Pet Sounds

When you encounter Pet Sounds, the instrumental piece that closes the album of the same name, you come across a sound that transports you. It was originally conceived with another purpose, under the tentative title of Run James Run, with the idea that it could be part of a James Bond film. However, that possibility did not materialize, and the composition ended up giving its name to one of the most influential albums by The Beach Boys. The recording took place on November 17, 1965, at United Western Recorders studios, with Chuck Britz in charge of engineering.

What makes Pet Sounds so particular is its exotic atmosphere, which evokes works by artists such as Les Baxter and Martin Denny. You will hear bongos and güiro, combined with the piercing sound of the winds and a rhythm that leans towards Latin. Curiously, the distinctive percussion you hear on the track is provided by drummer Ritchie Frost, who, at the request of Brian Wilson, used two empty Coca Cola cans to create that effect. In post-production, more bongos and two guitars with a Leslie speaker filter were added, giving it that unique touch. This instrumental piece, along with Let's Go Away for Awhile, represents an exploratory facet within the album.