Post by SAT-I need more room!! on May 27, 2003 18:48:48 GMT -5
Pete70s said:
I was first introduced to Pet Sounds in the summer of '94, by one of my best friends who has been a die-hard Beach Boys fan since birth. It didn't totally hook me on the first listen, but over time I grew to like it a lot. One year later I could barely listen to anything BUT Pet Sounds.The history behind this album was that Brian retired from touring in December 1964, to concentrate on the Beach Boys recorded output. Growing tired of surfing and hot-rod songs, and wanting to keep in touch with the rapidly changing music scene, he heard The Beatles "Rubber Soul" album and decided that singles were dying, and the album format was the way to go. This was the vehicle that he wanted to use to get his real emotions out, and share them with the public.
The idea behind the album was love, not so much male/female love, but the love one feels when hearing this music, and the emotions it stirs up. In Brian's own words "I believe that music is God's voice". He chose Tony Asher, an ad writer, to help with the lyrics and to articulate what Brian was feeling at the time. He brought in the best studio musicians in the country, The Wrecking Crew, known for their work on Phil Spector's hits. Among them were Hal Blaine, Carole Kane, and Glen Campbell, all of whom were blown away by how good these songs were.
When the album was finished, however, he realized that it would be a hard sell for the other Beach Boys to like it. Away on tour during most of the sessions, the other Beach Boys were still wearing the striped shirts, performing "Surfin' USA" and "Fun Fun Fun" every night to screaming fans.
The rest of the group were stunned when they heard it. Apparently, Bruce Johnston loved it, Carl and Al were indifferent (more concerned about how they were going to perform this stuff live), and Dennis always supported his older brother. Mike Love, on the other hand, HATED the album and was very vocal about it. "You're going to kill our careers, Brian! Don't F*** with the formula!" These words would haunt Brian for years, especially in the wake of the Smile sessions.
The album didn't fare much better with the public, as Capitol records decided to promote a "Best Of" album featuring their early hits, rather than Pet Sounds. I personally believe that the public was simply not ready for this music at the time, despite the fact that FOUR hits were pulled from it). Hard to believe, but it was only recently (within the past two years!) that Pet Sounds was certified GOLD!!
Within the past ten years, people have finally started to warm up to the album. Artists ranging from Eric Clapton to James Hetfield of Metallica have raved about Pet Sounds, and the album has been recieving the acclaim that it should have had in 1966.
As far as I'm concerned, It doesn't get any better than this. It's my favorite album of all time. There were times in the past when I've literally bawled my eyes out to this album, because I've never heard ANYTHING so REAL before or since! I've made love with this album playing, and it's always the first CD I put in when I get a new stereo/CD player etc..
How's THAT for a write-up, Sat?
That is an AWESOME write up Pete, wouldn't have expected any less!
That's what I love about this board, you ALWAYS learn something new!
Where did you hear that about Hetfield? Is it on line somewhere? I wouldn't think he would like anything lighter than Motorhead!
Seriously, I'd be interested in reading what he had to say!
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