First Review of Pet Sounds? Plus Billboard, Crawdaddy Archives

[Larry Franz]

LeeP on Brian's board asked about the first reviews of Pet Sounds. I didn't realize there are archives of Billboard and Crawdaddy online, and found this from Billboard's May 28, 1966 issue:

Exciting, well-produced LP contains the group's two recent hits, "Sloop John B" and "Caroline No", plus two superb instrumental cuts, including the title tune. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" has strong single potential.

That's the whole review.

http://www.billboard.com/magazine-archive

Paul Williams started Crawdaddy! in February 1966, but none of the writers seem to have mentioned Pet Sounds that year.

The first issue after May 66 came out in August. It's devoted to Dylan and albums by the Stones ("Aftermath", released a month before Pet Sounds), the Lovin' Spoonful and others.

The September 66 issue begins with a review of Revolver, which Paul Williams says is "a good album", but nowhere near as good as Rubber Soul.

But there is a reference to "Good Vibrations" in the January 67 issue:

"Good Vibrations" is the fastest selling Beach Boys single ever. No matter what you've heard, all the Beach Boys sing on "G. V.". The instrumental work is done by studio musicians. Some of the stranger sounds are from a theramin [sic]. Now Brian wants a cathedral organ for the next album.