The Beach Boys 'Pet Sounds' 60th Anniversary Tours: A Tale of Two Setlists
The 60th anniversary of The Beach Boys' seminal album, 'Pet Sounds,' has brought forth a fascinating rivalry between two of its surviving members, Mike Love and Al Jardine. While a joint celebratory tour remains off the table due to longstanding disagreements, both musicians have independently embarked on journeys to honor the album's legacy, each presenting a distinct approach to its iconic tracklist. Their separate endeavors, though marked by underlying tensions, highlight the enduring impact of 'Pet Sounds' and offer fans diverse interpretations of its timeless melodies.
This year's anniversary has seen Love's officially sanctioned Beach Boys lineup and Jardine's Pet Sounds Band delving into the album with renewed vigor. Initially, both acts focused on their greatest hits, but as the year progressed, they began to incorporate more of 'Pet Sounds' into their live shows. This friendly competition has led to an expansion of the album's presence on stage, much to the delight of long-time enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
The Evolving Setlists of Mike Love's Beach Boys
Mike Love's current iteration of The Beach Boys has been proactive in integrating more of 'Pet Sounds' into their performances. This shift was notably influenced by the addition of Chris Cron, a talented vocalist known for his authentic Beach Boys harmonies, who stepped in to fill the shoes of the departing Bruce Johnston. Cron's previous experience with a tribute band, Pet Sounds Live, which performed the entire 'Pet Sounds' album, facilitated the seamless inclusion of tracks like "I'm Waiting for the Day" into the live repertoire. This strategic recruitment allowed Love's band to present a more comprehensive selection from the revered album, enhancing the concert experience for attendees.
The band further enriched its 'Pet Sounds' offerings with Mike Love's son, Christian Love, taking the lead on "God Only Knows," and Brian Eichenberger, a veteran of both The Four Freshmen and Brian Wilson's touring group, delivering a captivating rendition of "Wouldn't It Be Nice." The vocal synergy between Cron and Eichenberger on "Sloop John B" also garnered significant praise. Despite Love's own vocal challenges, he has meticulously assembled a talented ensemble, ensuring that the intricate harmonies and emotional depth of 'Pet Sounds' are faithfully conveyed to the audience. This dedication to the album's musicality demonstrates a clear intent to honor its significance.
Al Jardine's Dedicated 'Pet Sounds' Renditions
Al Jardine and his Pet Sounds Band initially took a different route, dedicating a substantial portion of their shows to the 1977 album 'The Beach Boys Love You.' However, following the 'Pet Sounds' anniversary in June, Jardine expanded his setlist to feature a more extensive collection of songs from the album, performing nine of its thirteen tracks. This deeper dive included lesser-played gems such as "I'm Waiting for the Day," "I Know There's an Answer," "Here Today," "Pet Sounds," and "Caroline, No," alongside the familiar favorites. Jardine's son, Matt Jardine, showcased his remarkable falsetto on tracks like "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows," mirroring the original vocal brilliance of Brian and Carl Wilson.
Jardine's commitment to performing a significant portion of 'Pet Sounds' in its entirety underscored his passion for the album. He even subtly acknowledged the historical tensions within the band by performing an outtake, "Hang On to Your Ego," a track whose lyrics were famously altered at Mike Love's insistence due to perceived connections to drug culture. This move, interpreted by some as a direct nod to their long-standing creative differences, further highlighted the distinct artistic visions at play. Despite the ongoing separate musical paths, Jardine's concerts offer a rich, immersive experience into the heart of 'Pet Sounds,' embracing its full scope and intricate arrangements.