"Bare as Bone, Bright as Blood" is the thirteenth and final studio album from the English rock band, The Pretty Things. Released on 25th September 2020, it marks their first album in eight years and sixty years in the music industry. Unfortunately, it was released posthumously following the death of the band's lead vocalist, Phil May. The album expands into folk and blues territories, making it a departure from the band's classic rock sound. The album is exclusively acoustic, featuring twelve tracks that exhibit emotionally charged performances and finely-crafted songwriting.
The album title "Bare as Bone, Bright as Blood” echoes the raw and stark nature of the recording, reflecting the candid and intensely emotive themes of the songs. The album concludes with "Did It For Love," a profoundly poignant testament to the band’s endurance and commitment to their craft. Despite age and deteriorating health, May’s vocals remained as compelling as ever. It was a fitting close from a band who has left an indelible impression on the landscape of rock music.
Several of the songs on the album serve as homages to their musical heroes, including Bob Dylan ("To Build A Wall"), Willie Dixon ("Can't Be Satisfied"), and Blind Willie Johnson ("God Morning Little Schoolgirl"). The other tracks are all original compositions written by May, Dick Taylor, and Jon Povey. With this final album, The Pretty Things bid a heartfelt farewell to their fans and left the stage with one last round of remarkable music.
