In May 1966 the Beach Boys released Brian Wilson’s masterpiece Pet Sounds.
The album was recorded between July 1965 and the following April and was released on the Capitol Records label.
Considering the status it now holds it might be surprising to realise that the record was initially met with a lukewarm critical and commercial response in the US. However in the UK, where, in one case, it was promoted as “the most progressive pop album ever”, it was a different story. The critics lauded the work and it reached No.2 on the album chart, staying there for six months.
Today Pet Sounds is considered to be among the greatest and most influential albums of all time. It was produced, arranged and almost entirely composed by Brian, with guest lyricist Tony Asher, a year after Wilson quit touring with his bandmates. His stated intention was to create “the greatest album ever made”, and its status now suggests his desire was achieved.
In 2004 it was inducted into the National Recording Industry by the Library of Congress and it has been certified platinum by the RIAA, indicating over one million units sold.
You can hear tracks from Pet Sounds on our dedication station
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