Get the Picture?

Released in December 1965, 'Get the Picture?' is the definitive sophomore statement from The Pretty Things. While their debut was a pure R&B explosion, this follow-up sees the band beginning to experiment with more complex songwriting, including the Jimmy Page-assisted 'You Don’t Believe Me.' The album is a crucial link in the evolution of garage rock, moving away from simple Bo Diddley covers toward a more original, aggressive sound. The recording sessions were famously chaotic, featuring a rotating cast of legendary session drummers like Bobby Graham alongside the band's own wild-man percussionist Viv Prince. This instability actually aids the album's frantic energy. Critics often cite this record as the point where the band surpassed the Rolling Stones in terms of sheer sonic grit, even if they never matched their commercial success. The 18-track reissue is particularly valuable as it collects the essential non-album singles from the era, such as 'Come See Me,' which further cement the band's status as proto-punk pioneers.