The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

I have studied various versions of this masterpiece over the decades, and surprisingly this pressing has allowed me to discover new details. I have fallen in love with the gorgeous genius of the song craft and arrangements all over again.
Thank you Brian Wilson et al. 🙏

C est un excellent album que je viens d acheter à l espace culturel il y a de très bons titre je vous le recommande si il vous l avez pas dans votre collection

C est un excellent album que je viens d acheter à l espace culturel il y a de très bons titre je vous le recommande si il vous l avez pas dans votre collection

Is this exactly the same as the DCC CD, without the bonus track? Does it sound the same, provided you have a high-end turntable and cart?

I love this record. Even though it shows being in stereo it is mono. In a way I’m glad I heard it that way for the first time. This pressing has a few pops but other than that sounds really good. Looking forward to getting the release that’s fixing to come out.

It seems to be from the same tape as the withdrawn US 1980 green label (1st attempt).
"Wouldn't it be nice" starts with the tape speeding up to late in duophonic, the rest is mono. Wouldn't recommend it (I gave mine away)

I probably paid way too much for this pressing but I’m still so happy with it. The coke bottle style clear was such a genius color choice and it sounds INCREDIBLE. Pure heaven when dropping the needle on this. One of my favorite records in my whole collection.

Anyone know if this version is in stereo? words words words

I only agree partly with the previous reviewers. In my opinion, this goes to show that exactly following artist's intent isn't always the best idea. According to liner notes the "original unequalized full-track monophonic master mixes" were used. Hence, this is very close to an original 1966 mono LP or in other words: As Brian Wilson (who was deaf on one hear and therefore preferred mono) wanted you to hear it.

However, if you are familiar with the album, which I suppose if you're spending that much money on this CD, will be, then it will be a somewhat strange experience at first listen.

This is because the sound is definitely drier than on later remastered versions and veeeery warm. Highs are quite rolled off and it has a fat warm bass tone, a nice "vintage" sound. Also, one can hear that a very high quality source was used.
However, these aspects lead to the paradoxical situation of the CD sounding both very revealing and a bit veiled at the same time. The latter not being caused by the CD which is excellent, but I think rather by the untouched mix and the album being in mono.

There's moments were this benefits the music (as in the instrumental tracks or "I Know There's An Answer"). At other times it clearly is detrimental e.g. in "That's Not Me" (bass too boomy) or when it comes to musically dense moments like in "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times".

So overall it is a mixed bag. In my mind, the stereo mix (e.g. the MFSL SACD) and newer mono mixes (like the 1996 mono or the AP mono) make this album sound more timeless. Sure, this DCC contains the authentic original way this album was heard back in the day, but I happen to prefer it in a more "contemporary appearance". Might be because I heard the 1996 mono and then stereo mix first.

"Pet Sounds" is the eleventh studio album by the Beach Boys released May 16, 1966 on Capitol Records This album is recognized for its ambitious production, sophisticated music, & emotional lyrics & is considered to be among the greatest & most influential albums in music history. The album was initially met with a lukewarm response in the United States, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. However, the album was praised by critics in the UK, where it reached number 2 on the Record Retailer chart & remained in the top ten for six months. The first single, "Caroline, No" was issued as Brian Wilson's official solo debut. It was followed by two singles credited to the group: "Sloop John B" & "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (backed with "God Only Knows"). Songs about surfing & hot rods are replaced mainly with introspective & semi-autobiographical songs like "You Still Believe in Me", about a lover's unwavering loyalty; "I Know There's an Answer", a critique of LSD users; & "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times", about social alienation.
Pet Sounds" as an album that is a dream dreamt by a young man who is afraid of growing up into an era he either doesn’t understand or doesn’t think he’ll enjoy - It has a magical quality to it.This is perhaps the beginning of Wilson’s mental illness collapse but in that instability lies the brilliance & beauty of his vision. ( R.I.P Bless You Mr Brian Wilson your song writing will go down in history & many generation of people will be playing your music for ever)