Been thinking a lot about the Beach Boys in recent days... it may have something to do with the turning of seasons. It possibly has more to do with me listening to the Beatles last week tho'.
Pet Sounds, in my opinion is the most important Studio album ever recorded by an American Artist. The vocal harmonies on this record are completely ridiculous. I just listened to "Wouldn't it be Nice" for the millionth time and I've never felt compelled to sing along. I know all the lyrics and I'm sitting around the apartment by myself so I wouldn't be ruining the song for anyone else... I just don't want to ruin it for me.
My favorite moment on the album is only three tracks in... the song "That's Not Me" might possibly be my all time favorite song. The track completely reaches into my body and shakes me to the core. The opening lyrics:
I had to prove that I could make it alone
But that's not me
I wanted to show how independent I'd grown now
But that's not me
I could try to be big in the eyes of the world
What matters to me is what I could be to just one girl
Im a little bit scared
Cause I haven't been home in a long time
You needed my love
And I know that I left at the wrong time
My folks when I wrote them
Told em what I was up to said that's not me
I know the band (Brian) experimented with psychedelic drugs during the recording of this record and that sorta explains a number of arrangements, but when you hear the song "I'm Waiting for the Day", I can't help but wonder how he could have lived and loved so much by his mid 20's.
I can't stress how amazing it is for Brian Wilson to craft this album before turning 26. It's fucking unparalleled.
If you've never heard the album, please do yourself a favor and listen to it this evening.
Stand Out Tracks: All of them
Artists: Beach Boys
Album: Pet Sounds
Producer: Brian Wilson
Label: Capitol
Recorded: United Wester, Gold Star, CBS Columbia and Sunset Sound