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Way too short, but the surfin' sounds of summer are still delectably sweetThe Beach Boys - Good Vibrations TourDVD Review (Eagle Vision/Broadway Video) 3 stars (out of 5 stars) June 24, 2013 |
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Review by Andy Argyrakis The Beach Boys' 50th anniversary reunion tour may have ended on a bittersweet note of members once again splitting into separate camps, which is why this trip through archives to uncover the original "Good Vibrations Tour" television broadcast is such a pleasant surprise. Originally shown in 1976, the 50-minute program featured the first time regrouping of Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love and longtime friend Al Jardine in support of the new studio album at the time "15 Big Ones." As a result, the DVD splits its time between footage from a massive Anaheim Stadium show (sans Brian Wilson) with snippets from the studio featuring all five members, along with several other vignettes that help showcase each players' colorful (and sometimes complex) personalities.In terms of the tunes, there are plenty of reasons to have "Fun, Fun, Fun" while watching this trip down memory lane, including the heavenly harmonies of "God Only Knows" and "Sloop John B" through the ultimate sun-stroked sounds of "Surfin' USA" and "Help Me Rhonda." The group also takes several breaks from the stage, such as a stirring gospel choir accompanied version of "That Same Song" in the recording studio, along with an exceptionally hysterical skit during which Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi (better known as the original "Blues Brothers") drag Brian Wilson out of bed and "arrest" him for not surfing enough. But no sooner than all the action starts heating up, the credits begin rolling over the band audibly singing (but not visually performing) the always lovable "Wouldn't It Be Nice," desperately leaving viewers wanting much more. Granted, the original TV special simply clocked in at this exact length, but since there's so much space available for bonus features, why not a dozen more songs that were cut from the concert's set list or a round of new interviews with whoever was willing to participate? As it stands right now, the "Good Vibrations Tour" seems best served as a companion disc for another longer title, but for those who can get past its brevity, at least summer never sounded sweeter. |