Leave it to Brian
Wilson to write a love song that begins with the line, "I may not always
love you." So begins "God Only Knows," the first American pop
song to feature "God" in the title. Wilson agonized over the title
for fear that it wouldn't get airplay. It is now considered one of their most
recognizable songs. Behind "Kokomo," of course.Pet Sounds is often revered as one of the best rock albums of all time. There are definitely some great songs on here, but I don't think there's a spot in my all-time-must-own-albums-on-a-desert-island-top-ten list. Maybe in my top 40.
"Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows" have always been two of my favorite Beach Boys songs (behind, "Kokomo," of course). So, the album was definitely off to a good start for me. I fell in love with about every other track, but I think a new favorite is the percussion-heavy "I'm Waiting For The Day." And an old favorite that I fell in love with all over again, "Sloop John B," a traditional West Indies folk song about a notorious boat crew that partied a little too hard whenever they made port.
After the release of Pet Sounds, Wilson's slide into madness began. Many of their fans were confused by this new sound and shunned the album. As a result, Wilson became obsessed with making the perfect pop album. Meanwhile, in England, The Beatles were rising to the challenge presented by Wilson with the release of Sgt. Pepper's.
P.S., "Kokomo" is one of my least favorite songs in the world and I guarantee that it will be stuck in my head at least until lunchtime today.
Track Listing:
01. Wouldn't It Be Nice
02. You Still Believe In Me
03. That's Not Me
04. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulders)
05. I'm Waiting For The Day
06. Let's Go Away For Awhile
07. Sloop John B
08. God Only Knows
09. I Know There's An Answer
10. Here Today
11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
12. Pet Sounds
13. Caroline, No
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