A musical genius leaves us...
RIP - Brian Wilson
RIP to one of the greatest songwriters, musicians, and composers of all time, Brian Wilson. Thank you for all the wonderful music you created for us.
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What’s one of the greatest albums ever produced? Well there are quite a few I would put on the list, but many still can’t hold a candle to this album.
Pet Sounds changed the landscape in music with its release. It ushered in psychedelic rock, prog rock, and concept rock.
Brian Wilson shows off his genius in this one but in a way it’s the work of a mad scientist. He combines so many different sounds to great effect. Most people at the time considered Wilson’s seclusion nothing short of crazy. But his solitude paid off even though producing the album cost the band $70,000 ($680,000 in 2024 dollars).
I also spun this album as it was widely known in the back halls of the music industry that, The Wrecking Crew, replaced the band while recording the album. This was the first time they replaced a band throughout the entire production.
Ironically enough, this album met with stiff resistance and mediocre sales in the US. This crushed Wilson as he considered it a collective public rejection of his artistic talents. John Gilliand said in 1969 the album was almost overshadowed by the Beatles release of Revolver.
Looking back at this album it surpasses them all. Now people consider it one of the greatest albums ever made. Even in higher esteem than the Beatles albums that were made.
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The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
Capitol Records, 1966
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