First Step

FacesFirstStepHaving lost Steve Marriott, the other members go looking for a replacement singer, and were probably after someone who did both. Instead, they ended up with two survivors from the Jeff Beck Group who weren't half handy.

Hughesy's assessment: While there's nothing that was new or groundbreaking there (not at the time, and certanly not forty-plus years later) I don't think anyone was expecting it. Rod Stewart had a solo career that needed nurturing and a backing band, everyone else needed a paying gig, and Ronnie Wood ended up laying down some quite tasty slde guitar. No classics, but some tasty playing and strong hints of potentiall. Acceptable.     

Track listing: Track listing: Wicked Messenger; Devotion; Shake, Shudder, Shiver; Stone; Around the Plynth; Flying; Pineapple and the Monkey; Nobody Knows; Looking out the Window; Three Button Hand Me Down

2015 Reissue bonus tracks: Behind The Sun; Mona The Blues; Shake, Shudder Shiver [BBC Session]; Flying [Take 3]; Nobody Knows [Take 2]

Almost there:

Worthwhile:Wicked Messenger

Solid:DevotionShake, Shudder, ShiverStoneAround the PlynthFlyingPineapple and the MonkeyNobody KnowsLooking out the WindowThree Button Hand Me Down

2015 Reissue bonus tracks: Behind The SunMona The BluesShake, Shudder Shiver [BBC Session]; Flying [Take 3]; Nobody Knows [Take 2]

Could have been better:

Approach with caution:

Clunkers:

Skip: 

Avoid at all costs:

© Ian Hughes 2015