Before rock and roll became completely polished and stadium-ready, there was the Faces. In 1971, they captured the absolute pinnacle of sloppy, joyous, blues-soaked rock with A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse. It’s a record that sounds exactly like what it was: five immensely talented guys having the time of their lives in the studio, fueled by camaraderie and an endless supply of alcohol. This week, the Random Album Generator pulls up a barstool for one of the most fun, freewheeling albums of the 1970s.
Inside This Episode:
- Side A Reaction: We’re splitting this 9-track party right down the middle. If you’re spinning this with us, hit pause after track five, “Stay With Me.” Jeremy and Jon react to the raw, loose energy of Ronnie Wood’s guitar riffs, Ian McLagan’s barrelhouse piano, and that unmistakable raspy swagger of Rod Stewart.
- 5 Fast Facts: We uncover the story behind the controversial, recalled album poster, the internal friction caused by Rod Stewart’s exploding solo career, and the hotel chain that permanently banned the band.
- Side B & Final Thoughts: We flip over to Side B and discuss Ronnie Lane’s heartbreaking, soulful contributions, including the gorgeous ballad “Debris.” Does the loose, unpolished nature of the record make it a masterpiece, or just a beautiful mess?
- The Verdict & Standout Tracks: Jeremy and Jon lock in their 3 essential tracks. Is this the definitive snapshot of early 70s British rock?
Join the Polyphonic Press Community:
Love collecting classic vinyl or have a definitive pressing of Stand! you want to talk about? Reach out and let us know!