[Mark Yacavone]

The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” was issued May 16, 1966. Upon release 56 years ago it was met with across the board critical acclaim and somewhat of an indifference from fans. There were hints of things to come from the previous year on side 2 of “The Beach Boys Today,” as Wilson’s songs were lushly arranged and uniquely more sophisticated than the surf and car days. But “Pet Sounds” was the full monty with strings, orchestration and achingly beautiful melodies. In many ways it’s as contemporary today as it was upon its release in 1966. McCartney in particular was moved to bring the Beatles into a sonic playground that would rival “Pet Sounds” while recording “Pepper.” He also thought “God Only Knows” the ultimate work in contemporary music. Not many pop songs of the era, if any, began with an accordion and gradually introduced clarinets, flutes, French horn, sleigh bells,strings and an assortment of orchestral oddities. For me the star of the show is Carl Wilson whose lead vocal is enough to put you in a place so special that you never want to leave.