Faces is another band I’ve heard of only by name. I couldn’t have placed them on a timeline or named a single member of the band.
The only song of theirs I’m familiar with is “Ooh La La,” and again that’s thanks to Wes Anderson, who used it in the lovely final scene of Rushmore. Anderson has done more to call my attention to great music (especially from the 60s and 70s) than any other filmmaker.
Rod Stewart was the group’s lead singer and future Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood played guitar. In 1975, after just 6 years, they broke up largely because Stewart’s solo career was eclipsing the success of the band.
‘Stay With Me’ was their biggest hit and listening to it, it feels like something familiar. It’s probably a song I’ve heard over PA systems in restaurants and bars without ever knowing who or what I was hearing.
I like it, though I’m not sure what to make of this amateur video I found on YouTube.
Meet Me In Montauk 
Hmmmm. My first impulse is to say that early band efforts are meant to prepare artists for the later, better work they will do in the future. Not that I’m such a huge fan of either Rod Stewart or The Rolling Stones, and I’m certainly not suggesting The Beatles was an elaborate lead-in to Wings. Still, digging through the bargain bins to find work by Faces (which I had never heard of before this post), strikes me as an endeavor designed to take time from listening to music I love or finding the new music I might possibly love even more.
My guess is that each song featured this week will do nothing to change my music listening habits, though this theme week might help me answer some obscure questions on Jeopardy. Aren’t there any new artists out there you don’t listen to? How about featuring some Lil’ Wayne (one of EW’s entertainers of the year, for crying out loud). I’d like to listen to something by him 😉
By the way, this song does feel vaguely familiar in that “turn that grating music off” sort of way. Not sure if I ever actually heard this incarnation before, but it doesn’t do much for me on first listen.
Well, I know a lot more about newer artists, and I’ve heard at least some of their work whether through iTunes or MTV/VH1. I find my blind spot, musically, tends to fall in the 70s.
Actually, Stewart is one of those artists who became musically vapid as the years went on. Arguably, his best and most interseting work was in the 70’s, then he jumped the shark with “Do you Think I’m Sexy” and never reoovered.
I’m vaguely familiar with this song, but far prefer Stewart’s early solo work to this.
Yes, it is familiar. I feel like I’ve heard it in a car commercial or something. I would never have known who it was although I can totally hear that it’s Rod Stewart’s voice.
Interesting…I had no idea he was in a band before going solo.
And I agree with Dana that he has only declined as an artist as the years have passed. Such a shame since he has a pretty cool and distinctive voice.