Music Review : Small Faces, Big Footprints

Of all the classic British bands from the 1960's perhaps the band who have been dealt the most unfair deck has been the Small Faces. Rather unjustly viewed as a mere forerunner for Humble Pie and The Faces by many, or just a vehicle of convenience for two of the finest singers to have been produced in these isles in Rod Stewart and Steve Marriott, their own more than ample achievements seem to lie unrecognised.

Although there has been ample footage of the band from their prime, it is only now that we are able to see a quality DVD which brings all of these together. (Of course, YouTube has made much of this familiar along with DVD-R's shared amongst fans). My point about their status as part of the bigger picture is rather confirmed by the fact that this appears as part of a series under the heading of "British Invasion" (alongside acts like Dusty Springfield, Herman's Hermits and Gerry And The Pacemakers - you see what I mean?). Nevertheless, beggars can't be choosers and this is a superb and long anticipated addition to my collection.

Made up of TV appearances (both live and mimed) including their now legendary appearance on Colour Me Pop playing the thematically linked songs from Ogden's Nut Gone Flake, it's a thrilling reminder of just how innovative and experimental the band were and just how many excellent songs they have committed to eternal memory.

The quality of the songs simply reminds you that the records (and primarily those recorded for Immediate Records) deserve to be recognised as amongst the best of the era. And sonically, they have aged extremely well - certainly better than much of the early Stones as well as The Kinks (who always did suffer from sub-standard production in their 60's pomp).

Regarded by some as perhaps a little insubstantial owing to songs like Itchycoo Park and Lazy Sunday, their case is much strengthened by songs like Tin Soldier, Song Of A Baker and Afterglow. All great slices of psychedelia at its' peak.

The great tragedy of the band is that in an era where older bands can tread the boards with dignity and respect that we won't get to see them again. Steve Marriott was killed in a house fire in 1991, whilst Ronnie Lane died of pneumonia in 1997 following many years fighting multiple sclerocis. They would both just have been in their early sixties had they lived.

Nevertheless, their bandmates Ian McLagan and Kenny Jones continue to wave the flag and talk both movingly and passionately about their departed colleagues. (I did get to see McLagan perform last year with his Bump Band at King Tut's in Glasgow. A superb evening including more than a few Ronnie Lane songs, and ending with my meeting the man to scribble his name on his most recent album. Ian's had his share of tragedy in the last few years having lost his wife Kim to a needless road accident).

The Small Faces matter. Get this DVD, and then get the albums. You won't regret it.