I wish that I knew what I know now

 “The Passing Show” is a totally absorbing hour-long documentary featuring the life and times of the criminally underrated Ronnie Lane, he of the Small Faces, The Faces, Slim Chance and solo work.  I finally caught up with it last weekend, and it has led me to revisit the brilliant “Ooh La La,” and I thought it was time to share the version below.

This song and performance, in particular, exudes joy, and it's impossible to not smile along with the musicians. Check out the bass player; I don't think he would rather be anywhere else on earth for these four minutes. Despite the world weariness of the lyrics, they know they are on to something incredibly special, and when Lane’s then wife appears to dance onstage, the song rises to an even higher level.

This is rock and roll as Prozac, and as charming and affecting as any music released in the past half-century.