I know people who think they know what Little Feat sounds like. But I'm sure they are wrong. This band often gets lumped in with either the Grateful Dead or the aimless jam bands that waste a good 10-15 minutes flexing on the same two notes at summer peach festivals. That is not Little Feat. The one or two songs played on classic rock radio in the 70's is not Little Feat. This clip is Little Feat, a band full of ridiculously good musicians who can outdo just about anyone at anytime. Little Feat manages to cover every genre and sound like masters of them all. Now, it isn't all like this clip. The studio records are more compact, relying on the brilliant songs of Lowell George, and the occasional contribution from Bill Payne. But even with three, four and five minute songs, Little Feat always sounded like Little Feat. If you think you know this band, think again and listen to the first three albums. For now, just watch these guys work. It was hard for me to keep my eyes off drummer Richie Heyward, who is channeling both Levon Helm and Zigaboo Modeliste for the entire performance.
(h/t whipshap)
11 comments:
Amen. An amazing band, especially live, during the Lowell George era.
Yes. I've been a fan since 1972. I appreciate them even more the older I get. "Sailin' Shoes" is one of my all-time favorite albums by anybody, ever.
Great to see some love for the Feat. So sad we lost Lowell so young. Wonderful to see and hear this.
JB
Waiting For Columbus is one of the best live records, well, ever.
Amen... again.
Randy
Love Little Feat early and often. I'm partial to the first S/T LP where the realm of possibility was wide open. Shoes and Dixie are where they settled into their method. Saw 'em at a park in Santa Ana with some local bands before the first album. They were a scruffy bunch. Recognized the two Mothers and also Hayward from all the love-ins at Griffith and third billings. They were a whole different trip than I expected. But it was very excellent. Went to countless shows of theirs and they were usually firing on all. Memorable stuff. Saw em' open for Stevie Wonder at the Whisky circa Sailin' Shoes. Saw Tom Waits open for them at the Troubadour circa Feats. Also once thought I was going to see Dr. Feelgood at the Roxy but they canceled and Little Feat took the opportunity, just prior to The Last Record album. First time I saw 'em in Berdoo they 3rd billed under Ike & Tina (1971). Second bill was Geronimo Black :) Been to just under a hundred of their shows. Payne is an amazing guy. I got a Feat fetish big time. Those Kornyphone bootlegs were the shit! Great clip! Thanks Sal. Glad you enjoyed Jamaica.
VR
I don't think I know Little Feat. I have never ever thought about them even for a second. Never had anyone tout them as a band worth listening to. I am Little Feat ignorant, in every sense of the word. I will check out their debut! And I have no idea what it will sound like.
@michael giltz
I know it might feel right to being with the debut, but you should start with "Sailin' Shoes" and then hit "Dixie Chicken." If you love those two, hit the debut.
*begin
What Michael Giltz said, word for word!
I got off on the wrong foot with Little Feat. In the early 80's, I had a summer job at a resort, and the band by the pool played "Dixie Chicken" and "House at Pooh Corner" every fucking week until I couldn't stand those songs anymore. I thought they were a jam band too, until a friend made a mixtape that set me straight.
Richie Hayward was their secret weapon.
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