Small Faces
Steve Marriott
Vocals, Guitar
Ronnie Lane
Bass, Vocals
Ian McLagan
Keyboards, Vocals
Kenney Jones
Drums
Location: Newham, London, England
Genre: Rock, Mod, British Rhythm & Blues
Years Active: 1965 - 1969; 1975 - 1978
Meaning of the Name: 'Small' because the band members were all under 5'6. 'Face' in mod culture meant a fashionable leader.
Way of Working: Led by by Marriott and Lane
Associated: The Faces
Essential Releases
Small Faces (1967)
Their first release on Immediate Records. Begins the band's journey into the psychedelic.
Ogdens' Nut
Gone Flake (1968)
A combination of mod and psych with a strange fairy tale of a second half.
The Small Faces were the authentic centre of mod music who topped the UK album chart in 1968 with Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake. However, the diminutive quartet failed to join bands such as The Beatles in conquering the gigantic US market, having an appeal that lay closer to home.
The members legitimacy came from being mods before forming a band. As four working-class lads from Newham, East London, they, like many others, enjoyed the economic prosperity of the 1960s, spending their disposable income on tailored suits and neat haircuts to impress the ladies. The sense of optimism was palpable.
With money in their pockets the mods presented themselves as sophisticated, 'snappy' dressers, rebelling against inherited class-based identities and embracing overseas influences from France and Italy, as well as the US.
While fashion and language were a key part of mod identity, American soul and R&B were the cornerstones that built the music. Tracks such as the anthemic 'All or Nothing', with its gliding choruses empowered by the dramatic tenor of Steve Marriott's vocals, are undoubtedly American in origin, but were transformed by the band to appeal to British audiences.
The restless energy of in-demand young people was interpreted musically as intense high energy that made it distinct from soul and R&B. Earning a reputation as one of the best live bands of their era, The Small Faces combined the raw authenticity of their stage performances with revolutionary studio techniques such as flanging, on 'Itchycoo Park' that marked their transition into psychedelic music.
The prominent 'swoosh' generated by flanging was so recognisable it became synonymous with the genre; artists such as Jimi Hendrix quickly incorporated it into their work. This willingness to experiment culminated in 1968's Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (1968), which stands as one of the first concept albums ever made.
The Small Faces were key figures in both mod and psychedelic music, but the best evidence of their lasting impact is in the anglocentricity of Britpop. The Beatles were undeniably foundational, but in terms of attitude, nationalistic swagger, and the inclusion of British urban narratives, The Small Faces were, perhaps, even more important.
Skills
*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.Emotional Impact
85
Mental Impact
70
Originality
95
Artistry
95
Authenticity
95
Live
100
Production
90
Musicianship
85
Singing
90
Songwriting
85
Danceability
70
Fun
75
Consistency
70
Range
85
Cool
65
Charisma
85
Commercial & Critical Success
Awards
Certifications >>>
- Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake - Gold in the UK
Charts >>>
- Small Faces - Number 3 in the UK
- Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake - Number 1 in the UK; Number 6 in Germany
