Small Faces US Debut 45

SMALL FACES-Whatcha Gonna Do About It/Whats A Matter Baby US Press 45 PRE 9794 1965

 Such was the power of all things from England in the USA that in October 1965 Press records issued the debut 45 by a new and unknown London quartet called the Small Faces. The band made their UK debut in August 1965 on Decca F 12208 (which eventually rose to # 14 there) just a few short months after forming with Steve Marriott (lead vocals, guitar), Ronnie Lane (bass), JImmy Winston (keyboards) and Kenny Jones (drums).

Classic David Wedgbury Decca promo photo

Debut 45's don't come much stronger than "Whatcha Gonna Do About It". Loosely based on Solomon Burke's "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love"  it was written by Ian Samwell (author of Cliff Richard's "Move It") and Brian Potter (later to write "Don't Pull Your Love", "One Tin Soldier" and many other hits). Propelled by Winston's Vox Continental organ and Steve Marriott's blisteringly raw vocals it has an air of aggression that reminds at times of an American garage punk record.

The flip side is a cover of Timi Yuro's June 1962 hit "What's A Matter Baby" (Liberty 55469). If not for Marriott's incredible vocal's it would be just another mid tempo r&b cover, but nonetheless it's worth a listen. Interestingly outside of this and a version of The Miracle's "You Really Got A Hold On Me" the band pretty much veered away from soulful ballads.

Both sides have been issued in a variety of places, the best being a deluxe edition of their untitled debut Decca LP.

Hear "Whatcha Gonna Do About It":

https://youtu.be/43Dc9BsHhDY

Hear "What's A Matter Baby":

https://youtu.be/mx0DkeDPd-M

Hear a Live BBC version of "Whatcha Gonna Do About It":

https://youtu.be/D_AVRGJr_7E