I began listening to the Small Faces in May 2024. I had already listened to the Faces, a band formed by ex-members of the Small Faces, in mid-2021.
Small Faces (1966): B-
Small Faces (1967): B
Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (1968): C
Small Faces (1966):
This debut showcases a groundbreaking, albeit still juvenile, hard rock London band. Steve Marriott's scratchy and powerful voice leads a raw and angular rock group who push the genre to surprisingly heavy places for 1966. Indeed, Led Zeppelin stole more from this band than their arrangement of "You Need Loving" for "Whole Lotta Love" in 1969. Personalities in the band seem okay--both Marriott and Lane probably have ceilings of talent and likeability (that is, they can only get slightly better) but they're okay nonetheless. While there is still room for improvement in songwriting, their instrumental prowess and ingenuity is clear. B-
Small Faces (1967):
After releasing their debut on Decca in 1966, the Small Faces signed with Immediate Records and released another self-titled album in 1967. Songwriting sees a significant upgrade, which--paired with their already established talents--prove that this is a solid group hitting something of a peak. Unfortunately, Marriott's and Lane's vocals hold back these songs from becoming canon. They sound pretty good harmonizing but they just aren't that interesting as solo vocalists and that only becomes more apparent as everything else aligns. B
Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (1968):
As with practically everyone else in England around this time, the Small Faces get the concept album bug and promptly release a delusional, malnourished fever dream of psychedelia. Side one is okay (besides a fun instrumental to open the album, there's not much that inspiration) but side two kicks off a fantastical story that is frequently interrupted by unfunny narration. C
