1.8 Pineapple and the Monkey (Rehearsal, Rolling Stones Rehearsal Space, Summer 1969)
Description:
"Early Steps" is a compelling CD release by Faces that captures the raw energy, unfiltered emotion, and loose-but-tight groove that made the band a cornerstone of early 1970s rock. Centered around the unmistakable voice of Rod Stewart and the fiery guitar work of Ronnie Wood, Faces blended blues, rock, and soul into a sound that was both ragged and exuberant. "Early Steps" focuses on material from the formative phase of the band, highlighting their evolution from bar-band swagger to stadium-ready rock force. Listeners can expect driving riffs, soulful ballads, and that characteristic pub-rock atmosphere that feels immediate and alive, as if the band were playing right in front of you.
The track selection on this CD emphasizes both the band's harder rocking side and their more introspective, groove-based songs. Gritty guitars, warm organ lines, and a swinging rhythm section frame Rod Stewart's distinctive, raspy vocals, creating timeless rock songs that influenced countless bands that followed. "Early Steps" works both as an introduction to Faces for new listeners and as a focused, nostalgic collection for long-time fans who want to revisit the group's roots. The production preserves the analog warmth and live feel of the original recordings, allowing the spontaneity and chemistry between the musicians to shine through.
As a band, Faces achieved considerable success and enduring influence in rock history. Emerging from the ashes of the Small Faces at the turn of the 1970s, they quickly became known for their high-energy live shows and a string of acclaimed albums, including "First Step," "Long Player," and "A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse." The band's classic songs and their blend of rock, R&B, and folk elements helped shape what would later be known as pub rock and influenced many future rock and alternative acts. Members Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood went on to further fame--Stewart as a massively successful solo artist and Wood as a long-time guitarist for The Rolling Stones--cementing the group's place in rock legacy.
This CD is released by Rhino, a label renowned for its carefully curated reissues, anthologies, and catalog releases. Rhino has built a strong reputation among music fans and collectors for respecting the original recordings while offering improved sound quality, thoughtful packaging, and well-selected tracklists. With an emphasis on heritage artists and classic albums, Rhino often focuses on presenting music in a way that honors both the original spirit and the expectations of modern listeners. "Early Steps" benefits from this approach, offering a coherent, well-presented snapshot of Faces in their formative, creatively fertile years. For anyone interested in classic rock, British rock history, or the roots of modern guitar bands, this Rhino CD stands as a valuable and enjoyable addition to the collection.
Rock&Pop
107.577
- Beat 219- Bombast Rock 123- Classic Rock 15.384- Glamrock 103- Latin Rock 213- Mainstream Rock 72.528- Rockpop 17.840- Soft Rock/Pop Rock 539- Westcoast 525Songwriter 3.442
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