As a member of the Small Faces and the Faces, Ian McLagan took part in some of the most gloriously shambolic rock ‘n’ roll in its rough and raw history. His collection, Never Say Never, is chock-full of roadworn and lovely moments that exhibit his veteran status without losing the young man inside of him. His boozy meter, his tough delivery, his reckless piano playing, and his poignant songwriting come together here with his solid, unpretentious backing band from a number of alt-country vets including guitarist Scrappy Jud Newcomb, bassist Mark Andes, and singer Patty Griffin, who combines with McLagan for the album’s tear-jerker closing ritual, “When the Crying Is Over.” McLagan’s never leaves the bar far behind and his jaunty yet solid groove informs his every move, from the ‘70s smooth groove heartache of the title track through the loose and free ramble of ‘I’m Hot, You’re Cool” and “I Will Follow” to the surprisingly tender “Loverman.”