Disco de The Beach Boys: “Beach Boys '69”

Why this CD is out of print is really beyond me. I can't believe Capitol would delete this title and others such as "20/20", "Concert", etc. I do not have this CD;However, I do own the original album, and let me tell you, it is simply amazing. From start to finish, the listener gets to hear pure, raw energy from the boys who perform the songs with such tightness and clarity that it boggles the mind. (To some degree, anyway.) The record sounding this good I just can't fathom what the CD sounded like, but I bet it sho sounds good. Yes, there is yelling and screaming from the fans, but only after the song are played. And who wouldn't want to go nuts afer such an exhilarating performance. (The high point in this album is 'God Only Knows' -- I've never heard such a beautiful rendition in my life, and I turned thirty-one on May twelfth, thank you very much). Try looking for this record at used record stores all across these United States, because it will be an enjoyable listening experience for all interested. Why is this CD not released? God only knows.

-Kansas City, Mo 6/11/99

If you like the Beach Boys,this CD is most satifying.It is more energetic than any of the greatest hits compilations,with excellent sound quality.This live performance recording contains the raw element of brilliance that was so often muddled in many of the overproduced studio recordings(bright California sunshiney sound).Al Jardine does one hell of a job singing"Would`nt It Be Nice",Carl sings like an angel on"God Only Knows".Brian is not present but not even the most bedwetting rock-journalist(who,by the way,are all going to hell)would know it.This is The Genuine Article.

First released as "Beach Boys Live in London," (in 1970) this is far away the most pristine-sounding Beach Boys live recording. The shame - which nearly cost it a star in this review - is that it is so short.

But brevity notwithstanding, it is a must have.

The story goes that the Beach Boys were unaware that it had been released widely (though not in America) in 1970, and when they finally came to understand how good it was, it was re-released (in 1973) as Beach Boys '69. In fact it was recorded in late 1968 - a complicated timeline indeed!

Listen to any of the tracks and you will hear why this album shines.

Concert staples ("Do it Again," "God Only Knows" and "Sloop John B") are superb, and lesser played tracks ("Wake the World," "Aren't You Glad" are a bonus for fans and newcomers alike.

Mike Love's banter at times borders on embarrassing, but doesn't sabotage the overall effect.

When Capitol released their much-welcomed "twofers," this album was coupled with the very raw Beach Boys Concert album recorded in Sacramento just 4-5 years earlier. It is incredible to contrast the two - sound, sophistication, instrumental complexity, vocal skill - the boys came a long way in those few years. (And by the way, buying the "twofer" may be a better deal than buying one or the other).

The next live release was the double album Beach Boys in Concert. The content of that release is unsuprpassed, but the sound quality is very disappointing.

So this album - whether you buy it as "Live in London" or "Beach Boys '69" - is worth every cent, euro, pound, baht, kip etc. you might pay.