The Beach Boys Pet Sounds

Prior to the recording of Pet Sounds, the Beach Boys had focused on fun in the sun, surf, and car themed music. They had the surfer boys, California, optimistic image that helped to perpetuate the Southern California sound and so called “California Myth” that swept across America in the sixties (Howard, 2004). Their music from the early to mid sixties is still heavily requested at everything from car shows to oldies dances. It still provides a fun, party atmosphere anytime it is performed.

Brian Wilson was main architect, songwriter and producer for the Beach Boys. In the beginning he performed and toured with the group but after he suffered a breakdown on a plane, he choose to cease touring and stay in the studio writing, recording and producing the Beach Boys music. His style was heavily influenced by the vocal harmonies of the Four Freshmen and this influence is easily heard in the earlier Beach Boys singing arrangements (Howard). After hearing the Beatles Rubber Soul, Brian (always a competitive guy) knew that the recording bar had been raised and began work on the Beach Boys Pet Sounds. By the time Brian Wilson began work on Pet Sounds he had already been introduced to pot and LSD and his own inner demons had begun to interfere in his life (The Bob Edwards Show, 2009). According to Howard’s Sonic Alchemy, these distractions were noticeable in the more deliberate tempos and lush piano and horn arrangements and more introspective lyrics of songs leading up to the Pet Sounds album.

Pet Sounds was a departure from previous Beach Boys’ records in that they only provided the vocals and made no other musical contributions (Howard). At first they were unhappy with this arrangement, but once they began to hear what Brian was doing they supported his decision to use session musicians. Pet Sounds was also a true song-cycle in that all the songs were linked by a theme, the journey from adolescence to adulthood (Howard).

As a listener, this class marks the first time that I have ever heard the Pet Sounds album as a whole. I personally have heard and performed many Beach Boys’ songs including some from Pet Sounds but mostly the more commercial ones. I have always admired their harmonies. As a professional, listening to the entire album I was struck by the complex production and layering. Knowing a bit about tape splicing, I realize how difficult the process was at the time and it only gives me a greater appreciation for the talent and skill of Brian Wilson.