SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BRIAN WILSON – ON TOUR 1999-2007

BRIAN WILSON
ON TOUR 1999-2007
OGLIO RECORDS

I have said it before, and I will say it again, Brian Wilson’s solo music has never really received the recognition it deserves. As a solo artist, he wrote, produced, and recorded some brilliant albums. He also toured and performed. The concerts were very emotional and quite stirring. Perhaps because he left his solo career too late, his solo music has been a little overlooked. Although this is not the first and only live album by Wilson, On Tour 1999-2007 is an essential live album from Brian Wilson, courtesy his longtime producer and collaborator, Mark Linett. Linett has gone through the Wilson archives and assembled a fascinating live album, with more than a few surprises.

Wilson was never afraid to dig deep into his solo work or The Beach Boys catalogue. For example, Wilson performs a beautiful version of “Good Timin’” from the Beach Boys album L.A., and “Marcella” from the Carl and the Passions album. Not huge hits, but brilliant songs that sound incredible and energetic live. He also pays tribute to his brothers, Carl and Dennis. His version of “Forever,” a song Dennis Wilson co-wrote with Gregg Jacobson for the Sunflower album, is full of emotion, and incredible playing from his band.

His solo albums are represented as well, with songs such as “Melt Away” and “Desert Drive.” Wilson, with his band, turns the songs into events during his shows, and they sit comfortably with any better-known Beach Boys songs. Linett picked some very interesting and well performed covers by Wilson, including Harry Nilsson’s “This Could Be The Night,” Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” and The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home.” The last track is remarkable, both in its arrangement and Wilson’s acknowledgement of McCartney’s writing. His story about Paul McCartney is quite charming. He actually turns the song into a Beach Boys song, which is both brilliant and fascinating.

The songs collected on this album reflect several tours and concerts and shows. The album has a nice flow, as if it is just a private concert for you in your home. On Tour 1999-2007 sounds like an album Wilson would have assembled but did not have the time. It shows several sides of Wilson, rocker, balladeer, pop artist, singer/songwriter and interpreter of songs. On Tour 1999-2007 is an opportunity to hear an artist performing in front of very appreciative audiences who soak up the sounds he was making. There is a lot more to Wilson than meets the eye and On Tour 1999-2007 proves it.

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