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The Beach Boys

I'm a huge fan of classic rock, and music in general, listening to almost all genres from classical to jazz to rock to contemporary pop (very selectively). Don't care much for country and reggae. I've been reading in the latest issue of Stereophile about Acoustic Sounds reissuing The Beach Boys catalog, and the article compelled me to express my opinion on this forum. I'm simply completely, utterly, and overwhelmingly at a loss to understand the acclaim for this band. The fact that "Pet Sounds" is considered one of the greatest albums of all time leaves me speechless. I always considered their music a bit of a joke, good for background when you're in a beach bar in Southern California, in the same vein reggae or mariachi music are tolerable in Jamaica or Mexico, respectively, when one's on vacation. I then heard about them being compared to The Beatles and have been confused ever since. Perhaps a comparison to The Beatles early songs as they were evolving as musicians and songwriters would make sense, but comparing the genius of The Beatles to the "genius" of Brian Wilson is just preposterous, in my opinion.

I would like to hear from those who like or love The Beach Boys what it is about their music that they think warrants the acclaim and their presence in the upper echelon of music. I realize my post may generate quite a bit of controversy and angry responses, but I don't mean to offend or put down anyone's musical tastes. I'm posting as a music lover who is truly perplexed. 

    
actusreus
slaw's avatar
slaw
23,108 posts
 
I've never been a huge Beach Boys fan. I've always read of how influential "Pet Sounds" was. In my system, I never heard the end result. That is until recently, when aquired a DCC Mono copy. This is one special sounding record! One in which I can now appreciate the music, more over, the technical production and the moving experience I'm now hearing in my system.

Steve Hoffman got this one right!
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,198 posts
 
I've thought Pet Sounds was something very special from the time it was released.  I've heard it in its original format on LP on a suitcase stereo and I've heard the 90's stereo digital remix on my system.  The music itself is what makes it for me.  The equipment, the mix, etc. is the icing on the cake. 
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,347 posts
 
There is a 50th anniversary super deluxe issue on the horizon.
It is going to be interesting to see and hear any unreleased material.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,208 posts
 
There have been more versions of Pet Sounds on LP and CD than any other album I can think of. Enough already! How much more deluxe can it get?!
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,198 posts
 
bdp, it will no doubt end with a virtual reality experience which will allow anyone to see and hear exactly what Brian, Carol Kay, Hal Blaine, or any other of the participants heard and saw during every moment of the recording process.  You'll be able to have a chat with holograms of Carl Wilson and Tommy Tedesco.  Smell Glenn Campbell's leather boots.  I can guarantee it won't be cheap but, you know, if you're a true fan then money is no object...order today!
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