although this compilation was released in 1974 (it spent several weeks at number 1. one of the first 'greatest hits' package to establish such a residency in the charts),it's still the best place for any casual fan intent on discovering the 'real' magic of brian wilson's compositions. all the songs are good, no filler on this. it doesn't have any songs from pet sounds, but that's cool because after hearing this, the listener will probably be inclined to pick up pet sounds and some of their late sixties studio albums whose songs aren't featured on this compilation (this covers just the pre pet sounds years) if you have a little bit more money, go for the boxed set, called 25 years of good vibrations. but if you're on a budget and you want a killer beach boys compilation, then this is it.