Beach Boys in Punta del Este, Uruguay

[Autotune]

For the third time in 7 years, the BBs performed at the Conrad Hotel & Casino in this South American beach resort. Unlike the two previous times (2002 and 2005), this concert was not advertised or promoted (being an invitation-only private event). Thus, unlike the two previous times, the attendance was minimal (250?) and clueless as to who are the beach boys or what their music sounds like. The guys performed a rather short set, which seemed right given the poor response from the audience. On top of it all, the show was marred by a number of technical difficulties with the sound system.

They had just performed an amazing show in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the energy level here seemed low (and justified by the uninterested crowd). And yet, the performance was so professional, energetic and respectful towards the music that one feels that this is the best version of the "live" BBs in a long while. The set included Still Cruisin', Little Saint Nick and Cool Head. The ballads were beautifully performed -Surfer Girl at the right tempo, In My Room stunning- and the fast songs, although sometimes performed in a row, were not depersonalized through "medley" treatment. The vocal blend is beautiful -although Christian apparently was sick and had to be helped by his band mates. It is truly a blessing that Scott is acting as musical director and that John has become the drummer... just so appropriate for the BBs music... raw power, personality, uncomplicated straight-forward drumming, good taste… But the highlight of the show, as it seems to have been during these last several months, were Mike Love’s vocals. I have seen the BBs live a number of times since the early 90s, am aware of video and audio recordings of live performances over the years, and submit that Mike hasn’t sounded this clear, this youthful, this solid in concert for years. There are a number of youtube clips of recent concerts that attest to this. The teenage bravado of his voice is intact, and he was delivering effortlessly while you could hear every note and every word.

Given the love and dedication put into the live performances, the guys deserve a standing ovation. 

[c-man]

Right on!