Ticket 2 Ride

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds, these highlights were taken from the 4 disc set released in 1997.

What could be interesting about working versions, instrumentals and a cappella versions? You’d be surprised.

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Disc One

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (Vocals Only) – Overpowering. Incredible harmonies.

“You Still Believe In Me” (Vocals Only)

“I’m Waiting For The Day” (Vocals Only) – Brian Wilson’s voice was warm and smooth.

“Sloop John B.” (Vocals Only)

“God Only Knows” (Vocals Only) – Good to hear Carl’s pristine locals. Only Carl, Bruce and Brian singing as their vocals are stacked.

“Here Today” (Vocals Only)

“I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” (Vocals Only) – Excellent vocal arrangement, brings out the poignancy.

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (Stereo Track and Backing Vocals) – A different way of hearing this amazing song. So many layers, enjoying some that are usually deeper in the mix.

“Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)” (Brian Wilson’s Instrumental Demo)

“I’m Waiting For The Day” (Mike Sings Lead) – Usually Brian sings lead, that version is preferred over this one.

“Sloop John B.” (Carl Sings First Verse)

“God Only Knows” (Sax Solo, Alternate Version) – The sax is not a good choice, glad it was axed.

“Hang On To Your Ego” (Alternate Mix)

“Here Today” (Alternate Version)

Disc Two

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (Highlights from Tracking Date)

“Trombone Dixie” (Highlights from Tracking Date)

“Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)” (Vocal Snippet)

“Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)” (Vocals Only) – Scary good. Nobody did this better than the Beach Boys.

“That’s Not Me” (Highlights from Tracking Date) – The Wrecking Crew at work.

“Here Today” (Stereo Backing Track)

“I’m Waiting For The Day” (Vocals Only) – incredible vocals.

“Caroline, No” (Stereo Mix, Original Speed) – Less cluttered mix.

“God Only Knows” (Highlights from Tracking Date) – Sparse instrumentation really emphasizes the individual instruments. Wilson’s use of the bass, almost as a lead instrument is amazing. Someone like Carol Kaye brings these songs to life.

“Good Vibrations” (Highlights from Tracking Date)

“Good Vibrations” (Stereo Backing Track)

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Overall evaluation

Pet Sounds was an anomaly for the Beach Boys, they weren’t known for their albums. Great singles, and lots of them – yes. Even after Pet Sounds their albums would be just collections of songs.

The beauty of Pet Sounds is still apparent 60 years after release, even when the songs are deconstructed. No one did blended vocal harmony better than this group. Listening to the vocals only is magical. What was going on in Brian Wilson’s head only geniuses can experience.

I never listened to the four disc box set, the two discs of highlights was enough for me. Frankly, these kinds of sets get redundant and I lose patience. I’m the wrong customer for something like this. There are tracks here that are exquisite, and others that I don’t find very revealing and would skip over if I purchased the set, which I did not.

A couple of final notes. Carl and Brian had incredibly smooth and warm voices. The musicians on this album were the best of the best and you can hear it. That Brian could communicate to them the sounds in his head is simply amazing.