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The Pet Sounds Sessions cover

The Pet Sounds Sessions

The Beach Boys

Album 1997

About this album

Sound: "A vivid tapestry of harmony and orchestration, merging pop melodies with lush arrangements and introspective lyrics."

Where they were

Released in 1997, 'The Pet Sounds Sessions' came during a period of retrospective appreciation for The Beach Boys after their influential 1966 album 'Pet Sounds.' This collection provided fans with a deep dive into the creative process behind one of the most celebrated albums in music history, highlighting Brian Wilson's groundbreaking production techniques and complex vocal arrangements.

Why it matters

This album is significant as it showcases the intricate studio work that went into creating 'Pet Sounds,' which is frequently cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. It also features previously unreleased demos and alternate mixes, allowing listeners to appreciate the artistic vision and labor that defined a pivotal moment in pop music history.

Essential tracks

  • "Wouldn’t It Be Nice" — This opening track encapsulates the youthful optimism and innovative harmonies that characterize the album, setting a hopeful tone.
  • "God Only Knows" — Regarded as one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, this track highlights the emotional depth and intricate arrangements that define the album.
  • "I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times" — This song reflects a sense of isolation and longing, resonating deeply with listeners through its introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation.

Release Date

January 1, 1997

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (stereo mix) 2:33
  2. 2 You Still Believe in Me (stereo mix) 2:36
  3. 3 That’s Not Me (stereo mix) 2:31
  4. 4 Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (stereo mix) 2:58
  5. 5 I’m Waiting for the Day (stereo mix) 3:06
  6. 6 Let’s Go Away for a While (stereo mix) 2:24
  7. 7 Sloop John B (stereo mix) 2:59
  8. 8 God Only Knows (stereo mix) 2:54
  9. 9 I Know There’s an Answer (stereo mix) 3:18
  10. 10 Here Today (stereo mix) 3:07
  11. 11 I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times (stereo mix) 3:21
  12. 12 Pet Sounds (stereo mix) 2:37
  13. 13 Caroline, No (stereo mix) 2:58
  14. 14 Sloop John B (highlights from tracking date) 1:04
  15. 15 Sloop John B (stereo backing track) 3:18
  16. 16 Trombone Dixie (highlights from tracking date) 1:26
  17. 17 Trombone Dixie (stereo backing track) 2:50
  18. 18 Pet Sounds (highlights from tracking date) 0:57
  19. 19 Pet Sounds (stereo track without guitar overdub) 2:48
  20. 20 Let’s Go Away for Awhile (highlights from tracking date) 2:20
  21. 21 Let’s Go Away for Awhile (stereo track without string overdub) 2:51
  22. 22 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (highlights from tracking date) 7:20
  23. 23 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (stereo backing track) 2:34
  24. 24 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (stereo track with background vocals) 2:34
  25. 25 You Still Believe in Me (intro—session) 1:39
  26. 26 You Still Believe in Me (intro—master take) 0:15
  27. 27 You Still Believe in Me (highlights from tracking date) 1:11
  28. 28 You Still Believe in Me (stereo backing track) 2:37

Disc 2

  1. 1 Caroline, No (highlights from tracking date) 4:16
  2. 2 Caroline, No (stereo backing track) 2:53
  3. 3 Hang On to Your Ego (highlights from tracking date) 4:47
  4. 4 Hang On to Your Ego (stereo backing track) 3:23
  5. 5 Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (Brian’s instrumental demo) 2:20
  6. 6 Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (stereo backing track) 3:11
  7. 7 Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (string overdub) 1:48
  8. 8 I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times (highlights from tracking date) 2:59
  9. 9 I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times (stereo backing track) 3:47
  10. 10 That’s Not Me (highlights from tracking date) 1:52
  11. 11 That’s Not Me (stereo backing track) 2:46
  12. 12 Good Vibrations (highlights from tracking date) 2:41
  13. 13 Good Vibrations (stereo backing track) 3:15
  14. 14 I’m Waiting for the Day (highlights from tracking date) 5:25
  15. 15 I’m Waiting for the Day (stereo backing track) 3:14
  16. 16 God Only Knows (highlights from tracking date) 9:25
  17. 17 God Only Knows (stereo backing track) 3:06
  18. 18 Here Today (highlights from tracking date) 6:37
  19. 19 Here Today (stereo backing track) 4:55

Disc 3

  1. 1 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (vocal only) 2:37
  2. 2 You Still Believe in Me (vocal only) 2:47
  3. 3 That’s Not Me (vocal only) 2:28
  4. 4 Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (vocal only) 3:07
  5. 5 I’m Waiting for the Day (vocal only) 3:02
  6. 6 Sloop John B (vocal only) 3:09
  7. 7 God Only Knows (vocal only) 2:49
  8. 8 I Know There’s an Answer (vocal only) 2:19
  9. 9 Here Today (vocal only) 3:29
  10. 10 I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times (vocal only) 3:22
  11. 11 Caroline, No (vocal only) 1:54
  12. 12 Caroline, No (promotional spot #1) 0:32
  13. 13 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (alternate mix) 2:29
  14. 14 You Still Believe in Me (alternate mix) 2:23
  15. 15 Don’t Talk… (vocal snippet) 0:56
  16. 16 I’m Waiting for the Day (alternate mix, Mike sings lead) 3:02
  17. 17 Sloop John B (alternate mix, Carl sings 1st verse) 3:05
  18. 18 God Only Knows (alternate mix, sax solo) 2:49
  19. 19 Hang On to Your Ego (alternate mix) 3:13
  20. 20 Here Today (alternate mix) 3:07
  21. 21 I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times (alternate mix) 3:11
  22. 22 …Banana & Louie… (studio‐chatter) 0:05
  23. 23 Caroline, No (alternate stereo mix, original speed) 2:24
  24. 24 …Dog‐Barking Session (outtakes) 0:34
  25. 25 Caroline, No (promotional spot #2) 0:28
  26. 26 God Only Knows (alternate mix, with a cappella tag) 2:56
  27. 27 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (alternate mix) 2:28
  28. 28 Sloop John B (alternate mix, Brian sings lead throughout) 3:04
  29. 29 God Only Knows (alternate mix, Brian sings lead) 2:42
  30. 30 Caroline, No (alternate mono mix, original speed) 3:03

Disc 4

  1. 1 Wouldn’t It Be Nice (mono mix) 2:25
  2. 2 You Still Believe in Me (mono mix) 2:35
  3. 3 That’s Not Me (mono mix) 2:30
  4. 4 Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (mono mix) 2:54
  5. 5 I’m Waiting for the Day (mono mix) 3:06
  6. 6 Let’s Go Away for a While (mono mix) 2:21
  7. 7 Sloop John B (mono mix) 3:00
  8. 8 God Only Knows (mono mix) 2:53
  9. 9 I Know There’s an Answer (mono mix) 3:11
  10. 10 Here Today (mono mix) 2:54
  11. 11 I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times (mono mix) 3:15
  12. 12 Pet Sounds (mono mix) 2:23
  13. 13 Caroline, No (mono mix) 2:52

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