THE MERCURY ANTHOLOGY includes non-LP singles, B-sides and live tracks.
Personnel: Rod Stewart (vocals, acoustic guitar); Harry (vocals); Elton John (vocals, piano); Martin Quittenton (acoustic guitar); Ron Wood (acoustic, electric, slide & pedal steel guitar, bass); Martin Pugh (guitar); Sam Mitchell (slide guitar); Stanley Matthews, Ray Jackson (mandolin); Gordon Huntley (pedal steel guitar); Dick Powell, Rick Gretch (violin); Dennis O' Flynn (violin bass); William Gaff (whistle); Ian McLagan (piano, organ); Pete Sears (piano, bass); Mike D'Abo (piano); Ronnie Lane (bass, vocals); Willie Weeks, Danny Thompson, Tetsu Yamauchi, Spike Heatley (bass); Andy Newmark, Mick Waller, Kenny Jones (drums); Ray Cooper (percussion); Speedy (congas); Maggie Bell, Long John Baldry (background vocals); Tropic Isle Steel Band, The Memphis Horns.
Producers: Rod Stewart, Lou Reizner, The Faces
Compilation producer: Bill Levenson.
Includes liner notes by Gene Santoro.
A two-disc anthology of Rod Stewart's early Mercury recordings, which, in conjunction with the albums he recorded with the Faces, are inarguably his finest (nothing from the Faces records is included). Most of the highlights of his terrific first four albums are here -- "Maggie May," "You Wear It Well," "Handbags and Gladrags," "Gasoline Alley" -- as well as selections from the lukewarm Smiler, a live album recorded with the Faces, and a couple of rare B-sides. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Long before he developed a case of "Infatuation" or asked "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," Rod Stewart was a simple bloke with a love of soul, folk and rock & roll. The two-CD MERCURY ANTHOLOGY reflects a time when Stewart was fresh from a stint with the Jeff Beck Group and started a solo career that found him lauded by critics and fans alike. Collaborating with Ron Wood and a host of back-up musicians that included Pete Sears, Martin Quittenton and Mick Waller, Rod The Mod's material included a variety of covers and powerfully original songs.
As much a fan as a great musician, Rod Stewart tipped his hat to a number of faves and influences including Tim Hardin ("Reason To Believe,") Jimi Hendrix ("Angel,") Sam Cooke ("Twistin' The Night Away") and Bob Dylan ("Only A Hobo.") Besides making great strides in his solo career by penning a number of solid songs ("Mandolin Wind," "Every Picture Tells a Story"), Stewart also moonlighted as frontman for the Faces. Among the song included from his former group are live versions of "Stay With Me," and "Sweet Little Rock 'N Roller," proving this band could rock as hard as they could drink. minimize