They are not underrated. When every music institution in the world recognises The Beatles and Beach Boys albums as 20th century greatest works then they are not underrated. I am underrated because nobody will buy my music...its either that or I am crap>>?
Mickeyislowd Yeah I know what you mean, they are considered some of the greatest works. I was referring to the particular track - “Don’t Talk” on the album as I had never heard it played on radio or discussed until listening to the album. Obviously not “single” material like “God only knows” etc, but something about track 3 really stirs my emotions.
@@dak2005vn none of these tracks are underrated, this album is nearly always regarded as a masterpiece. If you're talking underrated listen to 'Til I Die and Disney Girls (1957)
Well, he was present during some of the vegetables sessions there's no evidence that he is actually on the recording. This is more part of rock'n'roll mythology :)
Dustin Mullens yeah to me it's such a pleasant, insightfull, philosophical album. sgt pepper is more of a theatrical album to me. I like both very much.
@@mercurialmagictrees SGT Pepper should of had Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane on it because those songs were written and recorded at the same sessions for Peppers but the record company was demanding a single out so the released Strawberry and Penny Lane as a double 'A' side which was the stupidest thing to do. Peppers was still brilliant however without those songs on board Rubber Souls and Revolver are still better albums and I think the world knows this to be true.
Pet Sounds is by far their greatest album and influenced so many people. It's a shame SMiLE was never completed, because the sessions release is amazing!! Love your videos man! Keep it up!
I personally think that had SmiLe been released in '67, it would have been completely dismissed. It's way too far out. The fact that it gained such a legendary status over the years, made the way clear and opened people's mind enough to appreciate it for the masterpiece it is.
Ronald there is definitely an argument there because I’m only 18 and my dad has been a lifelong beach boys fan and has a copy of the pet sounds on vinyl and when I showed him SMiLE he just though it was pretty bizarre aside from surfs up and good vibrations, he thought it was good but just really strange but personally I love it, the first time I heard it I thought it was pretty weird too especially songs like “do you like worms” but the more I listened to it the more I appreciated it
Yes, Brian Wilson presents smile ( or the smile dessions) . Is a really good album. But I only realised IT aftet a couple.of listens al the way trough.
@@StatusQuonald I agree totally. No guitars, no rock. The generation at the time would have deemed it 'square'. You may say 'What about 'Pet Sounds' then? How well did it sell when released? 'BB Party' and 'Best of the BBs Vol 1' outsold it on release.
Why the train at the end?? The album is about being young & idealistic, just starting out, the road that lies ahead... before you get hit by the train of life! That was my take on it back in '66, & still is today. Still as timeless & relevant 50+ years later. Worth it just for Caroline No & Here Today.
Another theory I’ve heard is that the train represents the passing of youth and innocence (and therefore one’s speedy entry into adulthood), but getting hit by the train of life is another good theory as well.
Capitol gave Brian a lot of freedom for Smile after the huge success of Good Vibrations in mid 66'. Pressure, influence from Mike Love, and declining mental state and drug use lead to Smile's collapse. Smiley Smile wasn't a result of pet sounds commercial failure in the US, it was due to Love persuading Brian to scale down the sound after the Smile sessions were ditched. This is why Smiley Smile has such a conflicted personality I believe. I love Smile whatever format it's in tbh. Keep up the good work Vinyl Geek, your production standards are amazing and you're enthusiasm is genuinely refreshing.
I first listened to this album during a rough time in my life. I couldn't believe how sad it was, and relatable. I've been a fan since, and this album holds a special place in my heart.
To me, Pet Sounds is an album about a young love. Beginning with "Wouldn't it Be Nice", on to "God Only Knows" in the middle and ending with "Caroline No". It truly was the 1st 'concept album' in Rock.Pop music. The only sticking point for me? The label insisted that Brian place "Sloop John B" on the album because it sounded like a hit. It was a hit, it is a great song, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the album.
I had never heard this album before 2005, when a coworker lent me the CD. One spin and I was hooked. It has become one of my top 10 works of all time. The tracks God Only Knows and Caroline, No give me goosebumps. I was lucky that Brian W was convinced to do some live shows on Sunset Blvd around that time, and I got to go see him. What a great experience.
My #1 favorite album for all time. A work of stunning genius. My favorite band of all time The opening track, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, is my very favorite song in all the universe. So yeah, this album had and continues to have quite the affect on me.
+Vinyl Rewind I have One question, are you ever going to do a review of Jellyfish ' Spilt Milk? It is a classic album and one of the last power pop albums of the 90s...
+Vinyl Rewind Look em up, they only had 2 albums, but quite influential and one of the guys in the band became Becks road band leader and the other guy ended up writing themes for Cartoon Network, like Teen Titans and Ben 10.....I know you're good on your research!
Truly the greatest album ever made. It's amazing how many were influenced by that album. The Doors' first album would not have been possible without Pet Sounds.
The photos of them in traditional Japanese clothing is from the Japanese tour the rest of the Beach Boys were on while Brian stayed back to write and record the music of Pet Sounds with The Wrecking Crew.
Pet Sounds is by far the best Beach Boys album with Surfs Up, Sunflower, Today and Smile all tied for second place in my opinion. Summer Days Summer Nights and Surfer Girl are tied for third.
They were on tour in Japan while Brian was cutting the tracks with the Wrecking Crew back home, which is the reason for the pictures on the back. This is also the first visual appearance that Bruce Johnston makes on a Beach Boys album sleeve. In order to get Brian in on the action, since he was not on the tour, they went to his house and took pictures of him in his car and at the piano to include as part of the collage.
Yeah, people need to realize the Beach Boys barely played on this album at all if any. A freaking joke! You should all feel cheated!!Some great songwriting for sure, but comparing them to the Beatles is insane. A doo wop vocal group that used session musicians on their biggest album, pretty sad indeed.
@@chasepop I don’t feel very cheated considering the list of 100+ session musicians who played on Beatles tracks and were NEVER credited. I certainly hope you don’t think The Beatles played all the brass, strings, percussion, auxiliary instruments on their tunes…even the piano solos are often George Martin as Paul and John mostly had basic rhythm chops. What a sham! Lol-I say this in good heart.
@@chasepop Also, the arrangements on those instruments I mentioned, were often conceived and written by producer George Martin (Eleanor Rigby, Benefit of Mr Kite, She’s Leaving Home, When I’m 64, among countless others), whereas Brian arranged (and scored) all the parts himself.
For sure their were symphonies and Indian session folks involved sometimes. Brian don't even play bass on pet sounds, Carol Kaye does. I've seen the session pics, ' Brian brought in the best session musicians i. The industry....' freaking joke.
I'm Australian, and 'Smiley Smile' was also released under the Paul Hamlyn label. I think it was titled 'The Beach Boys' . It had a white cover with a photo of five BBs with Bruce and not Brian, Standing in front of a building in London that is featured in a lot of music photos. The photo was cropped circular and was bordered by the titles of 'Good Vibrations' 'Little Pad' and 'Wonderful'. This was also the First BB album I ever owned.
The Beatles are my favourite band but I kid you not I would much rather listen to The Beach Boys. Pet Sounds is without doubt the greatest album ever made. I think Brian was beinh unfair to The Beatles because he had already made the greatest album ever & with Smile he was probably going to nail the coffin closed on The Beatles. Both Pet Sounds & Smile were a departure to an elevated Symphonic Rock influenced by Brians love of Beethoven & Gershwin. It is even probable that Smile would have become the first ever rock opera. Brian Wilson you are my musical hero & why the hell Americans rave after The Beatles rather than their own Wonderful son God Only Knows. Glenn from England, UK 😊
To me, it's the greatest Beach Boy's album of all time. I like there early stuff. But this was Brian Wilson at his best. The best Rock N' Roll American band of all time!
If you haven't already done so, you folks should check out the "Pet Sounds Sessions", a multi-CD box set that provides an inside look at the making of one of pop/rock music's greatest albums.
I think you can hear that Brian was all along moving towards the direction of what would become Pet Sounds when you listen to Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) His collaboration with Tony Asher was the big departure that proved to be a good strategy.
4:29, there are pictures of the band in Japan because when Brian was composing and recording the music for Pet Sounds in LA, the Beach Boys we're touring Japan, when they got back is when they laid down the vocals for the album.
Ten years old school in Spring '66 I bought the album as the new Beach Boys album! At that age I didn't question or analyze nor was I bowed over I was to be hearing a classic. I just accepted and liked the album. Wasn't disappointed. Had hits on it. Now to hear yungun's revere Pet Sounds as if were rock Beethoven is indeed wei rd. You had to've been there to still just hear it as a regular rock record in a somewhat mellow key.
I picked up the 2008 Capital records mono repressing an hour ago. I knew that the store i went to had a much older copy and that is what i went there to get. But it wasn't there, sucks but hey, they had the repressing, so i'm happy. Spinning it right now, enjoying it.
Vinyl Rewind I am so looking forward to that! I had a clean first press of this record but gave it to my dad for Christmas. I was worried about what pressing I should get to replace it till I heard about the newest reissue. I'm holding out for the anniversary pressing.
I have been a Beach Boy fan for many years. Not herd this album for 20 years. THANKS to your review i went into Chester, Cheshire and managed to buy the album of 'Pet Sounds' on vinyl (rare to get hold of here). Bloody brilliant to hear it in it's original form, not digital this and that.. ' I Know There's An Answer' is my favorite track.. Cheers Vinyl Rewind.. Headphones on !
Fun fact, the photos on the back of Pet Sounds were taken when they were on tour in Japan having fun outside of stage. Plus couple photos of Brian in the studio
I first heard this album in the mid-eighties and it has slowly climbed up my mind's pop chart to finally being the best album ever made. It is a flawless work of art and I have never, ever gotten tired of hearing it. I have 3 copies: a mono original, a Carl & The Passions copy, and the 2008 digital master. The Carl & The Passions one sounds the best to my ears. Great review, you nailed it!
Tim Allen Awesome to hear your thoughts. I only have the original pressing. I would love to pick up a Carl & The Passions copy to hear the difference(s) for myself.
Eh.. The album needs more Carl and Dennis than Mike though. It should have included Sound of Free, Lady, 4th of July and Wouldn't It Be Nice to Live Again. Student Demonstration Time is terrible period..
Although there are many great songs on this album, the one greatest song (IMHO) was "I Guess I Just Wasn't Made For These Times", which I sadly see no commentary from you or the other commenters below. This song showed so much growth, stunning densities, and like Good Vibrations, featured the Paul Tanner Theremin (which is closer to the classic Ondes Martenot).
Always heard this was a great rock album. Then I listened to it. It didn't rock. But I grew to love it. Great songs, melodies and vocals. Just don't expect it to rock.
I remember going to the beach as a kid in the early 60s and the Beach Boys would be on the juke box. I can smell the fries and burgers mixed with sun tan lotion. I would buy Beatles and Beach Boys albums and 45s. My favorite Beach Boys album is Pet Sounds which I bought then. I also bought Rubber Soul too. I have all my original albums and they are in excellent to mint shape. Incidentally I am partially deaf in my right ear having lost hearing from a cannon blast on a Tank. Brian Wilson is amazing. We should not forget that The Wrecking Crew deserves some credit as well for their unique skills and contributions to Pet Sounds. Imagine if Smile was not burned. It was another masterpiece that was way ahead of it's time.
To answer the question. The reason they were dressed in traditional Japanese clothes is because the photos were taking by Dave Jampel when they on tour in Tokyo Japan. It was on someday (I don't know the date.) when they were messing around on one of the days off from touring and just having some fun. And they had FUN, FUN, FUN.
+Vinyl Rewind I plan to! It's a little beat up but I also have a mint Canadian pressing on Brother Records from the 70's with a brown border and different title treatment on the cover!
Love your review!!! Hard to believ you just listened to it recently!!! I have the 180 gram one and didnt pay too much for it. My friend turned me on to this 5 years ago and wasnt that big a beach boys fan at the time but after I listened to it I find myself looking for more by them!!
Go with the 1980 Capitol green label budget reissue. Usually can find them for under 20 bucks....and is by far the best SOUNDING version released on vinyl outside of the DDC. Not sure about recent reissues but the 80 reissue is in true mono with the exception of the first track which sadly remained duo-phonic. It blows away the original pressing. In terms of sound. Beautifully mastered. Same deal for the next 2 records "Smiley Smile" and "Wild Honey". GREAT pressings. Great review!
You left out the best pressing you can buy of this album: Analouge Productions Mono or Stereo Reissue. The Stereo version uses Mark Linnet's 1996 digital mix from the Pet Sounds Sessions boxset but the Mono is AAA analog and both are considered the best pressings in terms audio and jacket quality.
My uncle and aunt live in Santa Cruz and whenever I think of the times I've visited them I think of the Beach Boys. I can remember being at the boardwalk with them and riding the chair lift from one side to the other while surfin' usa was playing. Then Monresa Beach is the beach where they typically go to and I can hear in my head Wouldn't It Be Nice, just thinking about going there with them.
Nice '57 Chevy. I have a '64 Impala SS. Smile remains his unfinished Opus. Brian Wilson was also losing his mind a bit. I have a stereo copy of Pet Sounds, would love to find it in mono. Nice review. I CANNOT wait for your review of Forever Changes! Love is such a great LA band.
I love those years of Impala. People at car shows always think that roof line means in a metal convertible, it cracks me up. and an SS no less, very cool. Thanks for stopping by!
He wasn't loosing his mind, that was an old wise tale. He shelved Smile but, he worked on Smiley Smile, Wild Honey and Friends. By 20/20 he started to decline.
Brian Wilson actually had finally finished SMiLE in 2004. Brian Wilson changed what it was about so many times before quitting on it. BUT in 2004 when he released it was exactly how he wanted it. A Teenage Symphony To God, and what a symphony it is
Your video just gave me major shivers. I'm 23 years old. When I turned 23 I got really worried- scared of the future and confused and all that. I found out recently that 23 is a notoriously hard year to live for most people. It seemed to me that Blink 182 was the only one who had tried to warn me or prepare me for this. I was mad...and then I found Pet Sounds. When I went to watch your video just now, I was reflecting on how much having a copy of this record helped me through this year. I was going to leave a really short comment about how I feel as though this is a record about being 23 and having no real Idea what the heck is going on.... And then you dropped that knowledge bomb on me about Brian Wilson being 23- And my love for this album grew tenfold. Thank you so much!
I hadn't heard that before about being 23 and now I'm trying to remember where I was at that age. I was distracted making my feature, so it didn't really hit me until I was 24/25, but yeah I remember those feelings. Just out of college and not sure where to go next. You're welcome and I'm glad you have this album to keep you company.
Awesome review my friend!! Pet Sounds is a great classic and it's the kind of album I always play when I want to sing along and vocalize, they used to make beautiful harmonies... You do have a 50's or 60's look, this music really suits you, man...
note that one year after this video was made analogue productions made an audiophile reissue of the stereo and mono versions of pet sounds... so you can buy that instead for an audiophile level pressing
Fun fact: The title track "Pet Sounds" was first titled "Run James, Run" and was originally written for a James Bond film (most likely You Only Live Twice, but it could've been Thunderball depending on when the track was recorded).
An explaination as far as the Japanese attire would be that while Brian Wilson was recording Pet Sounds I beleive the band was on tour in Japan. As explained in the Brian Wilson Bio-pic Love & Mercy.
Good review. My favorite part was the inner sleeve review. I'm always disappointed when I buy an old LP and it doesn't include a promotional inner sleeve. Regarding concept albums: Whenever Pet Sounds is discussed it is put in this context that one or the other (The Beatles or the Beach Boys) came up with the idea of the concept album and influenced each other. Now, I can't say if either band was aware of this but, Frank Sinatra released In the We Small Hours (a great album you should review if you haven't) in 1955. That is arguably, and I'm quite certain it is, the first concept album. Johnny Cash released Songs of Our Soil in 1959 (all about death) but one reason he left Sun was Sam Phillips wouldn't let him do concept albums, an idea he was interested in pursuing as early as 1956 or 1957. A recommended book about Brian Wilson, which gives more context to some of the things you talk about, Catch A Wave by Peter Ames Carlin.
Amazing review. Like so many, I'm familiar with Beach Boys hits, but have never listened to this whole album. I will definitely find it and listen. I loved the background info you provide. Thanks again, Eric!
Late but one of the best albums by them, absolutely no bad track on this album! The Beatles Rubber Soul influenced Pet Sounds, and those who are familiar will know that Pet Sounds will give Paul McCartney the inspiration behind Sgt Peppers, which is one of their best selling albums of all time. Nice to see how other artists influence each other!
Pet Sounds and Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band are my 2 favorite albums by anyone...ever...but I think I love pet sounds a bit more. Maybe because I have a strange obsession with The Beach Boys, but most likely because it hits very personal cords for me. I’m a dreamer so “Wouldn’t it be Nice” is basically me every night. “You Still Believe in Me” reminds me of the people who continually deal with my BS and stay by me. I’ve always felt as though I had to be someone specific for the sake of everyone else, that’s where, “That’s Not Me” hits. “Don’t Talk” reminds me of a time where my girl was really hurt, she was sobbing, so I just held she and told her to hush. “I’m Waiting for the Day” reminds me of my girl as well, the guy before me really hurt her. “Let’s Go Away for a While” reminds me of peaceful vacations with my family or summer nights. “Sloop John B” helps me get through hard times. “God Only Knows” is my favorite song EVER. “I Know There’s an Answer” is a reminder of how much I want to help everyone I know. “Here Today” feels like it’s a direct song to me, telling me to take it slow. “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” reminds me again of my life. “Pet Sounds” is a fantastic instrumental track. Lastly, the ending of “Caroline No” reminds me of home, I grew up in a small town that was built around train tracks, so the train reminds me of where I come from. All and all, it’s fantastic, Pet sounds is a fantastic album, and it puts me to sleep and brings me to tears, and it was what I used to get the love of my life into The Beach Boys.
Ok, so that's one cool picture of you in your Beach Boys hey day! Firstly, congrats on the review. This is your best yet! - although I did have to pick my jaw off the floor when you admitted you'd never heard it in full before now! I think you're spot-on about the album. It is the best, the most accomplished, the most perfect. There's a box set of all the sessions and outtakes and I've never wanted to hear it - why would you want to take a masterpiece to pieces? Smile is another matter though. I think all the stuff off that is absolutely fascinating - and brilliant too. When you say Brian scaled back his ambition, I assume you mean with Smiley Smile because obviously Good Vibrations went way beyond even Pet Sounds and the rest of Smile drove him nuts! I think once Strawberry Fields Forever and then Sgt Pepper came out, he knew he was beat and the rest of the band and Capitol said let's just get something out now. Smiley Smile, which was mainly re-recorded, not using the original Smile elements - is a poor, rushed result. Smile needs attention, but it's so worth it. Or give Surfs Up a try - another great album and this time more evenly divided between the rest of the Beach Boys.
Thank you! Haha, well it's true, better late than never. I get what you're saying about hearing outtakes for this album. But there's also a part of me that is fascinated with what was cut out. I'm like that with films I really love. So I can understand how someone would want to hear that stuff. But, like you, it's not for me. Yeah, can you imagine what Smile had sounded if he had continued in the direction of Good Vibrations? I thought Smiley Smile was interesting but it's not something I really want to listen to all the time and Good Vibrations really doesn't fit on there. For this review I didn't want to get too into Smile or Smiley Smile, as I wanted to keep the focus on Pet Sounds. But it's hard not to mention the competition with The Beatles and in that sense I had to. I would like to visit the Smile at some point down the road. I don't have Surfs Up. My Beach Boys albums kind of stop in the 60s. I'll look out for it
Vinyl Rewind Cool. Picked up a copy of Surf's Up myself last month in a charity shop. If you get one, watch out for original textured cover! The incredible song itself, is of course from Smile!
Note re: Australian copy (my territory!) to fill in some info for you'll... The album was first released here as the original LP on Capitol (mono and Duophonic (AH) Stereo). The copy shown here is a budget label 'Music For Pleasure' version and although pressed by EMI from the same matrix masters, was indeed a re-branding of the original Pet Sounds LP. This came out around '69-'70 and as all MFP LPs cost only $1.99c Currently this LP is going here for huge prices due to it's originality, even though back in the day it cost just under 2 bucks, go figure! Personally I saw this MFP LP everywhere, News Agents, corner stores, gas stations - hmm, just wish I had purchased 20-30 of them to resell now! Personally since you're asking, I love this album, so many memories of that period - is it the best LP off all time, hm, no, not for me!
Dude, thanks so much for this info. That makes so much more sense now. I'll add an annotation to the video with your information. Ain't that always the kicker? Man, I took care of my toys growing up, but still I never thought my Ninja Turtles would be worth that much, I just figured everyone else was collecting them in mint condition because of the crazy prices orginal Star Wars figures were getting.
That's Not Me was the only actual song on the album that was mostly played by the Boys. Dennis Played drums, Brian played Organ and Overdubbed Bass, Carl played the Guitars. That wierd percussion on in it is a session player.
Fantastic Channel, Fantastic Episode! I too grew up in Santa Cruz blasting Beach Boys from my car. (I went to Soquel High) Also, your set looks eerily similar to my parents living room at the time. Well done! Continued success on your channel!
Thank you for these fantastic and very honest reviews. I love that your reviews come from a personal discovery sort of place, and don't seem to be influenced by history.
Mike Love and Brian wilson said the Album was named Pet Sounds, because during recording Mike Love said „Who's gonna listen to this? Dogs?" (Thats what Wilson said) Love said he gave Wilson the Nickname "Dogears" because brian would have the Vocals re-recorded several times eventhough the other Beach Boys thaught the vocals were good
The first time I listened to Pet Sounds my jaw was on the floor at the end! It's beguilingly beautiful with all the instruments bleeding into each others mics ect it is just a wonderful experience to listen to.. This is Brian Wilson's finest work and it is a match for SGT Peppers as far as invention and originality is concerned. My fav tracks are all of them because they all belong together with only Sloop John B being slightly out there on its own. I have several copies and I treasure them just like I treasure my dads collection of all original first pressings of all the Beatles albums I got when my dad passed away last summer. He was the biggest Beatles fan on Earth and he also left me his signed photos of the Beatles too:) Pet Sounds...never to be topped in this century either:)
There is also a 5.1 mix of this album on DVD-A and Blu-ray Audio. It really opens up the parts, so you can hear more detail than ever. If you have a 5.1 system I recommend it.
That's not true about the Australian issue. I have the original Australian mono and it has the same artwork as the US issue. The MFP label was used for budget reissues. The original came on the Capital label pressed by EMI Australia and had the same catalogue number as the US issue. It was housed in a flipback cover and the record label had the copyright stamp next to the spindle hole as most records had pre-1970 in Australia. Also, very heavy vinyl. PS: The MFP issue came out in 1969 whereas the Capital issue came out in 1966.
