Almost completely unknown in the US, The Pretty Things were one of the highlights of the British music scene in the mid-‘60s, cranking out electrifying blues-rock tunes before shifting, like many others, toward psychedelic influences. Their earlier rock stuff is similar to the early Stones’ work, but more fiery—a natural comparison, as guitarist Dick May had played with the Stones in an early incarnation. Their psychedelic work was equally excellent, and their S.F. Sorrow is often considered the first rock opera, predating the Who’s Tommy by about six months.
They are a band that deserves a much greater reputation than they have as of yet received.
I’ve broken their work into two playlists: the first covers their blues-rock beginnings, and the second their psychedelic work. Enjoy!
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