Little Feat
-
Artist:
I was at my local indie shop and noticed that the wall of CDs next to the cash register was all alt.country and Americana. When I asked if it was popular he replied that it was his biggest selling genre. (Which shows once again how much insight major labels have on what's popular.) It started me thinking in a non-focussed way until I ended up on one of my favourite American bands, Little Feat.
Little Feat still exist but as a totally different (and to me inferior) band from the original one that existed in the early 70s. They were critical darlings but never translated it into hit records. They were a typical example of Warner Records' policy of signing and supporting their friends - lead guitarist Lowell George had been in the Mothers and was part of the Ry Cooder - Taj Mahal - Randy Newman circle. Lowell was one of the best slide players in the world. In the words of the song 'Rock N Roll Doctor', "he's got two degrees in be-bop, A PhD in swing, He's a master of rhythm, He's a rock n roll king".
The rest of the band were great musicians as well, especially drummer Richie Hayward, who's circular style can only be described as unique.Their records were highlights of their time, with wonderfully literate and funny lyrics. The first four records should definitely be in your collection, especially Sailing Shoes, Dixie Chicken and Feats Don't Fail Me Now. And if you have access to bootlegs, look for two live recordings from Ultrasonic Studios in 1973 and '74.
They also had a huge appetite for drugs. It's especially evident in the first video you should see - check drummer Richie Hayward's eyes! Unfortunately, it destroyed the band and by the end of the decade Lowell was dead.
The video of Rock N Roll Doctor was for the UK show The Old Grey Whistle Test and was recorded at 9am, which doesn't prevent an amazing groove (maybe that explains the drugs). Unfortunately, the embedding data has been withheld, but you can link from "here":
This video was recorded at The Rainbow in London and features Mick Taylor in a slide guitar duel with Lowell, albeit at a tempo that makes a turtle look fast.Once again, You Tube confirms it's the world's cultural museum.
Locating MOG account...
Comments (12)
Guess I'm a little late for this thread but, John you said both Lowell and Richie died in the 70's. Richie is still alive and kickin' and was playing with the band til last August. He's on hiatus now while battling liver cancer. Our prayers go out to him now, but don't count him out yet!
It's true - I looked at what I wrote just now and realised I was wrong. I guess I got over-something'd thinking about his bike accident in Topanga Cyn back then.