Album Review: Pretty Penny by The Picadors
Released in 1991 under Crackpot Records, Pretty Penny by The Picadors is a lesser-known gem in the alternative rock scene that deserves more ears. Hailing from the US, this album doesn’t just stick to one flavor of rock—it dips its toes into raw emotion, storytelling, and gritty instrumentation. With thirteen tracks clocking in at just over an hour, it’s got enough meat on its bones to keep listeners hooked.
The opening track, “Every Heart Bleeds,” kicks things off with a bang—or rather, a slow burn. It starts quiet, almost hesitant, but builds into this cathartic wave of guitars and vocals dripping with melancholy. You can’t help but feel like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s innermost thoughts. By the time the chorus hits, it feels less like listening to music and more like living through a moment. This song sticks because it doesn’t try too hard; it lets the emotion do the talking.
Another standout is “Cary and Cyndy.” If you’re looking for quirky storytelling wrapped in crunchy guitar riffs, this one’s for ya. The lyrics paint such vivid pictures—you can practically see Cary tripping over his own feet while Cyndy rolls her eyes in the background. It’s not your typical love song (thank goodness), but instead something messier, funnier, and way more relatable. What makes it memorable isn’t just the catchy hooks or clever wordplay—it’s how human it feels.
Tracks like “Sad House Waltz” bring a darker, brooding energy to the mix, while “Mustang” revs up the tempo with a swagger that screams road trip anthem. Meanwhile, “Kerosene” burns slow and steady, leaving behind a trail of introspection long after it fades out. Each song adds its own shade to the album’s overall palette, making Pretty Penny feel cohesive yet unpredictable.
Sure, there are moments where the production shows its age—this is a ‘90s record, after all—but that rough-around-the-edges quality only adds charm. These aren’t polished pop tunes designed to dominate charts; they’re honest, heartfelt slices of life set to music.
Reflecting on Pretty Penny, it strikes me as the kind of album people stumble upon accidentally and then cling to like a secret treasure. Maybe it didn’t light up the mainstream when it came out, but maybe that’s okay. Sometimes art doesn’t need to shout to be heard. And hey, if nothing else, it proves that even obscure albums have the power to leave a mark. Who knew a band called The Picadors could make me care so much about two fictional characters named Cary and Cyndy?
