I began listening to the Pretty Things in March 2024.
The Pretty Things (1965): B-
Get the Picture? (1965): B-
S.F. Sorrow (1968): B-
The Pretty Things (1965):
Formed in 1963 by guitarist Dick Taylor, an early member of the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things developed a sound adjacent to the British Bad Boys that subbed out influence from Chuck Berry for Bo Diddley. Although built from this stellar pedigree, the Pretty Things lack in practically everything that made the Stones a success from the get-go. Phil May as a singer and Taylor as a lead guitarist don't impress beyond competence while that essential Bo Diddley beat isn't done justice by this rhythm section or in the final mix. For all the attitude and raw playing given, the band misses the mark for convincingly conveying them. B-
Get the Picture? (1965):
As the band's individual instrumental parts don't gracefully coalesce, Phil May's breathy vocals and sharp squeals continue to be unconvincing. This group simply lacks the talent, finesse, and artistry needed to get away with the hard-nosed blues rock they are trying to lay down. B-
S.F. Sorrow (1968):
Although the Stones-esque rock'n'roll was working well enough commercially for the Pretty Things, they emerged from the Summer of Love with an intriguing new sound: psychedelic baroque pop that most notably featured the sounds of Odessey Oracle and Pet Sounds. Not only that but they find ambition lyrically, writing what is often considered the first rock opera. This new direction sees them both reaching higher highs and hitting lower lows. While the silly story is lightweight and worthy of more than an eye roll, the music is well-executed and at times compelling, whether it's the guitar interweaving of "Balloon Burning," the densely packed Brian Wilson production of "Trust," or the acoustic lament of "Loneliest Person." But while the Pretty Things bring a novel point of view to the psychedelic era, their music ideas pan out as often as they don't and the vocals continue to be one of the weakest elements of their records. B-
