Watch The Beach Boys: Making Pet Sounds

The Beach Boys: Making Pet Sounds is a documentary film that was released in 2017. The film takes viewers behind the scenes of the creation of one of the greatest albums in rock-and-roll history, Pet Sounds. The film features interviews with key insiders and experts on the creation of the album, including Keith Altham, Tony Asher, and Hal Blaine, as well as archival footage of Brian Wilson and the other members of The Beach Boys. Throughout the film, viewers are able to get an intimate look at the making of the album that would go on to change rock music forever.

The movie starts by exploring the musical landscape of the mid-1960s, and the context that surrounded the release of Pet Sounds. It quickly becomes apparent that at the time, the band was not taken very seriously, and that their success was largely built around catchy, feel-good pop songs. However, within the band, Brian Wilson was beginning to experiment with new sounds and unconventional chord progressions, a move that would eventually lead to the creation of Pet Sounds.

The documentary then delves into the making of the album itself, detailing the various recording sessions, the music, and lyrics. The film covers the album's creative process, which was marked by Wilson's vision for the project, and his desire to experiment with unusual studio techniques, from the use of unusual instruments to the employment of new recording technologies that were only just emerging at the time.

The interviews with various members of The Beach Boys make it clear that Wilson was the driving force behind the album, and that his unwavering commitment to exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of what was possible was the key to its success.

Pet Sounds represented a rare, creative peak for The Beach Boys - it expanded the scope of their music and set the stage for other bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to experiment with new sounds and styles. And while the album was initially misunderstood by many critics and fans, it eventually became one of the most celebrated and influential albums in rock history.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are treated to snippets of some of the most iconic tracks from the album, such as "God Only Knows", which is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully crafted pop tunes ever put to record.

Overall, The Beach Boys: Making Pet Sounds offers a fascinating look at the creative process behind one of the most important and innovative albums in the history of rock-and-roll. The interviews with the people who were there at the time, combined with archive footage and classic tunes from the album itself, make for a compelling and engaging viewing experience that any music fan will love.