1968's S.F. Sorrow is arguably the first concept album ever recorded (although depending on what your definition of a concept is, that point can be debated). It traces the story of a man called Sebastian Sorrow from birth to his eventual demise across a largely dark journey, as one could probably determine when a song title called 'Death' turns up halfway through. Musically though, this is also a landmark album featuring some great psychedelic moments on, in particular the intense riff that propels 'Balloon Burning' and the maddening, effects-laden spiral that concludes 'Baron Saturday' bookending the despair on 'Death' where Phil May's vocals stink of dislocation and regret; somehow one gets the feeling that this story doesn't have a happy ending. Along with 'Odessey And Oracle' by The Zombies this is one of those lost great rock albums which has only been appreciated retrospectively; it would quite feasibly be hailed as a masterpiece if it was released today. The reissue also contains some superb extra tracks including old favourite 'Defecting Grey' and a fogotten classic in the shape of 'Talkin' About The Good Times'.