Why Is It Called Pet Sounds?

The Beach Boys' 1966 album Pet Sounds is considered one of the most influential and critically acclaimed albums of all time. Its innovative and experimental sound, which was a departure from the band's previous surf rock style, has been praised by music critics and fans alike. But what is the meaning behind the album's title? Why is it called Pet Sounds?

The Origin of the Album's Title

According to Brian Wilson, the album's title was inspired by his love for animals, particularly his pet dog, Banana. He explained that he wanted the album to have a "warm and fuzzy" feel, similar to the feeling he got when he was around his pets. He also said that he wanted the album to have a "natural" sound, which is why he used field recordings of animals on the album.

Wilson also said that the album's title was a reference to the fact that he and the other Beach Boys were "pet sounds" of the record industry. He explained that the band was constantly being told what to do and how to sound, and he wanted the album to be a statement of independence and self-expression.

The Animals on the Album

The album features a variety of animal sounds, including barking dogs, meowing cats, chirping birds, and mooing cows. These sounds are used to create a sense of atmosphere and to add a touch of whimsy to the album. For example, the song "Caroline, No" features the sound of a dog barking in the background, which helps to create a sense of tension and suspense.

The use of animal sounds on the album was also a reflection of Wilson's interest in musique concrète, a genre of music that uses recorded sounds to create compositions. Wilson was a fan of the French composer Pierre Schaeffer, who was a pioneer of musique concrète, and he was inspired by Schaeffer's work to use field recordings on Pet Sounds.

The Critical Acclaim

Pet Sounds was released on May 16, 1966, and it was met with critical acclaim. The album was praised for its innovative sound, its beautiful melodies, and its insightful lyrics. It was also a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

Pet Sounds has remained a popular and influential album over the years. It has been ranked among the greatest albums of all time by many critics and publications, and it has been cited as an inspiration by many musicians, including Paul McCartney, Elton John, and David Bowie.