the Pretty Things

The story of the Pretty Things is actually intertwined with that of the Rolling Stones. Originally a member of the Stones (first as a guitarist and then as a bassist), Dick Taylor founded the Pretty Things with vocalist Phil May in 1964. Initially, the band was a hard R&B act reminiscent of Jagger & Co. However, while the Stones stayed true to their rootsy beginnings (only embracing pop psychedelia for brief semi-successful stretches), the Pretty Things enthusiastically threw themselves into the burgeoning mod-psych scene with 1967's Emotions.

It was not until 1968, though, that the band truly hit its stride with SF Sorrow, a concept album that ranks among the most influential of the 60s. If nothing else, it was almost certainly a point of reference for the Who as they worked on 1969's Tommy. Today's upload is "Bracelets of Fingers," the second track on the record. I've posted it for two reasons: 1) Lovely harmonies. 2) I'm a sucker for anything in 3/4 or 6/8.

Bracelets of Fingers

Also worth tracking down: Parachute, the band's 1970 effort. The first side of the record is particularly stunning.