The Smiley Smile Message Board

Discuss, review and rate Pet Sounds, released May 1966.

(http://www.smileysmile.net/images/albums/petsounds.gif)

Since my first hearing in 1982, I have pledged my devotion, under severe duress for the first ten years.

Among the two or three best albums of all time. Brilliant. A masterpiece. For me, great on every level--for musical analysis, for empty-headed pleasure, alone, with company.

No words can describe this album. 5 stars.

I'm almost glad I hadn't heard it until the mid-90s, when Brian was back in fashion among elitists. It made it only mildly embarrassing for me to admit I loved his music...

Oh boy, and how. It made me embarrassed to say I liked it as well.

As always, though, it's just a matter of time before it comes, goes, comes, goes, etc. Funny, because unless I'm listening wrong, the albums sound pretty much the same (remastering and alternate versions notwithstanding). Every time I get a disc to review, I find the press notes amusing, always name-dropping whatever the new hip reference is. The past year has been all Smiths, Cure, etc. The couple of years before that there was a lot of Gram Parsons, Byrds, etc. Before that, Neutral Milk Hotel. Before that, Beach Boys. Next it'll probably be back to Zeppelin or Queen or something. Sigh...

I never even read 'em. The last one I read was when I reviwed some Lita Ford album in 91, and the notes said Lita was "the female Alice Cooper".

One of the greatest lp ever recorded. A milesone in pop music, and for me, till smile came out, the best record of all time.

Smile!

Wolfgang

A total masterpiece. Like someone once said, "Pet Sounds" should be used in schools for music-education. The greatest collection of pop-songs ever. And only surpased by SMiLE.

Some jaw droppingly beautiful tracks (Dont Talk, Let's Got Away, YSBIM, God Only Knows, IJWMFTT) are marred by some rather crap ones (Here Today, I Know Theres an Ego, Sloop John B, Pet Sounds)... 

The album has been completely drained of spark and life by the incredibly fine tuned instrument and vocal arrangements, hell, "Today" sounds loose by comparison.  There is no flair to the lead vocals, everything sounds rehearsed to buggary.

A brilliant, but terribly flawed album.  4 stars.

An album that should be in it's own catagory. Songs that were able to capture the essence of growing up.  Pet Sounds is the teenage symphony to God. It was able to capture the feelings of lust, longing, love and alienation so well. This album made me a fan. I would not be here without it. 5 all the way. The only album I was afraid of hearing on CD.

I can't imagine disagreeing more strongly with your assessment of the "rather crap ones." You've listed some of what I consider among the best songs on the album., and I think the lead vocals almost always sound great. There wasn't the sort of flair they may have had in a rock album, but it wasn't a rock album (for the most part).

Pet Sounds is, to me, as SG said, THE teenage symphony to God.  A topnotch offering.
Production, orchestration, harmony, longing, angst, and beauty.

I have, at times, wondered what might have made a better album cover.

The Greatest Album of the Twentieth Century, as Abbott put it.

5.

Best album ever hands down. Although I do prefer the alternate "Im Waiting For The Day" with Mike on lead, and the alternate Sloop with Carl on the first verse, but even still greatest piece of music ever, imo. Perfect harmonies, perfect orchestration, etc. etc. I could go on, but I won't.

Pure perfection. The best album of the rock era. Does not sound dated today, as Sgt. Pepper does.  The tape was "saturated with music", to quote Van Dyke Parks. Brian's peak...and what a peak it was.

There have been nights I have put "Let's Go Away For Awhile" on endless loop and listened for 2 hours straight. Gorgeous.

Strongest 5 there is.

After 30+ years, *Pet Sounds* is still a mid-range album to me, which has a couple of truly great songs on it (GOK and "Caroline, No"). Mostly, PS is not enough rock- and/or blues-oriented for my tastes.

God Only Knows and Caroline No are like...the least "rockin" songs on Pet Sounds.

I agree with Luther.  Socially, one of our major mistakes in appropriating psychoanalysis is to focus too much on immediate, unrefined communication in areas where it's not important.  An album is supposed to be studied, otherwise they'd just release the demos.  Musically, punk has done the same damage.  People are too afraid of perfectionism.  Why wouldn't you try to be as self-conscious of your message as possible, in an attempt to make your message as clear as is necessary?

I've got to disagree with your agreement. Sorry!

I don't think it is fair to say "an album is supposed to be studied."

In fact, I don't think it's fair to say "an album" anything--albums are different. They're created for different reasons, recorded a certain way for different reasons, released for different reasons, purchased for different reasons and enjoyed for different reasons (as well, of course, as hated for different reasons). And those reasons aren't necessarily better than other reasons. Pet Sounds is a poop rock and roll album, but a great recording of Brian Wilson songs. Pet Sounds can be studied, but that doesn't mean it was meant to be studied--it can be felt instead, and quite appropriately so. A rock 'n' roll album sometimes is basic below the point of being studied, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's inferior, just different. For example, it may have interesting lyrics that are worth studying. Or both lyrics and music may be elementary, but the vibe just makes you wanna shake your ass. That's just as valid.

I think we get into trouble when we over-generalize to the point of what an album is supposed to do. That's what corporate execs do, and because of it, they release glossy focus-group trash. After all, they've got "proof" that it's what we all like so much these days.

Sorry Luther, I meant "studied" as in the songwriter/group/producer has thought through the material and knows exactly what they want and how to execute it.  Not that happy accidents don't produce great results.  I just meant that there's nothing wrong with thoroughly working through your own creation to make it perfect, instead of just putting out the first take of each song and letting the fans decide what it all means.

There is nothing wrong with working through it to make it your view of complete. And that might be note-perfect, vibe-perfect (and thus quite possibly sloppy as hell) or however else you want it: tightly arranged, minimalist or anywhere in between. The artist should be granted freedom to produce art that can succeed or fail in whatever manner it is taken by the audience.

Although that sentence brings to mind the question of "editing" by band members, outside arrangers, producers, record labels, etc. We all act as such whenever we sit on boards like this and say "X would have been a better album if only the bridge of Y had been omitted and this song would have replaced that one." It's a funny thing. Music, unlike, say, painting, is so full of different influences on the final product, it is rarely the true work of one person that succeeds or fails on its own.

Pet Sounds is the first emo album.

Don't make me hate it.

Now that it's officially '06 and "Pet Sounds" has finally met it's 40th year, I felt like bringing up this lost topic from the currently decaying old board. If you would like theorize, have any news about this soon-to-be remaster, or you are just irritated by yet another reissue, please do not refrain from posting.

Unless it has genuine Denny asshair enclosed, I'll pass.

*drumroll*


























Eh, maybe?

 

But only in 5.0 format.

I don't see what's wrong with the Mono.

5.  I mean we are talking about the greatest album ever made.

I'll buy as many reissues of Pet Sounds as they care to put out.  Brian deserves it.

But does he need it? I mean, I don't want to be enabling or anything.

It is kind of a shame you can't earmark your purchases.

"This is for Pet Sounds, Brian.  Please don't put this money towards your Christmas 2006 album."

Only if they CRANK THA BASSSS.

And crank up the DennyASSSS hair.

Correct me if I´m wrong, but why do we need another "Pet Sounds"? I mean, we have it in mono, stereo, 5.1, tracks only, vocals only and a lot of the sessions. What´s left?

I have to say that I would prefer SMiLE on DVD-A or SACD, in 5.1, and as bonus: tracks only/vocals only. THAT would kill!!!

Where does the information come from? And when is it expected to be released? And, of course, Why?

Well, come on!  It's the 40th Anniversary and Capitol needs to make some money!  Seriously, that is why we think something is coming.  That and people close to the band are reporting such a release for such a reason.  Me, unless they add a bunch of unreleased stuff -- and with the box out, what could be released that hasn't already been rejected by the band? -- I won't have any use for the release.  I am still hoping for new live material.

Why?  To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first release.  You guys are acting like another Pet Sounds release would be slathered in botulin or something.  "Oh God no, not another release of the greatest album of all time!  Save us from this plague."

I can't imagine who would need it/buy it.  Unless they plan a blitz of an ad campaign to entice people who don't already own it to "buy the greatest album of all time".

I'd have to buy a very expensive new stereo to hear any nuances on a new release.  And an expensive new stereo would probably make my box set sound better, now that I think of it.

I'm with other posters.  I'd like more live material and a SMiLE box set.

Maybe it´s some kind of dual-disc, with the original album on one side and the live-concert on the other?

The Beach Boys live concert? Because the chance that Pet SOunds the ACTUAL album would be released with a Brian Wilson live show are slim to ZILCH in this litigation-oriented climate!

 :o Didn´t think about that. Probably because "Pet Sounds" is in some way a BW-album for me.

I'm sure there's an audience that would buy another version of Pet Sounds; people are crazy about it.

According to Last.FM (a music-logging/charting-type site), people listen to Trombone Dixie more than they do 409.

Maybe it's time for that long--awaited official "Duophonic" CD release....

 ::)

I still say do it as a CD-ROM that presents you with the complete multitracks, to listen to individually or "make your own" mix.

I'd like to see the original SMiLE material released that way!

I'd like to see EVERY BB album done that way!

I think Jon is right and Mark alluded to the same thing in his thread. Everything is on hold right now.

Actually, I remember reading an interview or something with Brian from quite some time ago (maybe '93 or '94) and he said there were talks of releasing an interactive make-your-own-Smile-from-all-the-tracks-we've-given-you type thing. Shame nothing ever came of that.

But on the other side, if it would have came out, would Brian have finished SMiLE?

I'd buy it if they went with the back cover artwork done for the Warner Bros. release in the 70s (featuring the photo of the spilled bag of peanuts - I have fond memories of that).

I prefer the actual artist to do the mix and release it for us all to hear.

It makes me think less of the person and myself if i'd be making my own mix of something.

I just like a finished package.

Honestly, I would've rather had the Beach Boys version.

No, I would have.

Well, I just want to hear the discrete tracks.  I have absolutely no desire to do my own mixes of Beach Boys material.  So whatever it takes to hear those discrete tracks.

I'm thinking it was going to be more like three discs or so of the recorded Smile material, which the user could then pick or choose from. Do you think He Gives Speeches should've been in Smile? By all means, put it in. Think the only reason Good Vibrations was included was because of pressure from the label and was not really part of Brian's vision? Then leave that one out.

I'm telling you, it would've been awesome.

That's the thing...a new PS release and promo campaign would not be directed towards us, but for the unwashed masses who might not already own a copy of PS. 

I'd love it if the ad campaign was along the lines of what they did for Beatles 1--aiming for the youth market.  There are a lot of kids out there that neeeeed this album.

Good point!

I'm not buying another copy of Pet Sounds. Enough is enough. Maybe on it's 50th Anniversary it will be warranted.

If you've already got it, and there are no bonuses, there's no need to get it again. However, like Margarita said, a new generation *needs* to discover it. I'm all for an anniversary release for that reason alone.

They can't discover it from the 50,000 issues already out there?

Nope. They demanded a marketing campaign!  :D

It ocurrs to me that the last run of cd's may be going OOP. Perhaps rather than just do a new run, it was decided to do something for the anniversary. It may be the only thing that can be agreed on at BRI these days.

Maybe on the aniv. you can mix the album backwards  :D

Is it the greatest album of the 20th century?  Who knows.  I guess it depends on your definition of great and what the ingredients to a great album are.  Is it top-shelf musically and does it hold together well as a whole album?  You bet your ass.  I'd definitely call this the greatest album of the 1960s, and it's certainly in the top 3 greatest albums of all time, IMO.  5 Stars.

(http://Who knows.)

Me. It is.

How could I forget, Ian knows all!  Shame on me!  ;)

Just the obvious stuff!

Worst. Album. Ever.

They should've stuck to what they knew best : Songs about pre-marital sex with girls on the beach after they just got a rush of adrenaline from driving in their fast cars to make it to the hamburger shop on time. None of that emotional junk.

(http://Songs about pre-marital sex with girls on the beach after they just got a rush of adrenaline from driving in their fast cars to make it to the hamburger shop on time.)

If that ain't Heaven, I ain't goin'.

I have not been able to listen to this album since me and my girlfriend broke up. I get through half of the intro of Wouldn't It Be Nice before bursting into tears and turning it off.

I stole this from another BB fansite without any guilt whatsoever, since I wrote this little note. Almost 10 years ago, in fact. God I was so immature! But Pet Sounds meant a lot to me then and still means a lot to me. God Only Knows was sung at my wedding (somewhat poorly, but that's another story) and my wife and I have comforted each other with Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder). 

I can't add anything more, really. People have written books about this record.

5 stars.

Back to Spring 1996!

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"Pet Sounds" to me was something that I could (and sometimes still) identify with greatly. I've heard the tone of PS described as "self-obsessed". As a teen turning into adulthood, I was very introspective and I had a lot of personal issues that I had to deal with at that age (17-18) regarding love, my place in this world, and my personal fears. To hear Brian and the others sing about those very same things on PS was very comforting to me. It gave me the impression that Brian was my closest friend and that he was singing directlt TO ME. It was as if he was right there in the room with me saying, "I totally understand EXACTLY what you are going through." I totally identified with having "fair-weathered friends" who copped out, stayed in their safety zones, tripped through their day and wasted all their thoughts at night. I almost lost the friendship of a girl who I was in love with but didn't return my feelings. My initial feelings echoed "Wouldn't It Be Nice", "You Still Beleive in Me", "Don't Talk", and "God Only Knows". Going back a couple of albums, I was so bitten by this experience that I didn't want to risk my immense joy or my grave disappoitment if I revealed my true feelings, just like Brian in "Please Let Me Wonder". When I did come clean and I found out that she didn't feel the same way, "Caroline No", really seemed to fit my feelings. I don't know nor do I care whether PS is "great art", but all I know is that is was a best friend to me at a time when I felt that I didn't have one.
BTW, the girl and I did make up, but I feel that our relationship is and probably never will be as close as it once was.

Those are the 2 songs that Carl sang in concert. That's why Emdeeh likes 'em.

She never was a Pet Sounds lover.

To me, a BB fan not liking Pet Sounds is about as perverse as not like weekends and holidays.

Especially since you could consider the road to Pet Sounds being carved out from the very start. (The early ballads....The Lonely Sea....) That melancholy outlook was never lost in any era of their music.

I could name ten Beach Boys albums I like more than Pet Sounds. Not just the obvious ones, either.

Let me guess.
SMiLEY, Honey, Love You, Sunflower, Friends, 20/20, Surf's Up, Today, Summer Days, All Summer Long.

Replace 20/20 with Carl and the Passions.

Damn, I was debating that.

Those are the obvious ones, I would have guessed.

I cannot understand how anyone claiming to be a Beach Boys fan could like Surf's Up or Carl and the Passions over Pet Sounds. That's like saying you'd rather eat a piece of sh*t instead of a prime rib.

Maybe they just get sick of everyone focusing on Pet Sounds.  I play it more now than ever, but for a long time I didn't put it on nearly as much as the other stuff.

I have to confess I also feel that those who say they can name umpteen BB albums they prefer more than Pet Sounds are just being wilfully perverse.  One or two perhaps (allowing for personal taste) but 10!  I can't help thinking this is more to do with familiarity and media hype breeding a form of contempt.  Imagine that you'd never heard Pet Sounds and then the whole thing was suddenly discovered on some kind of long lost bootleg.  I reckon the superlatives you would find to heap upon such a discovery have not been invented yet!

That's outrageous!  Carl and The bloody Passions!   :o

It's like saying you prefer Mind Games to Revolver!

Aaargghhh!!!

Point taken there, I definitely get that, but come on guys -- don't flip out just because someone likes something else more.  This site would be so boring if each thread was "What do you like most about Pet Sounds?" "Which Pet Sounds song are you?" "Any new thoughts on a story in Pet Sounds?"  I think focusing mostly on Pet Sounds reenforces, at least subtly, the idea that it's still all Brian really did.  In the Beatles threads we argued over Sgt. Pepper and Beatles for Sale, but no one really thought liking one over the other was unbelievable.  With the Beatles it's okay to accept one phase over another, but why not with the Beach Boys?  Brian has done lots of cool, different music.  I like Love You more than Pet Sounds, and I don't say that to be perverse or just because it's personal taste.  Reactions like that are exactly why people are going to resent Pet Sounds.  Why don't you ask him why he places it so low?

Er, so why do you prefer Love You if it's not your personal taste or your perversion?

Jason, why do you place Pet Sounds so low?

Fair point...execpt for one major flaw. From Please Please Me through to Abbey Road, the Beatles were John Paul George and Ringo. John and Paul made significant contributions, to say the least, to every album. George tossed in some REAL beauties, and Ringo, although he only wrote 2 tunes and co-wrote 2 more (What Goes On and Dig It, for you completists), was a major part of the sound.

You mention Brian in your response...exactly...The Beach Boys WERE Brian until after Wild Honey. One can like Please Please Me more than Abbey Road, or vice versa, and that is a fair comparison. But comparing Pet Sounds to Carl and the Passions or Surf's Up is like comparing Revolver to Ringo's Rotogravure. Post Beach Boys Brian is, in reality, a different group.

For the record, I have Love You right after Pet Sounds...

I've become so enamored with Pet Sounds that it's made me appreciate the other albums even more so. For me, the band didn't begin and end with Brian Wilson, note that a lot of my favorites are from after 1967.

If you folks have a problem with this, well, that's on you. My taste isn't yours, let's keep it that way for everyone's own good.

I love Pet Sounds pretty much as much as any number of the Beach Boys albums, Smiley Smile, Wild Honey, Friends and Sunflower to name a few after and All Summer Long, Today! and Surfer Girl before. Every Beach Boys album has a distinct flavour to it, and should be taken on it's own merits, I personally love Smiley Smile over anything the Beach Boys did but its close and my tastes change. I dont see the wide chasm of creative success that some do between something like Smiley and Pet Sounds. Smiley Smile is just as impressive an album, if not more so, and just as emotionally powerful, as is Sunflower and Surfs Up, in a big big way.

 ;) ;D :-*

For me this is kind of the record, that is the mother of all the Beach Boys records, both the records that came before and after, like the monolith in "2001: A Space Odyssey ". It's like the Beach Boys sound totally unfolded, a picture of Brians musical soul. I think it's a little like Marvin Gayes "What's Going On" in that they are both very emotional spiritual records. "Don't Talk" and "Wholly Holy" actually sound very alike. Both records are also a little flawed, maybe because they are so idiosyncratic. So it's not everything I like on Pet Sounds, for instance I dont really like "Sloop John B" and some of the music is a little too contrived classical sounding, still you are drawn back to that sound and I think, that it's probably very much all Brian's little sound pictures, that stay with you and keeps you coming back and also makes you appreciate the rest of the BB's music on another level.

Søren

I just don't think the media hype is justified... I can't judge what I can't hear, and I just don't hear "the greatest album of all time" when I listen to it.  I don't even hear the best BB's album (Today!).

Hold on!  What??   "Smiley Smile" is just as emotionally powerful as "Pet Sounds"?? 

'Cause it's better and it's a fact.   ;D


Definitely.

Absolutely correct.

Hahahahahahahaha!!

Those aren't just the "f***ed up" years to me.

Laugh away, fat boy.

Notice that no one said which emotions were powerful.  PS is very melancholy, while SS is, well, frightening in a way, plus it sends one on the edge.  In that way it produces almost as strong an emotional response from a listener as Pet Sounds.  It's just that for the average person, that sort of reaction is not necessarily pleasant, not what they want from music.  It's very visceral, very much under the rational side of the emotional spectrum.  PS is all brainy, while SS digs deep into the soul that the mind tends to ignore.  In that sense, I agree with Bugul.  SS is not my personal fav album and I do prefer PS, but I totally get the reaction that Ian and Bugul have as well.

Of course, for this listener, Sunflower tops them all.    ;D

Hahahahahahahaha!!

Mono, stereo or 5.1 surround?

I find myself listening to the Advanced Resolution mono track on the DVD-A the most, followed by the 5.1 surround.

I listen to the music, not the equipment.

Don't quite understand where that came from.  I do enjoy the 5.1 surround the most on a JBL Northridge Series speaker setup closely followed by the remastered stereo edition Pet Sounds cd via Grado SR-80 headphones.  What a difference equipment makes in the music you listen to.

The mono+stereo CD in a discman on the way to and from work, every day... I did this a few years ago and it's what shaped my love of Pet Sounds.

the way brian intended it to be listened...lit up ;)

Amen

on headphones, in the dark, alone

"on headphones, in the dark, alone"

EXACTLY!
I have to say that I prefer the stereo-version. I have never been a huge fan of 5.1-sound, with some instruments from behind your back, some far left etc... it only distracts from the music. On the other side, the mono-mix is to "muddy" for my taste, there are too many details burried. Stereo all the way for me.

"Carl and the Passions" LP pressing, Mono. The fuillest sounding the album has ever sounded.

That's how I found you last night.

My best listening experience was playing it in my basement studio, totally dark just lying on the floor.  It was surreal.

Smiley Smile works well in the dark while you're playing puff the ganja.

Mono, of course. The way Brian heard it when he mixed the album.

It would be nice to listen with someone who appreciates that album as much as I do... but since no such person is in my immediate vicinity .... in the dark with headphones is just fine!  :)

Exactly, Andreas.
Don't forget that Linett said that mixing it in stereo was 'in some ways worse than colorising Citizen Kane".
But if he didn't do it, someone else would have.

duophonic, vinyl on in less then wonderful weather.

Stereo version, loud, through headphones, in the dark.

I fall asleep to Pet Sounds almost every night. Helps me sleep better, too. :D

on record, and very very stoned..............  but  i dig it sober, thats jsut my faviorte way to listen to it...
xoxox
suga

While having steak, cake, and a nice beer.

It depends on what I'm listening to it for.

If it's simply for emotional impact, mono, through one speaker, with my right ear plugged with a series of earplugs.  Seriously.

If it's for simple pleasure, 5.1.  For quick reference, stereo.

For education, track only or vocal only with headphones.

I've used one speaker and have faced that with one ear, but never clogged up my other.

Try it.  It makes a difference.

and standing waist deep in mashed potatoes

Ok this is getting a little bizarre now!  :o

OK.  But seriously folks.

The Pet Sounds Box, on a good set of headphones.  Put the player on random and just go with it for about an hour.

I especially like the WIBN backing track and vocals only trac followed by the full stereo cut combining both.

With a hot cup of Ovaltine, in my little sailor suit.

I usually listen to the mono version.

The first time the album hit hard I had listened in stereo.

Pet Sounds DCC version... (on weed, man!)  There is no other way to hear it.

If I can't enjoy something sober then I view that music as "bad".

Of course being high highlights things and you lapse into the groove with ease, but having to be stoned to like it isn't cool.

I rarely listen to Pet Sounds with others. Once was in the car one time with my two friends.. I popped it in and we were all singing along to Wouldn't It Be Nice, my two friends singing the lead and me doing the backing vocals, having a grand old time. Then it gets to the fadeout and my friend turns the radio on and says, "Okay, that was the only Beach Boys song I like."

Another was a few days before me and my girlfriend broke up, and we knew our relationship was failing.. we're lying on her bed and she says "Put in a CD". Somehow forgetting the first song, I put in Pet Sounds, which I had given to her for Christmas and she hadn't yet listened to in full. So I put it in and lay back on the bed.. Wouldn't It Be Nice comes on and we both erupt into tears. Less than a minute into the song, I rip the plug out of the wall.

So, yeah, alone in the dark for me, too. When I'm at my beach house I look out my window and see the streetlights and the buildings and the ocean horizon.. it's an image I've visually connected with Pet Sounds.

I enjoy it no matter what state of mind I'm in.  I really meant that the DCC version is the best, and only way to hear it, for me...  listening to it while "under the influence" just enhances it.

this album really shows how the beach boys were just a completly different type of band than any category you would want to throw them into with the other artists of that time. its not really oldies or classic rock or anything, its truly unique. this is the best thing they did, but i think maybe only cause smile wasnt released, sorry.

Didn't the Today album accomplish that? The second side?

J, don't feed the animals.

The Beach Boys proved themself to be more than that meets the eye many times. Consider the song, "Surfer Girl". Mention this to anybody and they'll laugh. They don't understand what's going on with those harmonies and the music which set those guys aside from every other band so early on.

Pet Sounds was just the album which shoved that fact to the listener.

Not feeding anyone. Just engaging in intelligent discussion.

helped bring me out of my shell.

i first bought a Capitol cassette of Ps. circa 1989, thinking from the summer dreams tv bio pic
it was going to be all round psychedelic, like hendrix.

what i heard from wouldnt it, all the way to caroline no......i cannot explain too accurately.

it was a carol of broque pop and carnival magic trip and teenge longing. just what i needed, at 19 yrs old.

I have enjoyed your book since I picked it up 2 weeks ago.  I have one question for you though...in the prologue to the Pet Sounds song discussion, you mention that Brian, in his quest for perfection, actually re-did alot of the group vocals himself, in effect wiping the group and making it a solo performance in spots.  You then state that a listen to the box set vox only disc plays this out.

While it is obvious that Don't Talk and Caroline No are straight solo efforts, I am wondering what vocals you are talking about. Could it be, my guess, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times and/or You Still Believe In Me? To my ear, Wouldn't It Be Nice is clearly the Beach Boy blend, as are the vox on I'm Waiting For The Day, God Only Knows, and Sloop.

I appreciate your elaboration...and your book.

Yes, I have that similiar question.  I bought his book last week and read it in two days.  Unfortunately due to the amount of space he had to cram all this information in, there's very little chance of ellaboration or examples given for claims like this.  I wish the book were double the length, at least, just to flesh out some of the stuff he says.  Some of the writing in the Christmas section was confusing.

"IJWMFTT" is almost a BW solo vocal effort - there are seven tracks of vocals, and all but one are all Brian.

Know what you mean - I had a limit to adhere to, or so I was told, so in the end the equivalent of four pages of text were taken out. So, when I saw the completed book, I wasn't AT ALL happy with the amount of blank paper scattered throughout. At a rough estimate, it totals something like ten full pages.  >:(

At some time in the indefinite future I'm going to explore the possibility of liscensing the text back from Omnibus, adding to and expanding it, and publishing it privately, or maybe as an eBook.

But don't  hold your breath...

All but two, and keep in mind that those are full group vocals.

The track sheets show all Brian except "Group".

This I suppose could mean a group of B. Wilson's though I better think it to be the Beach Boys.

Except for that pesky sound a 6th generation tape bounce.

Well, I've ordered a copy.  I'll be happy to share my thoughts once it arrives.  In the meantime, I'd love to hear from anyone out there who has one already.

Listening to Pet Sounds in the dark on my headphones is one of my pleasures also. I love the wierd toy piano sound in the song Here Today

i think it wouldve been better if actually just was pet sounds, how insane would that have been?

I once read a review on amazon from a kid who was reviewing some albums for his Dad. I assume he never listened to PS because he slagged it off as fruity pet sounds from goats and llama's and the like.

haha thats funny, but seriously, could a better album be made than this?

Yep. See thread below.

now thats funny

on the subway.  its the best soundtrack to walk around with full blast and observing everyone going where they are going and just going with the album.

That's what my mom thought the first time I brought it into the car for us to listen to.. she refused to play it based on the title until I told her it was the Beach Boys.

These days, she refuses to play a CD even after I tell her it's by the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson.. haha; too much (Smiley) Smile, methinks.

Thought I'd add a photo:

(http://eil.com/newGallery/Beach-Boys-Pet-Sounds-293255.jpg)

Heh. That's possibly the only thing you've posted made a vague amount of sense.

It actually gave me an idea for a song...

look, i apologize, i am a pothead

LOL...alrighty then. I am too (although not for a while), so it's all good.

Even though there are certain BB songs I like more than those on "Pet Sounds" (Please Let Me Wonder, for a start), I think this is the best album on the whole.  Hits almost every note of relationships and life during the phase between teenage life and young-adulthood.

Perfect arrangement of both backing instrumental tracks and vocal tracks.  None of the backing or vocal tracks are "perfect" by themselves (IMO), but when combined, they combine beautifully.  Perfect album to study, as new details emerge almost every listen.  It took me a long time to hear that honky-tonk piano in "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" behind all of those vocals.  The instrumental bridge of "Here Today" is probably the greatest bit of music I've ever heard.  Seemingly out of control but meticulously arranged.  Brilliant.  There are moments of genius like this throughout the whole thing. 

One of the only problems I have arises when you actually listen to the track only and vocal only mixes.  Sometimes you wish you could hear more of the instrumental bits, like that piano in "IJWMFTT" or more of the vocal group harmonies that slide up and down the scale in "Here Today".  That's more of a personal thing though.  I wouldn't mind that mixing board CD-ROM idea coming to fruition.

And ditto on listening to it in the dark with headphones.  Even Brian advocates it!

Actually, "Sloop John B" was used by my music teacher in high school.

This is my favorite album of all time.  I guess that is why I own five copies of it.  I can't believe somebody gave it a two.  Caroline, No and Hang on to your ego are my favorites.  I kinda wish Caroline, No was longer for some reason.

Acctualy i think C.No is the perfect length.....and i love the way there are no questions answered in the song

Even though I gave this album a 5, I've listened to it so much that I'm kind of tired of it now. Sometimes I will play the backing tracks and sing them while I'm driving.

Enough has already been said/written about this album. Anything good that people say/write about it I agree with ;D 5 from me

Mikey, are there any songs on this album sung by Mike Love that you wish was sung by Brian??

No, I can really dig Mike's voice on this album (on the whole anyway). While I think they weren't his greatest lead vocals ever, I think Mike does a pretty solid job on Thats Not Me and particularly Here Today I really like his lead on that one. Ive stated before that I think that is one of Brians great gifts (knowing who to choose as lead vocalist, what instruments to put in a song etc...) maby not always but almost every song I think, especially on Pet Sounds. Why the question? Do you think I have something against Mike? :p Anyway, what do you reckon? Do you reckon Brian wouldve sounded better on any of Mikes lead vocals?

Not really, I trust Brians' ear. However, I really like the Waiting For the Day with Mike singing from the box set, and the Here Today version with Brian singing from the box set. I think Mike never sounded better than on Sloop John B. I only asked because I was thinking of starting a thread based on that question. Just curious because sometimes that nasaly Mike voice can get annoying, i.e. California Girls. imo

Thats funny, cause Im not a big fan of either of those versions (Im not saying I hate them just not that big of a fan). Both Mike and Brians vocals just lack passion for me. They couldve done a better job if they kept having more takes of the lead vocal, but obviously after one or a few takes (or whatever it was) Brian decided to change who would sing lead. Good decision in the end. And yes I really like Mike's vocals on Sloop John B. And I agree Mike's nasally voice can get VERY annoying. I think my most hated Mike nasally voice is his lead vocal on Getcha Back, I just hate it. It ruins a decent song for me, I only listen to it occassionaly for Brians falsetto part. As for California Girls, I think Mikes voice is alright there, not his best lead, but I still think he does a decent job. He has that sort of arrogance about his lead vocal on that song which I think suited it pretty well. I cant have seen anybody else singing that song. Imagine Brian or Carl or any band member singing lead besides him, it would sound hopeless, in my opinion anyway.

You're right about California Girls...the only thing is that I can't listen to it repeatedly because his voice gets to be too much, but you're right in saying he was made for that song. I like the "demo" feel to the above stated songs I mentioned, but again, I understand where you're coming from concerning HT, IWFTD. It's amazing that the Beach Boys were so versatile that they could get such dramatically different feels for their songs when another member of the band takes the leads. I listen to the version of IJWMFTT from disc 3 the most, because I really like the echo effect on the vocals used for a measure at the end of the song.

To be honest the best bit about California Girls (for me anyway) is the backing vocals, absolutely superb!! But yeh I agree with you it is difficult to listen to it repeatedly. Yeh I understand what you mean by the demo feel. I like a lot of those demo's from all eras of the band, they're always really interesting and sometimes some parts of the song are better than the actual version (eg: the vocals might have more passion in them or whatever, such as the early version of "My Diane") Yeh that is why The Beach Boys are so great vocally and the best band ever vocally (to my ears anyway), cause they are so diverse and can "get such dramatically different feels for their songs" . I mean even each member can sound so different on different songs. For example Brian on Til I Die where he sings "Until I Die" at the end of the third verse, that is unbelievable and conveys the right feel for that song (I dont think many people could sing it like that). But then compare that to his vocals on Busy Doin' Nothin' for example and it is just so laid back but it also conveys the right feel for that song. I must say I dont remember the IJWMFTT version from disc 3, Ill have to listen to it again.

Speaking of "Pet Sounds" related stuff... I *FINALLY* got around to putting together a rough "Remember The Zoo"... not half bad really!  Obviously, it doesn't much resemble what the phony article described, but it's still interesting to hear.  My version was something like this...

1) In The Back Of My Mind (standard version)
2) Let Him Run Wild ('alternate version' I found online)
3) Summer Means New Love (standard version)
4) The Little Girl I Once Knew (45 version from box)
5) Trombone Dixie (trimmed to remove chatter)
6) In My Childhood ('Still Believe', left channel folded to mono)
7) Pet Sounds (left channel folded to mono)
8} I'm Waiting For The Day (an 'alternate version' I believe?)
9) I'm In Great Shape ('He Couldn't Get His Poor Old Body To Move' - the Brian track, folded to mono, with 60's style bass and reverb.  Hey, I was just following the article.)
10) Tones (the Carl 'Smile' track.  Makes a nice closer!)

As for the two missing tracks ("Teeter-Totter Love" and "Remember The Zoo"), I might include the Marcels' TTL if it sounds Beach Boys-ish, AND if I can find it (hint hint), and may fake "Zoo", if I can... but for now, it's not that bad of an album.  Very down-beat and Pet Sounds-ish, in fact!

Those are two different songs. Did the article you reference say that the latter is the same as the former? It clearly isn't.

Well, using the Eighties version was a rough approximation - the article said that the "I'm In Great Shape" that supposedly appeared on "Remember The Zoo" 'evolved' into "Poor Old Body." 

(And yes, I'm well aware of the "Smile" track of that same title.)

Two changes to my tracklist - I'm throwing in the Marcels' "Teeter Totter Love" because frankly, I'd hate to have two songs missing.  (I doesn't sound THAT far off from an acapella Beach Boys outtake, really...)  Also, I wanted to keep the "Smile" version of 'Great Shape' in there, so I made a new intro to 'Poor Old Body'.  It's made up of two parts - Brian's piano demo of IIGS, spliced with Purple Chick's version, because Purple Chick's cut off the first couple piano chords.  Then, instead of 'I Wanna Be Around', the distortion cuts to the beginning of 'Poor Old Body'.  Doesn't sound as bad as you'd think, especially since I made POB mono, bassy, and layered with reverb!

What a perfect, incredibly moving piece of utterly uncompromised art this album is. After it's been said a million times, one still can't stress it quite enough. I have to confess I didn't see what the fuss was all about concerning Caroline No when I first heard Pet Sounds some eight years ago. Today, it strikes me as some of the most ruthlessly personal songs ever committed to tape. Unabashedly painful yet still too beautiful to not listen to it over and over again. Especially with this song however, I clearly prefer mono over stereo.

Stereo all the way! I prefer the stereo version because you can hear all the instrumental nuances. The first time I heard God Only Knows (2004-I'm still fairly new in BB-land) it was the stereo version. After I bought Pet Sounds and heard it in mono, it felt like there was something missing, like some of the instruments sound like they were crowded out or mixed really low. The stereo mix makes the music sound more "open" and a lot clearer. Smiley Smile, Wild Honey, Today, and Summer Nights all need every single track to be remixed into stereo, IMHO.

Pet Sounds was the first Beach Boys album I heard, as it was the only BB CD we had in collection.  Endless Summer we had on vinyl but I never really had a chance to listen to that.  I really did find it hard to get into at first, save for the two songs I already knew (Sloop John B and Wouldn't It Be Nice).  Relistening is insanely strong though, as I must have listened to it a good 20 times more than any other BB record (that says something for me considering I don't like to overwork my listens).  It wasn't until I got into Wild Honey and the like that I liked Pet Sounds to the extent I do now.

Wouldn't It Be Nice - 5/5
You Still Believe In Me - 5/5
That's Not Me - 4.5/5
Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) - 5/5
I'm Waiting For The Day - 5/5
Let's Go Away For A While - 5/5
Sloop John B - 5/5
God Only Knows - 5/5
I Know There's An Answer - 4.5/5
Here Today - 5/5
I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - 4.5/5
Pet Sounds - 5/5
Caroline No - 5/5

The ones I rated slightly lower than others were not based on lack of validity as a song (they're produced and performed to their full potential actually).  I just don't get quite as much enjoyment out of them as I might with my ultimate BB favorites.  Pet Sounds still is easily a 5.

Unbelievably ambitious and energetic. A gorgeous record, too. 5/5

An easy 5 out of 5. One of the greatest albums by anyone!

God Only Knows
Wouldn't It Be Nice
I Just Wasn't Made for these Times
Let's Go Away for Awhile
Sloop John B
Caroline No
Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
You Still Believe in Me
That's Not Me
I'm Waiting for the Day
Here Today
Pet Sounds
I Know There's an Answer

Perfection.  Complete and total perfection

Perfect record.  5 stars (did I *really* need to say that?).

...it feels good to let it out.... :rock

5...need I say more?

I would like to propose that the harmony line below the second verse of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is the single most beautiful piece of music ever recorded. You know, the one they replay after the trains on the stereo version of "Caroline, No".

You must have the 40th anniversary edition, because it doesn't replay on my 2001 CD.

Whatever, point still stands.

It is on the 40th. And I 100% agree with you...greatest vocal harmony ever.

I made an alternate version of 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' that includes that snippet of a cappella.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T94mq3vsiZo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T94mq3vsiZo)

5 Points, it's just the best.

Starts so optimistic, in the middle full of love and in the end so sad.

and right in the middle of it all, the guy takes his girl on a drunken, seasick, fishing trip on the Sloop John B. What a cool girlfriend!

Maybe it's a stretch, but don't the opening cymbals on Caroline, No sound the scissors?

I can't review this album. Nothing I would ever say could do this justice. The only document to Brian Wilson's fully realized vision, the only testament to his overflowing genius. Not a single weak track, not a single weak moment. I will say this, though. The tone of voice Brian's falsetto takes is... curious, to say the least. It sounds like nothing else he took on, before or after. For a while there, I didn't even think he was singing in falsetto at all. Even the SMiLE sessions don't have him singing like this. Here, he sounds powerful, like a prophet from God came down to sing these notes. And, if I must say, "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" is the most beautiful ballad I've ever heard in my entire life. The instrumentals are some of the best in rock music, too. It's too bad Brian would never make something like this, ever again. Even SMiLE was a whole different beast, which is why I don't even bother with arguments over which one is better. To me, they both come from two different planets. I will say something rather sacrilegious, though. I think the theremin on "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" sounds better than the one on "Good Vibrations". I dunno, it just sounds more homely... I mean, I can't even decide my favorite songs on here. On some days, I prefer one thing, on others, I prefer the next.

Is it just me, or does the sped-up Brian on "Caroline, No" sound like Mike, at least for the first few lines?

The greatest pop album ever. Every single song has perfect melodies and lyrics and it's almost impossible pick one song that's better than the other. I can't believe an album like this even exists

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 (five hearts out of five)

I've been a fan since 1970 but I think today I "discovered" Pet Sounds as if I'd never listened to it before. This isn't an album I've ever played a lot, its always been one that requires me being in a certain "mood" in order to get me to play it.  Today, I listened to it 4 times and was newly blown away. I guess I always have taken Pet Sounds for granted.  I think "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is amazing. Each track is wonderful, and somehow today's listens struck home the meaning of the album as a whole like I had never really appreciated before.   Stunningly perfect, start to finish.  What an album!!!

 

I just realized it's been several years since I've listened to Pet Sounds.

What the heck is a Pet Sounds?  ???

I should do an album of techno remakes of PS songs....call it "Pot Sounds" :D

Surely that is the Dub version?  ;D

a great album that helps me deal with the times i screw up in my life. ;D

a fact is a fact..this is a five star masterpiece...its not a matter of opinion....one of the great,pinnacle moments in rock history..that cannot be disputed ,it cannot be denied...utterly beautiful and utterly perfect.....as great and as important as highly 61, the classic beatle lps,/..neil young's tonights the night......astral weeks..etc etc..like those lp,s..there is nothing that sounds anything like it..a true masterpiece....i gave a copy to my son..i explained that at school they will teach him about alexander graham bell,napoleon,shakespear, mikelangelo,jesus ,the pyramids of eygyt etc etc,,but one thing they should teach him about ,but wont is PET SOUNDS..and i gave him his first vinyl copy....

No one has been able to top it since it was created. It is perfect!

I thought about giving this album a review, but it would be utterly pointless. It would just be a 10/10 for every song and every moment on the album. If I could give this a billion stars, I would.

I swear i hear new things every time i listen to this. It's an album that doesn't need to be studied to be enjoyed, but is enjoyed by me the more and more i dig in and research and listen to it. This album can't be spoken of enough. This was the first album I ever bought, not knowing what new thing I would hear on first listen, and the fact remains the same for my 400th (at least). There is so much in this album. One truly cannot be musically educated til they've heard it. This is any musician's dream album. This is the album I would make if I could claim rights to any. This amount of power and beauty and complexity and simpleness has yet to be matched for me. Truly Stunning. 5/5

I agree 100%.

My first "Pet Sounds" experience was last summer when, during an extremly warm night when I couldn't sleep at all, I decided I should give the album a try. I was totally blown away. I never heard anything so perfect in my whole life. I remember going to the window at about 5 or 6 o'clock while "I'm Waiting For The Day" came on. I sat throught the whole song and watched the beauty of the sunrise. To this day, "I'm Waiting For The Day" is my favourite song on the album and also one of my top favourites in the Beach Boys catalogue. Since then I've listened to more and more albums and well, here I am.

Pet Sounds remains to me one of the greatest experience I was ever lucky to assist to. 5/5.

P.S.: Brian was right about the whole "listen-to-it-in-a-dark-room-with-headphones-on" kind of thing. :)

^ indeed.

It's a shame that more people don't have this revelation.

The first time I listened to Pet Sounds I had the album on as background music - I didn't really listen to it. The second time I really listened and I was just blown away. I mean I remember standing in my living room staring at the stereo thinking "Why haven't I heard this before??" - When 'I Know There's An Answer' came on I knew that this was the best album I had ever heard.

And I've given the album to friends/family as gifts, and none of them seem to have this same experience. But it seems as if most of us here have had this 'A-Ha!' moment - wonder what makes us different lol

Yep, been there, done that. I really think it makes us better rather than different. :)

You know, i've heard him say that, but i've never listened to it in the dark. I know what I'm doing tonight :D and that is a great song, even has a double meaning for you haha. "Waiting for the day" as the sun rises.

An absolute freakin' classic. Great lyrics, great harmonies and absolutely beeeeautiful backing tracks. Pet Sounds is one of my all-time favorite albums. 5/5

Sheesh, how couldn't you give this one a 5? Can't believe their are even few ignoramus's that put 2 or 3. Nothing I can really add that hasn't already been boxed and repackaged time and time again. Timeless. 5.

Even sea monsters dig it:

(http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sea-monster-beach-boys-alli.jpg)
(art by John Allison)

Happy 46th birthday, Pet Sounds!

Just heard the MoFi remaster, BUYING IT NOW.

Sounds amazing, adds a whole new dimension, especially on my expensive speakers. Buy it folks, it's 10000x better than the Mono/Stereo CD

BTW: I'm just talking the CD layer, haven't even heard the SACD!

Yeah, the new stereo one is a bit better. It's not as loud and a bit more dynamic. The mastering takes out some of the excessive reverb from the previous editions. I wouldn't say it's 1000x better, and maybe not worth the price tag if you're not an audiophile, but it's a nice edition to own.

I have to agree; the MoFi stereo version may now be my favorite PS of all. Can't stop listening to it lately.

IJWMFTT is AMAZING. The mix is perfect and almost puts Sunflower to shame.

Pet Sounds in general puts Sunflower to shame.

5/5, amazing, life-changing, great, blah blah.

Today I just picked up the 180 gram 2008 vinyl pressing, the one with original art. First copy of PS for me on vinyl. However, it has papery dust and crap all over it. In addition, the label is cracked, crinkled and messed up. Did I get a bum copy, or is this a common error?

I've finally driven myself to the lying-down-in-the-dark-with-closed-eyes,-head-between-speakers-with-the-stereo-LP and boy, was that the best/most bizarre thing I've ever experienced! As far as I'm concerned now, that is How Pet Sounds SHOULD be heard, and you are missing out if you haven't.

5/5!

Bum copy. Give it to a bum, and demand a refund/substitute!

@mrmoustachioto: definitely the ultimate way to experience Pet Sounds!

First Beach Boys album I ever listened to. Was hooked instantly. The song that stood out for me the most was I Just Wasn't Made for These Times. I don't know why but I felt like the song describes me in some way I can't really explain. Well, it pulled me in the fanbase and eventually I was curious for more.

This is pure genius. I could listen to this album over and over again and I'll never get tired of Pet Sounds. My favorite album of all time!

5 stars (If I could give it more, I certainly would. Wouldn't everybody?)

duophonic is a fake stereo where the channels are the same with a delay in one channel (barely a minisecond) to make it sound stereo.

A good idea for acoustic guitars and vocals, BAD for final mixes.

Some duo phonic does that, as matter of fact im almost sure PS does

I heard one of ya'll saying that the Carl & The Passions/Pet Sounds two-fer has two different covers: one is white, and the other is brown. For some musical reason, I want the brown one, correct? Help. No pics on amazon...catalog number or somethin??

I've seen a copy of the brown PS lp on eBay w/o CATP. This copy is MS 2197.
The CATP/white cover PS catalog number is 2MS 2083.

WIBN - 10/10
YSBIM - 10/10
TNM - 9/10
DT(PYHOMS) - 9/10
IWFT - 7/10
LGAFA - 8/10
SJB - 9/10

GOK - 10/10
IKTAA - 8/10
HT - 9/10
IJWMFTT - 10/10
PS - 8/10
C,N - 9/10

Average of 8.92/10 = 9/10 :/ but then again I compare them to each other, not to music in general. I like to differentiate between the songs rather than award them all 9 or 10...
would still give it 5 stars

As my first post in this board I'd like to say that Pet Sounds is the most incredible and beautiful thing that has ever come to my ears, and made me a firm believer in the following quote: Beauty will save the world.

There is no bad day with Pet Sounds. I wish it'd last forever (or maybe a rest every 3 hours for some Friends to jump in and make my life full)

Well said! Wonderful album and I love it to pieces.

Talking about this album is - forgive my blasphemous metaphor - like a christian describing what The Bible and The New Testament means to him/her.
The Beach Boys never had it so good - before or after.
When I was 17... it was a very good Xmas(1993)... what with my-gift-to-self-CD of  Pet Sounds on repeat and all. I had heard some Beach Boys stuff as a very young kid (a beatle loony then), just Wow! A Great Concert (or whatever the 9-song "live" cut-out piece of supermarket vinyl was called) and a bit of 1962-1965, but Pet Sounds really impressed me - effortlessly overwhelming songwriting and genius vocal/orchestral arrangements!
I kinda forgot about The Beach Boys afterwards until I found the "Odeon" bootleg around early 2005 - another mind-blowing find. Haven't forgotten about the Beach Boys since  - actually prefer it to the Beatles nowadays!

I find that 1-5 isn't a fine-enough scale. I wanted to give this something like a 4.75, or something like that (just a few songs I find "meh"), but I also didn't want to round it up all the way to 5. So I gave it a 4, even though I think it's better than a 4.

If it weren't for the Smile sessions as a comparison, I'd give it a 5. But since I think Smile is a 5, and it's better than Pet Sounds, I find myself forced to give it a 4.

I was wondering, what is the definitive version of 'Pet Sounds' in terms of sound quality?. I know there's a number of remasters, the Pet Sounds Sessions, stereo/mono mixs etc., DVD-A version etc.  but what version is the best?.

My favorite mono is the 72 Brother/Reprise reissue, followed by 93 DCC, lastly the 09 AUdio Fidelity. For Stereo, the Mofi is great, followed the PS Box, then the 06 40th Anniv. edition.

I've been listening to Pet Sounds now since I was around 14 years old. At first I was disappointed at the lack of "Surf Music" sound, but over the years, as I matured, I learned to listen and enjoy what to me represents one of the greatest albums of all time.

For me though, it's not the really well known tracks that steal the show, but songs such as "I Know There's An Answer", "Here Today", "That's Not Me" and of course the ever wonderful "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times".

:) Mark

Since you were 14? Was that last year or 47 years ago. I can't get a sense of how long you have been listening to Pet Sounds. ;)

Well, a quick look at my profile would have shown that I am now 43, so around 29 years ;)

:) Mark

Thanks! I read threads, not profiles. :)

Here's my opinion:

Easily the best Beach Boys album, no contest (except for Smile and Sunflower, the three are equal. Possibly Pacific Ocean Blue as well, but that's a solo album).
But it's not my personal favourite, as much as I love this. I do prefer at least 20/20, Sunflower and Surf's Up, however.

God Only Knows is my favourite track, and I also love I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, Pet Sounds, Caroline No, Don't Talk, You Still Believe In Me, and Let's Go Away For A While.
Wouldn't It Be Nice i always thought of as all right, a bit overrated and overplayed. Don't care much for That's Not Me, I'm Waiting For The Day, I Know There's An Answer (Hang On To Your Ego), and Here Today. Sloop John B is totally out of place, and shouldn't have been on this album. The Little Girls I Once Knew would have fit in much better.

5/5! I must say this one of best album of the 20th Century, and that's quite a feat!

Stunning! In my opinion it is the best album they released in the 1960s. And the order in which the songs appear is perfect. 'I Just Wasn't Made For These Times' is my personal favorite from the record. I must admit though, I prefer the Carl version of Sloop John B from disc 3 of the Pet Sounds Sessions.

After extensive research and deep analysis I came to the conclusion that Sloop John B has the coolest bass line of all time.

I gave it 5. Even though in my opinion it's not the best album by The Beach boys. I'd rather rate it somewhere between 4.5-4.9. It's impossible to review these tracks separately, it's meant to be looked as a whole and it works like that pretty much perfectly. Sloop John B is the weakest link. I don't like the lyrics so much.  Pet Sounds is a tricky one to listen. To fully enjoy it I need to have a certain mood or feeling. Usually a sad mood. And it's not the kinda record to listen in a car while driving. It's a great album, no doubt about that. But I just happen to think that for example Love You is a better one. It can be listened wherever, whenever and sounds more unique. But yeah don't get me wrong, I love this album. It's propably nearest to perfection anyone ever made. But it needs a certain state of mind to listen to, and that makes it 'not my personal favorite'. But when is the right time to listen Pet Sounds, the right feeling, then there's nothing better in the world.  

Pet Sounds is a TRUE work of art taken as a whole piece.. Inventive + complex .. One of the greatest pieces of music on the face of the earth.. 5/5  Greater than Smile. This pulls at your heart strings.. Smile pulls at your Intellect .. You Still Believe In Me is a stunner.!  Read the words .. BW could be talking to a girl or to GOD.. AMAZING.  !!!!!!!!!! 

Giving this a spin for the umpteenth time. I'm blown away at how good the bass lines are for this album...especially in Don't Talk, Sloop John, I Know There's An Answer, IJWMFTT, and Caroline No. Sometimes they're not even complex, but they work so well.

Also, I'm glad that Mike changed the lyrics for Hang On To Your Ego - vocally, IKTAA sounds so much better.

I see no reason to explain.

5/5

There's no way this could be anything less than a 5/5. It's all been said before, how brilliant and beautiful and influential it is. All I have to add is the fact that I'm another one among the millions of others who found solace and comfort in this music. My high school was a hellhole, full of back-stabbing "frenemies" sadistic punks and endless sources of angst. To come home, listen to my trusty mono/stereo CD of this, and be reminded that I wasn't alone in having these feelings...it meant so much to me. SMiLE may have overtaken it as my favorite album, but there's still a sincere emotional vibe with Pet Sounds that makes it irreplaceable. SMiLE is music that blows your mind, Pet Sounds is music that soothes your soul.

I really appreciate you saying so. Thank you!

5/5 obviously. Most lyrically relatable album ever maybe.

Crucial and legendary. What an album

This is not just the best album ever made but I'd put it on a different level to whichever is No. 2 because the arrangements and vocal stacks are just so perfect and transcend anything else in rock and pop music. Motown comes close as an ouevre but that was spread over many years and featured the contributions of many talents. This is essentiually one guy ably supported by Asher and the Wrecking Crew, then his fellow vocalists.

I gave this one a five, and I really can't write anything positive that hasn't already been said before. 

However..............................

While I think Pet Sounds is a great album, I do think it's a tad overrated.  I don't think it's the greatest album ever made.  I don't think it's in the top ten albums ever made.  I don't even think its the greatest Beach Boys album (Sunflower for me). 

I think the title track is one of my least favorite of Brian's instrumental numbers. 

Am I the only one who thinks I'm Waiting for the Day sounds a little incomplete and underproduced? 

I will say that I have no issue with Sloop John B being on the record, and I might be wrong, but I don't think the album would've been as loved / acclaimed without it. 

5/5 and a Happy 76th Birthday to Tony Asher!

I figured that I should say happy birthday (49 years old!) to this lovely little album.

I must confess that I don't think I realized how amazing PS is until recently, although "Wouldn't It Be Nice" has been my favorite song since I was little... I still can't get over how much the Beach Boys have meant to me throughout my entire life.
I could write a more thorough review on this, but I ought to be studying for my biology test now. :(

I owned it on vinyl years back. No idea what my Mom did with all of my albums when she sold the family home in the late 1970's .  I recently purchased Pet Sounds on CD along with various other Beach Boys and Brian Wilson's No Pier Pressure  (and including some Bruce Johnston solo music as I <3 Disney Girls with the group and his solo seen on video.)

Brian Wilson's musical genius at it's best is Pet Sounds! 5 stars!!!     :woot

1. Wouldn't it be nice. 5/5
  2. You still believe in me. 5/5
  3. That's not me. 5/5
  4. Don't talk. 3/5
  5. I'm waiting for the day. 4/5
  6. Let's go away for a while. 1/5
  7. Sloop John B. 5/5
  8. God only knows. 5/5
  9. I know there's an answer. 5/5
  10. Here today. 5/5
  11. I just wasn't made for these times. 5/5
  12. Pet sounds. 4/5
  13. Caroline no. 3/5.

The 'Best Album Of All Time' is not even The Beach Boys best album but it's an essential classic, the obvious stepping stone for anyone looking to go beyond the 'Greatest Hits' comps for the first time and easily the apex of Brian 'the producer'.
5/5

The professor recently listen to this album 10 or 15 times consecutively, and then once or twice a day over the next five or six days. The professor was almost going through a breakup which caused a slight bit of emotional trauma, but the breakup never did occur and get the album Pet Sounds was a constant source of strength, contemplation, and awareness. With this potential emotional crisis over, the professor continued to listen to Pet Sounds and stands in all of its amazing brilliance. The only critique is that Brian Wilson sang too many parts by himself and should have been wiser about sharing the parts for the band. In this respect the scene in the movie love and mercy is very accurate when Mike Love criticizes him for his selfishness.

Sunflower is better imho

The ONLY thing I can criticize about an album like this is the album cover. No wonder hippies shuddered The Beach Boys image at that time, even due to Pets Sounds and Good Vibrations. These guys really did have no idea how to present their new image to the mass. Aside from that critique, it is my favourite album of all time, because it represents what only the truest meaning of music could ever represent: emotion. Lyricism at tops, insteumentation at tops, vocals at tops, production, however, could have been a little less muddy, but I guess in it's own charming way, it has it's own vibe. The type of vibe I'm talking about is the: I did LSD with Brian Wilson, I see serine forests, it's raining, it's Spring 1966, I'm in a paisley suit, and everything is foggy, including my memory, due to reall good cannabis. :hat That's my representation of the production if it were transmitted in one's head visually. :lol

5/5

Im curious who voted 1...

Haha, yes. Actually it's the five people who gave it less than 4/5 who intrigue me. Come to think of it, even 4/5 is a trifle baffling. :hat

I think only a troll (or a bot) would give it 0. :=) 

I never really felt that the title track was all that great, either. I don't feel that it adds anything, just a filler before the devastating closer.  It might have served more of a purpose if that was Carl showing off his guitar chops. Let's Go Away For Awhile, though, is a masterpiece. Hearing this much heard material in stereo is very pleasing to the ears. The accapella mixes are wonderful, too. Amazing that they could double track all those vocals the old fashioned way (before ADT - automatic double tracking). Think about how hard it has to be to replicate a vocal performance exactly 2nd time through.
I do have to say, though, that it frustrates me that there are so many casual fans that will talk about PS and Smile as being great works, but they never take the time to check out the rest of the albums. Beach Boys Today, Summer Days and All Summer Long should be required listening; and I could say the same for Wild Honey, Sunflower...and yes, Smiley Smile.

I love the title track. It's my most favourite of Brian's instrumental numbers!

As for the double-tracking: the vocal performances often aren't replicated exactly. I think I remember reading that the first track could even be slightly off-pitch but that this was subsequently "corrected" by the overdub. Whatever the case, live overdubbing adds a "brightness" that you don't get with ADT. Something along those lines...   

They might not be replicated exactly, but they're pretty darn close. Just amazing what Brian and the Boys accomplished with the technology of the day.

Happy 50th birthday to the greatest album ever made! :listening

I tend to be the opposite.  I tend to listen to Pet Sounds more.   When I listen to Smile (Sessions), I tend to skip around, really rarely listening from start to finish. 

But to each their own. 

 ;D

It's funny. The older you get, the more you begin to really relate to this album.... and relate to the insecurities that Brian expressed. Particularly tracks such as "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" and "Caroline No".... it's hard for me to properly explain, but essentially while upon first listen I didn't mind the album but couldn't quite get my head around the hype, upon a very recent re-listen I've grown to appreciate and cherish this album a hell of a lot more. Very moving stuff

The audiophile in me has recently been researching various versions of PS on cd. I have the '93 and '09 Steve Hoffman mono mastered versions coming my way soon. As far as stereo versions on cd go, I own the '97 box set version, the 2001 mono/stereo version and the 50th anniversary version. Would really appreciate any input from you guys as to which other CD STEREO versions are worth picking up. Thanks.

Two months later, I got to say, my ears are slightly enjoying the DCC version over AF. The only minor turn off to that one is having the "train/barking" coda as a separate track. I'll still keep my AF because from what I understand it's the closest to the original '66 mono LP you can find on cd. (Warts and all).
Also picked up the 2012 MFSL stereo version mastered by Rob Loverde. Loving the sound of that one!
I'm thinking of picking up the Greenline 2800 mono cd as well. One can never have enough copies of this timeless album.....as my wife lovingly rolls her eyes at me.

It's part of the power of the album.  As you get older, and enter real relationships, your feelings grow along with it.  I was way too young to understand what it was all about in 1966 when I first heard the album.  In the 1970s, when I was in my early twenties, I understood the happiness - and the pain.

In my Facebook feed, I've been seeing an ad for a double 12" 45 RPM vinyl version of Pet Sounds.  I was interested if any readers have it and what their opinions are.  Honestly I don't even own a vinyl version of Pet Sounds and was wondering what people think of this version vs a sIngle 33 RPM record.