The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds

I want to take some time out to talk about one of my favourite records, a true classic. While The Beach Boy's 1966 LP Pet Sounds has been acclaimed critically, i really don't think it gets enough attention as one of the best pop productions of all time. A real classic, in every sense. It was ranked the second best album of all time by Rolling Stone magazine (behind Sgt Pepper) and while sometimes these rankings make little sense and count for even less, in this case it was definitely justified.

Immaculately produced, every single note, every harmony blends perfectly and mesmerizes. Brian Wilson's vision and ear for production really come through beautifully, when you hear the guitar notes melt effortlessly into strings, or the meticulously layered harmonies as smooth as milk and honey, it really is love for the ears. The song structures are brilliant, the tunes instantly likeable, every song fits where it is and complements each other, not one note seems wasted on the entire record.

But with all the technical stuff said, the record isn't about what you think or know, but what you feel when you listen. Wilson states in the liner notes he wanted 'sounds that would make the listener feel loved', and it certainly works. It is a record of pure love and emotion. From the pure joy of Wouldn't It Be Nice, to the tender melancholy of Don't Talk, and the almost spiritual God Only Knows, the Beach Boys succeeded in creating this 'love vibe' that ebbs and flows along with the listener. On a whole, it always brings a smile to me whenever i listen, and i think that's one clear sign of a brilliant record.

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice
2. You Still Believe In Me
3. That's Not Me
4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
5. I'm Waiting For The Day
6. Let's Go Away For Awhile
7. Sloop John B
8. God Only Knows
9. I Know There's An Answer
10. Here Today
11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
12. Pet Sounds
13. Caroline, No

The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds / This is the stereo version of the album recently remastered for its 40th anniversary. I've uploaded the album because i think you can't listen to the songs in isolation, so you can listen to it in all its glory :)