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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
philefreak
423 posts
 
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!
chashmal
605 posts
 
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.
audiohifila
51 posts
 
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......
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
872 posts
 
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!
audiohifila
51 posts
 
You are right that pet sounds is better than the other stuff on the charts back then....this does not make it sound better today...

You are also right that music is more sophisticated today but hey the white album or revolver or rubber soul has aged well so why has a lot of pet sounds not aged well!

You are right that pet sound was hugely influential but does that make it great to listen to today? Sure for those who remember it from the beginning but not for most of us
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