Best Ever Albums

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 10:39:27 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/07/2026 14:39

So, the listening group met this morning. Interesting discussion.

I thought that the vast majority of people would have gone on the side of stone cold classic album, and I guess that is where the conversation headed but there were quite a few who had issues with the album, aa number thinking that it's not actually that great.

I fall in-between those two camps. Not a classic but a very decent album

The August album has been chosen and I'm rather disappointed that it's another "stone cold classic"

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) by The Beatles

I have nothing against the album at all but it's been discussed over and over and over for decades that I'm not sure what more there is to say. I am however going to set up a thread to undertake the discussion

NB - I'm trying to steer the group into picking more obscure albums but not have a great deal of luck, yet!

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 09:10:16 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/04/2026 13:10

albummaster wrote:

Great write-up, Johnnyo. That Brian Wilson quote is encapsulating. It's amazing how fast he worked given the complexity and treating the studio itself as an instrument. It's definitely one of my favourite albums and I go through phases of going back to it. A lot of it is tied up with memories of a friend who got me into the album to begin with. I completely get your point about the production. It's the not the first and last word in the canon but it's certainly a cherished part.

I have to admit that I found this experience very rewarding and I realised that I had never REALLY LISTENED to the album until now. it's gone from a 75 to an 85 (an album needs to reach 90 for me to consider it a classic) and maybe Pet Sounds will achieve legendary 90 status eventually.

Thanks for engaging with the thread and for everything you do in keeping BEA a great place to interact with others

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

albummaster — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 08:59:23 GMT

Author: albummaster

Posted: 07/04/2026 12:59

Great write-up, Johnnyo. That Brian Wilson quote is encapsulating. It's amazing how fast he worked given the complexity and treating the studio itself as an instrument. It's definitely one of my favourite albums and I go through phases of going back to it. A lot of it is tied up with memories of a friend who got me into the album to begin with. I completely get your point about the production. It's the not the first and last word in the canon but it's certainly a cherished part.

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 08:24:35 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/04/2026 12:24

When attempting a write up on an album I tend to read up on it a little. I have never seen so much written about an album as I have seen for Pet Sounds.

The album is widely ranked among the greatest albums of all time and extensively analysed for its musical and production innovations. Is this reputation, reverence and aura around the album greater than the parts of the album. Overall, I would say yes but many of the parts are very, very good, maybe not quite good enough though to elevate it to legendary status in my mind although it’s always difficult looking back at an album with contemporary ears. What might have sounded extraordinary in 1966 does not necessarily sound the same today

One thing which I do find extraordinary about the album is that it was recorded largely between January and April 1966. That feels to me an incredibly short time to record such a complex album.

Influences for the album have been credited to Phil Spector's Wall of Sound and the Beatles' Rubber Soul, both of which I completely get.

There is a consistent theme to the album, which works well but I find the production, at times, suffocating. It’s too much. I know, I know, I’m going to get slated for saying that but that’s how I feel although I recognise how ambitious it must have been in 1966

The orchestration and harmonies through are top draw and, some but not all of the songwriting is of the highest order, just not enough to make this a great album but it is a very, very good album indeed

Brian Wilson said of the album “If you take the Pet Sounds album as a collection of art pieces, each designed to stand alone, yet which belong together, you'll see what I was aiming at. [...] It wasn't really a song concept album, or lyrically a concept album; it was really a production concept album.” Which I think is pretty fair

I still don’t get the reverence with which the album is held, but that’s possibly a consequence of time and the album being 60 years old. I can certainly see why people might have considered it extraordinary at the time

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 05:07:13 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/03/2026 09:07

So that's the last track. I have now set myself the unenviable task of a write up of the while album which cannot turn into an essay. I may be some time!

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 05:04:06 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/03/2026 09:04

Caroline, No

Excellent track to end the album.

A slower track and I think that it benefits form that. I really like this ballad.

Brian Wilson stated that "Caroline, No" was his favourite track on Pet Sounds, and I can see why. The production is fantastic.

I’m not sure about the train and dog noises at the conclusion of the song but I’ll allow Brian that one.

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 07:59:17 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/02/2026 11:59

albummaster wrote:

Johnnyo wrote:

Pet Sounds

The second instrumental track on the album

There’s nothing terrible about this track but it feels out of place on this album. Not sure how to describe the sound but it feels “off” to me which isn’t much help I know.

Couldn't find a Youtube that I could post

I've personally come to love this track, one of my favs on the album. It's a got a real psychedelic & slightly trippy vibe to it. The whole album is about the sum of its parts and I think here the juxtaposition helps the flow of the album.

Interesting take AM. I agree with the sentiment about the sum of the parts and I can see where you are going with how it fits in. I'm just not a huge fan of the track.

I have to say though, overall, I've reappraised the album and now consider that it just falls short of a classic which is a huge improvement on my feeling prior to this exercise. One more track to go and then a my final thoughts on the album as a whole. Very enjoyable experience exploring this album

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

albummaster — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 04:22:00 GMT

Author: albummaster

Posted: 07/02/2026 08:22

Johnnyo wrote:

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 15:55:04 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/01/2026 19:55

Pet Sounds

The second instrumental track on the album

There’s nothing terrible about this track but it feels out of place on this album. Not sure how to describe the sound but it feels “off” to me which isn’t much help I know.

Couldn't find a Youtube that I could post

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:39:50 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/29/2026 11:39

I Just Wasn't Made for These Times

A really nice (ballad) track. Not outstanding and not ground-breaking but I do rather like it.

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 05:52:02 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/28/2026 09:52

kokkinos wrote:

Johnnyo wrote:

Before I start reviewing this album I have a confession to make. I have never got this album or, in generally, what all of the fuss about The Beach Boys is.

A bit late to the party, but I'd say that the album's classic status mostly results from how The Beach Boys showed that pop music can reach new depths (innovative production techniques, creative arrangements and instrumentation, complex vocal harmonies, etc.) without losing its appeal. Despite the complex, multi-layered nature of their songs, they still sound like pop music.

At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with not liking a well-established "classic" and there's no point in feeling pressured to write a favourable review. The only way an opinion can be wrong is if it's not honest.

For example, The Beach Boys were fully immersed in Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, while bands like The Beatles, The Kinks, or The Rolling Stones were drawing inspiration from a wider range of sources. As a result, Pet Sounds could be viewed as too "clean" or too "pure" in comparison, lacking in groove, grit and variety. It's a matter of taste.
Same with the lyrics. Some might find them emotionally relatable, others might dismiss them as teenage material and prefer the socially conscious efforts of other contemporary artists.

Better late than never kokkinos and I really appreciate you commenting. I totally agree with your thoughts and when I started listening to this album (but this time really listening) I have found myself embracing Pet Sounds far more than I ever have before (or thought that I might).

Will it become one of my all time favourite albums, very doubtful, is it better than I had given it credit for, most definitely.

All of my reviews of the tracks have been my genuine thoughts on them and most, I have to admit, have turned out to be more favourable than I thought they would be going into the album. Overall, and with only a couple of tracks to go, it a very good album.

I hope that you'll keep following my forums (at least two albums per month). In addition to Pet Sounds I've also got

Countdown To Ecstasy (1973) by Steely Dan

&

Aja (1977) by Steely Dan

On the go at the moment

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

kokkinos — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:39:23 GMT

Author: kokkinos

Posted: 06/28/2026 00:39

Johnnyo wrote:

Before I start reviewing this album I have a confession to make. I have never got this album or, in generally, what all of the fuss about The Beach Boys is.

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:22:38 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/27/2026 06:22

Here Today

Very decent track. Great arrangements.

Having said this I still fell rather underwhelmed by the track. Feels like there was more that they could have done to develop the track further to possible greatness. There’s just an element missing for me

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:12:20 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/25/2026 08:12

I Know There's an Answer

Not a standout for me but still an OK track. Actually, probably my least favourite track on the album. Doesn’t really do anything for me I’m afraid

Nothing more to say really

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:13:35 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/22/2026 08:13

God Only Knows

Love the orchestration that starts this track and I would rank it as probably the best track on the album. It’s a great pop song.

This might well be the best track the Beach Boys ever recorded with wonderful lead vocals to go along with the near perfect construction of the track.

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:44:38 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/20/2026 09:44

Sloop John B

For me, as a casual Beach Boys listener, this is one of the most recognisable and best tracks on the album but is it a cover version? I guess, technically it is but really, like other great artists, they took this song and made it their own.

The harmonies and construction of the track are top draw. I love the way that the song builds.

Anyway, fabulous track

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:14:18 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/19/2026 09:14

Let’s Go away For A While

I’d forgotten that this instrumental track was on the album as it feels a little "hidden away" but It fits into the album well and I’ve seen it described as a masterpiece, and I really don’t get that.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a decent track but masterpiece? Not in my book

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:22:01 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/17/2026 07:22

I’m waiting For The Day

Love the drum intro to this track and then straight into the harmonies. It’s a nicely constructed song. Not an outstanding track but very decent.

I like the contract between the drum sections and the harmonies.

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:16:32 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/13/2026 09:16

Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)

Great harmonies to start this track, a great use of strings throughout and tremendous orchestration. Mesmerising track

With this being a much slower / lusher tempo than some other tracks on this album I think that this is one of the best compositions on the album.

My biggest problem with this track is that it finishes far too soon. It feels like there is far more to come from the track and that it is just getting going and then it fades out which I find very frustrating. I want more please Brian!

Having said that, what we get is a beautiful thing

Link

Re: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Johnnyo — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:01:30 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/10/2026 13:01

That’s Not Me

What becomes abundantly clear by this time in the album is the musical and lyrical themes have been firmly set. Lyrically, once again it’s about a young man’s discovery about himself.

It’s a pleasant enough track with nice orchestration. Nothing to make it a standout track. Is it memorable, not really but good enough to hold its place on the album and fits into the overall narrative of the album

As a side note, I understand that this is the only track with most instrumental parts performed by the band members themselves.

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