BRIAN'S SONG

When electronic groups get old, and for various other reasons, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson will be remembered more than he is today. With help from his family, Wilson has done what has always been his greatest talent: orchestrating. With a 50-piece orchestra and a top-notch 10-piece band, he is touring to let people know he is still alive and performing what he and so many others consider a masterpiece, Pet Sounds. To open the concert, his orchestra walked on stage and performed a muzak version of Beach Boys’ hits that was forgettable. After the orchestra finished, Wilson and band walked onstage, ran through the hits (his better solo material) and a couple rarities for an hour. Wilson's weak voice was given full accompaniment, and his band was stellar. Pet Sounds is remarkable because of its innovative layered music, use of unconventional instruments and sounds, complexities and beauty. Power was breathed into the beautiful "Anna No", and "God Only Knows", the self-titled track, sounded like something Moby could have recorded yesterday. "Sloop John B" and "Hang On To Your Ego" further proved great pop songs never go out of style. I hope more people take note before he goes back to the bedroom again.