Cause for Celebration – The Ultimate Audiophile LP edition of Pet Sounds!..
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds – Definitive Sound Series/Capitol Records #DSS 6 – Mono 180 gm Audiophile LP – 1966/1972 – *****
(Brian Wilson – vocals, piano, organ, producer; Carl Wilson – vocals, lead & electric guitar; Mike Love – vocals; Al Jardine – vocals, tambourine; Bruce Johnston – vocals; Dennis Wilson – vocals, drums; Tony Asher – guest lyricist; complete credits below)
There have been several issues of The Beach Boys iconic Pet Sounds recording over the years. Some have boasted improved sound. But none can rival the 60th anniversary audiophile LP just released by Definitive Sound Series using their “one-step” process. Utilizing EQ’d original mono tapes found in 1972. and pressed on 180 gm high-definition vinyl, listeners will find a whole new revelatory sound experience.
This DSS version uses the one-step process which eliminates multiple steps in the plating process, and brings to a new level the intricate arrangements and harmonies that Brian Wilson brought to his masterpiece. Brian was inspired by Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound,” as well as The Beatles’ Rubber Soul album, from the previous year.
To call Brian a “taskmaster” would be a major understatement. Just reviewing the number of musicians above (seldom acknowledged) that contributed to his vision is incredible. He had access through The Wrecking Crew’s contacts to some of the best studio musicians available in the Los Angeles area. Several noted jazz artists such as Barney Kessel, Jim Horn, Plas Johnson, Urbie Green, and Red Callender took part.
This was the eleventh studio album from the group and it took four months to complete the project. Its mix of pop, jazz, classical, and exotic themes remains unique today and for its time it went way beyond the sophistication of this period. Its use of overdubs, and glorious harmonies, backed by a soundscape of instruments, was beyond its times, while its historical significance has only increased over the years.
Listening to its youthful yearnings, self awareness, with doubts and hopes, on such classics like “I Wasn’t Made for These Times,” “God Only Knows,” and
“I’m Waiting for the Day,” is both touching and deeply moving, while “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulders)” and “Caroline No,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” bring back such memories of happier times.
This special edition of Pet Sounds will only be issued in numbered 6000 copies. Each will come with a certificate of authenticity. It is guaranteed to sell out promptly. Don’t miss your chance!
-Review by Jeff Krow
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Track List:
Side 1:
Wouldn’t It Be Nice, You Still Believe in Me, That’s Not Me, Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder), I’m Waiting for the Day, Let’s Go Away For Awhile, Sloop John B
Side 2:
God Only Knows, I Know There’s an Answer, Here Today, I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times, Pet Sounds, Caroline No
Performing Musicians
Brian Wilson – vocals, piano, organ, producer;
Carl Wilson – vocals, lead & electric guitar;
Mike Love – vocals;
Al Jardine – vocals, tambourine;
Bruce Johnston – vocals;
Dennis Wilson – vocals, drums;
Tony Asher – guest lyricist
Members of The Wrecking Crew & associated musicians:
Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon, Ritchie Frost, Nick Martinis, Frank Capp, Gary Coleman, Julius Wechter – drums
Carol Kaye, Ray Pohlman, Lyle Ritz, Chuck Berghofer, Arnold Belnick – bass
Glen Campbell, Barney Kessel, Al Casey, Jerry Cole, Mike Deasy, Bill Strange, Kyle Burnett – guitars
Don Randi, Larry Knechtel, Al de Lory – keyboards
Jim Horn, Plas Johnson, Steve Douglas, Bill Green, Paul Horn – saxes/flutes
Ray Caton, Virgil Evans, Henry Laubach, Ollie Mitchell, Al Porcino – trumpets
Lew McCreary, Urbie Green, Richard Nash, Gail Martin, Ernie Tack – trombones
Alan Robinson, David Duke, Arthur Maebe, Richard Perissi – french horns
Leonard Hartman- English horn, clarinet
Red Callender – tuba
plus 12 strings & four specialty instruments
