The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ Turns 50 Today

Hear Brian Wilson do entire album one last time in Brooklyn this June

May 16, 2016 2:18 pm
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson directs from the control room while recording the album 'Pet Sounds' in 1966 in Los Angeles. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

On this day in 1966, The Beach Boys released its album, Pet Sounds, one of the most influential albums in rock-and-roll history. Featuring classics like “God Only Knows” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the album has long since been a fan and critical favorite, despite it not performing as well on the charts at the time of its release. Its primary songwriter and producer, Brian Wilson, will be touring the album for a final time this summer. Catch him performing Pet Sounds front to back at Brooklyn’s Northside Festival this June. For more information on the festival, click here. Finally, listen to this rare studio recording of Brian on lead vocals on “God Only Knows.” (The lead vocals that made the final cut were done by Wilson’s late brother, Carl.)

For more on the making of the Pet Sounds, watch this video.

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