The Beach Boys - - Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary Edition CD review

Finally, an affordable way to hear the sonic genius that is "Pet Sounds" in mono and stereo mixes, not to mention a surprising amount of scholarly extras for the price. This won't replace the 30th anniversary box set, which broke the album down and revealed its many masterful components, but it is the new standard for anyone who didn't buy that four-disc wonder.

The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds is, like the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper, not just an album any more -- it's become a musical landmark, a serious candidate for Best Album Of All Time (as if such a subjective thing could ever really be determined). But even more so than Pepper, its most recognizable songs (in this case, "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Sloop John B," and "God Only Knows) actually sound better in the context of the larger work. So if you're a casual Beach Boys fan who loves those hits, this extensive version really is still worth the (surprisingly low) price, even with all the bells and whistles. Besides, you'll want them: although the songwriting is first-rate, this masterpiece got its accolades by boasting one of the strangest and yet most irresistable productions in rock history. Meaning that you really will want the mono and stereo mixes both, an idea replicated from 1997's 30th anniversary box set, and you won't need an expensive audio setup to enjoy the new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and Hi-Res 96 kHz/24-bit PCM stereo mixes, and you will actually find yourself watching the accompanying DVD, which collects interviews and documentary snippets from previously-released Sounds explorations. And even the most casual fan will enjoy the three promo videos from 1966, the slideshow set to "God Only Knows," and the chance to sing along with the whole work (lyrics appear on-screen!). Finally, an affordable Pet Sounds that was made for these times.