Pet Sounds: Most Overrated Album of All Time?


Try as I might -- and I have tried very hard -- I just don't get the "genius" of this album. I know that George Martin said that Sgt Pepper would have never happened without Pet Sounds, but I don't think the two are even in the same league. What am I missing?
jeffreybowman2k
here are thought about 'pet sounds' initial commercial failure...the jump from 'the beach boys party' and 'summer days and nights' to 'pet sounds' was day and night. the beatles on the other hand led up to 'sgt pepper' with some pretty sophisticated releases..'rubber soul' and 'revolver'. the beach boys were an acquired taste(even in their cars and girls days). they were however brilliant, and bold(at the time). highly influential in terms of melodies, and for the better part of their original career, they sang like no one else and they made it look easy. you may not like them, but they were not mediocre. their original demographic was an older consumer as well. 'pet sounds' was going for the beatles fans..younger, hipper. etc. it may not have found that audience as one willing to listen, but it certainly impressed the hippest fans(the beatles themselves). the vinyl and cd re-issues of the title are hard to keep up with, which speaks volumes about its longevity. this is my last rant on this, and i'm not out to convert anyone...'its like tryin' to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll'-john sebastian(another genius).
Jim,

Sales have little to do with quality. Think of some of the singles and albums that have gone gold over the last 50 years. Anyone who loves music and is over 50 understands the importance of Pet Sounds and how radical it was upon release. I can understand those who are younger not getting why it was so important. Being important doesn't mean anyone has to like it. But to deny its' importance doesn't hold up.
>>01-14-09: Narrod
Jim,
Sales have little to do with quality<<

Ah yes, how true that be. Please see:
Madonna
Britney
Sheryl Crow
Celine
and on and on and on.

There's no accounting for bad taste.
People who don't get the music in the first place will never understand the meaning. Not saying it's bad it's just the way it is. To understand where the music is coming from you must open up to it first and enjoy it.