ROD STEWART/EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY 6338 063 (-71) UK

His big breakthrough with album as well as a '45 pick from it - "Maggie May" - reaching #1 in both US, UK and in many other countries. It would also help to pave the way for further international success. Most of all it was a US breakthrough and after Faces dissolvement 1975 he moved to Los Angeles, changed label and musical direction - but that's another story. Here he's still surronded by his old drinking buddies from Faces with addition of earlier band mate drummer Micky Waller (together in Steampacket and Jeff Beck Group) and a star cast including Danny Thompson, Long John Baldry, Ray Jackson and quire girls Maggie Bell and Madeline Bell. Though with partly additional setting, more emphasis on ballads and slightly posher production I've always seen this as a Faces album. Not only due to personel but the whole atmosphere is there and title track as well as the "That's All Right" and "I'm Losing You" covers could easily have shown up on the "Long Player" or "A Nod..." albums. Also front cover design, including fonts, is in the exactly same thirties style as the UK "Long Player" sleeve. In a way the start of a transition period that would go on for two more albums till he made the Atlantic Crossing. Here still more the dirty local pub than a fancy L.A. bar. First US on Mercury (SRM-1-609). Frequently issued and reissued all over the world through the years on vinyl or CD. Premiere UK had label as shown here and thin matt cover, some with poster. (SXÅH*)