Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson," 8 p.m., TNT; repeating at 10 p.m. Wondrous waves of harmony fill the evening. The people in the spotlight are first-rate. From an opening Ricky Martin to a passionate Vince Gill, they sing the pop anthems that Wilson wrote for the Beach Boys. The real glory of this special goes beyond that, though. Backup singers and musicians capture the lush beauty of Wilson's interwoven sounds. His songs are like that. The lyrics were sometimes shallow but the blended vocals were magnificent. That's beautifully captured here. On the 4th of July we get the work of a great American composer.

"Pop Goes the Fourth," 7:30 p.m. A&E. Kevin Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops in this live three-hour-long concert, complete with fireworks, readings and more. Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Reynolds will sing; Arlo Guthrie will add "This Land Is Your Land" by his dad, Woody Guthrie.

"A Capitol Fourth," 8 p.m., PBS. For 20 years, this special has skillfully blended music, fireworks and emotion. Tonight's lineup has two choirs plus Luther Vandross, the Pointer Sisters, Chely Wright (a late addition), Donny Osmond, the Irish Tenors, host Barry Bostwick and more.

"4th of July Fireworks Special," 8 p.m., NBC. Harry Connick, Jr., hosts this New York City special, complete with fireworks (of course), Bon Jovi and Jessica Simpson.

"Independence Day 2001," 9 p.m., ABC. In some one-upmanship, ABC shows fireworks from each of the 13 original states. Also, Garth Brooks sings.