The Pretty Things
Album: Bouquets From A Cloudy Sky
Label: Madfish
Tracks: Boxset
Website: http://www.theprettythings.com

Anyone who had an interest in popular music in the 1960's will already be aware of The Pretty Things. If you are not sure of what the band is all about, think of the Rolling Stones with more attitude and hair.

This Box Set has been produced to celebrate the band's 50th anniversary although only two of the original members remain, Phil May and Dick Taylor. Over the years a multitude of musicians have come and gone.

The band has made a number of studio and live albums over the years and most of these are included in the box set. I have been sent a single CD to review which contains "Rosalyn" and "Don't Bring me Down" arguably their two most famous songs. They both sound as wild and gritty as they did back in the day. If you like your music raw and dynamic, then The Pretty Things are definitely for you.

There have been some wonderful tributes to the band from other musicians: "The Pretty Things made the Stones look tame." - David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) "The Pretty Things were the biggest influence on us... they invented garage bands." - Joey Ramone "The Pretty Things completely bent my head." - Noel Gallacher. This band is definitely not The Carpenters!!!

It is bordering on the impossible to review a box set when I have only one CD to listen to, albeit a very good one. The box set itself contains: 11 Studio Albums, 2 Rarities CDs, 2 DVDs, a 10 inch acetate, a 100 page hardback book, family tree and testimonial posters, court case history ( I would love to read this) and finally a brand new art print from Phil May.

You could say that this set is the absolute pinnacle for all Pretty Things fans' dreams and their desire for further knowledge of the band. However, it does come at a cost; £125 for pre-order from the website above! It does not state whether P&P is included but I would hope it is. I believe it is also a limited edition with a 2000 run.

So, if you like the band and have £125 to spare, this will be a great addition to your music collection. If you are not sure, go for one of the many studio albums, preferably from the early days when the band was at the peak of its musical prowess, at least in my opinion.

Rory Stanbridge