Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

SMACD843

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2023-06-09

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Orchard

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

636551884327

Total Cap

Artist

The Pretty Things

Genre US

Rock-Pop

Label US

Madfish

The Pretty Things were an English R&B and Beat band from London, formed in 1963. They disbanded in late 2018. In September 2020, less than half a year after Phil May's death, the band released a final acoustic album featuring recordings from 2019.

Originally consisting of Phil May, Dick Taylor, Brian Pendleton, John Stax, and Viv Prince, The Pretty Things made their mark on the music scene with their unique sound. Over the years, they evolved and went through lineup changes but continued to captivate audiences with their music.

With Phil May's powerful vocals leading the way and the talented musicianship of Dick Taylor, Frank Holland, George Woosey, and Jack Greenwood in their final lineup before disbanding; The Pretty Things left behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the world of music.

Led by founding vocalist & guitarist Phil May & Dick Taylor, The Pretty Things, iconic 1st wave R&B cult heroes, created some of the most exciting & innovative records of the sixties, early seventies & beyond. Winners of the very first Mojo Hero Award, the band have been a massive success & a huge influence on artists as diverse as David Bowie, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, The White Stripes & many more.

With a stripped back & simplified line up, ‘Balboa Island’ was completed in 2007 by a core unit of four—Phil May, Dick Taylor, Frank Holland & Mark St. John—at Mark’s Cote Basque studio using vintage analogue equipment. Most of the songs were rooted in the blues, the final arrangements hashed out on the studio floor then tracked live with Dick playing bass & Frank handling most of the guitar parts. This organic, back- to-basics approach worked especially well on the deep, expansive numbers.

Outside of its dark, bluesy core, though, the album diverged into other territory. ‘Balboa Island’ is in many ways a coming-of age album for the Pretty Things, acknowledging their roots & recognizing their past discretions while moving into the future with a newfound sense of dignity. “It’s almost a wounded piece rather than a proud piece,” Phil confessed at the time. “I think this is a very honest album.”

Balboa Island

Music US