Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

SMACD839

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

636551883924

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.

‘Rage Before Beauty’ was the band’s first album in 19 years & the summation of a near two decade relationship with newfound manager & producer Mark St. John. Phil & Dick had kept the Pretty Things’ name alive through the ‘80’s & ‘90’s, touring Europe with various line-ups & notching up a few low-key releases, but they’d basically been treading water. After years of toiling in the trenches, the Pretty Things were soaring through the skies again. Their triumphant return was emphasised with this release.

More than an hour in length, the album unveiled some of their strongest material in decades, including the rousing, high-energy opener ‘Passion Of Love’, the cool, Bo Diddley-grooved ‘Vivian Prince’, the smart, playful ‘Not Givin’ In’, ‘Pure Cold Stone’, ‘Blue Turns To Red’ & the tender acoustic piece ‘Fly Away’, the latter recorded live in one take. Phil, singing with a new-found resonance, bares his soul on ‘Love Keeps Hangin’’. Ronnie Spector also makes a memorable guest appearance alongside Phil on ‘Mony, Mony’— a pair of seasoned veterans still at the top of their game.

‘Rage Before Beauty’ is overloaded with riches & continues to impress all these years later.

...Rage Before Beauty

Music US