Live In London released in England in 1969 and Beach Boys ’69 released in the United States in 1976 are the same album.

The Beach Boys popularity had waned in the United States in the early 1970’s but they had retained their appeal in Europe, particularly in England. Live In London was released to cash in on that popularity. It was not until the mid-seventies and the release of the number one selling album, Endless Summer, that the Beach Boys became a top concert attraction again in the United States. Beach Boys ’69 was released in re-action to this re-newed interest in the group.

Live In London presents an accurate picture of the Beach Boys stage act in 1970. Ironically, by the time the album was released in the United Stares the Beach Boys had reverted to basically a nostalgia act on stage focusing mostly on their pre Pet Sounds hits.

Live In London/Beach Boys ’69 finds the group making the effort to try and produce some of their more sophisticated material live. A horn section and back-up musicians had been added to the basic core of the group. The Beach Boys sound was far different on this album than it was on their Beach Boys Concert album that was released five years earlier and from what their sound would be five years in the future.

The opening song “Darlin” sounds better than the original studio recording. The horn section gives the song a little more punch. The group effectively molds the harmonies into the brass sound creating a unique background. Carl Wilson’s clear, strong vocal binds all the parts together.

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” suffers a tad from a frenetic delivery. This song is more effective as a pop song rather than a Blood, Sweat & Tears type rocker. The same is true for the rendition of “California Girls.” Sometimes less is more.

A rocking rendition of “Do It Again” puts the Beach Boys back on solid group. The brass fits here and the harmonies are spot on.