Harmony Wins

2. Harmony wins!
   

   A psalm of David. 

   How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

   The Beach Boys love you is no longer merely the title of their 1977 album - - 

   it ought to be emblazoned across the stage of every stop on their 50th Anniversary Celebration tour. On every T-shirt they sell. The cover of their unprecedented inter-continental trek across the globe.

   
   

   We thought the major question as they embarked on this ambitious tour 
   would be "Can they still sing ... and even if they can, will they be in harmony when they try to harmonize?" Both concerns were answered for me during sound check a week ago in Chicago Theater. Not only are they still able to 
   blend in their unique Beach Boys harmony but they are working tirelessly to make every note sound as if they are huddled around the mic in Western or 
   Gold Star studio back in 1966.Their pride has returned and, I submit, more than merely reuniting and singing, they are restored as friends and stewards 
   of probably the most amazing legacy of any American rock and roll band.. 

   
   

   Obvious during interviews, live concert video clips, even during sound check and a Meet & Greet photo shoot, is their joy of being together as a group (they refer to themselves as family). The laughter, the wise cracks, the old stories have a ring of authenticity to them; these guys have been fired or sued by each other too many times to be convincing pretenders.

   
   

   Our favorite Beach Boys recording sessions will always come through a set of headphones. With Beach Boys mentorees such as Jeffret Foskett and Scott Totten and a growing list of faithful-to-the-originals bands like the Wondermints, Explorers Club, the Fendertones, future Beach Boys' revues, 
   long after the originals have passed, will be true to the songs and sounds that captured our hearts. The heavenly harmonies of the Beach Boys will live long and loud.

   
   

   But what a surprise! For at least one more summer we are blessed with a vibrant onstage presence that is stirring the country (new and glowing reviews are hitting my inbox daily) and a highly anticipated (three stars from Rolling Stone) release of newly recorded songs - - both are unmistakable acts of love. Certainly the financial profit is is huge motivator. But it is unmistakable, watching each original affirm his partners as they reminisce around Charlie Rose's interview table or as they defer to one another's spotlight moments live on stage, that these guys are friends once again ... and that they genuinely appreciate the fives decades of support from their loyal fans.

   
   

   Do it again. Friends. When I grow up to be a man. Do you remember? Meant for you. No longer just song titles. Touchstones in the final chapter of a great rock and roll band who have brought joy to millions across the globe. 
   
   
   Enjoy it; the Beach Boys are saying "We're together again ... and the Beach Boys  love you!"

   
   

   Phil Miglioratti

   PrayForSurf.net
   
   
   (revised May 28, 2012)
   
   
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