(1968) The Pretty Things - S.F.Sorrow

Review:
With their fourth overall album released in late 1968, The Pretty Things produced what was arguably the first true rock opera called SF Sorrow. The album was based on a short story by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Phil May, which tells the tragic story of the fictional Sebastian F. Sorrow, who grows increasingly mad and disillusioned as the story (and album) moves forward. Band members and some critics have claimed SF Sorrow was a major influence on The Who’s Tommy (released the following year) although Pete Townshend has claimed it had no influence on his writing. In any case, the eclectic styles of rock by The Pretty Things seemed to have a big influence on several later artists. Named after a Bo Diddley song from 1955, The Pretty Things evolved from a group called Little Boy Blue, which featured Keith Richards and Mick Jagger and guitarist Dick Taylor. All three joined Brian Jones’ and Ian Stewart’s band, called “Rollin’ Stones”, but Taylor quit after a few months to study at art school. Here he joined up with May and manager Bryan Morrison to form the original incarnation of The Pretty Things. Through 1964 and 1965, the group had a handful hit singles in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries, but they never broke though in the United States.

Tracklist:
01 S.F. Sorrow Is Born
02 Bracelets Of Fingers
03 She Says Good Morning
04 Private Sorrow
05 Balloon Burning
06 Death
07 Baron Saturday
08 The Journey
09 I See You
10 Well Of Desitiny
11 Trust
12 Old Man Going
13 Loneliest Person

Summary:
Country: UK
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock