Sixty years after the release of Pet Sounds, the legendary album that revolutionized pop music, two former Beach Boys bandmates, Mike Love and Al Jardine, are still honoring its legacy in their own unique ways. Despite the 60th anniversary of the album, the bad blood between Love and Jardine prevented them from coming together for a joint tour. However, both artists have found creative ways to pay homage to Pet Sounds, even if they're not physically on stage together.
Mike Love's officially licensed version of the Beach Boys has been an active force this year, with the addition of Chris Cron, a gifted vocalist who recreates vintage Beach Boys harmonies. Love's band has been playing more Pet Sounds songs, including 'I'm Waiting for the Day' and 'God Only Knows', thanks to the vocal prowess of Cron and Brian Eichenberger. This has created a contrast with Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band, who initially focused on their 1977 LP, The Beach Boys Love You, but have since expanded their set to include nine of the album's 13 songs.
The tension between Love and Jardine is palpable, with Jardine's dig at Love's lyrics in 'Hang On to Your Ego' and Love's decision to drop 'Caroline, No' and 'You Still Believe in Me' from his set. Despite this, both artists have found ways to celebrate Pet Sounds, with Jardine continuing to perform nine Pet Sounds songs a night and Love returning to his roots with a set that includes 'God Only Knows', 'I'm Waiting for the Day', 'Sloop John B', and 'Wouldn't It Be Nice'.
The Pet Sounds 60th anniversary celebration continues, and it's fascinating to see how both artists are honoring the album in their own ways. While they may not be physically on stage together, their individual performances are a testament to the enduring legacy of Pet Sounds. It's a reminder that, even after all these years, the album's impact on pop music is still being felt and celebrated.
