1968 was a difficult year for The Beach Boysat home, where their reputation had soured considerably, yet their European success was still strong, as evidenced by these confident performances recorded while the group were making their 20/20 album. After the surprise success of the Endless Summer and Spirit of America hits packages in 1974 and 1975, the Beach Boys enjoyed a resurgence of popularity at home, especially on the concert circuit. It was during this time that Capitol decided to strike while the iron was hot and issue a renamed edition of the album for the first time in the US. The reissue had art by rock artist Jim Evans, and a new title, Beach Boys '69. Besides the fact that the live performance was actually recorded in December 1968, the LP's appearance added confusion to the marketplace as the group had recently issued a new, live double album—The Beach Boys in Concert—on their own Brother Records label, as part of a distribution deal with their new label, Reprise. Despite this, the record became a small chart success in the US, following the Top 10 placing of 15 Big Ones, reaching #75 in the Fall of 1976 during a US chart stay of 10 weeks. The UK edition failed to chart. It is believed that The Beach Boys owed Capitol one more album, and so, this release ended their relationship with the record label, and with EMI in the UK. When their albums were remastered for CD in 1990, Live in London was paired with their 1964 live release Beach Boys Concert.
Track listing
All tracks written by Brian Wilson/Mike Love, unless otherwise noted. ;Side one
"Darlin'" – 2:41
"Wouldn't It Be Nice" – 1:53
"Sloop John B" – 2:30
"California Girls" – 2:19
"Do It Again" – 2:47
"Wake the World" – 2:26
"Aren't You Glad" – 3:09
;Side two
"Bluebirds Over the Mountain" – 2:53
"Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" – 2:49
"Good Vibrations" – 4:36
"God Only Knows" – 3:27
"Barbara Ann" – 2:32
In 1990, Live in London was paired on CD with Beach Boys Concert, featuring two live bonus tracks from 1964 and 1967.
A live version of Dennis Wilson's "All I Want to Do" was recorded at these concerts, but not included on the album. It remained unreleased until 1983's Rarities compilation album.
The live version of "Good Vibrations" featured here was used as a B-side to “Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue” and was also included in the gameRock Band 3.
Personnel
;The Beach Boys
Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, electro-theremin on “Good Vibrations”
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums
Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, organ
;Additional personnel
Daryl Dragon – piano, organ, bass on "Bluebirds Over the Mountain"
Ed Carter - bass, tambourine, lead guitar on "Bluebirds Over the Mountain"
