The Beach Boys In Concert

[KDS]

I'm glad an official document exists of the live Beach Boys at the very end of their decade as a creative force. 

At this point in their career, they may have peaked as a live act. 

This is, IMO, the most essential of all of the Beach Boys live albums.

Though they could be a little slip-shod, I'd say 1980 was their last peak. Those 1980 concerts rocked!

Unfortunately, I can't say I have a lot to go on, just live documents or footage I've seen.  So, my opinion might not be an qualified.  But, from what I've seen of the 1980 shows, Brian didn't really seem into them.  That's probably why I'd rank the In Concert era a little higher. 

I'm confused. Brian isn't on In Concert, so in 1980 whether he was into it or not, the band still put on a helluva show. 1980 was last year of big shows before Carl left. The shows changed quite a bit upon his return.

I agree the 1980 concerts I've seen were good.  I just prefer the recordings I've heard from 72-73 over the ones I've heard from 1980.  Plus, I like the Holland material and some of the deeper tracks (ie. Let the Wind Blow) from the 72-73 era. 

[drbeachboy]

I'm glad an official document exists of the live Beach Boys at the very end of their decade as a creative force. 

At this point in their career, they may have peaked as a live act. 

This is, IMO, the most essential of all of the Beach Boys live albums.

Though they could be a little slip-shod, I'd say 1980 was their last peak. Those 1980 concerts rocked!

Unfortunately, I can't say I have a lot to go on, just live documents or footage I've seen.  So, my opinion might not be an qualified.  But, from what I've seen of the 1980 shows, Brian didn't really seem into them.  That's probably why I'd rank the In Concert era a little higher. 

I'm confused. Brian isn't on In Concert, so in 1980 whether he was into it or not, the band still put on a helluva show. 1980 was last year of big shows before Carl left. The shows changed quite a bit upon his return.

I agree the 1980 concerts I've seen were good.  I just prefer the recordings I've heard from 72-73 over the ones I've heard from 1980.  Plus, I like the Holland material and some of the deeper tracks (ie. Let the Wind Blow) from the 72-73 era. 

I agree with you there. Those 1972-73 era shows were terrific. The band, the setlists, even the types of venues were just magical. I was great growing up in that era.

[Lowbacca]

Christening a new record player, spinning this fabulous live album as I type. Haven't put it on in years.. Oh, how I love this LP. What a marvelous band of musicians. You can't beat live BBs in the late 60s / early-mid 70s..

[Emily]

I've probably heard this album more than any other album, by any artists. I love it.

[Lonely Summer]

I'm glad an official document exists of the live Beach Boys at the very end of their decade as a creative force. 

At this point in their career, they may have peaked as a live act. 

This is, IMO, the most essential of all of the Beach Boys live albums.

Though they could be a little slip-shod, I'd say 1980 was their last peak. Those 1980 concerts rocked!

Unfortunately, I can't say I have a lot to go on, just live documents or footage I've seen.  So, my opinion might not be an qualified.  But, from what I've seen of the 1980 shows, Brian didn't really seem into them.  That's probably why I'd rank the In Concert era a little higher. 

I'm confused. Brian isn't on In Concert, so in 1980 whether he was into it or not, the band still put on a helluva show. 1980 was last year of big shows before Carl left. The shows changed quite a bit upon his return.

The only 1980 show I've heard is Knebworth, and that's a great show, but not much from Brian there. I feel like he was trotted out onstage night after night just so they could say he was there, although it's possible the guys thought it would good for him to soak up all that love from the audience. Dennis, on the other hand, comes alive in front of a crowd. I am guessing his health was not great in '80, but I love seeing him standing on the piano, 'Elton John, eat your heart out!', and pounding the drums like he meant it.

[You Kane, You Commanded, You Conquered]

Let The Wind Blow is so fucking smooth. Replace Surfin U.S.A., Surfer Girl, and Fun Fun Fun with the '72/'73 live tracks on Made In California, Endless Harmony, and the Pet Sounds 50th anniversary boxset and you've got a 10/10 live album.

[twentytwenty]

How amazing is The Trader on this album though?!