Time to refocus and a classic

As far as I can tell, I'm on a pretty good roll!

Since the last two posts I realized that there should be a little refocusing on the purpose of this blog.

Remember first, I plan on integrating real stories or imagined. 

Second, I plan to share the music that I either expected Frankie to like and the music I didn't expect her to like. 

Third, to tell about the lessons that I believe my grandmother is trying to still teach me. After I told my mom this "epiphany", all she could say was "then son, listen closely."

That's what I plan to do. 

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Album: Pet Sounds
Artist: The Beach Boys
Year: 1966
Label Number: T 2458

Today, I will be visiting probably one of the holy grails of music. The eclectic masterpiece recorded by Brian Wilson and co. "Pet Sounds."

Pretty typical eh? Probably, but there is a purpose so bear with me! 

I was pretty surprised when I asked my mom about Frankie's Beach Boys collection. A lot of the records consist of greatest hits or compilations and some other full lengths, but, most surprisingly, there sat "Pet Sounds" in all its glory. 

But why choose this record knowing that pretty well everyone at least knows of it? 

There's a story:

When I was 12 years old, my parents decided it was time to no longer be together. At the time I was pretty devastated as anyone would be. 

My two sisters found their own ways of coping with the divorce. One went off to college in Missouri, the other simply rebelled against my dad and moved in permanently with my mom. 

Myself? Well, I decided to try to divide up my time evenly with between my parents. One week with my mom, the other week with my dad. 

It was pretty great for awhile. My mom worked at a factory at the time, so most of her time consisted of either working or sleeping. All she wanted to do was to make a nice living for herself and her kids. So, my middle sister "kept watch" over me, which consisted of her driving me around to get Wendy's and listen to 2pac and other artists that I wasn't allowed to listen to elsewhere (and letting me stay up late). 

My dad was pretty awesome too. For a couple months before he met his now wife, my dad and I had a legit bachelor pad at his house. He bought a big tv, a dvd player (really expensive at the time!) and a surround sound system. We really didn't care what any thought, it was just to be a grand time.

Not that anything changed in that routine, but at some point you really do feel the sting of a split. No stable relationship model, no consistency in discipline, and well about hundreds of things that result. 

Then my grandparents stepped in (with or without their knowledge). 

Frank and Frankie became like a second set of parents to me. They found jobs for me to do around the house(s), or at the garden shop that Frankie owned. They never thought twice about disciplining me when I had done wrong or cheering me up when I was down. 

Most importantly, they set the example of what a successful and loving relationship was. 

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I've heard "Pet Sounds" what seems to be one million times. Hell, I've got so many stories associated with this record that I could just do a blog on that. 

The reason why I chose this record is because when I set it on the turntable, I just imagine Frankie smiling real big because she would know this would be the record to cheer me up, 12 years old or 24. 

To me this record means the world. The copy that Frankie owned has obviously been played so many times that you can barely feel the individual grooves, just one flat piece of vinyl. 

When you set the needle on, all you hear is almost overbearing static. Sizzling and crunching dominates the worn out record until finally you hear those first few notes of "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Once you hear those notes, all the extra noise just becomes one with the music putting you in another world.

I tear up every time I hear that first cut. Harmonies blast your ears, almost becoming emotionally overbearing. Then it ends with such great fade that you just wish it fades back in so you can keep on reveling in the moment. 

"You Still Believe in Me" keeps the emotions running. Told from a view point of a man who has failed his lover several times, still grateful that she takes him back. But he feels so broken up about being a failure that after he tells her "you still believe in me," he says "I wanna cry." 

Instant chills up my spine. Such emotion in this one little part. (And don't forget about the bike horn)

"Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)." I don't want to even try. Too good, and boy do they know how people feel?

"I'm Waiting for the Day" probably is my second favorite track. It's the one I HAVE to listen to when I'm stuck in a rut. The timpani that just rushes you into the song, the snare that accents those, it's almost unbearably good. 

The best part? When the strings breaks it down only to be interrupted by the timpani. The ultimate jubilation, know that your love is good and will treat him/her well. 

"Here Today" = my favorite track. The ooh oooohs' in the beginning. The constantly beating of the drums. The ahh ahhahahhhs in the chorus? My God, how was anybody ever able to write this? The break down in the middle gives off this suspense that turns into a happy two step that can only make you smile. Then finally that guitar/bass part that trickles back into the chorus that just repeats until fades, making you ache for more. (DON'T EVER END)

My track of choice today though will be the all too typical but perfect "God Only Knows."

What ever that horn is in the beginning, I want in all of the music I listen to. The horse "clops" that keep the song running on pace. The bam bam ba bas'.  The sweet soothing sound of Carl Wilson's voice. The round at the end that culminates in the perfect love song. 

Yea, I said it. Perfect. 

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it

If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me

If you should ever leave me
Well life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me?