Since so little of
Ronnie Lane's post-
Faces solo material has been available in the U.S. for many years that this collection -- authorized by his family and released on their indie imprint -- is a most welcome compilation, especially for those in the States. Its 20 tracks, not arranged chronologically, nicely whittle down the best selections from a handful of albums with his ragtag
Slim Chance backing band, as well as choice cuts from 1977's
Rough Mix collaboration with
Pete Townsend and even the difficult to find soundtrack to
Mahoney's Last Stand with ex-
Face Ron Wood. Although the tracks rather frustratingly don't list specific personnel, liner notes from friend
Kent Benjamin and sympathetic presentation of this acoustic material makes it a true labor of love. These songs remain timeless portraits of an artist who was sadly overlooked, especially after he left the tumultuous life of the boogie rocking
Faces for the more rustic music heard here that undoubtedly came from his heart. You can feel the passion and affection in his lovely, unpretentious vocals on should-have-been classics such as the beautiful, string quartet enhanced "The Anniversary" and "The Poacher," the title track and charming, lesser known songs such as the exquisite and touching "Done This One Before," originally the B-side of "How Come." The mastering is clean although there are slightly annoying variations in volume from track to track. A live version of "Ooh La La," arguably
Lane's most popular composition, would have also helped make the disc more definitive in its scope. Regardless, this is a much needed summation of the singer/songwriter's sadly under-the-radar work and along with the terrific
The Passing Show DVD documentary of
Lane's life that focuses particular attention on his trials and tribulations after leaving the
Faces, is an essential addition to anyone's British folk-rock library. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide