Pet Sounds is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released on May 16, 1966 by Capitol Records. It was initially met with a lukewarm critical and commercial response in the United States, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. In the United Kingdom, however, the album was lauded by critics and reached number 2 on the Record Retailer chart, remaining in the top ten for six months. Promoted there as "the most progressive pop album ever", Pet Sounds was recognized for its ambitious production, sophisticated music, and emotional lyrics. It is now considered to be among the greatest and most influential albums in music history.
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys performing "I Get Around" on The Ed Sullivan Show in September 1964, four months before Wilson's resignation from touring
A view of Los Angeles as seen from Beverly Hills, where Brian Wilson took residence in October 1965 and wrote Pet Sounds
Tony Asher and Wilson had the craftsmanship of Tin Pan Alley writers in mind when composing the songs on Pet Sounds (pictured: Rodgers and Hammerstein with Irving Berlin)
The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Distinguished by their vocal harmonies, adolescent-oriented lyrics, and musical ingenuity, they are one of the most influential acts of the rock era. They drew on the music of older pop vocal groups, 1950s rock and roll, and black R&B to create their unique sound. Under Brian's direction, they often incorporated classical or jazz elements and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways.
The Beach Boys during their 2012 reunion. From left: Brian Wilson, David Marks, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine.
Historical landmark in Hawthorne, California, marking where the Wilson family home once stood
The Beach Boys, in Pendleton outfits, performing at a local high school, late 1962
The Beach Boys in 1963; top to bottom: Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, David Marks, Mike Love.