Pet Sounds (thing)

The first big salvo in their friendly war with the Beatles over who would be the first to create the Perfect Pop Album. Brian Wilson heard Rubber Soul and, considering it "a challenge", started on Pet Sounds as his response. "I'm gonna make the greatest album, the greatest rock album ever made," he vowed. He was 23.

The Beatles were subsequently inspired by Pet Sounds to record Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club. Brian's reponse to that record, Smile, a collaboration with songwriter Van Dyke Parks, was never released, so it would appear that the Beatles won the war. However, consider this: at the end of 1966, the Beach Boys won out over the Beatles in a poll for the most popular vocal group in England.

Pet Sounds
Released May 16, 1966
Capitol T-2458
Charted on May 28, 1966 (top position #10)

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice
2. You Still Believe In Me
3. That's Not Me
4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
5. I'm Waiting For The Day
6. Let's Go Away For A While
7. Sloop John B

1. God Only Knows
2. I Know There's An Answer
3. Here Today
4. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
5. Pet Sounds
6. Caroline No

The most recent Capitol CD re-release also contains:

• Unreleased Backgrounds
• Hang On To Your Ego
• Trombone Dixie