Faces-Long Player (1971)

Towards the end of 1968, Steve Marriott decided to pursue his own solo career, later forming the enduring Humble Pie with Peter Frampton. This left Small Faces without their lead guitarist and one of their most prolific songwriters. However, the remaining members Ronnie Lane (bass and vocals), Kenny Jones (drums), and Ian McLagan (keyboards), decided to reform the band, adding a new guitarist, Ron Wood, and expanding the lineup with vocalist Rod Stewart. This new incarnation shortened the name to simply Faces, and they enjoyed a short but triumphant career, releasing four superb albums focused on uninhibited and straightforward rock and roll. After their self-titled debut album in 1970, which already hinted at their powerful rock style with touches of psychedelia, they released what would be their definitive breakthrough: the splendid album "Long Player", released a year later. Following in the footsteps of their predecessor's energetic rock and roll, Faces crafted one of the most compelling albums of the early 70s, as demonstrated by the raw rock and roll tracks "Bad 'n' Ruin", "Maybe I'm Amazed", and "Had Me a Real Good Time". On the other hand, the bluesy "Tell Everyone", the southern country "Sweet Lady Mary", and the extended version of Big Bill Broonzy's classic blues, "I Feel So Good", showcased the wide-ranging versatility of a group that, at the end of that same year, would release one of rock music's masterpieces with the seminal album "A Nod Is As Good As A Wink...To A Blind Horse".