Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

SMACD830

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

2023-05-12

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Orchard

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

636551883023

Total Cap

Artist

The Pretty Things

Genre US

Rock-Pop

Label US

Snapper

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, Aerosmith, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, The White Stripes, Kasabian & many, many more.

The band first burst onto the scene in 1965 with a blend of raw, explosive R&B, this their debut album which reached no. 6 in the UK album charts. Over the course of several albums, they evolved into psychedelic pioneers, releasing the first ever rock opera, with ‘S.F. Sorrow’.

1972’s ‘Freeway Madness’ is the sixth album by the band, recorded without founding member Dick Taylor & long-term bassist Wally Waller. The album was the first for Warner Bros. & marked a change in direction sonically with Wally Waller on production duties. In retrospect, this feels like the first part of a musical trilogy along with ‘Silk Torpedo’ & ‘Savage Eye’. Phil May & Pete Tolson team up to do most of the writing, with lush harmonies aplenty & an overall more American radio-friendly sound.

‘Freeway Madness’ sits comfortably between the best of American rock of the time & is well worthy of fresh retrospection.

Freeway Madness

Music US