Faces: Faces At The BBC (Live)

Until this release, there had been a distinct paucity of Faces live material, which something of a surprise as they were known for being an energetic, always exciting live outfit, if not a little shambolic. They were a bit like Mott The Hoople in that respect - hard drinkers, saucy fun lovers, solid, prolific giggers - and you got what you got. Thankfully, they always gave of their best, warts 'n' all. 

Anyway, all that existed from The Faces live in concert before this release was the long out-of-print Overture And Beginners album, which was roundly acknowledged to be of particularly poor quality (even by the band themselves), and a few extra live cuts included on the remastered re-releases of their studio albums. This release therefore comes as an unexpected and most welcome treat.

This collection of live material played on various BBC Radio shows in the early seventies. As with all BBC live cuts, the sound quality is definitely variable. Some of it is bloody awful, but most of it is rousingly acceptable, especially if played through a powerful, bass-enhanced system. Some may say it now sounds dated, but for me, therein lies its appeal. It is taken from that glorious period when bands just showed up, downed a few drinks, plugged in and let rip, spontaneously. The Faces had few to match them for this. They were the ultimate rough 'n' ready, up and at 'em band.

The problem with the collection is that the lads stuck mainly to playing the same tracks live, so you get several versions of the same song. Lots of versions of Three Button Hand Me Down, Devotion, Stay With Me, You're My Girl (I Don't Want To Discuss It), Miss Judy's Farm and Had Me A Real Good Time. No matter, really, I am never going to listen to the whole lot in one sitting. Just stick it on via random and enjoy forty-five minutes or so. Or alternatively, play one of the two 1973 concerts. The April 1973 one is really good, with a great stereo sound. I love it. Despite the fact that the band were nearing the end, it doesn't sound like it, they are still on rumbustious good form.

Finally, quite why did it take over fifty years to release this material?

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