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Ok, HI! I am new to the board, glad to discover it. I am 50 and been a gigantic Beach Boys fan, follower, freak, etc. for 45 of those 50 years. I am also a live album collector. Always have loved the "energy" and sometime spontaneity on live recordings. So I own and have listened to live albums that run the full spectrum - from 100% live, unedited etc. to complete studio recreations such as "Live and Dangerous" by Thin Lizzy - probably the most notorious of all "fake" live albums. I am going to weigh in on this thread topic, the new live album - but to provide some context, the 1973 In Concert album is, in my humble opinion, one of the great - almost criminally forgotten live records. I have read that it is almost 100% live, and you can tell by the edginess of the performances. A couple missteps - an almost unlistenable, rocked-up version of "Help Me Rhonda" that just falls flat. Pretty much the rest is golden, and I have always admired the set list. Sure alot of hits, but a LOT of deep cuts and heavy on Pet Sounds. Last word on that before I get to the topic at hand - I still consider the 73 live version of "Don't Worry Baby" to be definitive. Same with the stunning version of "You Still Believe In Me." Can any member of any gigantic rock band be more under the radar than Al Jardine?
Ok, so before I lose everyone on my first post...lol. I now have listened to the new live 50 CD at least a dozen times and here is my take. First and foremost - I get the complaints / assertions about the doctoring, auto tune, fly-ins, overdubs etc. I have no doubt that all those things exist in some shape or form. Most painfully obvious on ASMTYD (weirdest sounding Brian vocal I have ever head - really processed). Also on H&V. That said, my belief is that at least 60% of the recording is legitimately live. Not saying that is acceptable, but it's far from criminal. Also, lets ask ourselves, does a lot of tinkering and post-production mean the music is bad?
I say no. Still some very enjoyable music. My 3 favorite "keepers" are (not in order): 1) "Disney Girls." Jarringly beautiful, Bruce in fine form - and sounds "warts and all" to me. 2) "All This Is That". Kudos for including a deeper cut that is a tip of the hat to serious Beach Boys fans. 3) "Getcha Back." I know seems like a weird choice, but I always thought (and still do) it is a bit of a weird track anyway. I find David Marks vocal a refreshing and interesting take. Not sure why Mike doesn't sing it, but I like it. OK, indulge me one more. I personally love Bruce's vocals on "Wendy." I'm out, thanks for listening!
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