Album Information:

About Small Faces:

Small Faces were an influential British rock band that formed in London in the early 1960s. Comprising Steve Marriott (lead vocals, guitar), Ronnie Lane (bass), Kenney Jones (drums), and Jimmy Winston (keyboards), the group developed a reputation for their hard-edged rhythm and blues sound, infused with elements of psychedelia, soul, and pop.

Small Faces released their earliest recordings on the Decca label, including the hit single 'What'cha Gonna Do About It' in 1965. The band soon signed with Immediate Records, a label founded by former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, which allowed them greater creative control over their music.

In 1967, Small Faces released their breakthrough album, 'Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake,' which featured the classic singles 'Lazy Sunday' and 'Tin Soldier.' The album showcased the band's adventurous musical experimentation, incorporating elements of folk, country, and avant-garde sounds.

However, internal tensions within the band began to surface, with Marriott's increasing drug use and clashes with Lane over creative direction leading to the guitarist's departure in 1969 to form the band Humble Pie. The remaining members continued as The Faces with the addition of Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, while Lane went on to form his own band, Slim Chance.

Despite their relatively short lifespan, Small Faces were highly influential and have been cited as a major influence on many subsequent British rock acts, including The Who, The Jam, Oasis, and Blur. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

About the album Ogden's Nut Gone Flake:

Sure, I'd be happy to describe the album Ogden's Nut Gone Flake by Small Faces!

Released in 1968, Ogden's Nut Gone Flake is a concept album by British rock band Small Faces. The record tells a fictional story about a boy named Stanley who goes on a quest for the eponymous 'nut,' with various characters and obstacles in his way. The album features a mix of psychedelic, pop, and rock styles, with a strong emphasis on the band's signature sound: Steve Marriott's raw vocals, Kenney Jones' dynamic drumming, Ronnie Lane's grooving basslines, and Ian McLagan's eclectic keyboard work.

The album begins with the title track, which establishes a whimsical, fairytale-like atmosphere with playful melodies and lyrics. This leads into 'Afterglow (Of Your Love),' a love song that showcases Marriott's powerful voice and the band's tight harmonies. 'Long Agos and Worlds Apart' is a dreamy ballad that features Lane's unique lyrical style and McLagan's impressive organ playing.

The album's centerpiece is a two-part song called 'Happiness Stan,' which follows the titular character on his quest for the nut. The first part is narrated by actor Stanley Unwin, who speaks in his trademark nonsensical language, while the second part features Marriott singing a catchy, upbeat tune. 'Rollin' Over' is a hard-hitting rock song with a bluesy edge, while 'The Hungry Intruder' is a short instrumental interlude that features psychedelic sounds and eerie effects.

The album's second half begins with 'The Journey,' which sets a cinematic mood with its soaring orchestration and dramatic vocals. 'Mad John' is a quirky track with a jazzy feel, featuring lyrics about a strange character who dances in the rain. 'HappyDaysToyTown' is another whimsical tune that showcases the band's ability to create catchy, sing-along melodies.

The album's final track, 'Ogden's Nut Gone Flake (Reprise),' brings the story full circle as Unwin narrates a conclusion to Stanley's quest, leading into a reprise of the title track. The record ends on a haunting note, with distant echoes and sound effects fading out.

Overall, Ogden's Nut Gone Flake is a unique and captivating album that blends various genres and styles into a cohesive, imaginative story. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Small Faces' creativity and innovation.

Members:

Small Faces was an English rock band that was formed in London in 1965. The band's original members were Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston. Winston was replaced by Ian McLagan in 1966, and the band continued to tour until they disbanded in 1969. Here are biographies of the key members of Small Faces:

1. Steve Marriott: Stephen Peter Marriott was born on January 30, 1947, in London, England. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist for Small Faces. Prior to joining Small Faces, Marriott was a member of the band the Moments. He was known for his powerful vocals and guitar playing. After Small Faces disbanded, Marriott went on to form the band Humble Pie. Marriott died in a house fire on April 20, 1991, at the age of 44.

2. Ronnie Lane: Ronald Frederick Lane was born on April 1, 1946, in London, England. He was the bassist and occasional vocalist for Small Faces. Lane was known for his unique playing style and his use of the upright bass. After Small Faces disbanded, Lane went on to form the band Slim Chance. Lane was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977 and died on June 4, 1997, at the age of 51.

3. Kenney Jones: Kenneth Thomas Jones was born on September 16, 1948, in London, England. He was the drummer for Small Faces. Jones was known for his powerful drumming style. After Small Faces disbanded, Jones went on to join the band The Who. He also played with the band Faces. Jones retired from music in 2016.

4. Ian McLagan: Ian Patrick McLagan was born on May 12, 1945, in Hounslow, England. He was the keyboardist for Small Faces. Prior to joining Small Faces, McLagan was a member of the band Boz and the Boz People. He was known for his distinctive Hammond organ playing. After Small Faces disbanded, McLagan continued to play music and worked as a session musician. He died on December 3, 2014, at the age of 69 from a stroke.

Track List for Ogden's Nut Gone Flake:

1. Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake - 2:26
The album's title track sets the tone for the entire project. It features playful and almost comical lyrics, delivered over a groovy, upbeat instrumental. The song is a great introduction to the band's sound and sets up the album's overarching theme of whimsy and surrealism.

2. Afterglow - 3:26
In contrast to the first track, 'Afterglow' is a more laidback and introspective song. It features a beautiful, dreamy melody and Steve Marriott's soulful, emotive vocals. The lyrics touch on themes of heartbreak and longing.

3. Long Agos And Worlds Apart - 2:38
The third track on Ogden's Nut Gone Flake is a catchy, jangly tune that showcases the band's talent for crafting infectious pop hooks. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who are separated by distance and time.

4. Rene - 4:03
'Rene' is a slower, funkier song that relies heavily on its grooving bassline to drive the rhythm. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic, but they seem to center around a woman named Rene who is being pursued or admired by the singer.

5. Song Of A Baker - 3:16
One of the standout tracks on the album, 'Song Of A Baker' features blistering guitar work and a rollicking rhythm section. The lyrics are a clever metaphor for the joys and struggles of the creative process, with the narrator likening baking to songwriting.

6. Lazy Sunday - 3:06
Perhaps the album's most famous track, 'Lazy Sunday' is a playful, sing-song tune that captures the spirit of a lazy weekend afternoon. The lyrics are filled with charming British idioms and cheeky humor.

7. Happiness Stan - 2:37
'Happiness Stan' is a whimsical, nearly spoken-word track that tells the story of a young boy named Stan who embarks on a fantastical adventure. The song is peppered with sound effects and features a dramatic, cinematic instrumental.

8. Rollin' Over - 2:52
'Rollin' Over' is a raucous, high-energy song that features pounding drums and distorted guitars. The lyrics describe a wild, reckless night of partying and excess.

9. The Hungry Intruder - 2:14
This short, atmospheric instrumental sets a spooky, unsettling tone with its eerie organ melody and sparse percussion.

10. The Journey - 7:11
Clocking in at over 7 minutes, 'The Journey' is the longest track on the album, and it's something of an epic in scope. It features a meandering, psychedelic instrumental section in the middle, as well as soaring, emotional vocals from Steve Marriott. The lyrics describe a journey through time and space, with cosmic, existential themes.

11. Mad John - 2:20
'Mad John' is a quirky, folky song that features a prominent acoustic guitar and playful, nonsensical lyrics. The song feels like a fun diversion after the more serious and exploratory 'Journey.'

12. HappyDaysToyTown - 2:51
The album's final track is a joyful, sunny song that features a fun, sing-along chorus. The lyrics celebrate the joys of childhood and imagination, bringing the album full circle with its lighthearted, whimsical themes.

Discography for Small Faces:

Albums:
1. Small Faces (1966)
2. From the Beginning (1967)
3. Small Faces (Decca) (1967)
4. There Are But Four Small Faces (1968)
5. Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake (1968)

Singles:
1. 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It' / 'What’s a Matter Baby' (1965)
2. 'I’ve Got Mine' / 'It’s Too Late' (1965)
3. 'Sha-La-La-La-Lee' / 'Grow Your Own' (1966)
4. 'Hey Girl' / 'Almost Grown' (1966)
5. 'All or Nothing' / 'Understanding' (1966)
6. 'My Mind’s Eye' / 'I Can’t Dance with You' (1967)
7. 'I Can’t Make It' / 'Just Passing' (1967)
8. 'Tin Soldier' / 'I Feel Much Better' (1967)
9. 'Lazy Sunday' / 'Rollin’ Over' (1968)
10. 'The Universal' / 'Donkey Rides, A Penny A Glass' (1968)

Other releases:
1. 'The First Step' (EP) (1965)
2. 'Here Come the Nice' / 'Talk to You' (1967)
3. 'Green Circles' / 'The Strange Brew' (1968)