a few years ago - i took some birthday money and set it aside - to be used for something really important. i had always wanted to pick up some classic albums on CD if, for no other reason than for prosperities sake. The first two albums i purchased were The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966) and then The Beatles - Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
both albums were recorded and released within a year of each other. Sgt. Pepper was said to be a response to what Brian Wilson did with Pet Sounds. Both albums exuberantly convey a creative, ground breaking sound that, at the time, broke many taboos and set in place new trends in popular music. Brian Wilson's multi-layered vocal mixes from the Pet Sounds sessions are still nothing short of extraordinary. This album separated the Beach Boys from the surf rock stereotype and stands alone in their catalogue of music.
While tension between Paul McCartney and John Lennon was beginning to show for The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper proves to be a masterpiece of creativity. McCartney was at a high point (and his songs reflect that) while Lennon was a bit lower (with his songs reflecting that as well). Listen to Pepper and see if you can figure out who wrote what lyrics.
Key tracks (Pet Sounds): Wouldn't It Be Nice, Sloop John B, God Only Knows, Caroline No
Key Tracks (Sgt. Pepper): title track, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Fixing a Hole, A Day in the Life
If you are a music connoisseur you need these two albums in your collection. Listen to them. Admire them. Let them inspire you.
List of Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of all time (note #1 & #2 on the list)
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