October 28, 2019

1968 - January: Small Faces “There Are But Four Small Faces”

27 minutes

One of the most famous of the British "mod" groups, Small Faces was founded by Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston (although Winston had been replaced by Ian McLagan by this album). Small Faces was solidly in the psychedelic rock category. Small Faces toured with The Who, a group also known as a "mod" group. The name comes from the fact that all the members were under 5' 9". There Are But Four Small Faces was an international alternative to their eponymous second album released in 1967 in Britain.

Talk to You

This song was a more blues-oriented track than psychedelic.

Here Come the Nice

This track is a more typical psychedelic song, and was surprisingly able to make it past the censors of the day, since it was a tribute to a drug dealer.

Itchycoo Park

This song is a tale of kids skipping school and drinking in a place they called Itchycoo Park. They really didn't intend to release this track, but it went to number 16 in the U.S. anyway. However, this song was banned by the censors in the UK.

Tin Soldier

Marriott wrote this more rock-oriented song, and took it with him when he went to Humble Pie. It was written for a model named Jenny Rylance, whom he would later marry.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Theme from Rowan & Martin's "Laugh-In"

This edgy show premiered in January 1968

STAFF PICKS:

“Think” by Aretha Franklin

Bruce's staff pick is from the Queen of Soul, off her 13th studio album. This was the only song off the album that was written by Franklin.

“Different Drum” by The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt

Ronstadt's vocals on this track make this style of performance the sound that would define this song, though it would be covered multiple times.

“Judy in Disguise (with Glasses)” by John Fred and His Playboy Band

Brian's staff pick was a parody of the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," a parody that John Lennon enjoyed. Brian knew John Fred during his childhood in Baton Rouge, so this is a staff pick with special meaning.

“Bend Me, Shape Me” by American Breed

This horn-driven piece is another song that was recorded by a number of groups, but this is the best known version. American Breed would be a one-hit wonder, but would have success writing commercial jingles.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Love is Blue” by Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra

This orchestral instrumental song was a top hit at the time.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings