海滩男孩音乐专辑《宠物之声(Pet Sounds)》

AS IT IS 2016-05-17 Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' Released 50 Years Ago Today 海滩男孩音乐专辑《宠物之声(Pet Sounds)》

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Monday marked the 50th anniversary of a famous record album.

The American group The Beach Boys released the album, “Pet Sounds,” on May 16, 1966.

Pet Sounds includes a musical work that Paul McCartney has called “the greatest song ever written.” The name of that piece is “God Only Knows.”

To celebrate the anniversary, Rolling Stone magazine published a story called “15 Things You Didn’t Know” about “Pet Sounds.” It says Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote “God Only Knows” in less than an hour.

The story says the album called on the music industry to equal Wilson’s “technical innovation, lyrical depth and melodic² genius. Half a century later, it's questionable³ whether anyone has.”

In a separate report, Rolling Stone listed “Pet Sounds” as the second greatest record album of all time. It rated The Beatles’ “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” as the best album ever.

The Beach Boys started recording⁴ in 1961. They quickly became known for music celebrating the lives of California teenagers. The group’s songs dealt with activities like surfing, sailing and sports cars.

The songs include “Surfin’ U.S.A,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and “Good Vibrations⁵.”

But when “Pet Sounds” came out 50 years ago, it signaled a turning point for the band. Their songs became more thoughtful and introspective.

Some music critics called “Pet Sounds” the first “concept” album. Along with “God Only Knows,” other songs on the album were “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Sloop⁶ John B” and “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times.”

Here is what people said on Twitter about the anniversary.

Brian Wilson wrote “I just can’t believe it. I recorded it to bring love to the world.”

The writer Will Bunch told readers that “Pet Sounds” was not the only famous American record to come out on this day 50 years ago. He noted⁷ the release of Bob Dylan’s album “Blonde on Blonde,” adding “and people wonder why I’m so obsessed⁸ with the 1960s?”

Earlier this year, The Guardian⁹ wrote a story asking “Was 1966 Pop Music’s Greatest Year?” The British newspaper noted another release, “Revolver” by The Beatles,” only weeks later.

The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson are making the most of the anniversary. They plan to release a special edition of “Pet Sounds” in June. The band is even producing a filter for Snapchat with goats, just like the famous album cover.

Wilson is going on tour in support of the album. His first show is May 17 in Birmingham, England. He also has appearances planned in Ireland, Israel, Spain, Portugal and throughout North America.

Words in This Story

album – n. a long musical recording on a record, CD, etc., that usually includes a set of songs

lyric¹ – n. the words of a song

melody – n. a pleasing series of musical notes that form the main part of a song or piece of music

genius – n. a very smart or talented person : a person who has a level of talent or intelligence that is very rare or remarkable¹⁰

surfing – n. the activity or sport of riding ocean waves on a special board (called a surfboard)

vibrations – n. (informal) a feeling that someone or something gives you

introspection – n. the process of examining your own thoughts or feelings

sloop – n. a small sailboat with one mast

blonde – adj. of a yellow or very light brown color

obsessed – v. to be the only person or thing that someone thinks or talks about

1 lyric   

n.抒情诗，歌词；adj.抒情的

参考例句：

• This is a good example of Shelley's lyric poetry.这首诗是雪莱抒情诗的范例。
• His earlier work announced a lyric talent of the first order.他的早期作品显露了一流的抒情才华。

2 melodic   

adj.有旋律的，调子美妙的

参考例句：

• His voice had a rich melodic quality.他的音色浑厚而优美。
• He spoke with a soft husky voice in a melodic accent.他微微沙哑的声音带着一种悠扬的口音。

3 questionable   

adj.可疑的，有问题的

参考例句：

• There are still a few questionable points in the case.这个案件还有几个疑点。
• Your argument is based on a set of questionable assumptions.你的论证建立在一套有问题的假设上。

4 recording   

n.录音，记录

参考例句：

• How long will the recording of the song take?录下这首歌得花多少时间？
• I want to play you a recording of the rehearsal.我想给你放一下彩排的录像。

5 vibrations   

n.摆动( vibration的名词复数 )；震动；感受；（偏离平衡位置的）一次性往复振动

参考例句：

• We could feel the vibrations from the trucks passing outside. 我们可以感到外面卡车经过时的颤动。
• I am drawn to that girl; I get good vibrations from her. 我被那女孩吸引住了，她使我产生良好的感觉。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 sloop   

n.单桅帆船

参考例句：

• They heeled the sloop well over,skimming it along to windward.他们使单桅小船倾斜适当，让它顶着风向前滑去。
• While a sloop always has two sails,a cat-rigged boat generally has only one.一艘单桅帆船总是有两面帆，但一艘单桅艇通常只有一面帆。

7 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

8 obsessed   

adj.心神不宁的,鬼迷心窍的,沉迷的

参考例句：

• He's obsessed by computers. 他迷上了电脑。
• The fear of death obsessed him throughout his old life. 他晚年一直受着死亡恐惧的困扰。

9 guardian   

n.监护人；守卫者，保护者

参考例句：

• The form must be signed by the child's parents or guardian. 这张表格须由孩子的家长或监护人签字。
• The press is a guardian of the public weal. 报刊是公共福利的卫护者。

10 remarkable   

adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的

参考例句：

• She has made remarkable headway in her writing skills.她在写作技巧方面有了长足进步。
• These cars are remarkable for the quietness of their engines.这些汽车因发动机没有噪音而不同凡响。