Sid Hartha

Geez, the guy was schizophrenic. It happens to a lot of people, even non-famous people (my cousin, for example). I think it's pretty ignorant and condescending to think that someone in his situation is better off dead.

Such an incredible talent (when he was well). Songwriting genius, obviously - but I always thought his guitar playing on Piper was wicked.

Just play the mono tracks on the current reissue - they're from the same master used for it's original release. I have the original mono pressing, which isn't very good sounding. It was cut very quiet, so there's lots of surface noise. The '80s Capitol LP reissue - from the same master - doesn't have that problem, and is the one I always listen to. You can probably find one cheap nowadays (it has no 'collector appeal' ).

As much as I loathe Mike Love, I can understand why the other band members weren't too cool with this record. It's a Brian Wilson solo album disguised as a Beach Boys album. At a time when they really needed to solidify their fan base ("Sloop John B." was a promising start), Brian ultimately delivered an album of songs that radio wouldn't play, and that the band couldn't perform live. It confused the hell out of what fans they had left, resulting in poor album sales (the record went out of print quickly). The record's a masterpiece, but the band suffered because of it. and then cam

I've been stuck on "Sloop John B." lately. Obsessed, actually. I think it's a perfect single and the vocals (particularly at the a cappela part) are mind-blowing. Other than that, I think the new stereo mix [of Pet Sounds]is a waste of time. It's not bad, but it's like hearing an updated version of something that was perfect to begin with. The '80s reissue mono vinyl is the way to go. The CD uses that annoying "no noise" process that mucks up the sound.