Customer Reviews

78 in the Shade

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The first Small Faces reunion LP, Playmates, sounded like a group that had been thrown together at random, like the Monkees without the all-star support. But this second reunion LP they had a groove again, if not the great qualities of their Immediate and earlier work. So worth having. "Filthy Rich" is a lovely bit of Cockney gutter rock, and Rod Stewart would have had a meal of it if he dared to ever step into Steve Marriott's vocal shoes. If you aren't expecting "Autumn Stone", you'll like it a lot.

If "78 in the Shade" had been released by another band not called Small Faces, it may well have received glowing reviews. Fitting in nicely alongside Steve Marriott's "Marriott" solo album from 1976 and the work he went on to do when he was re-united with Ronnie Lane in The Legendary Majik Mijits, "78" is a smooth, soul-infused gem of a record with many stand-out tracks, none finer than "Stand By Me (Stand By You)" and "Too Many Crossroads". Marriott's voice is in fine form, the songs are equal parts rock/soul with some folk touches sprinkled throughout. Don't think too much about the mighty Small Faces 60's legacy and give this great record another spin.

78 is not Ogdens, but 78 is not 68 either.

Marriott is 10 years older and is a different person, so of course, so is his music. He did NOT try to replicate the Small Faces of yesteryear at all, and that is hard for some to grasp.

78 is a different creature and has some outstanding performances, Too Many Crossroads and Soldier Boy are as good as anything Marriott's ever done.

If you like Marriott, you'll like 78. If you want happydaystoytown, you'll be disappointed.

Steve Marriott was always the heart and soul of the Small Faces, a virtuoso songwriter, singer, guitarist and producer. He and his band mates shine on this very worthwhile musical excursion.

No heart (Ronnie Lane), no soul (Rod Stewart), someone pull the plug.