There’s little left to say about the brilliance of Pet Sounds—except perhaps to show it. In honor of Brian Wilson, who passed away last Wednesday, we’re sharing rare 1966 footage capturing the Beach Boys (joined by Bruce Johnston) layering the rich vocal harmonies on “Good Vibrations,” which helped define one of the most meticulously crafted albums in pop history.
As a young Wilson urges, “play strong and hard all the way,” we watch him guide the session—his vision taking shape in real time. From the iconic organ intro by Larry Knechtel to Hal Blaine’s precise drumming, the clip offers a rare glimpse into the magic behind the masterpiece.
