The Beach Boys In Concert

Culled from two U.S. tours in late 1972 and mid-1973, In Concert is an honest look at the touring band in the '70s. Brian Wilson is absent. Dennis Wilson is hidden behind his drums, and Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar fill in the gaps admirably. The performances are inspired, and the song selection is more adventurous than the band would be as an oldies act cruising the state fair circuit. "You Still Believe in Me," from Pet Sounds, gets a rare airing, while obvious hits such as "Sloop John B," "California Girls," "Help Me Rhonda," and "Good Vibrations" are matched up with deep tracks like "The Trader," "Leaving This Town," and "We Got Love," an outtake from Holland that made its album debut here. "Darlin'" and "Marcella" make for two solid rockers that break into the heartbreaking "Caroline, No," featuring Carl Wilson. It's a great (if often overlooked) release.