'Pet Sounds'

The Beach Boys' magnum opus is interesting because Brian Wilson admitted that it was The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" that inspired them to make the album.

What's interesting is that Wilson like, more than anything, the idea that an album can be considered as a whole piece and not just a collection of songs. From the very first note of the first song on side A to the final note on side B, it all connected.

For the next several years, Wilson would be challenged by The Beatles and vice versa. Ironically, although the two groups were "rivals" in that they were releasing pop records at the same time, the bands were so very different. Listen to the Beach Boys, even their early stuff, and it's a hodgepodge of instrumentation. Early recordings include harpsichords. This isn't guitar rock. The bass lines are sporadic and almost percussive.

Unlike The Beatles on the whole, The Beach Boys used their rich harmonies and strength from head to toe with the layers of vocals. That was their instrument more than any drums or guitar. the songs off "Pet Sounds" seem like a bitch to do live.

Despite the sophistication, it's Wilson's true "teenage symphony to God," the title he gave the ill-fated masterpiece, "Smile." It's about breaking up. Getting together. Breaking up again. Being alienated and finding one's place in the world.

Also, if you read about famed producer Phil Spector, you know how much Wilson adored the Wall of Sound creator and this admiration is evident. Spector would've been an ideal choice for the Beach Boys had the opportunity presented itself. The connection is stronger when you consider that both the Beach Boys and Spector used The Wrecking Crew, the famous set of sessions musicians featuring Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, Glen Campbell, Dr. John and Leon Russell.

Why the two heavyweights never got together is a mystery, but probably has to do with Wilson running around shirtless in a fireman's helmet and turning his house into a sandbox.