Pet Sounds: Most Overrated Album of All Time?

It never ceases to amaze me how some of my most admired artists are so impressed by the works of far lesser artists.

I stopped being surprised and am just grateful that the artists I adore were so inspired by artists that are perhaps seminal but whose works don't stand the test of time.

Here is a list of artists whose music had an epic impact on other artists, culture, and the music scene but whose albums I find I tried but I cannot get motivated to actually listen to today. Mind you I totally respect the artists for their contribution to the art and to society and paving the road for others but just feel that their music does not stand the test of time remotely as well as other artists that have been around for awhile. I am 42 so some of it might be a generation thing but nonetheless.

the list:

chuck berry (great historical importance but the music is not that great to hear today)

buddy holly

elvis presley (huge influence but would prefer to listen to otis redding, stevie wonder, al green, marvin gaye)

roy orbison

beach boys (a few great songs on pet sounds but only a few)

God help us all! Todays taste is all about not having to think or read into the music. Brian Wilson is a genius and was never recognized as such. Most geniuses are never recognized until way too late! I mean such statements as the above thread, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Elvis, Roy Orbison,and Beach boys. How does this generation think that music has evolved to a music that they like today without these giants? God Help up all!

Yeah, both Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys are total enigmas to me. I cannot for the life of me understand what is interesting about them or their work. I find the Beach Boys lyrically insipid to an extreme, despite some nice melodies (but certainly not great). Elvis, well, I truly do not get that. I guess his Sun recordings were decent rockabilly, but the bulk of his career was one sell-out farce after another. Safe to say, I hate Elvis. Still, its better than 'rap'. I guess pop music tends to get worse. By the way, I am 46.

I like a lot of the old giants from louis Armstrong, count Basie, duke ellington, ella Fitzgerald, billie holiday to the beatles, stones, pink floyd, led Zeppelin, miles Davis....

To me the test is whether I like the entire album and pet sounds is not consistent enuf for me to listen to....it's uneven and the vocals are not great....a few gems no doubt!

The smile record is a lifetime achievement nod by critics and it's swell that be recovered from mental illness. I saw him at an early comeback gig and he had no stage presence and sang poorly and looked like a deer stuck in the headlights but people were just thrilled he was out there. I say kudos for beating your demons but please Lennon runs circles around him as does Dylan , mccartney, Morrison van and john......

I couldn't find the Billboard charts for May 1966. Here is a play list from Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1966-5 compilation albums released by Rhino Records to give some perspective of what was hot during the time of the Pet Sounds release. These are singles throughout that year.

1."She's Just My Style" — Gary Lewis & the Playboys
2."Red Rubber Ball" — Cyrkle
3."No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)" — T Bones
4."Ballad of the Green Berets" — Ssgt. Barry Sadler
5."Sloop John B" — Beach Boys
6."Sunshine Superman" — Donovan
7."Daydream" — Lovin' Spoonful
8."Winchester Cathedral" — New Vaudeville Band
9."Cherish" — The Association
10."Last Train to Clarksville" — Monkees

and here is 1965...

1."The Name Game" - Shirley Ellis
2."A Lover's Concerto" - The Toys
3."This Diamond Ring" - Gary Lewis & the Playboys
4."Help Me, Rhonda" - Beach Boys
5."You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - The Righteous Brothers
6."Wooly Bully" - Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
7."1-2-3" - Len Barry
8."Treat Her Right" - Roy Head and The Traits
9."I Got You Babe" - Sonny & Cher
10."Eve Of Destruction" - Barry McGuire

This may help...

Happy Listening!