I guess I just wasn't made for these times......a feeling that's washed over me more frequently than the waves at Surf City. My Dad has always told me that this song perfectly describes the lens with which I see the world. Always having felt a sentimental connection to the past, no other words have the same emotional impact. Each time I hear them sung by my musical idol, it brings to mind a repertoire of music that I couldn't imagine the world without.
If there's a sound for what love feels like, it would be a Brian Wilson song. No other artist has the ability to inexplicably make a heart ache with happiness while listening to a tune about surfing. The songbook of Brian Wilson achieves something truly extraordinary - expressing what can be felt but not described. The chords and melody somehow pique memories in your soul that you didn't know existed, knowing exactly what the heart would sound like if it could speak.
The world needs to collectively thank the muse that whispered into the ear of Brian Wilson to create masterpieces like Smile and Pet Sounds, which holds a special place in my heart. I would play it for someone who has never heard music before to show them why this truly magical art form exists. While I'm not exactly sure where Pet Sounds got it's name, a possible explanation pops out in my mind. I can't think of a better title to bring to mind the warm and fuzzy glow of unconditional love. Pets wear their heart on their sleeve, or paw as the case may be ❤️🐾, and give this unconditional love, without ego or guile. This cherishing comfort is what beats from the heart of every note of Pet Sounds, and speaks from the soul of Brian's music.
Perhaps the only experience to rival listening to this music in the dark with headphones (as Brian suggests) would be seeing it performed live. What becomes obvious is that the magic that lives in between the lines of music must be the love and gratitude that Brian, Al, and the rest of the band have for what they do. Their willingness to share these talents in the celebration of music is humbling. Witnessing a group of musicians so accomplished, gracious and appreciative of their audience and of one another makes the experience one of pure joy.
"This is the best trip we've ever been on".........I'm almost certain that these slightly altered lyrics of Sloop John B are sung by Brian and Al in concert. If this is my mind's ear playing a trick on me, then it must be simply a reflection of this celebration of love and mercy that radiates from the stage when they perform together........ whatever it is, thank you for it. Thank you, Brian, for letting us hear the world through your ear.....and making us feel that yes, maybe we were made for these times 🎶🎶
