"Pet Sounds" redux

... now, Brian will tell you that there is no theme connecting all the cuts on the album into a story, that it was just exercises in sonic variations -- his "Pet" sounds. So my interpretation does not have the seal of approval.

But, if you listen to the cuts in order, you come up with a story of the life and death of a relationship, with the guy going through "all kinds of changes" and then complaining that Caroline is not the girl he loved anymore. (Interestingly, "She's Not the Little Girl I Once Knew" was also recorded during these sessions, but not included on the album -- but it's kinship with "Caroline, No" thematically, if not sonically, is clear). I came away with the conclusion that the answer to the questions he asks in "Caroline, No" boil down to: you, bro.

Over the course of the album, the guy leaves his girl twice (she forgives him both times), tells her to shut up, he doesn't care about her feelings ("Don't Talk, Put Your Head on My Shoulder" ), virtually accuses her of being a slut ("Here Today" ), and ends by complaining that *she's* changed. It may be unintentional, but the album tells a story... and a pretty depressing one.

Which doesn't make me love it any less -- on the short list for GOAT.

-- Mal