Ian McLagan was the keyboard player with two of the UK’s most influential rock bands, the Small Faces and the Faces, which happen to be two of the Record Press author’s favourite bands. Therefore it was with particular sadness that I belatedly learned of the passing of Ian McLagan over the weekend.

Ian McLagan played the Hammond B3 organ and the Wurlitzer electric piano that defined the soulful, cockney-accented psychedelia of the Small Faces hits “Here Comes The Nice”, “Itchycoo Park” and “Lazy Sunday”, not to mention the Faces songs “Had Me A Real Good Time”, “Stay With Me” and “Cindy Incidentally”, which he co-wrote.

Ian McLagan  joined the Small Faces following their debut Top 20 hit “Whatcha Gonna Do About It”, after original keyboard player Jimmy Winston left the band. Ian McLagan’s keyboard playing was instrumental in some of the Small Faces best songs and biggest hits including “Sha-La-La-La-Lee”, “All Or Nothing”, “My Mind’s Eye”, “Tin Soldier” and “Afterglow Of Your Love” – the last two being my favourite Small Faces songs.

And of course Ian McLagan played  an instrumental part on the Small Faces’ classic album “Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake”, the group’s 1968 chart-topping conceptual triumph, packaged in a replica of a tobacco tin. Over the years “Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake” has become a keystone of British Psychedelia and Indie, inspiring songs by Damon Albarn, Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller.

At the end of 1968 lead vocalist Steve Marriott left the Small Faces to form Humble Pie, leaving Ian McLagan, Kenny Jones and Ronnie Lane to team up with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, who had recently departed the Jeff Beck Group, and together they formed The Faces. The band intermittently created some massive musical highs such as “Cindy Incidentally” (co-written by McLagan ), “Stay With Me”, “Pool Hall Richard” and the the glorious “You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything”; songs which occasionally punctuated their notorious rock and roll party lifestyle!! Inevitably The Faces split in 1975 with Rod Stewart going solo and Ronnie Wood replacing Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones.

Although Ian McLagan continued to work with leading artists and bands, he will best be remembered for his role in the Small Faces and Faces, so let’s pay tribute to him with this Record Press Top 10 Best Small Faces & Faces Songs –

Top 10 Best Small Faces & Faces Songs –

1)      Small Faces – Tin Soldier ( 1967 )

2)      Small Faces – Afterglow of your Love ( 1968 )

3)      Small Faces – Itchycoo Park ( 1967 )

4)      Faces – You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything

5)      Small Faces – Lazy Sunday ( 1968 )

6)      Small Faces – The Autumn Stone ( 1969 )

7)      Small Faces – The Universal ( 1969 )

8)      Faces – Cindy Incidentally ( 1973 )

9)      Small Faces – My Mind’s Eye ( 1967 )

10)  Small Faces – All or Nothing ( 1967 )

Which is your favourite Small Faces or Faces song? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

To get a favourite Small Faces or Faces song as a framed vinyl single or CD single, personalised with a plaque, as a special, unique gift…… ORDER HERE……..www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs, framed DVDs & framed book covers with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!   ORDER HERE……..www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/