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Pet Sounds wasn't well received for a variety of reasons. In general, Beach Boys fans weren't into drugs and psychedelic music. The main reason was the competition. The Beach Boys just weren't hip anymore. The new wave of music was on the way and the Beach Boys weren't part of it. 1966-1968 saw the rise of acid rock, heavy metal and hippies. A few albums form the same period as Pet Sounds include:

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers
Fresh Cream
Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced (67)
Blond on Blond - Dylan

The Beach Boys were over. The Beatles hung on for a couple of years, but music was taking on a much harder edge.

Personally, I really didn't like Pet Sounds. Most of the songs were morose and depressing. At the time, I thought the Beach Boys should stick to beach music. I guess I wasn't alone. They continued their successful performance career for many years.

I still have I Get Around, Surfer Girl, Little Deuce Coupe and Barbara Ann on my Ipod.