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CLASSIC 1960s ROCK ON CD
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On
Page 6 of the chunky 28-page booklet accompanying this 2001 CD Remaster of the
mighty "Pet Sounds" both Beatle Paul McCartney and their Producer
George Martin gladly admit to what many fans have known for decades – that
without this 1966 vinyl meisterwork there would have been no game-changing
"Sgt. Peppers" in 1967 and our world would have a drabber place
indeed. That's heavy-duty praise from two heavy-hitters to say the least...
And
as I listen back to this amazing record for the umpteenth time I'm still struck
by its beauty and innovation – presented to us here in truly gorgeous
Remastered Audio. Man does this HDCD reissue step up to the sonic plate – you
can hear the staggering care taken in these Mono and Stereo Transfers (this
thoughtfully presented CD sparkles – it really does). So with that said – it’s
once more unto the bottle-fed does and deer’s. Here are the Sloop John B's...
UK
released August 2001 – "Pet Sounds: The Complete Album In Stereo And Mono" by THE BEACH BOYS on EMI/Capitol 526 2662 (Barcode 724352626625) is a HDCD reissue
that offers the 13-track album in both Mono and Stereo mixes and comes with one
bonus track. It plays out as follows (76:50 minutes):
1.
Wouldn't It Be Nice
2.
You Still Believe In Me
3.
That's Not Me
4.
Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulders)
5.
I'm Waiting For The Day
6.
Let's Go Away For Awhile
7.
Sloop John B
8.
God Only Knows [Side 2]
9.
I Know There's An Answer
10.
Here Today
11.
I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
12.
Pet Sounds
13.
Caroline No
Tracks
1 to 13 are the MONO mix of "Pet Sounds" – released May 1966 in the
USA and UK on Capitol Records T 2458
14.
Hang On To Your Ego – an outtake from the sessions (alternate version of
"I Know There's An Answer") originally issued as a bonus track on the
June 1990 CD remaster
Tracks
15 to 27 are the album "Pet Sounds" in STEREO – released May 1966 in
the USA and UK on Capitol Records ST 2458
At
28-pages the booklet is a fantastic feast of info starting (not surprisingly)
with notes from principal songwriter Brian Wilson on his revered baby. It then
moves onto a massive essay by DAVID LEAF on the technological challenges of
recording such a densely layered album (Leaf penned the booklet for the huge
6CD Box Set "The Pet Sounds Sessions") and even goes into
song-by-song breakdowns. There are colour photos from the album artwork
photo-shoot (the boys with all manner of animals) and repro’s of some key
American 45s – "Wouldn't It Be Nice", "Sloop John B" and
"Caroline No". But the big news is the Remaster done by MARK LINETT
and JOE GASTWIRT from 2, 4 and 8-track original mastertapes using the HDCD
Process to get the best fidelity. I think both mixes offer different things –
but both are beautifully clear. It's probably sacrilege to one-channel purists
– but I find the Stereo mix to be utterly beguiling. I keep going back to it...
The
album opens with the familiar pings of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" – a
soundtrack favourite for five decades now. I find the Stereo mix is far better
- taking the density of the soundstage out of that 'Wall Of Sound' mode it has
in Mono. Al De Lory's Harpsichord on the impossibly pretty "You Still
Believe In Me" compliments those lush and beautifully arranged harmony
vocals – the boys following Brian's Falsetto Lead. "...I wanted to show
how independent I'd grown now...but that's not me..." - Wilson sings on
"That's Not Me" – another winner with Carl Wilson on Guitar and
Dennis on the Drums (the Tambourine is either Terry Melcher or Alan Jardine –
no one really seems sure). The drums pack a real punch now in "I'm Waiting
For The Day" - but I've a soft spot for the Burt Bacharach-sounding
instrumental "Let's Go Away For Awhile". It's beautifully clear in
the Stereo version – all those Saxophones matching the Acoustic Guitars of Al
Casey and Barney Kessel. Hitsville USA ends Side 1 with the 'drunk first-mate'
song "Sloop John B" – an impossibly catchy Beach Boys tune with
stunning intricate vocal arrangements.
Where
would Richard Curtis be without the wonderfully touching "God Only
Knows" (he used it to great effect in the airport sequence of "Love
Actually") – or indeed hundreds of Summer CD compilations for that matter?
The carnival comes to town with "I Know There's An Answer" where
Brian gets deep with his lyrics "...they come on like they're peaceful but
inside they're so uptight..." With almost childlike charm Wilson then
explores brand new love affairs on "Here Today" (the Carol Kaye Bass
is very clear) - followed hotfoot by what many feel is his inadvertent
signature song about searching for a peaceful place in this world. "I Just
Wasn't Made For These Times" is also probably the most Phil Spector of
tunes on the album. The second instrumental on the record and the album's title
track ("Pet Sounds") precedes the records truly lovely finisher -
"Caroline No". And again in each case – you’re struck by the stunning
Remaster – swirling melodies and layers of instruments unfolding...
"...I know you're going to lose the fight..." - Brian Wilson sang on the Bonus Track "Hang On To Your Ego" - an Alternative Lyric Version of "I Know There's An Answer". And subsequently (as we all know) Brian almost lost his mind for this slice of genius - not a price many of us would be willing to pay.
"...I know you're going to lose the fight..." - Brian Wilson sang on the Bonus Track "Hang On To Your Ego" - an Alternative Lyric Version of "I Know There's An Answer". And subsequently (as we all know) Brian almost lost his mind for this slice of genius - not a price many of us would be willing to pay.
But at least we have this affectionate and respectful reissue
to celebrate that musical high. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" - well this
HDCD reissue is a whole lot more than that...
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