The Beach Boys Pet Sounds
Cover: Courtesy of Capitol Records
The Beach Boys, hailing from Hawthorne, California, were perhaps the last band anyone expected to spearhead a musical revolution. Initially celebrated as America’s clean-cut boys next door, they delivered sun-drenched harmonies about surfing, girls, and hot rods – the Californian teenage dream of the early 60s. Their music, built on a foundation reminiscent of rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry, was the sound of carefree youth. Yet, in May 1966, this group – brothers Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine – released Pet Sounds, a daring sonic experiment that would fundamentally reshape pop music.
Few albums in pop history, before or since, have achieved the legendary status of Pet Sounds. For decades, it has garnered accolades, consistently topping magazine polls as one of the greatest pop and rock albums of all time. It’s often considered pop music’s Citizen Kane, a universally recognized masterpiece that not only defined a new era but also redefined the very essence of the genre.
Despite its fame, Pet Sounds remains somewhat enigmatic for those who’ve heard of it but haven’t fully grasped its significance. For those unfamiliar, this article aims to answer key questions about what is widely considered The Beach Boys’ – and possibly pop music’s – greatest achievement.
Recently named one of Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums of All-Time, listen to Pet Sounds now.
Why is Pet Sounds Considered So Groundbreaking?
Simply put, Pet Sounds pioneered a new approach to album creation, revolutionizing popular music. It was the brainchild of Brian Wilson, the band’s songwriter and producer, whose meticulously crafted “pocket pop symphonies” were unprecedented for The Beach Boys, or any band at the time. Its innovative soundscapes, unique textures, and structural advancements sent seismic waves through the pop music landscape.
Pet Sounds defied the conventions of pop albums in the mid-60s. It wasn’t a mere collection of singles padded with filler tracks and covers, the typical album format of the era. Instead, it was conceived as a cohesive artistic statement, where each song, every note, held significance. Nothing was superfluous; even the instrumental tracks, “Let’s Go Away For A While” and “Pet Sounds,” were crucial to the album’s narrative flow.
Let’s Go Away For Awhile
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Where Did The Beach Boys Stand in Their Career Before Pet Sounds?
Pet Sounds was remarkably the band’s 12th album in just five whirlwind years. It followed Beach Boys Party!, their 1965 album of cover songs, which included their hit rendition of The Regents’ doo-wop classic “Barbara Ann.” Beach Boys Party! had a deliberately stripped-down sound, a stark contrast to the elaborate sonic architecture of Pet Sounds. This new album marked a complete musical metamorphosis for a band previously synonymous with “Fun, Fun, Fun.”
What is the Underlying Concept of Pet Sounds?
“If you consider Pet Sounds as a collection of art pieces, each capable of standing alone, yet inherently connected, you’ll understand my intention,” Brian Wilson explained in 2010. Pet Sounds is frequently cited as one of pop/rock’s first true concept albums due to its thematic unity, consistent mood, and the interconnectedness of its 13 tracks, forming a coherent narrative. Its themes span from the optimism of young love (“Wouldn’t It Be Nice”) and the fleeting nature of romance (“Here Today”) to feelings of isolation (“I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times”) and profound reflections on life’s bigger questions (“I Know There’s An Answer”).
Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Remastered 1999)
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How and When Was Pet Sounds Written?
Brian Wilson began composing the album’s material with a new collaborator, lyricist Tony Asher, while the rest of The Beach Boys were touring Japan and Hawaii in January 1966. (Wilson, who had a fear of flying, had ceased touring with the band a year prior). “Sloop John B.,” an adaptation of a Bahamian folk song, was already recorded in 1965. The remaining twelve songs were recorded across three Hollywood studios – United Western Recorders, Gold Star Studios, and Sunset Sound Recorders – between January 18 and April 13, 1966, engineered by Chuck Britz.
What Musical Influences Shaped the Sound of Pet Sounds?
Producer Phil Spector, renowned for his “Wall of Sound” production technique, profoundly influenced Brian Wilson’s approach. Spector’s multi-layered recording style and cavernous reverb effects are evident in Pet Sounds. However, perhaps an even greater influence was The Beatles’ groundbreaking Rubber Soul album. Wilson heard it in late 1965 and later described it in his autobiography, I Am Brian Wilson, as “probably the greatest record ever…where everything flows together and everything works.” Ultimately, Pet Sounds transcended its inspirations, forging its own unique path.
What Does Pet Sounds Actually Sound Like?
Pet Sounds reimagined The Beach Boys’ signature layered vocal harmonies against a vast musical canvas, blending elements of pop, classical, folk, psychedelia, easy listening, and jazz. Its instrumentation was incredibly diverse, featuring everything from booming classical timpani and delicate bicycle bells to baroque harpsichords, resonant bass harmonicas, and otherworldly sounds from a theremin-like electronic instrument. Some critics labeled it “chamber pop,” while Brian Wilson himself once called it “chapel rock.” Wilson’s unconventional instrumentation choices resulted in distinctive textures and peculiar sonic effects. Like his idol Phil Spector, he treated the recording studio itself as a musical instrument.
While Pet Sounds included upbeat tracks like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Sloop John B.,” both released as singles and considered classic Beach Boys tunes, the album’s overall mood was largely introspective. This is reflected in its often somber tone, particularly evident in melancholic ballads like “You Still Believe In Me,” “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder),” and “Caroline, No.”
Caroline, No (Mono)
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Which Musicians Played on Pet Sounds Besides The Beach Boys?
The Beach Boys’ instrumental contributions to Pet Sounds were less than on any previous album. While their intricate vocal harmonies remained central, the driving electric guitars that defined their earlier hits were noticeably absent. Under Brian Wilson’s direction, the band largely stepped back to allow The Wrecking Crew, a collective of elite Hollywood session musicians, to take the instrumental lead. This incredibly versatile group, known for being Phil Spector’s house band in the early 60s, included iconic musicians like drummers Hal Blaine and Jim Gordon, bassist Carol Kaye, guitarists Glen Campbell, Barney Kessel, and Billy Strange, and saxophonists Jim Horn and Plas Johnson.
What Were The Other Beach Boys’ Contributions to Pet Sounds?
Brian Wilson has rightfully received much of the acclaim for Pet Sounds, as it was his singular artistic vision that drove its creation. However, the contributions of the other Beach Boys are crucial and should not be overlooked. Beyond delivering their trademark harmonies, several members sang lead vocals: Carl Wilson’s lead on “God Only Knows” is iconic, Mike Love sang lead on “Here Today,” and shared lead vocals with Brian Wilson on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “That’s Not Me,” and with Al Jardine on “I Know There’s An Answer.” Mike Love also received writing credits on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “I’m Waiting For The Day,” and “I Know There’s An Answer.”
I Know There’s An Answer
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How Did The Album Get Its Unique Title, Pet Sounds?
Brian Wilson explained that the album title Pet Sounds was decided upon before the album cover photoshoot at the San Diego Zoo. The title was inspired by a combination of factors: his personal affection for sounds, reminiscent of Phil Spector’s initials “P.S.”, and most directly, his dogs, whose barks were recorded and used as sound effects at the end of “Caroline, No.” Essentially, the title Pet Sounds reflects Brian Wilson’s personal collection of “pet” or favorite sounds, meticulously crafted into this album. It also hints at the deeply personal and emotional nature of the music.
Why Was Pet Sounds Mixed and Released in Mono?
A childhood head injury resulting from an incident with a lead pipe left Brian Wilson with 98% hearing loss in his right ear. This significantly impacted his ability to process stereo sound. Consequently, Pet Sounds was mixed and released in monaural. Furthermore, in 1966, mono was still the dominant format for home audio, so a monophonic release was not considered unusual at the time.
What Was the Initial Reception of Pet Sounds?
Initially, both The Beach Boys and Capitol Records viewed Pet Sounds as a commercial disappointment. Most of their previous eleven albums had achieved higher chart positions in the US than Pet Sounds, which peaked at number 10.
Critical reception was divided. Some rock and pop critics were perplexed by Pet Sounds, while others hailed it as a masterpiece. However, fellow musicians overwhelmingly embraced the album. The Beatles, in particular, were profoundly impressed and inspired by its artistry. “Lennon and McCartney were blown away,” Brian Wilson later recalled.
What Direction Did The Beach Boys’ Career Take After Pet Sounds?
Despite its current status as their magnum opus, Pet Sounds marked the beginning of a commercial downturn for the band. Nevertheless, fueled by the album’s artistic success, Brian Wilson envisioned an even more ambitious follow-up, Smile. A teaser single, “Good Vibrations,” was released in late 1966. However, internal band conflicts, legal issues with Capitol Records, and Brian Wilson’s declining mental health led to Smile being shelved. A simplified, lo-fi album, Smiley Smile, was released instead, a deliberate stylistic opposite to the sonic grandeur of Pet Sounds.
What is the Lasting Impact and Legacy of Pet Sounds?
Pet Sounds redefined the possibilities of pop music, demonstrating that it could be artful, ambitious, and deeply personal. Upon its release, it spurred The Beatles to reach new creative heights in the studio, resulting in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The influence of Brian Wilson’s song cycle extends far beyond The Beatles, across genres and decades. It is considered a precursor to art-rock, prog-rock, and even, by some, punk. Artists from David Bowie and Queen to R.E.M., Radiohead, and Weezer have all acknowledged the impact of Pet Sounds’ innovations.
Why Does Pet Sounds Remain Relevant Today?
While initially ahead of its time, Pet Sounds’ innovations have since become commonplace in pop and rock. Yet, it continues to inspire musicians in the 21st century not only for its exquisite beauty but also because it proves that pop music can be both groundbreaking and deeply resonant without being formulaic or overtly commercial. Its ability to be both progressive and accessible ensures that Pet Sounds remains a vital musical touchstone for forward-thinking musicians today.
The 50th-anniversary edition of Pet Sounds can be bought here.
