Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Pet Sounds

Rolling Stone Rank: 2

Essentially, Brian Wilson wrote the album by himself (which comes through in his intensely personal lyrics). But, as you will read in RS's take, Wilson actually was inspired to write the album after hearing The Beatles' Rubber Soul.

Listening to this album is an experience. I invite any and all to take part in Brian's masterpiece.
The sound, well it is THE California sound. I'm pretty sure the Wilson brothers played every single instrument that they could get their hands on when creating Pet Sounds.
The singing was magnificent, in the way that only the Beach Boys could pull off.

I guess the most appealing, or unappealing depending on your view, part of this album was the intense personal nature of the lyrics. Wilson waxes poetically about all the aspects of love, but I could see how these love songs could turn people off to the album. He spent a lot of the Pet Sounds detailing literally every type of love song you could think of, definitely NOT The Beatles singing about circuses and fixing a hole. Brian really used this album to speak directly to his fan base.
All except for "Sloop John B". Nothing to really say about the song, except that I love it but it was a complete non-sequitur for this album.

Anyway, definitely deserving of the #2 rank on RS, it's an unbelievable journey through the mind of a genius. Made even more unbelievable when you realize this came just before his mental breakdown...

Take some time, take a listen, post your thoughts.

Stats:
Album: Pet Sounds
Artist: The Beach Boys
Year: 1966
My Favorite Song: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times (The hidden gem once you get past the singles)

Tomorrow: Revolver.

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