They both are incredible efforts from back at that time. I personally think the Beatles broke more new ground and covered a wider spectrum of songwriting and musical dynamics than the Beach Boys but not by a whole lot. Both are must own albums.
I’m not saying that the Beach Boys didn’t do great work during that time period. However, the Beatles were way more innovative from both musical and production perspectives.
I really don’t like the Beach Boys, but I agree that Pet Sounds is a great album.
Paul McCartney said that Pet Sounds was a huge influence on Sgt.Pepper.
Brian Wilson then tried to one up the Beatles, with Smile, and ended up blowing a brain gasket.
Holy cow, I can’t choose between these two. I love both albums, and both bands, equally. They form part of the foundation of my musical education and love. Both albums were very important, but I think of Pet Sounds as being the more revolutionary one.