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Post by pippsheadache on May 17, 2024 12:08:52 GMT -5
On May, 1966, The Beach Boys would release their classic "Pet Sounds" album.
View Attachment Also on that day, Bob Dylan would release his classic "Blonde on Blonde" album.
View Attachment Still have both albums and still enjoy listening to them. Have to comment on "Blonde On Blonde" too because that's what I do. I remember buying it a few weeks after "Pet Sounds." It was the first Dylan album I ever bought -- I think the first double album too, because those were pretty unusual in that era -- but I decided to go whole hog and got his earlier "Highway 61 Revisited" and "Bringing It All Back Home" at the same time. It was a little different from some of his earlier stuff because it had several hit singles on it like "Rainy Day Women #12 And 35" and "I Want You" and "Just Like A Woman." It took me a few years to appreciate Dylan for himself because I tend to react slowly to new directions, as with Hendrix or Zeppelin, but eventually I catch up. Before that I admired him more through middlemen like The Turtles or The Byrds or Peter, Paul and Mary or even Sonny and Cher. That year of 1966 had so many great albums -- I guess all years do, but that one was in my wheelhouse. It was the early years of artists putting together actually good entire albums instead of having one or two hits surrounded by lazy covers or throwaway B-sides. It was the changeover from 45-oriented to LP-oriented times, although 45s continued to be the main vehicle for popular music for at least a few more years. In addition to "Pet Sounds" and "Blonde On Blonde" other solid albums I remember that year were "Fifth Dimension" by The Byrds (another of my all-timers) and "Aftermath" by the Rolling Stones and "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" by Simon and Garfunkel and "Complete And Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary Of Soul" (the cover alone assures that one) and "Face To Face" by The Kinks "East-West" by Paul Butterfield Blues Band" and "The Exciting Wilson Pickett" and "Hums Of The Lovin' Spoonful" and "Along Comes The Association" and to me the best of the lot "Revolver" by The Beatles. Not to mention all the great jazz albums that I was not yet listening to but would come to later from Miles Davis and Nina Simone and Wes Montgomery. And the earliest stuff from Jefferson Airplane and Buffalo Springfield and Cream. "Love" by Love? Anybody remember? "Freak Out" by The Mothers of Invention (not my cup of Earl Grey, but important.) And just to show I have no shame, I will include the album "The Monkees." You know, "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Theme From The Monkees" and "This Just Doesn't Seem To Be My Day" and "I'm Gonna Buy Me A Dog" and "Papa Gene's Blues" from Mike Nesmith. You probably had to be there. |
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Post by pippsheadache on May 17, 2024 12:10:57 GMT -5
Like you 55, I am a hardcore Beach Boys fan, and I too have both of those albums and still listen to them. However, in this case I might have to agree at least partially with azbob, who I know is not a particular fan of the BBs. I do think "Pet Sounds" is to this day somewhat over-rated by critics, maybe in part because musically it was obviously much more complex than the Beach Boys earlier output and had that "song cycle" thing going on that The Beatles picked up a year later with "Sgt. Pepper." I do like the four songs on PS that were released as singles -- "Sloop John B," which I think is among their best (and Brian Wilson did not want it on the album, but Capitol insisted because it had been a hit and had not been on an LP), the two-sided hit they would release that summer "God Only Knows" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and Brian's mournful and moving solo effort "Caroline, No." I really like all of those. But the rest of the album to me does not hold up all that well. Hey, that's just me, we all have different ideas and I never get upset if somebody likes or doesn't like something different from me. My favorite albums from the Boys were their two predecessors to "Pet Sounds" which were "The Beach Boys Today" and "Summer Days and Summer Nights." (I'm not counting "Beach Boys Party" which Capitol slapped together as a throwaway placeholder while Brian was suffering over PS.) Those two albums definitely moved in a more sophisticated direction but without making a complete break from the sound that put them on the map in the first place. I would bet you have them as well -- in fact I remember you saying that "The Beach Boys Today" was the first album you bought -- a great place to begin! Especially those ballads on side two, starting with "Please Let Me Wonder" and "Kiss Me Baby." If I may indulge because I love this topic -- I have a very specific memory of buying "Pet Sounds" as soon as it was released in May of 1966. As I always did with any Beach Boys, Beatles, Rolling Stones or Byrds album, I bought all of them as soon as they were available. I got it at a regional department store chain called Almart, and I got it at the same time I got two other fine LPs that had recently come out, "Aftermath" by the Stones (had "Paint It, Black" and "Mother's Little Helper" and "Stupid Girl" and "Lady Jane") and "If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears" by The Mamas and The Papas (which had Michelle Philips sprawled in a bathtub on the cover, albeit fully clothed.) As I was leaving the store, a cute girl who was a classmate of mine came in, and we just had the nicest long talk about music and other less substantive issues. It didn't exactly lead to a romance, but it was a sweet moment that I always remembered. About 40 years after we graduated from high school we re-connected on Facebook. She invited me and my wife to visit her at her place near Cooperstown. It was a wonderful visit, and she actually brought up our long-ago talk spurred by "Pet Sounds." We remain in touch -- for the record my wife is friends with her too -- so I do give the album props for that. Great memories… Thank you Inger. Are you a Beach Boys fan? Most of what I would consider their best stuff would have come when you were quite young, so I don't know if you would have gotten into them. |
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Post by inger on May 17, 2024 12:16:19 GMT -5
Thank you Inger. Are you a Beach Boys fan? Most of what I would consider their best stuff would have come when you were quite young, so I don't know if you would have gotten into them. Only a little bit, mostly the later ones you mentioned… |
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Post by pippsheadache on May 17, 2024 12:20:46 GMT -5
Thank you Inger. Are you a Beach Boys fan? Most of what I would consider their best stuff would have come when you were quite young, so I don't know if you would have gotten into them. Only a little bit, mostly the later ones you mentioned… I might be wrong on this, but it does seem to me that the artists we have most affection for come around when we are in our teens or maybe early 20s. I know you're a big Billy Joel guy and he would have been hitting it big when you were in your late teens. |
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Post by 1955nyyfan on May 17, 2024 13:42:02 GMT -5
On May, 1966, The Beach Boys would release their classic "Pet Sounds" album.
View Attachment Also on that day, Bob Dylan would release his classic "Blonde on Blonde" album.
View Attachment IMO "Pet Sounds" is extremely overrated. Bob, I agree. While I like the album and agree with Pipps that not all the songs hold up I've never understood the critical acclaim that is a bit over the top. I've seen some lists that rank it in the top ten of alltime Rock albums. Not sure I see the Beatles connevtion either. But, Sloop John B is my favorite BB song. |
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Post by azbob643 on May 17, 2024 14:51:16 GMT -5
IMO "Pet Sounds" is extremely overrated. Bob, I agree. While I like the album and agree with Pipps that not all the songs hold up I've never understood the critical acclaim that is a bit over the top. I've seen some lists that rank it in the top ten of alltime Rock albums. Not sure I see the Beatles connevtion either. But, Sloop John B is my favorite BB song. As has been said…to each their own. But I do know that “Pet Sounds” was not generally well received initially, at least in the US. I think the Beatles comparison was probably done retrospectively in comparison to “Sgt. Pepper”. Interesting that “Sloop John B” is the favorite of you and many others, as it was essentially a cover of an earlier version done by The Kingston Trio of an old Bahamian folk song. While I wasn’t a fan of The Beach Boys, I do like a couple of the songs on “Pet Sounds”…”God Only Knows” & “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, and of all Beach Boy songs, “Darlin’” is my favorite. |
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Post by fwclipper51 on May 17, 2024 15:54:03 GMT -5
I have been a Beach Boys fan since 1962. I was able to catch the 1st Brian Wilson's "Pet Sounds" tour. at the Garden State Center in NJ. It was a great experience. The touring band included 2 original Beach Boys members: Al Jardine and David Marks along with Jeffery Foskett and members of the Wondermints. He did mention after singing "Sloop John B," the words,"Now back to Pet Sounds album. Pet Sounds was not embraced by Capitol Records because it isn't the regular cars, sun and girls songs, as well as Mike Love resistance to the change. Capitol Records had 2 biggest groups on either side of the Atlantic, yes they didn't want to give The Beach Boys the artistic freedom like the Beatles had. When Paul and John heard the pre-release of the album, when Beach Boy Bruce Johnston brought over an advance copy with him to England. Paul was later quoted that the album drove them (John and Paul) to create their Sgt. Pepper album. Other English artists had listen were amaze by the album Pete Townsend, Ray Davies, members of the Rolling Stones and other leading groups.
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Post by Renfield on May 17, 2024 16:29:14 GMT -5
Only a little bit, mostly the later ones you mentioned… I might be wrong on this, but it does seem to me that the artists we have most affection for come around when we are in our teens or maybe early 20s. I know you're a big Billy Joel guy and he would have been hitting it big when you were in your late teens. Supposedly, the #1 song on your 14th birthday defines your life. Pretty sure that's not accurate as "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash was mine and I don't generally share such an optimistic outlook. Oh well. Count me with azbob on the Beach Boys. I can take'em or leave'em. |
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Post by pippsheadache on May 17, 2024 17:17:15 GMT -5
I might be wrong on this, but it does seem to me that the artists we have most affection for come around when we are in our teens or maybe early 20s. I know you're a big Billy Joel guy and he would have been hitting it big when you were in your late teens. Supposedly, the #1 song on your 14th birthday defines your life. Pretty sure that's not accurate as "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash was mine and I don't generally share such an optimistic outlook. Oh well. Count me with azbob on the Beach Boys. I can take'em or leave'em. Oh man, I love that song Ren. Also liked Johnny Nash's "Stir It Up" and "Hold Me Tight." He was American, but made reggae a bit more accessible for the US market. That fourteenth birthday thing doesn't work for me either. "Dominique" by The Singing Nun was number one in my case! To the extent that I understand the lyrics with my rusty French, I am pretty sure that I have not followed in his footsteps. |
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Post by pippsheadache on May 17, 2024 17:36:48 GMT -5
I have been a Beach Boys fan since 1962. I was able to catch the 1st Brian Wilson's "Pet Sounds" tour. at the Garden State Center in NJ. It was a great experience. The touring band included 2 original Beach Boys members: Al Jardine and David Marks along with Jeffery Foskett and members of the Wondermints. He did mention after singing "Sloop John B," the words,"Now back to Pet Sounds album. Pet Sounds was not embraced by Capitol Records because it isn't the regular cars, sun and girls songs, as well as Mike Love resistance to the change. Capitol Records had 2 biggest groups on either side of the Atlantic, yes they didn't want to give The Beach Boys the artistic freedom like the Beatles had. When Paul and John heard the pre-release of the album, when Beach Boy Bruce Johnston brought over an advance copy with him to England. Paul was later quoted that the album drove them (John and Paul) to create their Sgt. Pepper album. Other English artists had listen were amaze by the album Pete Townsend, Ray Davies, members of the Rolling Stones and other leading groups.
Good stuff Clipper. I was a fan starting with the first two-sided hit "Surfin' Safari"/409." I first saw them live in 1965, soon after Brian had his breakdown, so he was replaced by some guy named Glen Campbell. Wonder whatever became of him? The Beach Boys have to be the only group that has had a Billboard Top 40 hit with six different lead singers -- the three Wilson Brothers (Dennis had his contribution with "Do You Wanna Dance"), Mike Love, Al Jardine with "Help Me Rhonda" and Blondie Chaplin with "Sail On Sailor." As much as he has been important to the Beach Boys sound, Bruce Johnston never sang lead on a Top 40 song for them. Although he did for The Rip Chords with "Hey Little Cobra" which I am sure you remember. To me The Beach Boys were almost an instruction manual for seeking pleasure as a teenager. I don't think I succeeded as much as they appeared to in their songs -- never missing with the girls they meet or blowing away their drag race competition -- but they pointed in the right direction. And I definitely followed their advice about getting around and I was in fact true to my school. Rah rah rah rah sis boom bah. |
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Post by inger on May 17, 2024 18:01:32 GMT -5
Supposedly, the #1 song on your 14th birthday defines your life. Pretty sure that's not accurate as "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash was mine and I don't generally share such an optimistic outlook. Oh well. Count me with azbob on the Beach Boys. I can take'em or leave'em. Oh man, I love that song Ren. Also liked Johnny Nash's "Stir It Up" and "Hold Me Tight." He was American, but made reggae a bit more accessible for the US market. That fourteenth birthday thing doesn't work for me either. "Dominique" by The Singing Nun was number one in my case! To the extent that I understand the lyrics with my rusty French, I am pretty sure that I have not followed in his footsteps. The #1 song on my 14th is in dispute with some sources reporting Judy in Disguise by John Fred and his Playboy Band and others Love Child by Diana Ross and the Supremes. Not bad songs, and I’ve certainly caught myself singing “Judy” a few times. The birthday song from 1/24/54 is semi-hilariously “Oh, My Papa”, made ironic by my situation of not meeting mine until 1974. Thinking back into the late 1960’s early 70’s, I also enjoyed : Bobby Vinton (influenced heavily by my brother Wayne, 8 years older than I owning a few of his albums) The Grass Roots The Monkees Elton John The Eagles Stevie Wonder Bee Gees (pre disco) Beatles Simon and Garfunkel (could have been Simon and anyone probably Dean Martin Andy Williams Glen Campbell I’m missing a few, but with the game starting I’ll cut the list off for now… |
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Post by azbob643 on May 17, 2024 18:26:05 GMT -5
Thinking back into the late 1960’s early 70’s, I also enjoyed : The Grass Roots The Monkees Two "manufactured" bands, although that can be said of many. Trivia: Creed Bratton (The Office) was the lead guitarist of The Grass Roots during their most popular years. |
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Post by pippsheadache on May 17, 2024 18:36:44 GMT -5
Thinking back into the late 1960’s early 70’s, I also enjoyed : The Grass Roots The Monkees Two "manufactured" bands, although that can be said of many. Trivia: Creed Bratton (The Office) was the lead guitarist of The Grass Roots during their most popular years. Don't tell me The Archies weren't legit. |
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Post by Renfield on May 17, 2024 18:39:24 GMT -5
inger--surprised you left off Rod Stewart and the Faces. They'd certainly be top of my list along with some you listed.
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Post by Renfield on May 17, 2024 18:41:33 GMT -5
Two "manufactured" bands, although that can be said of many. Trivia: Creed Bratton (The Office) was the lead guitarist of The Grass Roots during their most popular years. Don't tell me The Archies weren't legit. Andy Kim who wrote Sugar, Sugar was legit, although don'tknow if he played on the song. Had one other hit a few years later--Rock Me Gently? |
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