In my room

I started off the long weekend right by seeing Brian Wilson’s crack band (orchestra?) perform a long show with the entire SMiLE album nestled in its middle. They let us out of work early, which was nice, and I met up with my friends Non and Roo and Non’s brother Bob for some Japanese food on northside before we hiked down to the Greek theatre in Berkeley in time to find our seats and get settled before the beginning of the show.

The first set was full of great tunes, including a few of my favorites from Pet Sounds. The second set was SMiLE in its entirety – the record really comes to life when you see it performed – and a long encore set focused on Chuck Berry style rockers. Finally Brian came out one final time, read a message of love and support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and closed the show with Love and Mercy.

Overall, a very satisfying night even though B couldn’t make because the poor thing was on an airplane to Heathrow (and ultimately, Palermo).

Here’s the setlist from a post at Brian’s official website:

Do It Again
Dance, Dance, Dance
Breakaway
Then I Kissed Her
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Drive In
When I Grow Up
Do You Wannna Dance
Little St Nick
Please Let Me WonderDarlin’
Help Me Rhonda
California Girls
Sloop John B
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Pet Sounds
God Only Knows
Sail On Sailor
Marcella
Our Prayer/Gee
Heroes and Villains
Roll Plymouth Rock
Barnyard
Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine
Cabin Essence
Wonderful
Song for Children
Child if Father of the Man
Surf’s Up
I’m in Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop
Vega-Tables
On a Holiday
Wind Chimes
Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow
In Blue Hawaii
Good Vibrations
Johnny B Goode
I Get Around
Barbara Ann
Surfin’ USA
Fun, Fun, Fun
Path of Life
Love and Mercy