Sep 08 2008
Some Enchanted Evening
Brian Wilson at the Paramount Theater
First things first: the heat wave has receded, replaced by still sunny skies with refreshing breezes, and not a moment too soon.
While still in its mighty grip, I went to see the great Brian Wilson on Friday night. It was an all-around fabulous experience because:
- The show was in Oakland, at the historic and gorgeous Paramount Theater. Just a ten minute drive from my house! I didn’t even get lost, it was so close! Actually, it’s just a couple of blocks from my rarely visited office.
- Parked right behind the theater! Considering the valuable minutes and hours I have spent looking for parking since I moved to the wrong side of the Bay, this is no small achievement.
- I was only seven rows back from the stage (not that you can tell by the graininess of the illegally obtained photo above), the closest I have ever been to the genius behind the Beach Boys.
- He started right on time (with the classic “California Girls”), unlike some people I could mention.
- Brian Wilson!
At 66, Brian just released his latest album, That Lucky Old Sun, last week to rave reviews. I’ve seen him play several times over the past few years, notably performing his masterpiece, SMiLE, and I’ve never seen him so relaxed and happy. The only flaw was a slight problem with the video part of one song, but this was the beginning* of the US tour, so such minor issues can be overlooked.
All in all, it was a magical evening.
*Naturally, he decided to start the tour here since I now live here!