Small Faces may or may not be geniuses, but they strike me as moments of perfection. To this day, I'm confused what makes a Small Faces album. I think most of their records are a collection of 45 rpm singles and their b-sides. Their aesthetic is the 45 single, and therefore most of their albums are greatest hits collections. Yet, in 1968, after Sgt. Pepper (1967), and before "Tommy" (1969), The Small Faces made their conceptual or narrative album. "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" is not only that but also a highly designed album package, that is tricky to fold up or put the disc away in its packaging. I have to imagine it made a significant hit on the present and future graphic artists. And in fashion, just as important as the music inside the designed package.
Usually, when a recording artist decides to make a concept album, it has a huge theme of some sort. Sgt. Pepper is a made-up group, and the album's theme follows that method of narration, and of course, "Tommy" is a major statement from Pete Townshend with respect to his spirituality and perhaps a severe sexual relationship/abuse. On the other hand, Small Faces made a concept album about a fellow following or trying to locate a disappearing moon. And this is only on side two with a narrative spoken by British comedian who invented his own humorous language, "Unwinese." A language that has a few words in standard English, but the listener picks up or imagines that there is a consistency in what he's saying. Totally eccentric, and that is also the appeal of the Small Faces. A band that was driven by its love for Rhythm n' Blues, but on the other hand, they do have this secure connection to British music halls and the Cockney culture. It is this relationship between the two worlds that makes the Small Faces a great band.
"Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" is not really a masterpiece, but it's an enjoyable and unique album from 1968. I don't think the album could have been made outside of that era or year. It captures a certain innocence as well as the enjoyment of getting high and letting your mind wander into a recording studio. It is also interesting to note that this album was the work from the Small Faces. Steve Marriott left the band to form Humble Pie, with fellow pop star Peter Frampton of The Herd, who both wanted to investigate a heavier sound in their music and approach to that aesthetic. Still, "Ogden's" is an incredible combination of charm and classic Small Faces pop. "Afterglow," "Song of a Baker," "Lazy Sunday," (a song that Small Faces had mixed feelings about when it was released as a single by Immediate Records, but to me a classic work), and the more obscure "Happy Days Toy Town." One often thinks of the Small Faces being the flip of the coin with The Who on the other side. On some days, I think the Small Faces were a better band, but the truth is, both on a very street, but smart level, took their music to another platform or level. I only know a few people who "like" the Small Faces, but I know a lot more who "love" the Small Faces. It's a love that is richly accepted.
