Pet Sounds: Most Overrated Album of All Time?

Jim:

To the question that you posed to Jaybo ... how does record sales correlate to the quality and/or influence of the music? Look at the answer that I posted fifth from the top as to what sold big in 1966. It is interesting to note that the Dr. Zhivago and Sound of Music soundtracks were #'s 1&2 in 1967.

I have tons of great albums that didn't sell well, the pubic didn't get, etc. Look at 1975 (year of release), Olivia Newton John's "Have You Ever Been Mellow" (#3) outsold Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" (#14), Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" (#29), and Springsteen's "Born to Run" (#31). Do you think the "Velvet Undergound & Nico" or "Loaded" ever charted?

It still gets down to your personal preference. Back then, I preferred "Pet Sounds" to "Sgt. Pepper" ... still do. It doesn't detract from either work's quality.

Regards,

Rich

Jim , I have been reading your posts and I don't get your opinions on almost anything. Firstly, It's the album most affected by Brian's maturation not his illness. He was expressing his deepest feelings of love and life from the heart and mind of a 23 year old man. There made be a few sad or bittersweet songs, but depressing it is not. The songs are a far cry from being mediocre, if anything they may be innocent, and that is only from todays perspective, 40 years ago they were poignant. Lastly, The Beatles were a worldwide phenomenon, far more popular than anyone on the planet with far more influence than any other musical band at that time. In my opinion, Sgt Peppers was a step ahead of Pet Sounds, however, because of their popularity, the Beatles probably could have put out another album similar to Rubber Soul and still outsold the Beach Boys, such was their worldwide appeal!

here are thought about 'pet sounds' initial commercial failure...the jump from 'the beach boys party' and 'summer days and nights' to 'pet sounds' was day and night. the beatles on the other hand led up to 'sgt pepper' with some pretty sophisticated releases..'rubber soul' and 'revolver'. the beach boys were an acquired taste(even in their cars and girls days). they were however brilliant, and bold(at the time). highly influential in terms of melodies, and for the better part of their original career, they sang like no one else and they made it look easy. you may not like them, but they were not mediocre. their original demographic was an older consumer as well. 'pet sounds' was going for the beatles fans..younger, hipper. etc. it may not have found that audience as one willing to listen, but it certainly impressed the hippest fans(the beatles themselves). the vinyl and cd re-issues of the title are hard to keep up with, which speaks volumes about its longevity. this is my last rant on this, and i'm not out to convert anyone...'its like tryin' to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll'-john sebastian(another genius).

Amen Jaybo! well written, I'm done with this post as well!

Jim,

Sales have little to do with quality. Think of some of the singles and albums that have gone gold over the last 50 years. Anyone who loves music and is over 50 understands the importance of Pet Sounds and how radical it was upon release. I can understand those who are younger not getting why it was so important. Being important doesn't mean anyone has to like it. But to deny its' importance doesn't hold up.