Small Faces - Here Come the Nice

The joy, swagger and power of some rock bands-as documented on their prime-period recordings-never diminishes one iota. One such band is Small Faces, who are celebrated as never before in this simply stunning new set. In the wake of the death of Ian McLagan (who curated this with Kenney Jones) and of the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this box arrives bearing 75 songs: every Small Faces hit and every A- and B-side released on Immediate Records plus a wealth of unreleased recordings, outtakes, alternate versions, live performances and (get ready for this) previously unheard sessions from Olympic, Trident and IBC Studios. Recently discovered multi-tracks unearthed a lot of these treasures, and a 72-page hardback book keeps the treasures coming via unseen photos, rare memorabilia, new essays and loving reminiscences by Pete Townshend, Robert Plant, David Bowie, Peter Frampton, Paul Weller, Nick Mason and more. Now, on to the music. Let's start with the vinyl: you get three replica 7" EPs of the rarest Small Faces vinyl (1967) including a "Small Faces" album sampler, the "Here Come the Nice" four-song French EP in a picture sleeve and the "Itchycoo Park" four-song French EP (also in a picture sleeve). You also get a replica studio acetate: the Olympic Sound Studios one-off acetate pressing for Andrew Loog-Oldham of "Mystery" On the 4 CDs: "Tin Soldier," "Here Come the Nice," "Green Circles," "Itchycoo Park," "Lazy Sunday," "I Feel Much Better," "Mad John," "Red Balloon," "Rollin' Over," "All or Nothing" and more including all those previously alluded-to alternate versions. Topping off this wondrous set: two large posters, an "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" press kit, fine art prints (from the 1967 "Itchycoo Park" photo sessions), five collectible postcards there were but four Small Faces, but this is one big beautiful box! Snapper UK.