Pet Sounds Turns 45 today!

On May 16th 1966 The Beach Boys released the album Pet Sounds- the album is not only one of the Beach Boys finest pieces but in my opinion a masterpiece and one of the greatest albums ever made. Pet Sounds was almost solely written by Brian Wilson and really submerged the Beach Boys from the surf-rock label into experimental musicians. Brian Wilson was influenced by hearing the Beatles albums Revolver and Rubber Soul and wanted to make "the greatest rock album ever made".

Honestly I would have to say this might be the greatest rock album ever made. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the album number 2 on it's list of "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Ironically number 1 on that list is The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" which was The Beatles response to hearing Pet Sounds. Really the process that Wilson went through recording the album is very through and sort of complicated just explaining it. He played Organ, Piano, keyboards, guitar, as well as all of the sound effects. Wilson also sang lead, harmony and backing vocals as well as arranging and conducting all of the session musicians. If all of this isn't amazing enough he also produced the entire album taking what he learned from the great producer Phil Spector.

Brian Wilson with the help of Tony Asher composed and wrote every song on the album. There was actually minimal help from the rest of The Beach Boys and the majority of the album was recorded while they were away on tour in which Brian didn't go on. The band actually didn't like the album a lot and were concerned with Brian's drug use however they helped with various instruments and sang vocals on most of the songs.

The first time I ever heard this album in full I was more than blown away. Everything is perfect on the album. The Vocals and harmonies are magical and the lyrics hit home with the way I was feeling at the time and most still do. All I remember and still think, is how did someone make such and amazing piece of art? Not only did they create this amazing album Brian did it all basically by himself. The Album did so much for the world of music and is also one of the first Psychedelic albums. I would have to say this IS the greatest rock album ever made and Brian Wilson was and still is a genius.

My favorite track is "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" It's a beautiful song about not being able to relate to the things around you.