Small Faces [Faces] (July 5, 1970) "Wicked Messenger" Single 7" JAP

A Japanese pressing of Small Faces (billed as Faces on this release) covering Bob Dylan’s “Wicked Messenger” backed with the original track “Shake, Shudder Shiver”. Released during the band’s transitional period, this single features both commercial and promotional white-label variants and came in a thin plastic sleeve with a picture insert containing lyrics on the back.

THE RELEASE

Label: Warner Bros.

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: Japan

Catalogue: BR-2552

Release Date: July 5, 1970

TRACK LIST 

A-Side Wicked Messenger (Bob Dylan)

B-Side Shake, Shudder Shiver (Wood, Lane)

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This Japanese single captures Small Faces during their evolution into Faces. “Wicked Messenger” is a Dylan cover while the B-side is an original composition.

All Japan singles from this era typically came in a thin plastic sleeve with a picture insert featuring lyrics on the back.

PERSONNEL

Personnel (First Step album)

Rod Stewart – lead and backing vocals, banjo (track 4)

Ronnie Lane – bass, rhythm and acoustic guitars, backing vocals, lead vocal (track 4), co-lead vocal (tracks 2, 3 & 8)

Ronnie Wood – lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, harmonica (track 4), second bass guitar (track 10), backing vocals

Ian McLagan – Hammond organ, Wurlitzer electric and acoustic pianos, backing vocals

Kenney Jones – drums and percussion

WHAT THE LABEL SHOWS

Commercial version: Olive green Warner Bros.-Seven Arts labels with full track credits and bilingual text.

Promo version: White label with “見本 非売品” (Sample Not For Sale) stamp, large “A” marking, and detailed credits including “BR-2552 (NA-18169)”.

VARIANTS & PACKAGING

• Commercial pressing with green labels

• Promo white label variant marked “Non-Sale Sample” • Thin plastic sleeve with picture insert (lyrics on back)

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS

none : unique release

SOURCES 

Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.

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