There Are But Four Small Faces

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