Small Faces' Decca Singles 1965-1967: A Journey Through the Band's Early Years
The Small Faces' Decca Singles 1965-1967 box set is a treasure trove for fans of the band's early work. It's not just a collection of songs, but a window into the band's creative process and their relationship with their manager and label. The box set features eight seven-inch singles, pressed to vinyl from the master tapes, and includes rare Dutch picture sleeves and other odds and ends from the band's archive.
What makes this box set particularly fascinating is the insight it provides into the band's early struggles for creative control. The band's manager, Don Arden, had a tight grip on their career, and the box set documents the band's battle to break free. The first single, 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It', is a cool, cocky R&B mod classic that made the charts. However, the follow-up, 'I Got Mine', didn't fare as well, leading Arden to have the band record the commercial 'Sha-La-La-La Lee'.
In my opinion, this highlights the band's desire to be taken seriously as musicians, rather than just a commodity. The fact that they pushed back against Arden's attempts to control their output is a testament to their determination and artistic integrity. The box set also includes 'Hey Girl', the first single to credit the band's Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane as writers, which was a significant step towards the band's independence.
One thing that immediately stands out is the band's evolution from a mod band to a more mature, sophisticated sound. The box set features a range of styles, from the R&B of 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It' to the classic 60s pop of 'My Mind's Eye'. This evolution is a testament to the band's adaptability and their ability to grow as musicians.
However, the box set also highlights the band's internal struggles. The release of 'I Can't Make' and 'Patterns' without the band's permission was a significant blow to their creative control. This raises a deeper question about the power dynamics between artists and their managers, and the importance of artistic autonomy.
In my view, the Small Faces' Decca Singles 1965-1967 box set is a must-have for any fan of the band's early work. It's a fascinating insight into the band's creative process and their journey towards independence. The box set is a testament to the band's determination, artistic integrity, and adaptability, and it's a pleasure to listen to their music in this new light.
