There Are But Four Small Faces (Magenta) — The US Debut on Immediate Records
Product description
What it is
This release presents The Small Faces’ US debut album on Immediate Records, issued in stereo and produced under Andrew Loog Oldham. It’s a distinct collection from the British 1967 version, offering a curiously different track line-up that may appeal to dedicated fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike.
What stands out on paper
On this magenta-tinted reissue, you’ll find stereo versions of two prominent American singles: Itchycoo Park and Tin Soldier. The record also gathers material that diverges from the UK release, including a mix of tracks that were singles in Britain and others that were less common in the US pressings. If you prioritise the listening experience as a snapshot of how The Small Faces sounded in America at the time, this edition provides a useful contrast to the UK set.
Why it matters for different listeners
If you’re building a collection that aims to map the band’s early international footprint, the US stereo variant helps you compare production choices and track emphasis across markets. It isn’t merely a rehauling of the same songs, the stereo presentation alongside a different track sequence can change the listening arc, especially for listeners exploring the era’s use of stereo mixing.
The best and the rest
What works well: a tangible period piece that captures a specific US release approach, with stereo versions of key singles that may not appear together on other versions. It can be a compelling companion to the more familiar UK‑based compilation stories. What may be less convincing: the album’s appeal hinges on interest in market-specific pressings and stereo mixes rather than a uniform, widely recognised tracklist. For casual listeners or newcomers, the differences might feel marginal compared with the classic UK edition.
Who this is for
This is likely to suit serious Small Faces fans, collectors chasing rare US pressings, and vinyl enthusiasts who enjoy exploring how US releases differed from British counterparts. It also suits listeners who value stereo mixes and want to hear Itchycoo Park and Tin Soldier in that format as part of a broader discography exercise.
When to buy (and when to pause)
Consider this edition if you’re aiming to complete a US, stereo-focused subset of The Small Faces’ early work. If your priority is a straightforward, highly- familiar UK tracklist, you might prefer the UK version or other compilations that aggregate tracks across markets.
What to check before purchasing
- Confirm you’re looking at the magenta-tinted US Immediate-era pressing rather than a standard UK UK release.
- Be aware that the track arrangement differs from the British 1967 edition, which may influence your listening order.
- If possible, compare stereo vs mono expectations for the era’s mixes to appreciate the production choices.
Practical use case
Imagine you’re spinning a late‑1960s singles vibe on a dedicated stereo system, tracing the American market’s reception of early Small Faces material. This edition offers a distinct listening path, letting you hear how the band’s US presentation articulated its early identity differently from home releases.
Alternatives and context
In practice, buyers weighing this against other Small Faces outputs might consider whether their goal is a market-focused historical snapshot or a broad discography staple. If you prioritise widely recognised tracks in a single package, other compilations may cover more territory with fewer market-specific quirks. This isn’t a universal starter, it’s a niche choice that makes sense within a larger, curated collection.
Is it worth it?
Final verdict: Worth considering if you value US stereo pressings and want that specific edition’s trackline as part of a broader Small Faces collection. If you’re primarily after the most familiar UK track order, this may sit a step away from your core needs. Overall, it fits a thoughtful purchase for collectors and committed fans rather than casual buyers.