It's really difficult to overrate 1966's "Pet Sounds". Aside from its influence on other musicians ("God Only Knows" spurred on Paul McCartney, for example, in the game of one-upmanship between the Beatles and the Beach Boys during the late '60s), it remains, quite simply, one of the most enjoyable pop albums ever released--like your favorite cold beverage on a very hot day. Even the two instrumentals, "Let's Go Away For Awhile" and "Pet Sounds", fit into the sequencing perfectly. The other Boys may not have grasped exactly where Brian Wilson's head was at (there's not a single car or surfing song on the entire record), but they deliver vocally--listen to Carl Wilson's lead on "God Only Knows", and Mike Love's backing on "Wouldn't It Be Nice." (If you want to spend a few more bucks, buy the "Pet Sounds Sessions" box, which contains outtakes demonstrating Brian's total control in the studio.) Not only the best album by this vital group, but, quite simply, one of the very best pop albums ever made.

One of the key selling points of this edition is the fact that it was mastered by audiophile Steve Hoffman. And it's not mentioned anywhere. If you want to know just how good a 60's recording can sound, get this. There is no compression or clipping from the loudness race here. In fact, Hoffman said that the final dump for cd was virtually identical to what was on the Master tapes. Truly an outstanding job by an outstanding masterer.

Paul McCartney said that The Beach Boys album, Pet Sounds, is the greatest pop album ever written. It was his inspiration for Sgt. Pepper. Enough said......

Any serious music lover realizes this is a crucial collection of material to have. Wilson is at his creative best in this album. Just as we can say Sgt Pepper is a creative watershed for the Beattles, this is true for the Beach Boys.. The harmonies are equisite. The music without the lyrics have patterns reminnisent of clssical composers.

This album is phenomenal. This is the Beach Boys' best album. I like everything the Beach Boys have done, and this is the best. I must say that I am much more into the Beach Boys than the Beatles. Some of my favorite tracks are "I Know There's An Answer," "Here Today," and "God Only Knows." I also love "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "You Still Believe In Me," "Pet Sounds," "That's Not Me," "Don't Talk," "I'm Waiting for the Day," "Caroline, No," "Sloop John B," "Let's Go Away for a While," and "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times." Wait, that's every track on the album. Paul McCartney said, "It was Pet Sounds that blew me out of the water. I love the album so much. I've just bought my kids each a copy of it for their education in life ..." Elton John called it a landmark album. If you don't get this album, you're insane! It's not the surfin' tunes that you think the Beach Boys produce. Check it out. Actually, I think this album is UNDER-hyped. It wasn't appreciated at its release, and most people still think that the Beach Boys only write surfing music and that all of their songs are the same. The fact is, the beach boys only wrote surfing songs for about 5 years out of the 30 years that they released records. And for those who don't like the cover, I think it's pretty darn funny to see these guys at a petting zoo. I think it's one of the best covers I've ever seen.