Record Reviews

SMALL FACES ~ FROM THE BEGINNING (DELUXE EDITION) DECCA 602527813417 (Barcode: 602527813417) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2012 Following the release of their eponymous debut album British group Small FacesFind albums by this artist decided to change their management and record label, switching to the ill-fated ImmediateFind albums on this label label owned by Andrew OldhamFind albums by this artist. In response their former manager Don ArdenFind albums by this artist and former record label DeccaFind albums on this label responded by releasing this album, which is a collection of singles, outtakes and early version of material intended for their next album. For most groups such a potpourri of unrelated tracks would have smelled disaster, but the Small Faces were anything but just another group, and the music included herein is a fascinating glimpse at a period in music history, when rapid developments in Music transformed simple elements of early popular music into sophisticated artistic expressions, a journey which most of the musicians involved made often completely subconsciously. The recordings included on this album are a time capsule, luckily preserved by the recording technology, documenting this process for one particular group, but they are characteristic of the entire generation in UK and all over the world. Small Faces were definitely one of the best British groups emerging in the mid-1960, although the rate of their success was significantly less spectacular than many of their contemporaries. Nevertheless the group managed to produce some brilliant Pop / Psychedelic gems in the relatively short period of time they existed, which are part of the Pop / Rock Pantheon and will stay there forever. They group was fronted by one of the most charismatic and talented British musicians of the 1960s / 1970s, vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Steve MarriottFind albums by this artist. Marriott´s husky voice and incredible delivery knew few equals, as did his prophetic guitar licks, which heralded the inevitable arrival of Hard Rock. Alongside Marriott the band also included bassist Ronnie LaneFind albums by this artist, who also co-wrote most of the bands original material with Marriott, drummer Kenney JonesFind albums by this artist and organist Ian McLaganFind albums by this artist, who was the last to join the band´s celebrated and stable lineup (he replaced an early member Jimmy WinstonFind albums by this artist). Together these four young musicians started a journey, which would last for just over three years and three albums, which are in retrospect an integral part of the 1960s incredible heritage. This deluxe edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes alternate versions and alternate mixes of the album tracks, singles and to the original album in glorious mono. This is an essential piece of music history, which should not be missed!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend