Brian Wilson
Clearly, the years have taken their toll. Overweight, looking frumpy,
and often staring expressionless (some might say even he appeared
catatonic), his comments between songs lacked spontaneity and appeared
perfunctory ("This is a Chuck Berry thing we do," he said blankly while
introducing "Dance Dance Dance," and "This is the first thing I ever
wrote," he mentioned prior to "Surfer Girl"). Likewise, he seems only a
bit player relative to his superb band, which basically does all the
heavy lifting in terms of fleshing out those gorgeous arrangements,
supplying the lush harmonies and singing the falsettos that Wilson can
no longer muster. It's their show to carry, and by ceding the spotlight,
Brian often seems a figurehead, there to receive due homage. There were
some songs where he rarely sang at all, and only half that found
playing... and when he did doodle at the keys, the sound was nearly
inaudible. Even the musician intros were left to another -- guitarist
Jeffrey Foskett, the show's de facto emcee.
The remarkable take on Gershwin's "I Got Plenty of Nothin'," with the musicians switching from banjos to whistles to other nutty accoutrements, was like peering on one of those infamous Smile sessions. Add the overwhelming sway of nostalgia (songs like "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "Help Me Rhonda" still ripple through teenage memories), and the songs can't help but stamp an indelible impression.
As mentioned, Wilson himself was fairly stoic the entire time, and looked rather fragile as he lumbered off during the break and later, shuffled back for the encore, giving a grand bow before he unceremoniously shuffled off the stage. An old school showman, he may be living off his legend, but he still seems clearly in touch with his music, especially when the band's in full stride. Songs end with grand flourishes and the set list is arranged as an oldies show, one clearly designed to give his audience all they might desire.
Critic's Notebook
Random detail: Several members of Wilson's band moonlight as the Wondermints, an exceptional outfit that takes it cues from the Beach Boys' signature sound.
By the way: Having seen Wilson several years ago and listening to his superb live album recorded live at the Roxy Theatre a decade ago, Wilson's routine hasn't changed much. A silly comment requesting a show of cigarette lighters is still in the show ten years on!