How The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ Inspired Badly Drawn Boy’s Collab with Mark E. Smith

An unforgettable story reveals how The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ sparked a unique collaboration with The Fall’s Mark E. Smith.

A Chance Encounter Ignited by ‘Pet Sounds’

Imagine cruising in your car, playing a classic album, and suddenly a legendary figure hops in, mistaking your ride for a taxi. That’s exactly what happened to Badly Drawn Boy back in 1997. While playing a cassette of The Beach Boys’ iconic album Pet Sounds, Mark E. Smith of The Fall jumped into his car.

Badly Drawn Boy shared the story on X (formerly Twitter) after hearing the news of Brian Wilson’s passing. He recalled:

“Mark E Smith got in my car thinking I was a taxi in 1997, I was playing a cassette version of Pet Sounds. Mark asked what it was and could he have it? I said he could keep it if we could do a collaboration. We recorded a song ‘Calendar’ a few weeks later. Thanks Brian Wilson!”

— Badly Drawn Boy (@badly_drawn_boy) June 12, 2025

Badly Drawn Boy shares his incredible story and tribute to Brian Wilson.

That simple exchange led to the creation of a song called “Calendar”, co-written by Badly Drawn Boy and Mark E. Smith. The track later appeared as a B-side on The Fall’s 1998 single Masquerade, which was part of their album Levitate.

Listen to ‘Calendar’ – The Collaboration Born from ‘Pet Sounds’

If you want to hear this unique blend of talents, here’s the track “Calendar” for you to enjoy:

Did Mark E. Smith Really Never Hear ‘Pet Sounds’?

Some wondered if it was even possible that Mark E. Smith hadn’t listened to Pet Sounds before. Badly Drawn Boy confirmed he was genuinely surprised by Smith’s reaction to the album:

“Yes .. he was indeed very merry. I was shocked and laughed that he didn’t seem to recognise the Beach Boys.. he literally said ‘what’s this, I like it can I have it?’”

— Badly Drawn Boy (@badly_drawn_boy) June 12, 2025

Remembering the Legendary Mark E. Smith and Brian Wilson

Mark E. Smith sadly passed away in January 2018 at age 60 after battling terminal lung and kidney cancer. His unique presence in the music world is still deeply missed.

Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind The Beach Boys, died recently at 82, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped pop music forever. Countless musicians have paid tribute to Wilson’s groundbreaking contributions.

Paul McCartney honored Wilson by saying:

“Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special. The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while.
How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows’. Thank you, Brian.”

Elton John called Brian Wilson “a musical genius and revolutionary,” saying Wilson changed the goalposts for songwriting and shaped music forever. Bob Dylan also shared his respect, remembering Wilson’s genius and influence on his life.

Why ‘Pet Sounds’ Still Matters Today

Pet Sounds is often hailed as one of the greatest albums ever made. Its influence echoes through decades of music, inspiring artists from diverse genres — including indie singer-songwriters like Badly Drawn Boy and post-punk icons like Mark E. Smith.

This story proves that even the simplest moments—like sharing a cassette in a car—can lead to unforgettable musical connections and creations.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever had an unexpected encounter that changed your artistic path? The story of Badly Drawn Boy, Mark E. Smith, and Pet Sounds reminds us that music can surprise and unite us in the most unexpected ways.

FAQs

• How did Mark E. Smith and Badly Drawn Boy meet?
  Mark E. Smith got into Badly Drawn Boy’s car by mistake, thinking it was a taxi, while Badly Drawn Boy was playing Pet Sounds.
• What song did they collaborate on?
  They co-wrote a track called “Calendar,” which was released as a B-side to The Fall’s single Masquerade in 1998.
• Why is ‘Pet Sounds’ so important?
  Pet Sounds is considered one of the greatest albums ever, influencing countless musicians with its innovative sound and heartfelt songwriting.
• When did Mark E. Smith pass away?
  Mark E. Smith died in January 2018 after battling terminal illnesses.
• What have other musicians said about Brian Wilson?
  Artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Bob Dylan have paid tribute to Wilson’s unmatched genius and lasting impact on music.

Shop your favorite album cover posters, including iconic designs like Pet Sounds, at our store for a vintage vibe and musical inspiration: Architeg Prints.