Wouldn't it Be Nice

1. Brian Wilson's Early Musical Awakening and Influences

As far back as I can remember, there’s been music in my life.

Music as refuge. Brian Wilson's deep connection to music began in childhood, serving as a companion and escape from a difficult home life under his abusive father, Murry Wilson. His early exposure to diverse genres via a transistor radio, particularly KFWB and KGFJ, ignited a lifelong passion for sound and arrangement.

Harmonies and heroes. Key influences shaped Brian's unique sound, most notably the sophisticated jazz harmonies of the Four Freshmen. He meticulously studied their records, transposing vocal parts on the piano and teaching harmonies to his brothers and cousins, laying the groundwork for the Beach Boys' signature vocal blend. Other inspirations included:

• Chuck Berry (rhythmic base)
• Phil Spector ("Wall of Sound" production techniques)
• The Everly Brothers (harmony singing)
• Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (vocal textures)

Family band origins. The Beach Boys formed organically from Wilson family sing-alongs and Brian's collaboration with high school friend Al Jardine. Dennis Wilson's passion for surfing provided the initial thematic foundation, giving the band its early identity and inspiring hits like "Surfin' USA," which propelled them to national fame under Murry's tenacious, albeit difficult, management.

2. The Pivotal Shift from Surf Rock to Introspective Artistry

Wilson is growing.

Beyond surf and cars. By 1964, the Beach Boys were commercially successful but Brian felt creatively constrained by their established surf and car themes. A nervous breakdown on a flight in late 1964, exacerbated by pressure and early drug use, led him to withdraw from touring and focus solely on studio work and songwriting.

Seeking deeper meaning. This period of seclusion marked a significant artistic metamorphosis. Brian aimed to write songs with more than one level, exploring mature themes of love, loss, vulnerability, and self-discovery. This shift was influenced by the changing cultural landscape, including the folk movement's lyrical depth and the introspective turn in pop music.

Transitional albums. The albums The Beach Boys Today! and Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!), released in 1965, showcased this evolution. Songs like "Please Let Me Wonder," "Kiss Me Baby," and "When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)" revealed complex chord patterns, richer production, and deeply personal lyrics, signaling Brian's move towards the sophisticated sound that would define Pet Sounds.

3. Pet Sounds: A Personal, Symphonic Vision Takes Shape

I wanted to create something that I thought would bring an adequate amount of spiritual love to the world.

A response to Rubber Soul. Brian's primary motivation for Pet Sounds was to create an album that could rival The Beatles' Rubber Soul, which he admired for its unity and artistic depth. He retreated to his Beverly Hills home, dedicating months to planning and composing melodies, aiming for a cohesive, emotionally resonant work.

Intuitive composition. Working primarily at the piano, Brian developed musical "feels"—riffs, fragments, and chord progressions—that would form the basis of the songs. His process was intuitive, drawing on emotional experiences and a spiritual belief in the power of music to channel feeling. He envisioned complex arrangements, hearing the full sonic picture in his head before recording.

More than pop songs. Brian saw each track as a "personal symphonic creation," aiming to elevate pop music beyond simple structures. He sought to express universal feelings of longing, hope, and sadness with vulnerability, creating an opus that felt acutely personal yet universally relatable, a stark contrast to the band's earlier carefree image.

4. The Crucial Collaboration with Lyricist Tony Asher

We weren’t concerned with writing hit records. We just wanted to write some good songs.

A surprising choice. Seeking a fresh lyrical perspective for his new, mature sound, Brian unexpectedly contacted Tony Asher, a young advertising copywriter with no prior songwriting credits. Brian explicitly wanted to avoid the band's past themes and collaborators, seeing Asher as an outsider who could help him achieve a more sophisticated lyrical style.

Interactive writing process. Brian and Asher collaborated closely at Brian's home, with Brian presenting melodies (sometimes just fragments) and Asher finding words that fit the cadence and rhythm. Their process was highly interactive, involving extensive discussions about relationships and emotions to establish the mood for each song. Key songs developed this way include:

• "God Only Knows"
• "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)"
• "Here Today"

Translating emotion. Asher's role was to translate Brian's complex emotional ideas and musical moods into compelling lyrics. While Brian had a clear musical vision, he valued Asher's ability to articulate the nuances of feeling, resulting in deeply introspective and relatable narratives that resonated with listeners on a personal level.

5. Innovative Studio Techniques and the "Wrecking Crew"

Brian was like General Patton in the studio.

Studio as instrument. Brian redefined the role of a producer, treating the recording studio itself as a key instrument. He meticulously directed every phase, from selecting studios for their unique sound (Gold Star, Western, Sunset Sound, Columbia) to layering instruments and vocals with unprecedented precision, pushing the limits of available multitrack technology.

The "Wrecking Crew". Brian relied heavily on Hollywood's top session musicians, later known as the "Wrecking Crew," to execute his complex arrangements. Unlike traditional sight-reading, Brian often communicated parts by humming or singing, allowing the skilled players to interpret and add subtle nuances. Key players included:

• Hal Blaine (drums)
• Carol Kaye (Fender bass)
• Larry Knechtel (keyboards)
• Tommy Morgan (bass harmonica)
• Sid Sharp (strings)

Layering and texture. Brian's production was characterized by dense layering, doubling instruments and voices to create unique textures and a "chorusing effect." He incorporated unusual instruments like accordions, harpsichord, Electro-Theremin, and exotic percussion alongside traditional rock and orchestral elements, creating a rich, dynamic soundscape that was revolutionary for pop music.

6. Pet Sounds' Initial Lukewarm Reception and British Acclaim

Pet Sounds was not a big hit.

Domestic disappointment. Upon its release in May 1966, Pet Sounds received a lukewarm reception in the United States. Capitol Records, expecting more surf-pop hits, was reportedly confused by the album's introspective tone and complex sound. Their halfhearted promotion, including the simultaneous release of a Best of the Beach Boys compilation, contributed to its commercial underperformance compared to previous albums.

A perplexing anomaly. For many American fans and critics, Pet Sounds was an anomalous Beach Boys album that didn't fit their established image. Despite producing hit singles like "Sloop John B" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice," the album itself failed to achieve gold status upon initial release, a significant setback for Brian.

British embrace. In stark contrast, Pet Sounds was met with widespread critical acclaim and enthusiasm in the United Kingdom. Publicist Derek Taylor orchestrated a star-studded listening party attended by members of The Beatles and The Who, cementing its status as a groundbreaking masterpiece among British musicians and the press, who lauded Brian's genius and the album's innovative sound.

7. The Album's Profound Influence on The Beatles and Pop Music

No one made a bigger impact on the Beatles than Brian.

Inspiring the competition. Pet Sounds had a profound and acknowledged influence on The Beatles, particularly Paul McCartney. Hearing the album reportedly inspired them to push their own creative boundaries, directly impacting the composition and production of their subsequent albums, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Musical and technical impact. The Beatles were particularly impressed by:

• Brian's sophisticated songwriting and melodic complexity.
• The innovative use of studio as an instrument.
• The intricate vocal arrangements and harmonies.
• The creative and melodic bass lines (influencing McCartney's playing).
• The integration of unusual instruments and orchestral elements.

Elevating the album format. Along with Rubber Soul, Pet Sounds helped solidify the concept of the rock album as a cohesive artistic statement, rather than just a collection of singles and filler. This shift encouraged other artists to explore thematic unity and production consistency across an entire LP.

8. Brian's Post-Pet Sounds Struggles and Eventual Resurgence

As an artist, Brian has reclaimed his legacy.

The Smile project. Following Pet Sounds, Brian embarked on the ambitious Smile project, intended as a "teenage symphony to God." While producing the groundbreaking single "Good Vibrations," the sessions became increasingly chaotic, fueled by escalating drug use and Brian's fragile mental state, ultimately leading to the album's legendary shelving.

Years in the wilderness. The failure to complete Smile and continued substance abuse contributed to Brian's withdrawal from public life and the music scene throughout the 1970s and 80s. Despite periods of attempted recovery and sporadic musical contributions, he struggled with mental illness and the controlling influence of figures like Eugene Landy.

A triumphant return. The 1990s marked a significant turning point. Freed from Landy's control and supported by his wife Melinda and new collaborators like Darian Sahanaja and Jeff Foskett, Brian began a remarkable resurgence. Solo albums, a documentary, and critically acclaimed tours, including performing Pet Sounds live with a full orchestra, re-established his status as a vital musical force and allowed him to reclaim his artistic legacy.

9. The Technical Mastery and Enduring Power of the Mono Mix

Pet Sounds is the ultimate album to use in illustrating the beauty of a mono mix...

Mono as an artistic choice. Brian Wilson, like Phil Spector, favored mixing in mono, believing it created a more unified and impactful sound, especially for playback on AM radio and typical record players of the era. This focus on mono meant meticulously balancing all instruments and vocals into a single track, a process that required immense skill and foresight.

Layering and depth. Despite the technical limitations of 3- and 4-track recording, Brian achieved remarkable depth and clarity in his mono mixes. By strategically layering instruments and vocals, often bouncing multiple tracks down to one, he created a dense, yet transparent soundscape where individual elements could be perceived even when blended.

The stereo revelation. While the original mono mix is considered definitive, later stereo and surround sound remixes, like those on The Pet Sounds Sessions box set, revealed previously subtle details and the spatial relationships Brian created during tracking. These remixes, while not replacing the original, offer new perspectives on the album's intricate production and arrangement.

10. Pet Sounds' Lasting Legacy and Rediscovery

Relatively few artistic endeavors remain relevant or continue to thrive after fifty years.

A timeless masterpiece. Fifty years after its release, Pet Sounds continues to resonate with listeners and influence musicians across genres. Its emotional depth, innovative arrangements, and production techniques have cemented its status as a timeless masterpiece, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in popular music history.

Critical re-evaluation. The album's initial commercial disappointment was eventually overshadowed by a massive critical re-evaluation, particularly starting in the 1990s with the release of the Pet Sounds Sessions box set. This comprehensive anthology allowed fans and scholars to delve into the creative process, revealing the genius behind Brian's vision and the album's intricate construction.

Enduring influence. Pet Sounds remains a benchmark for artistic ambition and studio innovation. Contemporary musicians and producers continue to cite it as a major inspiration, marveling at Brian's ability to blend complex musical ideas with universal emotional themes, proving that his "pet sounds" continue to inspire and move new generations.

Last updated: June 9, 2025