Tin Solider

The Small Faces released Tin Solider in 1967. Steve Marriott had originally written the song for P.P. Arnold, but after he finished writing it Marriott decided the song was too good to give away. P.P. Arnold, not one to be bitter about the ungifting, can be heard singing background vocals on the track. The song was actually banned when the line “I want to sit with you” was mistaken by the BBC as “I want to sleep with you.” It is one of the most well-known songs the Small Faces has in their catalogue. It reached the ninth position on the UK singles chart. Also of note, the publication Mojo Ranked Tin Solider the 10^th best single of all time. That beats out any of the singles released by the Rolling Stones or the Who. Not too shabby.

This is the first time I've featured the Small Faces, but I have featured the Faces, a another incarnation of the band, after a change in their line up resulted from Steve Marriott Leaving and Rod Stewart and Ron Wood joining in his place. Prior to that Wood and Steward were both playing in the Jeff Beck Group, whom I have also featured. Ha. It’s like I just did three degrees of Jeff Beck, or is that two degrees.

Anyway. A bunch of bands have covered this song. Even Humble Pie, another Marriott band. Today, will be looking the Streetheart’s version.

Streetheart is Regina/Winnipeg band whose popularity peaked during the mid-70s and early 80s. They are currently still touring. I think. Streetheart Recoded Tin Solider for their 1980 album Drugstore Dancer. It’s one of their most popular songs. That’s literally all I could find out about their version.

Small Faces:

Oh man. Street Heart is really going to need to bring it.

Streetheart:

Wow, Streetheart’s is pretty good. This is harder than I thought it would be. But I just think that Marriott’s vocals are stronger. Sorry Kenny. It’s still a real strong effort. I was impressed. I should also probably mention that I really like Marriott’s sing yell. I personally think it’s one of the best in all of rock n roll. I see Streetheart also decided to go with “sleep with you at the end.” Really close though. Good job everybody.