I was eating lunch last month in Chicago at a ‘diner’-themed restaurant and I heard the opening tracks of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” on the highly regarded Pet Sounds release. I looked at my buddy Julian, and mentioned that this was one of my favorite albums. He said he’s heard the song, but not the record. If you do remember this record, it’ll take you back nearly 40 years.

This was the Beach Boys’ 12th release and the first to deviate from the “surf sound” they were so well known for. It was also longer than 30 minutes.

I don’t really like the Beach Boys sound, but I have this album, and Endless Summer. Although it’s the same group, it’s a completely different groove. Every track is special, including the two peculiar, yet symphonic instrumentals.

Much of it features Brian Wilson singing solo (“Don’t Talk,” “Caroline No”), but the harmonies are colorful and rich (“You Still Believe In Me,” “Sloop John B”), especially with Carl Wilson on “God Only Knows.”

This record did for the Beach Boys what Sgt. Pepper did for the Beatles. In fact, the Beatles say they were highly influenced by the Brian Wilson sound.

Pet Sounds gave us a look at the inner workings of Wilson’s heart and mind, and in a sense, destroyed his privacy and sent him into internal seclusion.

Sometimes melodramatic, sometimes over-arranged, you have to remember that these were the guys that did “Surfin’ Safari,” “California Girls” and “Little Deuce Coupe”.

In 1997, Pet Sounds Sessions (4 CD Set) was released, and it contains everything they recorded during the making of the album. Outtakes, stereo remixes (originally a mono album), voice-only tracks and a nice booklet, make it a must have for any Beach Boys fan. It’s simply amazing.

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