Brian Wilson at the Pabst

Went to see the Brian Wilson show at the Pabst Theater last night with my dad. It was an incredible show in a beautiful venue.

For those who have heard Wilson's resurrected SMiLE album, you'll have some idea of just how complex it would be to perform this music live. Along with Wilson's backing band, consisting of guitarist Jeff Foskett and members of the Wondermints, they were joined by the Stockholm Strings and Horns. They not only provided essential musical elements for the performance, but also got into the act by wearing firehats during Mrs. O'Leary's Cow, and tossing carrots, cucumbers and other veggies around during Vega-Tables.

Wilson himself was in rare form. For most of the show, he provided the lead vocals and played his keyboard. During the encore, Wilson strapped on a bass guitar and paraded around the stage playing old crowd favorites Surfin' USA and Fun Fun Fun.

For those who haven't gained an appreciation for his music, or only know of the top 10 hits he did as part of the Beach Boys, I recommend picking up last year's SMiLE release, and the 1966 Beach Boys album Pet Sounds.