5 Stars = Masterpiece
Little Feat of the 70's, was a text book example of that decade's eclectic mix of bands that genre hopped like a bullfrog chasing a fly. They mixed in a little rock, a little jazz, a little funk, a little soul, a little country, & lot of New Orleans jazz, to make the perfect percolating pot of gumbo stew, hot & spicy, ready to be inhaled by your ears! Little Feat knew their ingredients well, & masterfully mixed them in their music blender to produce a sound that was totally unique, a sound that was instantly recognizable, a sound that garnered them a large following of people who's music tastes was as eclectic as the band's own.
Many people might say, "Dixie Chicken" is Little Feat's best studio album. As for myself, my vote goes to "Feats Don't Fail Me Now," a more straight forward album (that is, as straight forward as Little Feat can be) than the hugely genre jumping mix, that is "Dixie Chicken." "Feats Don't Fail Me Now," rocks confidently! The soulfully barnstorming medley, "Cold Cold/Tripe Face Boogie," rocks with total conviction, yet keeps that Little Feat signature of mixing the pot. This is the anchor of the album, a live show stopper the band used in concert! The opening track "Rock n' Roll Doctor," is just that, doctoring your ears with some laid back southern rock, with that unmistakable New Orleans sound. The upbeat, "Oh Atlanta," flows & grows with each listen, it's hooks digging deeply into your muse, you might find the song popping up in your mind unexpectedly at any time. The funky, "Skin It Back," with it's extra fusion ingredients, goes down the musical palette in vivid colors bursting forth to catch your groove. "Down The Road" is a great companion piece to "Skin It Back," a rollicking funky vibe surrounds this tune. Then we get the funk out with "Spanish Moon," running seamlessly with the former two songs, in a triple treat for your bump & grind! Then we make a full circle back to the first two songs on this album with the title song, "Feats Don't Fail Me Now." Next is "The Fan," it has a certain rocking intensity, yet subtle. It features a great hard rocking guitar solo, & keyboard solo, that takes this song into prog rock/fusion territory. This is Little Feat stretching their feats out! On top of this all, is the seriously soulful singing of Lowell George, & beautiful vocal harmonies that make these songs so genuinely, unmistakably, Little Feat!
To those of you that are interested in Little Feat, but have not dove head first into their 70's catalog, I'd suggest "Feats Don't Fail Me Now," as your gateway into their infectious unmistakable vibe, wrapped up with ace musicianship, topped with great song writing, & sent with unique vocals. This is the place to start!
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