In theory, this is a band that yells out "in mono" and not digitalized. Small Faces is a series of moments that are brilliant. The ultimate 'mod' band that could have taken over the world, but somehow kept missing the bus, train, or boat to the journey to conquer the world. Small Faces were the perfect combo - a great lead singer, with excellent support from the other three, and all were small in height. The foundation to their sound is dynamic R n' B but done in garage style fashion. Their songs were not art statements, but an excellent observation of the world around them. "My Mind's Eye" (one of the great psych songs), "Hey Girl" (one of the best "Hey" songs), "All or Nothing," and their non-original song "What'cha Gonna Do About It."
This is youth music made by youth. With that in mind, Small Faces were totally fucked in the management department, where they had to shop on the owner's dime. The great thing about Steve Marriott is that he's from a big showbiz planet. He was in the original production of "Oliver," and had quite a history even before Small Faces. Ronnie Lane (his co-writer and the equal half), the great organ playing by Ian McLagan, and the crazed drumming by Kenny Jones. All four elements equal a great sense of noise and purpose.
Historically and culturally one often compares Small Faces to The Who. They do share a vibe, in that both early careers (for Small Faces it was only 'early') seemed to be a mirror image of each other. Pete Townshend is very much the observer who had school smarts, but Marriott and company's intelligence comes from the streets. These four lads lived hard. And that aspect comes through their music. "From The Beginning" is a fantastic album. It grooves from side one to the end of side two Totally Mod-tastic.
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