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Wow, what a crazy night this is. The classic rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox for the American League Championship is taking place tonight, and another classic rivalry between George Bush and John Kerry is taking place tonight in the form of their third and final televised debate for election year 2004. For the lucky few with tickets, though, tonight will be remembered as the night that Brian Wilson performed “Smile” in Carnegie Hall.
The night began with Wilson and ten musicians huddled stage-left in a semi-circle, performing acoustic renditions of a few Beach Boys classics, like “Surfer Girl,” “Wendy” and “Please Let Me Wander” (plus a lighthearted, impromptu “Happy Birthday” to Chicago’s Robert Lamm, who was in the audience). The musicians then moved to their stage positions, and the mood shifted instantly from the warm glow of their acoustic camaraderie to the spot-on perfect sheen of their electric set. After a brief a cappella welcome, the band launched immediately into “Sloop John B,” sounding every bit as lush and engaging as the studio recording. “Dance, Dance Dance” provided some lightness, followed by “California Girls,” which they performed with such grace and attention to detail that it drew a standing ovation from the worshipful audience. Just when it seemed as though the crowd couldn’t get any higher, the opening strains of “God Only Knows” filled the hall, retaining all the nuance and beauty that made this one the most loved recordings of all time. Versions of “The Little Girl I Once Knew,” “Good Timing,” “Forever” (which Wilson dedicated to the memory of his brothers Carl and Dennis), a few new tunes and “Sail On Sailor” completed the first half of the show.
After a 20-minute break, the band returned to the stage and launched immediately into “Smile”. Wilson appeared fragile yet confidant throughout the evening, but a self-assuredness seemed to settle over him as his masterwork unfolded. It took Brian thirty-five years to face down his demons and complete his life’s masterwork, an album that was originally intended to compete with the Beatles during 1967’s Summer of Love. There are few things in the world of popular music that would justify over three decades of waiting, but “Smile” is just that. Hearing the album in its entirety is stunning, but seeing it performed live by Brian Wilson and a cast of nearly 20 supporting musicians was absolutely glorious, like watching a miracle take place right before your eyes. I actually grew misty seeing Wilson realize his dream. Intended as a pop symphony and performed as such, this live performance proved the timelessness of this music, and made me realize that “Smile” might well be remembered two hundred years from now the same way that historians recall “Ein Kleine Nachtmuzik” or Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Some things are built to last longer then others. Only one team will win the pennant, and only one candidate will occupy the White House. Record books and historians will note who won these contests, but for Brian Wilson, there is no competition.
-- Tom Ryan for American Hit Network
 
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