The Smiley Smile Message Board

Hey folks,

so I've recently came by an original mono "rainbow" pressing of Summer Days, but didn't buy it because I'm looking forward for the new 180g pressing.

However, the new 180g version of Pet Sounds really disappointed me. The sound was really thin in some tracks, especially in Wouldn't It Be Nice (the backing vocals and instrumentation are incredibly low). Has anyone heard the new Today and Summer Days vinyl records? Do they sound good? Are they mono or fake stereo?

Thanks!!

I have Beach Boys Today, sounds good to my ears. The only Summer Days I've seen in the stores is Duophonic, so I passed on it - although I'm sure it would sound great on an old fashioned console stereo.

180g are true mono. Since the 60's versions kinda sucked, and the 80's reissues had songs lifted from them, there is little in the way of competition. There is, however, the 1994 editions, which are probably just the 1994 CDs pressed on vinyl, but you never know......

The "Today" vinyl sounds lovely as Does the "Summer Days...." record.  Even though the Sleeve say's Duophonic, the "Summer Days..." vinyl is in pristine MONO.  I prefer these records over the CD's...some of the digital harshness has been tamed even though the records are probably from digital masters. Maybe that's the magic of vinyl ;)

Original UK Mono sounds beautiful as is ;)

Does anyone know why the standalone 180gram single disc Pet Sounds reissue is not only the stereo version, but the stereo version with Brian on the WIBN bridge? .... This was only the case with the 5.1 CD, right?

No, that was the case in The Pet Sounds Sessions as well, and possibly the 1999 mono/stereo CD twofer.

Stereo CD/Towfer has Mike on the bridge on the regular (stereo) CD and Brian on the bridge for the 5.1/DVD

Yeah, the PSS one has Brian on Bridge, as does my '99 180g PS

As far as I was aware the 1999 Pet Sounds (Simply Vinyl) lp is mono and a straight transfer of the master used for the 1990 CD.  The only stereo vinyl pressing is the 40th anniversary yellow and green vinyl double edition, the other being the mono version.  Then a few years ago the 180g From the Capitol Vaults version.  Again in Mono.

Summer Days From the Vaults is definitely mono.  Wish they would reissue the lot on vinyl like they did with the Beatles.  Even just the Capitol ones would be good (even though I already have many vinyl versions of the same albums!).  Probably the only one I am really after now is the 1980 Capitol Green label Pet Sounds.  The Warner 70s Pet Sounds (2 versions) also sound great and you can sometimes get them at a reasonable price.

Stranger.... I just bought a sealed Capitol Pet Sound issue, black 180 gram vinyl of the stereo/Brian on WIBN bridge!

How do you know Brian is on the bridge if it's still sealed!  :-D

Does it have this catalogue number:  7243 5 21241 1 4?  Also a 1999 issue, this time on Capitol and this must have been the first stereo vinyl then?  I wonder what the sound is like. 

Nice find!

This one might be your version http://www.discogs.com/Beach-Boys-Pet-Sounds/release/481737 it's from the 1997 version (the first stereo mix)

Well, I actually managed to figure out how to get the shrink wrap off and played the record! And yeah, Brian on the bridge! I was a bit bummed because I wanted Mono, but hey, if it's officially a nice find, I'm happy :)

Sound is fantastic too!

I guess he meant that it was sealed when he boughted it, hahahhahhhah

So do you people think the sound quality of the new pressing surpass the original?

I know!  ;D. Definitely a good find!  I know you have quite a collection Pinder, I saw your picture before on another post.  I guess now I'll need to track down yet another version of Pet Sounds!

I would say so.  Also the packaging looks great too!

Yeah, that's the LP I got. It's a lovely piece of work. It's even got the same style inner sleeve as the MoFi LPs have!

I threw away the LP and I played the wrapper.

By doing this I found the sealing contained the fire crackling track from "Mrs. O'Learry's Cow." :o

I would LOVE to own that pressing? Do you mind telling how much you paid for it?

I believe all Capitol LPs pressed from 1988 on are from the same digital masters as the CDs FYI.

So, how do I get the wrapper BACK onto the sleeve???

Though, this version was a great find, I'm still glad I have the Carl&ThePassions version..... I would dare say it's the best.

I also have a Duophonic copy which sounds like it was recorded at the bottom of Mike's apple juice jug

Got it off eBay second hand for £15 I think. Just got lucky and kept 'Pet Sounds Stereo' as a saved search


A: Depends how you unwrapped it.

B: The original UK mono is worse. It's a duophonic fold down with added mud. It's like a really bad echo got applied that makes it all sound harsh a graty with a weird treble+bass boost and stuff.

I also really like my Warner/Reprise CATP version.  Nice find regarding the stereo 1999 pressing Freddie, especially at that price.  There are not many of those around!

Yeah, after only having the UK mono for a while it was also a breath of fresh air. I also have the CATP mono now as well, but I end up being more inclined to playing the Stereo vinyl for some reason. Both sound magnificent though.