Oakland's Vinyl Vault - Pet Sounds

Back again after an extended break. I've been meaning to write this one for a while, but somehow have gotten caught up in being lazy. Anyway, here's an album with a Wikipedia page a mile long, so you know it's an all time classic. It's Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys!



Release Date: May 16, 1966
Singles: Caroline, No; Sloop John B; Wouldn't It Be Nice

Late in 1965, Brian Wilson heard the Beatles album Rubber Soul, and it inspired him to attempt to write the greatest rock album of all time.  The result was Pet Sounds, and Wilson came damn close to his target. In this album, the Beach Boys have grown up.  Gone are the mentions of surfing, racing cars, and chasing girls.  The only mention of the sea or water at all is on the single "Sloop John B," which was a cover song.  Not everybody was on board with these changes.  In fact, during the recording of the album Mike Love allegedly commented, "who's gonna hear this shit? The ears of a dog?," inspiring the album title.

The music on this one speaks for itself.  The opening track, "Wouldn't It Be Nice," is a spectacular number, and really sets the tone for the album.  The music flows gracefully from track to track, and the harmonies and composition are where Wilson's genius really comes out.  Just a joy to listen to, and one of my favorites.

Rating: 5 goats up - This album is definitely in the category of "must hear before you die."  It really deserves all the praise that has been heaped onto it over the years.

Now here's "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times."



Pat is Crazy.