The greatness of this album was explained to me for years. I like the Beach Boys, so I didn't push back. But I'm also generation Punk Rock, so I don't think I really got it. It's "produced", it's glossy, it features (egads) strings and harmonies.
Then I got old. And I got it.
So I listen to it every couple of months. And it's magical. Truly.
http://www.vox.com/2016/5/16/1167594...th-anniversary
Like every time I listen to it I like it more than the last time.
It changed the game. Lennon and McCartney supposedly raced back to the recording studio to record Sgt. Pepper. And that's great. Sgt. Pepper is a fantastic album. I loved it before I could appreciate Pet Sounds. But as an adult Pet Sounds feels more authentic to me -- like I'm listening to a genius who realized the potential of the modern recording studio -- while holding on to his rapidly diminishing hold on reality.