The official Universal Music Site has announced that the Beach Boys have set a new run of “audiophile pressings” of their Pet Sounds album, to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Since the record was originally released on May 16, 1966, becoming one of the greatest albums of all time, Capitol/UMe has set a series of releases on May 15, 2026, including two distinct premium all-analogue audiophile pressings.
The latter includes a Vinylphyle Edition, featuring the original album in both mono and stereo, and a Definitive Sound Series Audiophile Edition. A collectable Zoetrope vinyl edition of the album will also be available.
There will also be The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights, which compiles standout material from the 1997 Grammy-nominated box set, The Pet Sounds Sessions – which captured the original 1965–66 recording sessions – as well as alternate takes, acappellas, and tracking sessions.
Each format will come with new liner notes by longtime Beach Boys historian Howie Edelson, along with a detailed sessionography. The full 90-track box set will not yet be available for download and streaming.
Also included in the release is a three-track digital EP exploring their classic hit “Sloop John B.” This is done through an a cappella version that isolates the vocal harmonies of Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston. You can listen to it now, ahead of the box set release in May. Check it out above.
The double LP features a gatefold tip-on jacket and four-panel insert, alongside the aforementioned new liner notes by Howie Edelson, and the Definitive Sound Series (DSS) edition presents the record in its original mono configuration – capturing the recording’s intricate arrangements and vocal harmonies with remarkable clarity.
Limited to 6,000 units, each copy includes a certificate of authenticity documenting the mastering, plating, and pressing process. Check out the tracklist below, and visit here to pre-order all upcoming 60th anniversary releases.
