Little Feat

About

Little Feat’s baby steps as a recording act were in the direction of country-rock, rather than towards the New Orleans-style rhythms of their later work. Their 1971 self-titled debut is a rollicking excursion along the dusty edges of the Great American Highway, told from the perspectives of truckers, hippies, and assorted riffraff. Central to the proceedings is bandleader Lowell George, contributing slashing guitar work, gruffly expressive singing and twisted (yet eloquent) songwriting. Also prominent are Bill Payne’s gospel piano licks and occasional bluesy lead vocals. Bassist Roy Estrada and drummer Richie Hayward don’t indulge in the polyrhythmic workouts that the band would soon become famous for, opting for a more understated approach. The album’s highlights include the zany “Strawberry Flats,” the spiritually provocative “Brides Of Jesus” and the likably paranoid “Crack In The Door.” George especially shines on “I’ve Been The One” (a poignant honky-tonk ballad) and the subsequently famous “Willin’” (presented here in bare-bones form). A sweltering take on Howlin’ Wolf’s “Forty Four Blues/How Many More Years” features a slide guitar shoot-out between George and Ry Cooder. This is Little Feat’s sonic gumbo in its rawest form, with a bracing dash of diesel thrown in.

via Apple Music

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