Look at that mustache!

The Beach Boys were at their touring peak 1972 - 1974 . I saw them 5 times during those years. By 1980 they had reverted to a nostalgia act. Their shows back in 1973 were 2 hours. They must have far more songs that were recorded. The announced that they were recording the show in upstate New York in 1973. I wish that they would put out a complete Beach Boys in concert from those years, with Blondie singing Wild honey and carl singing Mess of Help.

carl wilson personally compiled this album...an outtake from this lp has "help me rhonda" sung by dennis , but only available on the "made in california" box set . denny's talents were sadly overlooked.

I wish they would release quality recordings of more concerts from 1970 through 1974(the live album from the 72-73 tour is one of my all time favorites). I'd love hear a clean live recordings of "Surf's Up", You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone", "Here She Comes", "Forever", "Cool, Cool Water", "Big Sur", "River Song", "Feel Flows", "California Saga Part Three: California".....all tunes from my favorite era of the Beach Boys

Yeeeeeesss this is one of the most overlooked live albums ever and one of the very best it’s so so great

Isn't 'In Concert' just the best? Giggens you nailed it, I love this album, probably my favourite Beach Boys album of all time. The pinnacle for live performance.

I saw these guys Live in 1973 in Syracuse, it was great. I met Carl Wilson at a Bar afterwards, real nice guy. They were great live, singing was great, they played all kinds of great songs. It was a great time to see the Live Beach Boys.

This album is the band at their absolute top of their game.

Ed Carter truly is the un-sung Hero of In Concert. His bass lines are amazing!

This was about the time that I saw my 1st beach Boys Concert. It was pure excitement and awesome music. Shortly after this that I purchased this album, taped it on cassette so I could listen to it in my Mustang. Friends would know it was me coming because they'd here this album playing from my car stereo. This album was so great so tight that you could stop listening. you just had to hear it all and then want even more.

best live performance ever made

I saw Blondie with Brian and Al in San Diego last year. It was great. Blondie sang Sail on Sailor, Wild Honey and Feel Flows......he was amazing, the whole show was!

10 of 10, Giggens you're right on with this one. The 70s was a decade of some amazing live albums, and The Beach Boys In Concert is right up there with the best of them. In 1976 Capitol released Beach Boys '69 (Live in London), but in a perfect Beach Boys world we would have gotten a live album from their tour with Chicago instead.

Imagine if they did something like this at Monterey pop festival in 1967. AND with Brian. Songs from Pet Sounds and Smile would've been psychedelic enough, and the older stuff would of made it super fun. The Beach Boys could've stayed relevant had they done that. That's what goes through my mind when I listen to this album.

Hey Giggens, a very enthusiastic and thoughtful review of an album that I have never heard. The hunt is on! Take care...

I almost hyperventilated when this came out...my first live Beach Boys concert was this era...Winterland in San Francisco...leading it off with Blondie crushing Sail On Sailor...

That version of HELP ME RHONDA was how it was done when the jammed with The Grateful Dead at the closing of The Fillmore. They got a lot of publicity jamming with 'The Dead', so they played it like that till Endless Summer destroyed every bit of forward momentum, sadly.

73 was the 1st time I saw the Boys. Always sold out the Philly Spectrum. And we're one of the best live groups in this time. When ever another group was on the bill the Boys Always Stole the Show!

I first found out who the BBs were when my sister bought me the original Beach Boys In Concert for my birthday. Became a life-long fan ever since. They were tight and there was definitely a Beatlemania feel about it.

This channel has taught me that I had missed out on much of the Beach Boys best work and that I had bought some of their less optimal records (15 Bad Ones/Lite Album etc). My introduction to the group came when Do It Again topped the UK chart when I was eight and in my early teens listening to their Greatest hits so I knew and loved many of their classics. I bought many of the capitol best ofs and re issues but had not got to grips with the interesting Blondie and Ricki line up beyond Sail on Sailor. Your reviews have made me look at Holland and Surfs Up and they are great (apart from the cover of Riot in cell block 9). I have owned Live in London since the seventies and found it good but spoiled a bit by the inter song banter. So I dug out my copy of this album for the first time in years and have played it non stop for a couple of weeks and found that the musicianship is excellent and the best songs here are the more recent ones and Let the Wind Blow is a masterpiece that I will want to play often. I always felt this album was Warners trying to grab sales from the capitol era hits, but the newer songs and members and the excellent musicianship make it a joy to listen to. For me it does not work as a live album it feels more like a compilation of tracks which happen to be live and have been assembled as a faux concert. I would have prefered a single performance with "warts and all" rather than a pick and mix of best bits. For a great live album vibe I will stick with James Brown Live at the Apollo and others that feel more like a whole event. Thanks again for sending me back to my music collection and making me take a fresh look.

Love this album. Bought it when it was released. They had such a maturity, they were heading in an earthy rootsy direction. .

one of my favorite albums of all time.

Do I spy three copies of Endless Summer behind you? Years of staring at my album collection alerted me right away! Thank you for the album reviews. I recently entered the extended world of Beach Boys Completism and your enthusiasm and knowledge have really helped. It's "so tough" to not have people to share this wild passion with in person, but little pockets of the internet like yours give me a place where I belong.

This album is a Masterwork, & a perfect representation of just who The Boys were, in the early 70's. My favorites are : " DWB " , Al & Carl both doing a fantastic job.------" Carline No " , Carl does it beautifully. -------" Marcella " , a real rocker, " Wouldn't It Be Nice ", which Al always did so well, & " Surfer Girl " , with Mike's great intro. to the song ! Love it all ! ----------Saw them , from '70 at The Whiskey , through '74 , at Mile High Stadium in Denver, 8 times. 8 of the 25 times, was from '70, through '74.---------Those were fantastic years for the group . The ONLY disappointment was in NOT hearing from DW nearly enough. I saw him sing " Barbara " in '73, at The Anaheim Convention Center, when my GF was forced to ask me to take her younger sister & her friend, a 12 y/o Mary Kathleen Collins , AKA, " Katy Collins " , WHO I saw on the big screen in late '79, as BO DEREK , in " 10 " . -------Yep, same girl. Same beauty. ------------------MJL 75 y/o

I have been playing this album since it came out. Loved the review! Really well described.

Another excellent review. I was listening to Beach Boys Concert from 1964 ....different world. Screaming girls, lots of silliness. This album is the peak of the mature Beach Boys. Lots of songs that would be removed from the setlists post-Endless Summer - the Trader, We Got Love, Leaving This Town, Caroline No, Let the Wind Blow. I do wonder, though, why Dennis didn't have any songs on this album? I know they played Forever, It's About Time, maybe a couple others back then. And if they ever release an expanded cd of this album, they need to find some live versions of Long Promised Road, Feel Flows, and Surf's Up. We're fortunate they recorded this album when they did. And am I the only one that thinks it looks like Dennis is pissing on the audience in that cover shot? lol

I have that album, bought when it was released. I've been a fan for that long +. (I'm much older than you). I remember that The Beach Boys were voted 'best live band' at least 1 year in a Rolling Stone poll, even though The Dead habitually won that poll. BTW, I also have the 1959: Live in London album.

This was one of a few of there albums that spot lighted just HOW GREAT this already great this band could have been. As I said in my last comment once you started listening to this album you just had to hear it all and want even more.

Hey bradda, so stoked for you and all the fans around the globe that support OUR band. As far as I’m concerned their is and never will be a finer example of a group of family and friends to produce the finest music of all time. I think Dennis said it the best. Brian is The Beach Boys, we are just his messengers.

Somehow this album often gets overlooked which is a complete shame, it is one of the best. It stands shoulder to shoulder with celebrated live releases like Rock of Ages, Too late to stop now, etc. Its soulful, almost vulnerable and has truckloads of vibe.And nobody could sing like these cats. No-one.

A display of ability and great songs that shows the beach boys in a new light...

Should have had Dennis' Help Me Rhonda.A really good touring outfit at this time.One of their encores was Jumpin Jack Flash.After this album only Love You showed any creativity to my ears.This LP was their last peak.

I always listen to this album with the Made In California live versions of Wild Honey and Help Me Rhonda in the playlist as well

This album is great, but the fact that Wild Honey, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and a couple of Denny songs (like I've Got a Friend) are not included bumps it down a star from where it could have been. Great review! They were much better live at this point than in the studio.

Hi Giggens, what a great review, 10 out of 10 for me too. this album is perfect in every way, every track a winner, especially let the wind blow and we got love, but they all show a more progressive beach boys and their concerts back then were amazing, as they were on top of their craft and although I remained a fan, I think that had they had continued to put out material like this, they would have been amazing and I think that it was a tragedy that their popularity was on the decline at this time. here in UK, this record was played extensively on capital radio, especially late night. this is definitely their best live period and I agree, ricky and blondie were a great addition and gave new life to the band. very difficult to distinguish the vocalists at times and that's what made them unique., able to blend in a special way, it was also this time they worked with Chicago, check out wishing you were here on YT. a great review giggens, I don't usually like live albums, but this is terrific.

Hey Giggens - Your review is spot on. I was in Jr. High in '74, and I remember hearing this album being played at a neighbor's party that summer, less than a year after it was first released. I immediately liked it even as a kid, and it's grown on me immensely through the years to truly become my favorite BB's album overall. I fully appreciate this collection of songs, the era when they were recorded and the amazing vibe of the band at that time with Blondie and Ricky. The instrumentation and performances were fantastic, and as a bassist, yes, I love Ed Carter's upbeat bass lines - he and Ricky made a solid rhythm section which completely served the songs. It's funny, after checking dates I just realized that was the same summer that Endless Summer was released, so I was absolutely immersed in The Beach Boys at that time. My friends and I played the grooves off of E.S., so it made quite an impression to hear the very different live vibe and extended performances of TBBIC a month or so later. Knowing what I do now, it's interesting that '74 was such a pivotal year for the BB's as Endless Summer turned out to be such a blessing and a curse, relegating them to nostalgia status and being the nail in their creative coffin, nullifying their advances as artists at the time. I have a framed copy of The Beach Boys In Concert album on my living room wall (not far from a 9' Hobie Surfboard in our dining room,) but the CD copy I've had for years is in '59 Ford Wagon in my back driveway which I currently cannot access. Happily, I just ordered a new copy of the CD which will arrive next week - I can't wait! Nope, I can't say that The Beach Boys have influenced me much at all. ;) Keep up the good work.

I bought this album used in 1995 at a record store for like $5 jyst for the hell if it. As I was buying it the cashier(an older hippie type dude) said "Good album". He was right. This was my gateway to seeing how much more there was to thE BB'S than the usual surf/car hits.

gig. waiting for 20/20 review. you are fantastic.

This is the album which turned me onto the Beach Boys again. If only the Beach Boys could of kept this groove going. Fully agree with your assessment Ricky and Blondie.

I made my own mix of this great album using live songs from the era that have been released on other Beach Boys archive releases and from really great quality bootlegs I have from this era. Thought you might be interested in what I added. It flows really well! 1 sail on Sailor 3:22 2 sloop john b 3:13 3 trader 4:46 4 California saga 3:37 ****** 5 you still believe in me 2:58 6 only with you 4:19 ******** 7 California girls 2:57 8 darlin' 2:21 9 long promised road 4:18 ******** 10 wild honey 4:49 ****** 11 marcella 3:56 12 caroline no 3:05 13 leaving this town 7:00 14 heroes and villains 3:52 15 Funky Pretty 4:05 16 let the wind blow 4:22 17 All This Is That/Feel Flows 7:50 ***** 18 Help Me, Rhonda 5:00 19 surfer girl 2:36 20 God Only Knows 3:12 ****** 21 wouldn't it be nice 2:46 22 we got love 5:25 23 I Get Around 4:58 ****** 24 Okie 3:43 ******* 25 don't worry baby 3:12 26 surfin' USA 2:50 27 it's about time 3:38 ***** 28 good vibrations 4:50 29 fun fun fun 3:17

I really like this album. The Beach Boys as a rock band. The choice of songs like Let the Wind Blow and the rocking version of Marcella are highlights. But! When the album was re-released on Cd I was very disappointed that there wasn't an extra disc of the other tracks they did like Wonderful, Only with You, Wild Honey, Surf's Up etc etc. We know they were recorded and many have since been released on the various compilations and box sets that have come out (still no Surfs Up though) , but to have them altogether as a record of that time when they toured and were still being forward thinking band not just playing the hits would be fantastic.

Hello Giggens In France we got (we have got?...we got?...) a Live At The Olympia a curiousity (I mean strange) of 1971 But this record is WAOW Their best album LIVE but as a personal I prefer the photo of back cover to the photo on the front

GIG...AWESOME LP. VERY SOLID SET. MUCH GOOOD MEMORIES OF THIS ONE FOR ME. yyaaarrrrgghhhhh

First time here really enjoyed it. I had this on 8 track when it came out! I know just dated myself. I have the cd and recently got the album in mint condition off eBay. In my top 10 live albums of all time !

Hi Mr Giggens! I just found this album myself- and on Caroline No- Carl sounds so much like Brian! And You Still Believe in me- I did not know it was Al- until I rewatched this vid- wow!

10 out of 10 from me, too. Wore out 2 copies back in the day because I listened to it so often. BTW, I think I had 'We Got Love' on mine, Germany here.

there ya go, whenever I hear We Got Love I always think, "who's the idiot that turned this song down?" The studio version is a mainstay on my iPod. (and yes, Let The Wind Blow is killer on the LP). Good review but then again with the material in the grooves how could it not be?

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Knebworth 1980 concert live cd- that one has so many mixed opinions!!

great review . Dennis doesn't get a lead, but he is the only Beach Boy pictured on the cover, interesting.

Aside from some miscellaneous singles, the first "album" I ever bought was a compilation 8-Track (although I can't remember the title) which had early songs on it. "409" was the first, and one of the very few, songs which I learned the lyrics and could sing without the recording to help me. I was a Beach Boys fan from then on. This live album is definitely one of my all-time favorite recordings and stands alongside "Pet Sounds", "Sunflower", "Surf's Up" and "Today!" as their best albums.

I agree with you on some of your points. The album is good? Given the circumstances they were in at the time. Al is always good. Mike? Well he's the lead singer of the group. So no problem there. Carl does do a good job of singing lead where Brian should have. Like he did on the record. So to me? Most of the concert is good, but it does have some weak spots.

This is an awesome live album and to me, it seems like the most popular live album recorded by The Beach Boys. Which songs from the album do you think are the best?

Listening to this live album makes me bitter towards “Endless Summer”.

i love this album also. I have a question for you. In all your many travels have you ever run across a live bootleg of the Chicago/Beach Boys shows from 1975? My older sister went to one of those shows at the Chicago stadium and she said it was just awesome. Let me know what find. Thanks

On the british release it was side 1, side 2, side 3 and side 4. What i wanted to ask is your side 3 and 4 on really thin vinyl. My copy is super thin and on the run out track is inscribed "To Brian with love and gratitude " One of the best live albums ever along with Thin Lizzy's Live and Dangerous.

You should do a review of Murry's 1967 album, The Many Moods Of Murry Wilson. Really am curious to read what you would think of that!

Great review........and I'm gettin' tired of sayin' this.......no, just kidding....AS USUAL. A must listen and I haven't yet, so, yeah...must listen!

For Giggens or any BB experts please answer my questions: what ever happened to their minor hit "Deidre" no live album tracks, never heard them play it live, not on any compilations while other songs that were not as popular show up often? 2nd question, why does the album cover say"Ronda" but everywhere else the "h" is added making it "Rhonda"? Just curious.

I believe this is the album where Carl sings a live version of Caroline No & possibly Wonderful, too. He does really well with both of them, but it just isn't quite as good as Brian, ya know?

Have you reviewed their 1964 Live In Concert album?

It’s a good record

A 9/10 for me, a great album but lacks a Dennis song if anything

The songs from Carl & The Passions and Holland album are better in this live versions for me