The Autumn Stone by The Small Faces: Super Deluxe 3LP Signed Box Set & 3CD Edition
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine — and this review is for fans of The Small Faces and, in particular, one of the classic compilation albums of the late ’60s: The Autumn Stone.
In this feature, I’m going to take you through both the Super Deluxe 3LP vinyl box set — signed by the last surviving Small Face, Kenny Jones, along with iconic photographer Gerard Mankowitz — and the beautifully presented 3CD set that accompanies it. This release has been put together with such care, attention.
The 3CD Edition – A Beautifully Executed DigiPack
The CD version comes as a three-panel DigiPack that folds out elegantly, with each disc housed in its own protective inner sleeve — a tactile touch that instantly elevates the experience. Each disc mimics the classic Immediate Records label design, which Small Faces fans will recognise instantly.
Inside you’ll find a superbly made booklet printed on textured stock rather than shiny modern paper — and it makes all the difference. Kenny Jones offers personal reflections on the original album, followed by detailed archival notes, track credits, rare photos and the story behind the expanded edition.
Content-wise, it’s packed:
CD1 – 20 tracks
CD2 – 18 tracks
CD3 – 22 tracks
And I will say this now: the sound quality and remastering are excellent. A lot of love has gone into bringing these recordings to life.
The Super Deluxe 3LP Box Set – Signed, Limited, and Stunning
The vinyl box is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide — mine is number 251 — and some editions, like mine, are signed by Kenny and Gerard Mankowitz. It immediately sets the tone: this is a collector’s piece.
Inside the box is a beautifully produced art print signed by both men — a wonderful keepsake and a genuine connection to the last surviving Small Face and the photographer who captured so many of their iconic images.
Three LPs in ‘Autumn Gold’ Vinyl
All three LPs come in a lovely “autumn gold” colour — absolutely gorgeous on the turntable — and each record comes in its own printed sleeve with track details on the rear.
The Immediate Records labels have been lovingly recreated, right down to the typography.
The Hardback Book
At the bottom of the box, accessible via a gold ribbon, is a superb hardback book — and this is where things really move into Madfish-style deluxe territory. It contains:
A full history of The Autumn Stone
An in-depth timeline of the Small Faces’ Immediate era
Rare photos, many previously unseen
Press releases, ads, memorabilia, original artwork
A detailed breakdown of singles, mixes, and session info
Essays on the mysterious “lost” 1968 album
A brand new joint interview with Kenny Jones & Gerard Mankowitz
Full track-by-track credits and session notes
This isn’t padding — this is real musical archaeology, and for Small Faces fans, it’s heaven.
My Thoughts on the Set
What’s immediately clear is that Nice Records understood the responsibility of asking fans to buy music they may already own. If you’re going to put out a deluxe edition, you have to make it worth it. And they really have.
There are:
Newly unearthed tracks
Acoustic mixes
Fantastic remastering
Gorgeous packaging
A book that adds context and meaning
Could There Have Been Another Variant?
My only design thought is that they could have created a hybrid version where the CD set sits inside the hardback book — so the vinyl edition contains all audio. But that’s just me thinking like a collector!
The Music Itself – A Perfect Small Faces Primer
This really is everything you need in one place. If you’re wondering whether it includes the classics…it does. Plus all the key Decca and Immediate singles, deep cuts, and session material.
And listening again to these recordings, I’ve been reminded—very strongly—of just how incredible Steve Marriott was. His blues-soul-rock voice… utterly unique. Such a loss, and so underrated. This set really highlights his power, versatility, and brilliance.
This is an exceptional release. Thoughtfully curated, beautifully presented, and sonically superb. Nice Records have delivered something that honours the legacy of The Small Faces while making a compelling case for physical media in 2025: tactile, archival, meaningful.
Exclusive Code giving you 20% off. Enter the code NICESPIN1969 https://www.nicerecords.co.uk/
Music is the healer and the doctor.
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Take care everyone — and I’ll speak to you very soon.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
