Classic Pop Icons

The Small Faces’ pioneering psychedelic pop classic “Itchycoo Park” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “Itchycoo Park” was released on single in August 1967 in the UK and November 1967 in the US, backed with “I’m Only Dreaming.” It also appeared on the US album “There are But Four Small Faces.”

By the time “Itchycoo Park” was released, the Small Faces had several UK hits behind them and had established a reputation as a leading Mod band. “Itchycoo Park” was the band’s most ambitious recording to date and marked a change of direction, influenced by the growing psychedelic pop movement. This is exemplified by the decision to incorporate into the song a new recording technology called phasing (also known as flanging), which is achieved by playing two identical recordings simultaneously, but slightly out of phase with each other. Sound engineer Glyn Johns used the effect on Steve Marriott’s vocal and Kenney Jones’ drum fills. The otherwordly, trippy effect produced by phasing perfectly complemented the overt drug references in the call-and-response chorus (“What did you do there? I got high”) and the bridge (“I feel inclined to blow my mind”). Phasing became a staple of psychedelic music, also used in tracks such as The Beatles’ “Blue Jay Way” and the outro of Jimi Hendrix’s “Bold As Love.”

So is “Itchycoo Park” named after a real location? It seems that it is, but the exact location is difficult to pinpoint. A strong contender seems to be Little Ilford Park in Manor Park, London, where Steve Marriott used to play as a child.

Lead singer of the Small Faces, Steve Marriott, summed up the appeal of the band and the song as follows:

The Small Faces – “Itchycoo Park”

Authorship

“Itchycoo Park” was written by Steve Marriottt and Ronnie Lane.

Recording date/location

“Itchycoo Park” was recorded in the summer of 1967 at Olympic Studios, 117 Church Road, Barnes, London.

Musicians

The Small Faces were:

• Steve Marriott – vocals, guitar
• Ronnie Lane – bass
• Ian McLagan – organ
• Kenney Jones – drums.

Marriott left the group in 1969 to form Humble Pie and was replaced by Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. McLagen, Lane and Jones stayed on and the new band was named The Faces. Jones would replaced Keith Moon as The Who’s drummer in 1979. McLagen has worked as a sideman in the studio and on tour with The Rolling Stones, and has been a member of Billy Bragg’s band since 1997.

Chart performance

“Itchycoo Park” was the Small Faces’ biggest hit in the US, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1968. This was the Small Faces’ only top 20 hit in the US.

The song did better in the UK, peaking at number three on the singles chart. “Itchycoo Park” was one of five top five singles in the UK for the Small Faces, including the number one “All or Nothing” and the classic “Lazy Sunday” which hit number two.

Covers

Quiet Riot – “Itchycoo Park”

Rock band Quiet Riot covered “Itchycoo Park” in 1993 on their album “Terrified.” This version follows the original arrangement quite closely, with the addition of an appealing acoustic guitar break. Steve Marriott was a big influence on Quiet Riot’s vocalist Kevin DuBrow and that’s particularly evident during the chorus. Quiet Riot do well with the song, but it’s a little superfluous.

M People – “Itchycoo Park”

UK dance band M People took “Itchycoo Park” far from its roots with their 1995 cover. The gospel-influenced intro segues into a medium-paced dance track which is very typical of the band. Heather Small’s vocals are as distinctive as ever, but the band is stronger on its own material. The song was featured on their album “Bizarre Fruit II” and was also a number 11 hit on the UK singles chart in 1995.

Here’s M People’s live version of “Itchycoo Park” performed during the Euro ’96 football finals.

There will be a new Song of the Week on February 7.

The Small Faces’ “Itchycoo Park” is featured on a number of compilation albums, including the excellent two-CD set “Small Faces – The Ultimate Collection.”

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