Customer Reviews

Under the Radar

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having read the mixed reviews on this latest CD from Little Feat, I feel compelled to add my two cents. First, to suggest that in order to receive air play, a song must be under five minutes is not only ludicrous, it borders on censorship. The one thing preventing this band from enjoying much greater acclaim is precisely the same thing that makes it great: Innovation. Unfortunately, today's music industry requires everything to fit into neat little categories and that's the one thing this band doesn't do - fit. Every time you think you have Little Feat figured out, their newest release simply manages to blow away your perspective. Since Let It Roll - their first release after a long hiatus - each new CD, although distinctively Little Feat, has offered up a slightly different flavor, and Under the Radar is no different. The rhythm section (Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney, Richie Hayward and Sam Clayton) is as tight and as exciting as ever (Locomotives, The Blues Don't Tell It All). Shaun's vocals are as always stupendous (Hoy Hoy, Vale of Tears, The Blues Don't Tell It All) - one of the best moves the band ever made was bringing her front and center - and Paul's guitar sounds (as always) at least as good as the late Terry Kath (Chicago). Finally, the lyrics range from soulful to downright humorous (Ferocious Morning - the story of a man who wakes up on the wrong side of the wrong bed!).

Other notable cuts on this CD (although none of them can be called B-side material) include Home Ground (only Paul could meet a caterer from Decatur), I Got Happiness, and Calling the Children Home (the latter two recalling the band's roots).

If innovation is the only thing preventing this band from far greater acclaim, I hope they never conform. In short, if you want commercial, tune in your radio to hear Phil Collins, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston; however, if you want to hear something unique and innovative, go buy any of Little Feat's CD's - you won't be disappointed.

The day Little Feat decides to hang up their instruments will be akin to "the misery minute down at the happy hour". Keep up the good work guys (and Shaun).

Having read the mixed reviews on this latest CD from Little Feat, I feel compelled to add my two cents. First, to suggest that in order to receive air play, a song must be under five minutes is not only ludicrous, it borders on censorship. The one thing preventing this band from enjoying much greater acclaim is precisely the same thing that makes it great: Innovation. Unfortunately, today's music industry requires everything to fit into neat little categories and that's the one thing this band doesn't do - fit. Every time you think you have Little Feat figured out, their newest release simply manages to blow away your perspective. Since Let It Roll - their first release after a long hiatus - each new CD, although distinctively Little Feat, has offered up a slightly different flavor, and Under the Radar is no different. The rhythm section (Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney, Richie Hayward and Sam Clayton) is as tight and as exciting as ever (Locomotives, The Blues Don't Tell It All). Shaun's vocals are as always stupendous (Hoy Hoy, Vale of Tears, The Blues Don't Tell It All) - one of the best moves the band ever made was bringing her front and center - and Paul's guitar sounds (as always) at least as good as the late Terry Kath (Chicago). Finally, the lyrics range from soulful to downright humorous (Ferocious Morning - the story of a man who wakes up on the wrong side of the wrong bed!).

Other notable cuts on this CD (although none of them can be called B-side material) include Home Ground (only Paul could meet a caterer from Decatur), I Got Happiness, and Calling the Children Home (the latter two recalling the band's roots).

If innovation is the only thing preventing this band from far greater acclaim, I hope they never conform. In short, if you want commercial, tune in your radio to hear Phil Collins, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston; however, if you want to hear something unique and innovative, go buy any of Little Feat's CD's - you won't be disappointed.

The day Little Feat decides to hang up their instruments will be akin to "the misery minute down at the happy hour". Keep up the good work guys (and Shaun).

I have followed Little feat since the Lowell George days. This IS the best record (since he past away) that Little Feat has put out to date (remember, I am writing in 2003). Shaun Murphy is just incredible on this record. You can feel that the rest of the band members are revitalized ... no infected in a positive way by her presence. And the master musicians are still the master musicians. The jams are tight and freely polished to perfection here. Under The Radar, Eden's Wall, and Vale of Tears are what stick out in my mind as some of the bands best work. Thank the lord that Little Feat never did try to make 3 minute AM radio stuff! They are too good for that! Incredible and awesome spin!

Been a Feat Fan since Dixie Chicken, seen them live then and recently, and I love Lowell George but ... IT'S A BETTER* BAND NOW! Shaun Murphy is the most powerful rock female vocalist I've heard since Janis Joplin (and I've seen her live, too). One of my all time favorite CDs in a large music library. Get this! And by all means, if you get a chance to see them live do yourself a big favor (be sure to wear your boogie shoes). I think Billy Payne is the most exciting rock keyboard player extant.

* "Better Band" = tighter, more emotionally engaging, higher energy, more consistent

Do yourself a favor and don't compare this incarnation of LF with that headed by Lowell George. George was a great song writer and musician and contributed to several classic LF releases. But this CD is too good to approach it with expectations or prejudgements. This CD is excellent. Each cut here is an absolute winner. Shaun Murphy has an incredibly strong and expressive voice, and is equally effective on the ballads, to wit, "Vale of Tears", WOW. I could listen to her all day. The lead male vocals sound like a cross between Steve Winwood and Paul Carrack PERFECTLY layered over the music which can best be described as contemporary, southern boogie, jam, rock, with an edge. Technically, Bill Payne continues to impress (I can hardly wait to get his new solo CD), Barerre and Tackett are in top form. The audio recording and sound quality is fantastic. All around a very solid effort. As Rolling Stone magazine states, "all killer no filler". I concur.

I have been a Little Feat listener and fan for over 25 years. "Under the Radar" is a joy for Little Feat Fans, and a treat for first time Feat listeners. Little Feat can grab your attention with the first listen, but they grab your soul the more you listen. There lyrics are intelligent, thoughtful and many times humorous. Shaun Murphy has been a nice addition to the band. Both as a singer and a songwriter. But damn I miss Lowell George. Wonder what his take on the world would be these days. The rest of the group is as tight and funky as ever. My only complaint about the band is that I wish they were more prolific. There are at least six tracks on this CD that are light years ahead of what other bands produce. Several tracks could make my personal "Little Feat's Greastest Hits" compilation. While I rated this CD 5 stars, "Waiting for Columbus" and "Representing the Mambo" would be 8 stars in my book. They are Masterpieces. Listening to any Little Feat CD is "Like having your ears tested by a team of experts". To Paul, Bill, Fred, Sam, Richie, Kenny, and Shaun, please, please keep up the good work.

Like all of Feat's music you have to listen to the songs over and over again.This is their BEST music.Full of emotions and feelings that reach deep into your SOUL.

An amazing album from the greatest Rock and Roll band in the world. Even though Little Feat has rarely gotten the recognition or praise they deserve by the rock press, they continue to get better with time. They have always been one of the tightest bands around and they have produced one of their truly classic albums. The music runs the gamut of rock, blues and jazz played in the amalgam that is Little Feats inimitable sound. If you have never heard Little Feat before, this is a good place to start along with either one of their live albums, and if you are already a Featster you won't be disappointed by their latest effort.

With UNDER THE RADAR, Little Feat successfully escape their past by fully integrating female vocalist Shaun Murphy into the band. While I love Lowell George and Craig Fuller, Murphy is a powerful female rock vocalist who sounds like no one else on earth. She is a force of nature to be reckoned with, and if you haven't had the chance to check her out, do so.

If one is ready to quit griping about the loss of Lowell George and accept the Shaun Murphy/Paul Barrere era Little Feat, this album will do just nicely. While not as strong as "Ain't Had Enough Fun," it has moments that equal or surpass that release. The back to back powerhouse of I Got Happiness/Calling the Children Home is almost worth the price of the CD alone. Shaun Murphy turns in one of her finest performances with Hoy-Hoy and the title track is a plesant enough listen. And while I still have some issues with the barely capable songwriting that mixes with Shaun's powerful voice and reaps something that resembles uninspired country, I am getting used to Murphy and none of the music is unlistenable or bad. And there is no denying that when they're right on, Little Feat is unbeatable.