The Very Best of the Small Faces, Vol. 1

The Small Faces were popular in England during Swinging London’s ‘60s mod explosion, competing with the Who and the Rolling Stones — but for some reason the band’s rich blend of British Invasion rock and American Rhythm & Blues just never hit in the States. This 19-song- deep collection covers a lot of early ground, starting with the instantly infectious “What’cha Gonna Do About It,” a 1965 hit (inspired by Solomon Burke’s “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love”) that became just as much of an anthem to the mod subculture as The Who’s “I Can’t Explain.” The powerful “Tin Soldier” is another standout as singer Steve Marriott croons soulfully alongside guest vocalist P.P. Arnold. The band’s first foray into psychedelia yielded “Itchycoo Park,” a swirling number that made no apologies about getting high — which made for a temporary ban on the BBC — before it hit at number three on the UK Singles Chart. The heavier “Wham Bam, Thank You Ma’am” leaned hard on Ian McLagan’s grinding Hammond organ and hinted at the sound that Marriott would later find in the band Humble Pie with Peter Frampton.