The 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 with
Pete Townshend on his debut solo album, Who Came First. A heart-tugging riff from Slim Chance's "Give Me a Penny" shows 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. ~ Mark Allan