It's a little hard to fathom, the line-up of the legendary T.A.M.I. Show film that was recorded over two days at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in 1964. There's James Brown and the Flames (before they became “Famous”), Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, the Miracles, Lesley Gore (!), the Supremes, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Jan & Dean and more. That the producers of this film were able to capture all these big heads (and Diana Ross's massive hair) under one roof is a testament to something or other; that each artist was able to give such a blistering performance in front of four tank-like cameras, hot spotlights and a room full of screaming teens is a miracle to behold.

The T.A.M.I. Show — short for “Teenage Awards Music International” — hasn't been issued since its theatrical release 45 years ago, but it's finally being released on DVD from Shout Factory on March 23. West Coast Sound was lucky enough to get an advance screener, and out of gratitude and necessity we feel it's important to spread the word about one of the most amazing concert films you'll ever see. None other than Quentin Tarantino has dubbed it “in the top three of all rock movies.”

It's worth the price of admission just for the opening sequence, which sees unsung heroes of skate culture Jan & Dean rolling by the Whisky A-Go-Go on pre-polyurethane-wheeled skateboards ending up in Santa Monica moments later (that's editing for you). Or to watch the Miracles and Marvin Gaye running out of the Hollywood Knickerbocker Hotel and into a waiting car.

Or, later, to watch a totally hot, bikini-briefed pre-fame Teri Garr as a go-go dancer bouncing around behind Chuck Berry during a raucous version of “Johnny B. Goode.” (The go-go dancers, choreographed by a young Toni Basil, will make any red-blooded sexual being get a warm in the loins; these men and woman are HOT.)

Then there's this, which might just be the single greatest performance ever recorded (sorry for the quality; this is an unauthorized clip. The T.A.M.I. version is much better):

Despite their pre-show protestations, the Rolling Stones had to follow James Brown's performance, and somehow managed to pull it off. Mick has never looked sexier; Keith looks ragged and destined for drug addiction; Bill Wyman looks cooler than any of them.

And then there's the Beach Boys' legendary performance, which the band had removed from the original theatrical release of the film for reasons unknown. The long-bootlegged version of the film didn't include their songs; they're restored on this Shout Factory release. You can watch Brian Wilson do a seamless falsetto on “Surfer Girl” in one of his last-ever live performances with the band. Or watch a Mike Love do an awesome dance:

The restored T.A.M.I Show collector's edition comes out next month on Shout Factory. It features great liner notes by music historian Don Waller, and lots of extras. Totally worth it.

Set list for the T.A.M.I. Show film:

Jan & Dean

SHOW OPEN: (Here They Come) From All Over The World

Chuck Berry

Johnny B. Goode

Maybellene

Gerry And The Pacemakers

Maybellene

Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying

It's Gonna Be Alright

Chuck Berry

Sweet Little Sixteen

Gerry And The Pacemakers

How Do You Do It?

Chuck Berry

Nadine (Is It You?)

Gerry And The Pacemakers

I Like It

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

That's What Love Is Made Of

You've Really Got A Hold On Me

Mickey's Monkey

Marvin Gaye

Stubborn Kind Of Fellow

Pride And Joy

Can I Get A Witness

Hitch Hike

Lesley Gore

Maybe I Know

You Don't Own Me

You Didn't Look Around

Hey Now

It's My Party

Judy's Turn To Cry

Jan & Dean

The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena)

Sidewalk Surfin'

The Beach Boys

Surfin' U.S.A.

I Get Around

Surfer Girl

Dance, Dance, Dance

Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas

Little Children

Bad To Me

I'll Keep You Satisfied

From A Window

The Supremes

When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes

Run, Run, Run

Baby Love

Where Did Our Love Go

The Barbarians

Hey Little Bird

James Brown & The Flames

Out Of Sight

Prisoner Of Love

Please, Please, Please

Night Train

The Rolling Stones

Around And Around

Off The Hook

Time Is On My Side

It's All Over Now

I'm All Right

All Performers

Show Close: Let's Get Together

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.