Pet Sounds Entry

Let us rewind the clock to 1965. This was a time where musicals such as The Sound of Music captivated audiences, The Ed Sullivan Show was the standard for music television, and The Beach Boys dominated airwaves. The Beach Boys were easily America’s favorite band with their casual clean cut look and their love of fun in the sun. Their music reflected the All-American teenage lifestyle, usually ranging from subjects like surfing, partying, and girls. Brian Wilson, the group’s founder, producer, and lead singer wrote most of these songs. This was the standard of music at the time, that is, until the Beatles came along.

After a nervous breakdown, Brian Wilson decided to quit touring with the band. This way, he had more time to think about the band’s next project. Wilson then came across Rubber Soul, the Beatles sixth studio album. He was floored by how great the complete album was. It was collection of all-original songs without any fillers. Brian Wilson then challenged himself to create an even better album than what he heard from the Beatles. From this, Pet Sounds was born!

During, the creation of Pet Sounds, Brian Wilson was heavily influenced by the production and engineering work of Phil Spector. Wilson used the technique of the “Wall of Sound” and took it a step further by layering instruments never before used on a rock album. He incorporated unorthodox instruments for these songs, like the 12-string mandolin on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” or the glockenspiel on “Sloop John B”.  These instruments along with weird sounds like a bicycle bell and barking dogs revolutionized what was considered “rock” music. The album was not only revolutionary musically but also lyrically as The Beach Boys broke ground with the song, “God Only Knows”.  This was the first song by a pop act to use the word “God” in its title. Wilson debated over using the word, and finally decided for it because he knew it would be ground breaking.

The album did not receive instant success partly due to the record label neglecting to efficiently promote it. Pet Sounds had to wait until the year 2000 before it reached platinum status. Now, it is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time. I have not gotten the pleasure to listen to a lot of exceptional rock music but I was impressed by what Brian Wilson and his crew was able to do with all the sounds and instruments in the songs.  I enjoyed the grandiose aesthetic to Wilson’s production. Its quite fun to pick out the different noises he used when listening to the songs. Brian Wilson was inspired to this great work and now he has inspired me to challenge myself. All I need now is a glockenspiel and I will be ready.