Brian Wilson On Tour
The Mozart of pop? A one-man Lennon and McCartney? The comparisons aren't extravagant when you're talking about Brian Wilson, subject of this captivating 77-minute documentary (with interviews, live performances, behind-the-scenes footage, etc.). The fact that the wunderkind architect of so many Beach Boys classics is still around at all in 2003, let alone largely recovered from his well-chronicled emotional and physical problems, borders on the miraculous. The DVD is a celebration of Wilson's life and work--not simply by the likes of Paul McCartney, Neil Young, and Pete Townshend but by Brian himself, who with each performance becomes stronger and more at ease on stage. And it's great to hear his songs, including both the obvious ("Good Vibrations," "Fun Fun Fun") and the unexpected ("Lay Down Burden," Brian's tender tribute to his late brother Carl), performed with such joy by Wilson's brilliant band. More than a comeback, this is an ongoing, encouraging success story.--Sam Graham