Ronnie Lane

Ronnie Lane, co-founder of the Small Faces, turns in a low-key, easy rolling gem even if he repackages some of his best material. "Stone," a whimsical ode to reincarnation, became "Evolution" when performed two years later with Pete Townshend on his debut solo album, Who Came First. A heart-tugging riff from Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance's "Give Me a Penny" showed up three years later on "Annie" from Rough Mix, another fine collaboration between Lane and Townshend. If you're going to get Slim Chance (and you should), pick the version that leads off with "The Poacher." Helped by Gallagher and Lyle, the song and its exquisite orchestration captures the spirit of the English countryside. [This version of the album includes bonus material.] ~ Mark Allan, All Music Guide