One thing was always clear when one discussed the most popular artists or bands from the 1960's, The Beach Boys were near the top of each and every list and at one time in the 1960's were voted the most popular band. Sultry vocals and harmonies, great songwriting about things that most people, in the U.S. in particular, could understand and relate to, being on the beach, cars and girls. However, Brian began to want to explore more in music and draw on the rich and outstanding wellspring of musical genius he had within him. This began to eat him up inside as the record label and those within his own band, Mike Love in particular, couldn't nor wouldn't allow themselves to understand. I've heard many reasons for his nervous breakdowns but I believe this to be the catalyst.This was a man who was hearing wonderful musical themes in his head and was not being allowed the time, space and creative freedom to explore and bring these themes into fruition. On top of that, the "British Invasion" was in full swing and those artists and bands were bringing a fresh perspective on music, both it's recording and production, to the world as well as the "Motown Sound" topping the charts with one great artist after another. Fate typically does things when least expected and fate saw an exhausted Wilson being home recuperating from his breakdown at just the time the "Rubber Soul" album was being released by the Beatles. It would be the album that helped to validate the direction Wilson was feeling his music and that of The Beach Boys should be going.He found his creative "second wind" and with the help of friend and lyricist Tony Asher, he begin to compose, write, produce and record the songs that would become "Pet Sounds." It was truly an ambitious project and one that would change the face of not just rock music but music in general forever. When his fellow band mates returned off of the remainder of the tour Brian had left, he had basically the entire project completed except for the vocals. Once the other members, along with Brian, laid down their gorgeous vocals which, as usual, were one of the many strengths of the album, they had completed a true game changer and neither they nor the music world would be the same. This album would inspire a whole host of artists to change their entire perspective on how songs should be both written and recorded.Paul McCartney took a copy to John Lennon and they listened to it over and over again until it became engrained in their thought processes. George Martin, their brilliant producer, also was listening to the album and it was now the catalyst for what would become "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Funny how fate and destiny work, isn't it? Bravo to you Mr. Brian Wilson, I recently listened to this album from beginning to end and marveled at what was produced. You and Mr. Asher created a masterpiece that truly changed the music world and more importantly, validated your true genius.P.S. Here's what others were saying about the album and Brian Wilson:Eric Clapton stated that "All of us, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and I consider Pet Sounds to be one of the greatest pop LPs to ever be released. It encompasses everything that's ever knocked me out and rolled it all into one."Elton John has said of the album, "For me to say that I was enthralled would be an understatement. I had never heard such magical sounds, so amazingly recorded. It undoubtedly changed the way that I, and countless others, approached recording. It is a timeless and amazing recording of incredible genius and beauty."Beatles producer George Martin stated that "Without Pet Sounds, Sgt. Pepper wouldn't have happened... Pepper was an attempt to equal Pet Sounds."Paul McCartney has said "It was Pet Sounds that blew me out of the water. I love the album so much. I've just bought my kids each a copy of it for their education in life. I figure no one is educated musically 'til they've heard that album. I love the orchestra, the arrangements. It may be going overboard to say it's the classic of the century, but to me, it certainly is a total, classic record that is unbeatable in many ways. I've often played Pet Sounds and cried. I played it to John [Lennon] so much that it would be difficult for him to escape the influence, it was the record of the time. The thing that really made me sit up and take notice was the bass lines and also, putting melodies in the bass line. That I think was probably the big influence that set me thinking when we recorded Pepper, it set me off on a period I had then for a couple of years of nearly always writing quite melodic bass lines. "God Only Knows" is a big favourite of mine, very emotional, always a bit of a choker for me, that one. On "You Still Believe in Me", I love that melody - that kills me. That's my favourite, I think, it's so beautiful right at the end comes surging back in these multi-coloured harmonies, sends shivers up my spine."Bob Dylan has said of Brian Wilson's talents, "That ear - I mean, Jesus, he's got to will that to the Smithsonian."Roger Waters stated that along with Sgt Pepper, Pet Sounds "completely changed everything about records for me."Elvis Costello stated "Last summer, I heard "Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)" played on the cello. It sounded beautiful and sad, just as it does on Pet Sounds."Pete Townshend stated "'God Only Knows' is simple and elegant and was stunning when it first appeared; it still sounds perfect".Tom Petty stated "I think I would put him up there with any composer - especially Pet Sounds. I don't think there is anything better than that, necessarily. I don't think you'd be out of line comparing him to Beethoven - to any composer."