The Pretty Things – S. F. Sorrow

Released in 1968, S. F. Sorrow is often cited as one of the earliest rock concept albums—predating Tommy by The Who—and tells the story of Sebastian F. Sorrow’s life from birth through disillusionment and despair. Psychedelic, experimental, and brimming with British underground flair, the album was a radical departure from The Pretty Things’ earlier R&B-driven sound. It weaves fuzz guitar, sitar, orchestration, and studio effects into a surreal sonic tapestry that mirrors the narrative’s emotional arc.

While it didn't gain commercial traction at the time, S. F. Sorrow later earned cult status for its innovation and daring. From the melancholic “Bracelets of Fingers” to the dynamic “Baron Saturday,” the album balances whimsical imagination with haunting darkness. It's a cornerstone of British psychedelia and a precursor to the rock opera, showcasing The Pretty Things at their most ambitious.

Reviews

“A psychedelic masterpiece that was ahead of its time.” – Mojo

“The first rock opera, and still one of the best.” – Classic Rock

“Imaginative and emotionally resonant… an underground classic.” – AllMusic

“An essential document of the psychedelic era.” – The Quietus

“Raw, inventive, and vastly underrated.” – Record Collector