A Turning Point in a Transformative Year
The first half of 1966 had already gifted Britain a wave of adventurous singles, but the latter half of the year continued to push boundaries in its own understated way. July 1966 may not have been the most explosive month on the charts, yet it delivered its fair share of compelling 45s and fascinating backstories — records that still feel like quiet signposts pointing toward psychedelic and progressive pop.
The Troggs Strike Again: “With a Girl Like You”
A Straightforward Hit with Unlikely Charm
July opened with The Troggs’ third single, “With a Girl Like You,” penned by lead vocalist Reg Presley and recorded at Olympic Studios, London. Unlike “Wild Thing,” this song lacked spoken breakdowns and quirky tempo shifts, yet it introduced a new gimmick—Presley’s scat-like melodic replies at the end of each line.
The New Musical Express praised the track as a “catchy mid-tempo tune… simple in construction and quickly assimilated.” Listeners agreed. Despite critics dismissing The Troggs as unhip and unprogressive, the single soared to No. 1 in Britain and into the top five across Europe.
A Legacy Beyond Its Release
Though dismissed by some at the time, the song’s influence endured—most notably resurfacing when the MC5 delivered a blistering cover on Kick Out the Jams in 1969.
Pet Sounds Fever Reaches Britain
An American Masterpiece—and a British Obsession
While The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds received only modest acclaim in the States, Britain embraced it wholeheartedly. Critics hailed it as “the most progressive pop album ever released,” and fans kept it in the UK Top 20 for 32 weeks, peaking at No. 2.
British Bands Rush to Cover the New Sound
July 1966 witnessed an unusual wave: British groups issuing Pet Sounds covers as singles.
Among them:
- Tony Rivers & The Castaways – the first UK band to attempt a Pet Sounds cover (though overshadowed by the Beach Boys’ own simultaneous single release).
- The Factotums, The Art Movement, Robb Storme, and The Seftons – each offering their take on “Here Today.”
- Peanut – releasing a version of “Waiting for the Day.”
None equalled the originals, but together they demonstrated the album’s enormous influence on UK musicians.
Donovan’s Delayed Masterpiece: “Sunshine Superman”
A Psychedelic Single Out of Time
Though recorded in December 1965 and intended for a January 1966 release, “Sunshine Superman” was delayed due to contractual disputes. It finally debuted in America in July 1966. – where it hit No. 1 – yet didn’t reach British shops until December.
A Hidden Supergroup
The recording featured future Led Zeppelin members:
- Jimmy Page – guitar
- John Paul Jones – bass
By the time of the UK release, the track had already become a club staple through imports alone, eventually peaking at No. 2.
Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band: Club Favourites Without Chart Luck
“Big Time Operator” – Their Moment in the Spotlight
Known for their electric live performances – and for launching the career of Andy Summers (later of The Police) – Zoot Money’s band released “Big Time Operator” in July. The Melody Maker celebrated its “jumping uptempo modern blues” and humorous lyrics.
Despite mixed reception among purists, it reached No. 25, the band’s greatest chart success before disbanding and reforming as Dantalion’s Chariot later that year.
Manfred Mann’s New Era Begins
Paul Jones Departs—Mike D’Abo Steps In
July brought major upheaval as lead singer Paul Jones left Manfred Mann for a solo career. With doubts swirling, the remaining members recruited Mike D’Abo, debuting with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman.”
The Record Mirror called it “a gigantic hit,” praising D’Abo’s seamless fit. The single climbed to No. 10, proving the band’s resilience – while Jones’ solo ambitions never fully ignited.
The Merseys and a Missed Pete Townshend Hit
After scoring big with “Sorrow”, The Merseys released a new single written by none other than Pete Townshend. Despite glowing reviews – particularly Penny Valentine’s rave in Disc—the record failed to chart.
Townshend would later record his own version with The Who, but he had originally written the composition specifically for The Merseys.
Chris Curtis: From The Searchers to “Aggravation”
A Brilliant but Troubled Innovator
After six years shaping The Searchers’ signature harmonies and songwriting, drummer Chris Curtis departed the band in mid-1966 following a chaotic Australian tour marked by exhaustion, substance use, and increasing mental health struggles.
A Star-Studded Solo Single
Curtis returned in July with “Aggravation,” written by Joe South and featuring an extraordinary lineup:
- Jimmy Page – guitar
- Joe Moretti – guitar
- John Paul Jones – bass
- Bobby Graham – drums
Though praised on pirate radio, it never charted. Curtis would, however, soon conceive the concept behind a new band – Deep Purple, formed from his original vision, Roundabout.
Glenda Collins: Joe Meek’s Underrated Gem
Produced by sonic pioneer Joe Meek, Glenda Collins released a series of overlooked singles now beloved by collectors. Her July release, “It’s Hard to Believe It,” combined political themes with sci-fi effects – too daring for Pye Records, who hesitated due to its subject matter.
The track was barely reviewed, received little airplay, and ultimately became Collins’ last single before Meek’s death in early 1967. Today, it stands as a striking example of Meek’s distinctive 60s pop vision.
The Majority: A B-Side Treasure
Formed in Hull, The Majority released eight singles between 1965 and 1968. Their July 1966 B-side—often considered vastly superior to its A-side – has appeared on countless compilations and become a sought-after collector’s item, with copies selling for over £300. Yet despite underground acclaim, the single did not chart.
Even the Greats Struggle: The Pretty Things & The Action
The Pretty Things
With several strong singles behind them but limited commercial success, The Pretty Things were pressured by their label to cover a Ray Davies composition. The result fell short of their usual fire, sounding more like an obligation than inspiration—though its B-side better reflected their true sound.
The Action
Beloved by mod fans and known for Reg King’s soulful vocals, The Action released two soul covers in July (“Baby You’ve Got It” and “Since I Lost My Baby”). The single received mixed reviews and quietly disappeared from the charts.
