Overture And Beginners Album Review: 1974

Disc, January 26, 1974.

Live Faces ... fresh and fast with feeling

FACES "Overture And Beginners" (Mercury SRM 1697, £2.45). Let it first be said that this is indeed a very fine album and an incredible start to a year which will undoubtedly produce a right load of old garbage from assorted pop stars. Then let it be said that it took the record company so long to get this album to the Disc offices we're fortunate to be able to review it this year at all. As a result you've probably heard most of it already, so I hope you can bear with me.

The Faces live is an experience not to be missed, and this album carries as much of the atmosphere as can reason-ably be expected. The mix would probably come out better under studio conditions, but all this is outweighed by the feel-ing that the band put into their performances. I also admit to being heavily biased on this one because I think they are a great band.

Angel is amazing and one of my favourite tracks ever, un-less of course they decide at any point to record Scotland The Brave. Other favourite tracks in order of merit are I Wish It Would Rain and I'd Rather Go Blind. There's the odd ragged bit here and there, but it doesn't impede the overall impression. Also note-worthy are the sleeve notes which are quite amusing. Och Aye. **** RR