Published on Feb 21, 2003
I must admit I am a huge fan of the Beach Boys’
Pet Sounds album, and the group in general. But that
particular record is a milestone. There are very few albums that
feel perfect all the way through from the beginning to end.
Pet Sounds is definitely one of those albums. The melodies
and lyrics both feel perfect. The words are still very relevant
today to anyone who is growing up and experiencing relationship ups
and downs.
Brian Wilson, who created
Pet Sounds — and the Beach Boys’ formula, for that matter
— decided to perform the album in its entirety at some of his
recent live shows. I was very curious how the music would sound
thirty years later.
The answer is, it sounds very warm — the music still possesses
lot of love and passion, as it did at its inception. Sure, you can
argue that Wilson’s voice is not as strong as it once was, and
sometimes cracks over the harmonies, or that the overall sound is
lacking because Brian is singing alone as opposed to with the whole
band. The arguments can be endless, but that’s not the point.
I got this record because I wanted to enjoy the music I
remembered. Despite some technical limitations, this album is
great, and gets better with each listen. We’re dealing here with a
performer who has an absolute passion for this material, which in
fact is deeply rooted in his life. You can’t argue with this point
— Brian Wilson means every note he plays or sings on this
album.
I think this might some sort of homecoming for Wilson to be able
to go back and do the whole album, and truly retain its greatness.
I’m very happy to see that happen, as this piece of work has stood
the test of time, and made fools of its earlier critics.