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Pet Sounds 45rpm

lt.slothr0p

lt.slothr0p

Member
Hi Everybody,
I know a new Pet Sounds thread is like beating a dead horse, but I'm wondering what experience people are having with the new (August 2017) 2x 45rpm issue from Analogue Productions. I'm pretty familiar with the previous Pet Sounds vinyl, including Kevin Gray's previous 33 version, but this one really does seem like a show-stopper. My question is whether to go for the mono or stereo. I know all about Brian's ear and I've got an original mono copy which is awesome in terms of collectibility, but, as we know, doesn't sound great. I was stunned by Giles Martin's stereo Sgt. Pepper and I'm wondering if a similar experience might be in store with the stereo version of AP's Pet Sounds. I know obviously that like with Pepper, mono will remain definitive, but anybody out there spinning the new stereo Pet Sounds?
 
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I got bird sounds, sopme old German 45. I'll find it and post a pic.

Not "pet sounds" per se though
 
This might be heresy, but I prefer the stereo mix for Pet Sounds. I just feel like the mono version (and yes, I know it's the preferred version, blah blah blah) sounds really congested. The stereo version just allows all those layers of sound a little more room to breathe without clogging up the mix, if that makes sense.

As for the new 45rpm version, count me out. I love Pet Sounds and all, but the prospect of a) buying this album yet again (for almost $60?!?!) and b) flipping 4 sides is a turn off. I'll stick to the standard issue LP for this one.

Plus, let's be real. After countless"audiophile" versions, has Pet Sounds ever really sounded that great, from a fidelity standpoint? I've always found it to be
 
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If they're still using the 1997 stereo mix of Pet Sounds, then the stereo versions are not nearly as widely separated as original stereo recordings from the 1960s. The remixing engineer said "every attempt was made to duplicate the feel and sound of the original mono mixes". But to me, the end result is a bit disjointed -- it's 1960s music mixed according to late 1990s standards, so while the stereo version is closer to the mono version, it doesn't sound as authentic as a real 1960s stereo recording where everything is panned hard left and hard right.
 
I bought the AP SACD that has both stereo and mono.

The truth is, to me, it's no stunner sonically even after the AP treatment. Musically, yes, it's awesome, but sonically, it's not to my ears. So just consider how much you really want to spend on the title. I'm not unhappy with having bought the SACD, but if I spent the $ on the 45rpm vinyl, I might be.
 
heyraz said:
There are some recordings that I prefer to listen to digitally. Pet Sounds is one of them.
Click to expand...
It's funny you say that. I was thinking that, for whatever reason, I usually grab my CD copy instead of the LP for this one. Somehow it just sound better than either the Stereo or Mono copies I have on vinyl. I have the '97 CD with both stereo/mono versions on one disc.

Usually, it's the other way around, I tend to prefer the record to the CD counterpart.
 
Thanks for the replies everybody! I totally get the resistance to the new AP 2x 45 version, but I *only* have the original mono lp and I don't have any SACD equipment so I don't yet have much money tied up in Pet Sounds. I play around with different alignments, but I do have some IGD issues once in a while (notably on "Good Vibrations" at the end of side 3 on SMiLE!) so the 45rpm version seems like a good option for me.
 
If you like the record that much, then go for it. I’ve got the 45 rpm of Metallica’s Black album, and that’s four LP’s of constant flipping. Whatever makes you happy.
 
1506549585763243737910.jpg Some things sound better on a car radio. It depends on the recording.
Which is why I have one of these in my listening room.
 
I view the '97 stereo version as a really cool novelty. I tend to reach for my Brother Records (brown cover) LP mono version the most. But, yeah, as noted above, mono is a bit "congested." But I tend to hear that as "thick and gooey" on my system which leans toward detailed.
 
Pet Sounds is the result of Brain Wilson trying to emulate Phil Spector, with a deaf ear. Amazing tunes, terrible sound. Obviously my opinion and this is still one of my favorite albums.
 
Well, for what it's worth, I came upon a copy of the Brothers Records brown cover Pet Sounds today in a store I don't get to very often. I figured for $25 (less than half the new one!) I couldn't go wrong. Can't wait to clean it up and drop the needle!
 
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