1968 - January: Small Faces “There Are But Four Small Faces”

One of the most famous of the British "mod" groups, Small Faces was founded by Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston (although Winston had been replaced by Ian McLagan by this album). Small Faces was solidly in the psychedelic rock category. Small Faces toured with The Who, a group also known as a "mod" group. The name comes from the fact that all the members were under 5' 9". There Are But Four Small Faces was an international alternative to their eponymous second album released in 1967 in Britain. Talk to You This song was a more blues-oriented track than psychedelic.   Here Come the Nice This track is a more typical psychedelic song, and was surprisingly able to make it past the censors of the day, since it was a tribute to a drug dealer. Itchycoo Park This song is a tale of kids skipping school and drinking in a place they called Itchycoo Park. They really didn't intend to release this track, but it went to number 16 in the U.S. anyway. However, this song was banned by the censors in the UK. Tin Soldier Marriott wrote this more rock-oriented song, and took it with him when he went to Humble Pie. It was written for a model named Jenny Rylance, whom he would later marry.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: The Theme from Rowan & Martin's "Laugh-In"  This edgy show premiered in January 1968 STAFF PICKS: “Think” by Aretha Franklin Bruce's staff pick is from the Queen of Soul, off her 13th studio album. This was the only song off the album that was written by Franklin. “Different Drum” by The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt Ronstadt's vocals on this track make this style of performance the sound that would define this song, though it would be covered multiple times. “Judy in Disguise (with Glasses)” by John Fred and His Playboy Band Brian's staff pick was a parody of the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," a parody that John Lennon enjoyed. Brian knew John Fred during his childhood in Baton Rouge, so this is a staff pick with special meaning. “Bend Me, Shape Me” by American Breed This horn-driven piece is another song that was recorded by a number of groups, but this is the best known version. American Breed would be a one-hit wonder, but would have success writing commercial jingles. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “Love is Blue” by Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra This orchestral instrumental song was a top hit at the time. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel. Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share. Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform! **NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.