S.F. Sorrow was the fourth studio album in the UK and their first album for the UK Columbia label. The record saw the Pretty Things expand of their two non-album 1967 singles Defecting Grey and Talking About The Good Times. S.F. Sorrow has been described as the first ever true rock concept album (which is of course debatable.) What is not debatable is the album was absolutely stunning and is now justly regarded as one of the finest British rock albums ever made. Key tracks include S.F. Sorrow Is Born, Death, Baron Saturday, Balloon Burning, I See You, Trust, and the lethal Old Man Going (but in truth there is not a weak track on the whole album.) Though as good as the record was it failed to chart. It has been cited as a key influence on The Who's 1969 pop opera Tommy (though in recent years Who songwriter Pete Townshend denies this assertion, however listeners are urged to compare the opening chords of Old Man Going with The Who's Pinball Wizard.) The Pretty Things would strike gold again in 1970 with the album Parachute. UK singer Arthur Brown once said "The Pretty Things invented everything, and got credit for nothing." I agree with that 100%.
David Furgess
July 28, 2013
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