Well, today is November 18th, so that must mean that Rod Stewart and crew had their “Faces Reunion” rehearsal. I wonder how it went?
I was glad to see the response to last weekend’s post on The Faces, it’s good to see that their popularity has not waned as much as some might have thought. Rod Stewart’s solo career by far eclipses that of his work with the band, and Ron Wood’s work with The Rolling Stones has been just as fruitful… so again, it’s great to see that so many of you are still fans of their earlier collaboration.
Now, I consider the Spin of the Week posting just a nod in their direction… to really fully celebrate them, here is a bootleg from this classic band.
I don’t have any information on this bootleg, but my guess would be that it was recorded sometime in 1970 in support of their debut album, when they were still called either “The Small Faces” or just “The Faces.” I’ve come to this conclusion simply because of the song listing… there are no songs past that first album… plus the MC announces them as “The Small Faces.”
If anyone out there has more info on this bootleg, please share it with us!
“Devotion,” the opening number, is just frikkin’ amazing. Stewart opens the song by saying, “Here’s the first number, which must be taken in earnest,” which is a way of telling the crowd that they are not, in fact, devoted to anyone in particular. Sure does send the right message to the ladies, doesn’t it?
The sound quality of this bootleg isn’t the greatest, but it’s good enough to get the job done. All the instruments can be heard… and it’s nice to hear that McLagan’s keyboards were turned up, especially the B3 organ. His playing still astounds me. Just take a listen to his Wurlitzer introduction to “Country Comforts.” So smooth… so smooth.
And Rod Stewart’s voice is just soaring here, proving why he was in so much demand back then. Keep in mind that during his time with The Faces, he had a solo career going on as well, releasing album after album right in time with The Faces’ releases. His output in the late 60’s and early 70’s rivals some current band’s complete catalog.
But with a voice like THAT, you gotta share it as much as you can, right?
The unfortunate thing about this bootleg is that I’m afraid I don’t have the entire show… which is a sincere disappointment because right at the end of “Cut Across Shorty,” you can hear Rod Stewart say, “I tell you what, we’re just about warming up.”
CRAP.
Man, I really hope the rehearsals went well yesterday… it would be WILD to be able to hear the rest of this concert live and in person!
By the way, thank you all for taking the time to visit TheFrontloader.com. The site is continuing to grow, and I sincerely hope you are enjoying what we’re doing here. If you have any comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to drop us an email from the contact page. We’re always interested in knowing how we can improve this site.
Buy Their Stuff: The Faces
Your Dig-It Downloads:
Download: Devotion
Download: You’re My Girl
Download: Wicked Messenger
Download: Country Comforts
Download: Flying
Download: I Want To Be Loved
Download: Cut Across Shorty
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i think the bootleg you speak of was a well done audience tape, that was originally a vinyl bootleg titled “plynth” (the number stewart/wood helped write with the jeff beck group, that the faces used to do as a ron wood slide guitar showcase)
Thanks for the tunes, good way to start the morning.
Oh man! You are making me happy!!
“Country Comforts”, love that song!! Definitely one of my “when the music hit me” songs.
“Can you put a bit o echo on me microphone?”, love that!
I’m sure they did “Cindy Incidently” in this set, you need to find it man!!!
That’s a very cool picture of the band. The posts you’ve done on these guys have been very interesting. I didn’t know much about them aside from some of their songs (or about Rod Stewart’s solo career pre-crooner), so really enjoyed reading. Thank you!
Very cool! Thank you for the info! “Around the Plynth” is an AWESOME song! I have a live performance of that somewhere around here… will look for it!
LOL! I love that stage chatter!
I really like these songs! I have always loved Rod. Saw him in concert one time. He was amazing! Thanks!