description The Pretty Things - S.F. Sorrow Overview
S. F. Sorrow is a 1968 album by the English rock band the Pretty Things and an early example of a rock concept album built around a continuous narrative. Drawing on a story by singer Phil May, it follows the title character through childhood, war, bereavement, and old age.
Its combination of psychedelic production, recurring narrative ideas, and British rock songwriting is intended for listeners exploring the development of album-length storytelling in popular music.
help The Pretty Things - S.F. Sorrow FAQ
What story does S.F. Sorrow tell from beginning to end?
Phil May's narrative follows Sebastian F. Sorrow from his birth through factory work, war, love, bereavement, and embittered old age. Songs such as "Private Sorrow," "Balloon Burning," and "Old Man Going" mark major turns in that life.
Did S.F. Sorrow come out before The Who's Tommy?
Yes, the Pretty Things released S.F. Sorrow in 1968, while The Who released Tommy in 1969. Both sustain a narrative across an album, although the bands and their listeners have disputed how directly one project influenced the other.
Who produced S.F. Sorrow and where was it recorded?
Norman Smith produced the album at EMI's Abbey Road Studios, where he had previously engineered recordings by the Beatles. The Pretty Things used Mellotron, sitar, tape effects, and layered studio production to create its psychedelic sound.
Did the Pretty Things ever perform the whole S.F. Sorrow album live?
They presented it in full at Abbey Road Studios in 1998 with guests including David Gilmour and Arthur Brown. The performance was streamed online and subsequently released as Resurrection.
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