gregory (Trumpet), Probyn Gregory (French Horn), Probyn Gregory (Theremin), Probyn Gregory (Vocals), Robert Matheu (Photography), Ted Barela (Assistant Engineer)
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Album Review. Copyright © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.  Read more