Cheap There Are But Four Small Faces (Music) (Small Faces) Price

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Customer Reviews of There Are But Four Small Faces

No tartan terror here!
Okay, first i purchased a [$$$] dollar 2 disc set that was labeled "IMPORT IMPORT" all over it back in highschool. My father knew them from "Itchycoo park" fame, and said it was one of the first three or so singles to use phasing, and when he heard it in a car out in NJ, he thought it was something else.
I love the Small Faces very much; i have no idea why they failed to have the smash effect in the states that their contemporaries had. Maybe it was their poppiness- too slow, too unhip, just behind the big boys and the big moves. BUT, this is 1967- and a new label (Andrew "Loog" Oldham's Immediate). Of all the Marriott area albums, this is the topper- even beyond "Ogden's nut" i think. It has rich, tight (no songs over four min) tunes filled with harpsichords, organs, bells,fast forward effects, horns,and an assortment of drums over pianos, dual electric/acoustic guitars, and a great Marriott/Lane harmony. All songs are full blast, very very British, and irresitably catchy. And with the Japanese import, you get unmatched sound and mixing production. Take it. I did a few months ago, when it was 30 dollars. Its now cut in half, but it should have 19 tracks on it- extra stuff thats not too bad. My favorite cuts are every damn cut. Can i hype it up any more?
Marriott is not well liked by some listeners, but remember- he is playing lead guitar on the tracks, and laying down his soul. And quite a soul; i think Marriott captures his influences like no other singer from the British Isles. But thats just me. And another thing, is the cover not just 1967? "But the ticket, take the ride". Transmission ending...

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ONE OF THE MOST JOYOUS RECORDS EVER MADE!
When spring comes each year, it seems the blossoms, the smells, the whole intoxicating beauty of the thing passes much to fast. The spring of 2002 was different for us in Upstate NY. It was warm early, the blossoms came out, but then it turned colder and stayed that way for about three weeks, leaving everything in full bloom - like a frozen psychedelic wonderland. I love that kind of stuff.

Few albums are filled with as much youthful passion as this one. The songs are inspired, full of life and feeling. They burst with melody and the rhythms are so infectious that you can't sit still. The music is a soaring, heady experience much like the frozen spring beauty described above. There is an indescribable joy in these songs, and the sound of the group and the ever-so-passionate vocals of Steve Marriott only add to the intense enjoyment. This band could rock hard with the best of them - "Talk To You," "Get Yourself Together" and "Have You Ever Seen Me" - but with oodles of added finesse. "Itchycoo Park" sports alluring melodies and alluring lyrics and vocals...quite delicious. The special effects are grand! The band also hits you with a couple of heart-grabbing wonders like the gorgeous "I'm Only Dreaming" and the beautifully touching "Show Me The Way," with that enchanting harpsichord...so stately, so wonderful. And finally, is there a more orgasmic tune, anywhere by anyone, than "Tin Soldier"? It's rhapsodic beyond belief...you've got to hear it to believe it!

This album was released in the US in February of 1968, but the little charmer is really from 1967. Many of these songs were released on a British LP in June of '67. "Itchycoo Park" and "Tin Soldier" were both released as singles in '67 as well, so the album was quite late in coming to the States.

I got to know this album quite well before "Ogden's Nut Gone Flake" came along. I am thrilled with the brilliant "Ogden's," however I must be honest and say that it in no way surpassed "There Are But Four Small Faces." Much of "Ogden's" sounds derivative of this one. Some of the licks on "Ogden's" actually sound a bit cliché after this, and the passion isn't as intense. These are minor quibbles; "Ogden's" is a fantastic record. Although, I can't help but wonder if much of the hoopla concerning "Ogden's" is the "concept" thing - people seem to be enamored by it. Is "Ogden's a concept album? I'll partially agree that HALF of it might be, but certainly not in the way that, for example, "Days Of Future Passed" (Moody Blues) is a total concept - an idea that's dealt with throughout the album.

"There Are But Four Small Faces" is very dear to my heart. "Ogden's" is great, but this one will always be my favorite from this band. They just don't make music like this anymore. I urge you to buy this rhapsodic wonder, this most fabulous of albums. Ah, the spring air, the delight and beauty, the freshness of the colors...pure ecstasy!
Cheers,
Murray