That opening harmony in Deirdre. Pure magic.

http://www.discogs.com/Beach-Boys-Pet-Sounds/release/3085269

anyone know what year this Canadian pressing is from? It doesn't say

My jaw just about hit the floor when that Good Vibrations vocal session footage came on, I've never seen that before. Anyone know any details on that particular footage? Is this it's first appearance?

I kinda hear it as the sound of someone spitting into a spittoon, like in the old west saloons. With the Cabasa being the person 'hocking' and firing and that 'PING!' when they'd hit the bucket and all that. Not sure if that was intentional or not, but neat all the same.

I disagree. Sunflower? What about that?

Though I think Sunflower is a great album, to me it sounds like it lacks Brian's presence. His production style from previous albums is missing on this one - everything sounds too crisp and clean...it's not the muddy/Wall-of-Sound/experimental type of album that we are all used to hearing come from Brian.

I think Sunflower lacks some of Brian's power, but everyone else in the band chipped in and made up for it - it's one hell of an album!

Exactly. Sunflower was the group's collection of songs under a Brian Wilson influence. Friends was a Brian Wilson album under a group influence (besides Dennis' songs and the instrumental).

I would like to know everyones feelings on 'Friends', since it appears sometimes that 'Friends' can bring about 'Love You'-like polarization. I've heard opinions strongly for and strongly against 'Friends', that depend on who you ask about it. It was a humble tribute to the state of being calm, which of course did not resonate with 1968 turbulence.
Personally I love 'Friends', I've loved it since i first heard it. I feel its 'classic' Brian's swan song, since everything after that (until 15BO/ LY) lacked his absolute power and/or interest.
What're everyone's thoughts on Friends?

Am I alone in wishing that for H&V they would've used the 'alternate version' lead vocal, at least in the first verse, instead of the normal single/SS lead? I always enjoyed the alternate version lead more, I feel it has a lot more gusto.

Hey everyone,
I'm a long time beach boys fan and board lurker. I was a member of this board previously (under a different name, nearly 10 years ago). Looking forward to participating once again!