At the time when Little Feat were creating these masterpieces, let's not forget the other artists they helped. Robert Palmer worked with Little Feat on several of his albums, beginning with Sneaking Sally Through The Alley, and whenever I listen to the Palmer albums with members of Little Feat I just enjoy the funky rhythm and beat of the records. Little Feat was one of my all time favourite bands from the 1970's! Thanks for giving them some love Massy!
The most criminally overlooked, under appreciated lp’s of the 1970s are these two albums, Joe Walsh’s Barnstorm and James Gang Rides Again, Paradise and Lunch, Sail Away and Zevon’s debut. Sailin Shoes and Dixie Chicken are in my top 30 albums of all time. Couldn’t live without them. Glad to hear about Rhino’s lps
I really like the song Perfect Imperfection on Down on the Farm which I have just found out after 40 years was co written by Paul Barrère and Tony Snow but featuring a great vocal by Lowell George. The bootlegs were pretty good too
@mazzysmusic.Greetings from the U.K. Thank you for your work on bringing these Little Feat re - issues to our attention sir! You may already know this. Lowell George's "Willin' " is a master class in alliteration. Those lines: "Alice, Dallas Alice" "Weed, Whites (a make of truck from many years ago) and wine" "Tucson to Tucumcari, Tehachapi to Tonopah" ( I read that these each of these towns had houses of correction maybe?) Just some of the best lyrics IMHO ever written! I remember hearing Lowell introduce "Willin' " - using a quote apparently from the U.S. Union leader Jimmy Hoffa, which went something like "If you've got it, a truck brought it!" So as long as there are trucks and truckers, "Willin" will be their anthem. I will be looking for the CD boxed set of "Waiting For Columbus" as you mentioned that there are extra discs of the U.K. concerts at Manchester and at The Rainbow Theatre in London. Little Feat played 4 nights at The Rainbow in early August 1977 - Monday through to Thursday. I went to the Tuesday show and the final gig on Thursday. The Thursday show included Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones joining Lowell and the boys on "Apolitical Blues". When the band played "Day At Dog Races" Lowell would leave the stage. Don't think he was too happy with where the band were going with some of these compositions. I did read later that Lowell had said something like "That stuff is the very antithesis of what Little Feat are all about". But Bill Payne, Paul Barrere and Kenny Gradney were making their marks in the band's catalogue while Lowell's song writing was on the decline, It was such a shame the way Lowell's life ended. But we have the gift of all of the music he left us. May he, Richie Hayward, and Paul Barrere all Rest In Peace. Thank you again. You and yours stay safe and well.
I couldn't agree more ..... Truly Great band ...... I miss those days so much . Your video made me pull out the guitar and play 'Roll em Easy' ..... It made me feel better ....
How… how on earth did I miss this group in the ‘70’s??!! I was a big big fan of the Allman Bros, so how did I skip over Little Feat?! I remember the album covers in the record stores and thinking they were very cool, but something just didn’t nudge me over the line. I’m so glad the YT algorithm put your vid in my feed and I thought I’d give it a try! Gotta agree, Warner Bros. in the ‘70’s was a great label!!!
Love your videos Mazzy. Just caught up with your ranking of Grateful Dead albums (with which I agree), your reflections on Buffalo Springfield, Donovan and now Little Feat. I wholeheartedly agree that Lowell George was the soul of the band and a great loss although they were all great. Good to see that new versions of Thanks I’ll Eat it Here is part of the upcoming RSD. For me The Last Record Album seemed to capture Lowell’s spirit the best but the reissues you highlight are wonderful to have. Never saw any of these artists live living in Adelaide, Southern Australia. Little Feat performed here in 1977 but I missed it. Many said it was a magnificent show. Oh well. Really tune into to your take on these halcyon days. Not sure if you’ve done a video on Michael Nesmith but will check. Thanks for all your great work.
Little Feat are touring now doing the whole Waiting For Columbus double album live…despite recently losing Paul Barrere…they dedicate the show to Lowell George, Paul Barrere, and Ritchie Hayward.
I was first turned on to Little Feat via the Warner Bros 'Loss Leaders' promotional series, of which I collected them all! Living and growing up in the Southeast, these provided exposure to many of the amazing West Coast artists that didn't get much airplay where I grew up.
Hard to pick a favorite, as there are classic gems on just about all of them. But my first exposure was to "The Big Ball", so it's a regular go-to... that and the "Looney Tunes" box.
Love me some Little Feat! Saw them twice on their Waiting for Columbus tour. These two new releases are superb, super clean.I’m in my mid seventies now and these albums still give me happy feet
This profile was so nostalgic for me, thank you. Well done. Little Feat, more than any other band outside of the Kinks, defined my college experience in architecture school at LSU during the seventies. We always had a gang of guys and gals listening to records in someone's dorm room, studio, or apartment, constantly. Those initial four albums are amongst the greatest run of any American rock group. Ry Cooder was (is) a favorite guitarist (his first FIVE albums are a great run too), so it was easy to become hooked on those first two Feat records in particular, but I certainly enjoy Dixie Chicken and Feats Don't Fail Me Now just about as much. I gifted myself a graduation trip to Atlanta in May of 1978 to see them perform at the Fox Theater (fortuitously caught Doc and Merle Watson at an intimate club called the Great Southeastern Music Hall, that same trip). Great concert, wonderful venue, unforgettable trip at the dawning of punk rock. My focus on Feat got sidetracked thereafter, for a time, but thankfully their records have long since returned to their rightful position of hierarchy on my play list. If Waiting For Columbus isn't the best live recording by an American group, I couldn't tell you what is.
Little Feat is one of my favorite bands. Such a unique band. My first introduction to them was in 1985 when i was at a friend of a friends house and he put on Waiting for Columbus. I was blown away and left wondering how they had escaped me for so long. I would agree that album is one of the great live albums of all time. Love the new reissue with the additional shows
One of my favorite bands as well. There's something so rich about their music and signature sound. With repeated listens and more appreciation of the context between all the styles they blended they just sound even more and more special to me over the years. I think I enjoy the Electrif Lycanthrope: Live At Ultra Sonic Studios 1974 release even more than Waiting for Columbus. I really hope these editions sell enough so Rhino can put out more.
I've not heard either for years but my memory is that Rampant Synchopatio was even better than Electrif Lycanthrope, recorded at a wedding. Not as good as either but with a cracking Lowell George story about Howling Wolf is Aurora Backseat
Thank you Norman; I have been a fan of these albums since the 70s and you reminded me that I need to invest in these beautiful new editions. I unfortunately passed on seeing them in 78, but did see them in a small club during Craig Fullers time with the band. It remains one of the most energetic and fun concerts I have ever seen. Thanks for continuing to be an arbiter of good taste in music. Love that Avedon Lennon. Peace!
I could not agree more Mazzy. These two titles are the peak of their studio albums. The remastered albums have never sounded better and the extras and the live albums are good enough to stand on their own.
Sadly, I never had the opportunity to see them live while Lowell was still with us. I did see them on the "Let It Roll" tour in Daytona FL, and they were fantastic!! Saw them again in the early 2000's at a small venue called "Freebirds" (owned by Ronnie Van Zant's widow), wherein they had incorporated the female vocalist (Shaun?), but they had lost their ZING, if you will. It was a good show, and being such a small venue, it was great to meet the band and get autographs, pictures, and I bought everything I didn't own that they were selling at the venue, but (for me anyway) they've never really been the same since.
I saw them in the late nineties, and they were still super funky and really hot, they played on two separate days at the byron bay blues festival, no Lowell of course but everyone else was still there, they were just gteat,i was in heaven.
Thanks for opening me up to Little Feat. You started me off right with WFC, and now have the two rhinos on order. I always considered Rock of Ages the best live album - maybe we can agree the Band was a North American band. Robbie Robertson did a nice job remastering and expanding the ROA album for a cd box set including one full night performance with the original song order and Dylan’s full encore performance. Definitely worth checking out. Thanks again.
Why did you have to say how much better the Rhino pressings sound? I have all these albums from back then and they still rattle my speakers. Now I'm tempted to fork out mo' money just to compare for myself. BTW, Last Record Album is my fave, the record store that I practically lived in used it for speaker demos to show how good the 'bottom' was.
beautiful 3 LP sets that i wouldn't know existed except for you telling me they did. i agree with you entirely about lowell george and the first two albums especially. at the moment, my thought is that the allman brothers band with duane living until october 1979 would have produced the greatest live album of the 70's. "waiting for columbus" is spectacular but duane and gregg trump even lowell george in my opinion had duane lived but my view is speculation. great video as always.
Mazzy, Thank you for this review! I bought these releases and have been enjoying these very much. I have been following the Steve Hoffman forum threads. As you’ve seen, Jason from Rhino has said that further Little Feat Rhino releases will depend on sales of these two gems. So I’m thrilled that word is getting out and maybe we will see their other albums!
Best live American band album of the 70s? You bet…and their show on that same tour in Santa Barbara with Tower of Power horns was even better. Feat remain a huge influence here in SoCal, NOLA….and everywhere.
Totally agree, Little Feat great band, have every LP when they came out. Unfortunately only saw Little Feat without Lowell George, they were still fantastic 😊
Thanks norman for paying attention to this great band. You should get the ‘ speakers corner’ pressing of time loves a hero. Sounds great! Cheek to cheek was a popular title in the netherlands, and that was my first acquaintance with their music.
My favourite band! Have all the originals both British and American copies. Was fortunate to see them in Glasgow in '74 (I think) supporting The Who. They had a massive inflatable catcus! I've laid heavy hints on my wife for my birthday at end of this month. Where have the years gone? Love to you Mazzy.
Very good video, Mazzy. Really liked it. I only have some Little Feat on CD but this has inspired me to have a think about picking up those 2 deluxe LPs on vinyl
Thanks for the review. I was waiting for someone to do a review on Rhino's pressings. Thanks Mazzy, I pulled the trigger and got all three. I'm a big Little Feats fan since the 70's. Peace and love......
'feats dont fail me now' is where i picked up my little feat journey..still my favorite of their studio work, but love all their output, especially lowell's solo effort...great review of 'columbus' as well as the band itself..hope you are staying well..peace always my friend..rocky
Don’t forget to mention the amazing guitar solo by ex-Stones Mick Taylor on Apolitical Blues on Waiting for Columbus he was in his best years at that time and what a solo …
I can’t say that I’m/was was a big LF fan, but I bought a bunch of records and this live one was included. I saw LF many many years ago in Baltimore as part of a five band concert, and when they were announced my friends and I looked at each other and said “Who? Little Feet?”. Back to the present, I threw this on the turntable and was immediately drawn into the quality of the sound and the dynamics, and by that time a lot of the songs were already familiar to me. I don’t necessarily think I’ll pick up any other of their albums, but this one’s definitely a keeper.
Those are great albums , as is the live album . Although my favourite Little Feat album is The Last Record Album , which is a perfect album in my view . Cheers !
like the first two Little Feat albums best. loved the live set for sure. I remember my slightly older sister went to the shows at Lisner Auditorium in DC. I think some of that concert made the album. I was always jealous that I didn't get to go. best live albums by an American band in the 70s, arguably yes. I like the Grateful Dead's "Skull & Roses" album and would play it ten to one over Little Feat.
Great Job Mr. M. the Feat are on the top of the heap. A fitting tribute to their greatness. Awaiting my copies of the new Rhino releases. Their album covers always had the best artwork by Mr. Parks plus the album package was always great lyrics & photos wise. Now I’m working on getting copies of the post-Lowell lps some of them are also a good listen.
Most of the songs on the original Band of Gypsies were from the 1st show on New Year’s Day 1970. The band did 2 shows on December 31 and 2 on January 1. They recorded all 4 shows. Jimi listened to the recordings from the first night and wasn’t happy so he focused all his energy on the first show on January 1. His guitar solo on Machine Gun from that show is incredible. Rolling Stone listed it as the greatest guitar solo ever. I agree. Still my favorite. Love waiting for Columbus. Suggest getting Rhinos box set with 4 complete concerts. Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore is also excellent. So much great live music in the 70s. Have both of these Little Feat reissues and highly recommend them!
One of my favourite bands as well. I have all the official studio/live albums plus Lowell's solo album. Still sound great all these years later. Do I need to collect the reissues with the extras, I will have to consider that because of space constrictions. I don't want to fill up whatever vinyl space I have left with reissues of albums I already have. Of course that sentiment could change.
Based on your review I bought Dixie Chicken. Fantastic purchase. I now must buy the other one. As you advised. Super noisy vinyl but otherwise, total perfection. I wish there were bands of this quality still making music….
love little feat and the first 4 records, in particular Dixie Chicken and Sailin' Shoes natch. That said, I think Waiting for Columbus is really disappointing. I would say Lynyrd Skynyrd's One More from the Road is excellent but Fleetwood Mac's 3 Disc set "Boston" is my favorite. Recorded in early 1970 and meant to be released in the same year it didn't get an official release until the 80's i think, maybe. The extended Rattlesnake Shake on both vol.1 and 2 are must hear.
Mazzy, spot on with the Weather Report, Return to Forever reference for Day at the Dog Races! Just went back and gave it a listen. Only got to see the Feat after Lowell was gone, (Concord Pavilion many years ago) but great show. In my mind, along with Los Lobos, they are the best American band period. cheers p.s. Seeing Lobos again in September. love the channel
Very informative video, Mazzy; I’ll have to explore their discography. Same age as you, but I’d never heard of them until about 10 years ago. A friend of mine from the States was visiting me in Dubai and brought me one of their CDs as a gift. She was an avid Little Feat fan, but the blank expression on my face told her I wasn’t. Didn’t really give the CD much playtime, but after this video, I’ll have to explore their back catalogue. Thanks.
I saw little feet on the LET IT ROLL tour they were fantastic!! they had a very big following in the DC area like really big, they did 7 shows in 6 days at the warner theate. great video
Thanks for the heads up! Saw these, but didn't know if they were worth picking up.. Think I'll grab em afterall. I already have the new Waiting for Columbus (in Tomato Red) that you reviewed, so at least I have a start. I'd like to get the Lycanthrope '74 on wax too (already have the CD). 🍻
@WizardsWithMachinery. You may already know this. Back in the last century, I read somewhere that there were only 5,000 original vinyl pressings of "Electrif Lycanthrope". The original records were pressed by "Kornyphone Records" (?) and it was rumoured that Lowell George himself tweaked the tapes of the final mix. There's a credit on the jacket label - complete with Neon Park artwork of the German Shepherd dog with antlers, that says something like "Thanks to LLG". If you have the CD version, the track order is not the same as the vinyl version. My CD version from Smokin' Records breaks up the side 2 of the vinyl medley of "Spanish Moon/Skin It Back/Fatman In The Bathtub" which is IMHO the finest 12+ minutes of Lowell and the boys really cooking! However, I made a CD copy for private use in my car and put the tracks in the same order as the familiar vinyl sequence and the medley "joins up" again! Good luck in your search for this rarity. You and yours stay safe and well.
I’m obsessed with a sub genre 1970s double live Gonzo. Ive got about 50 releases. Feat Columbus top 5 easily 1. Willin a truckers anthem. Lowell George was considered ad replacement for Mick Taylor in the Stones. Keith says Mick was against George because he sang and wrote to well. Ben Fong - Torres book Willin is detailed account of the Band.
Hey Mazzy! I bought the two Little Feat re-issues on cd two weeks ago they sound wonderful lot of punch! And for Waiting for Columbus is my favorite Live album . Second would be the Band Rock of Ages! Then the Allman Brothers. And Neil Young live album in 79 Rust never sleep’s but anyways great overview of Little Feat!
As an Australian i had never heard of them, i came across the 79 Mofi album last year at my local shop. Used Mofi and especially early Mofi records i hardly ever see over here, so i grabbed it purely out of curiosity. And WoW i loved it. Such a great album. On your recommendation ill get those 2 Rhino rereleases. (Just quickly streamed the 2 albums. Loved them)
Good video Mazzy, Columbus is in my top 5 live albums of the 1970s. Little Feat get very little attention and this reissue campaign is under the radar - don’t hear anyone talking about it except on Rachel’s livestream. FYI - The Who’s live at Leeds was recorded in Feb 1970 and released in late Spring of that year so I would disagree about your comment not including this as a 70s live album. I do think it’s the greatest live album of all time. Maybe you were thinking of Get Your YaYa’ Out by the Stones. That was recorded in Fall 1969 but released in 70. Minor details though - all great music!
Only the live Columbus. Haven’t heard the other MoFis. But the two new ones are very good and the extras are fantastic. Haven’t heard Speakers Corner versions. From tape dubs. But probably good too.
I gotta agree that "Rock of Ages" really has to be in that conversation about live albums (70's US, &c) and I still kinda like J. Geils' "Full House" so there's the top 4-5 (counting the live stuff from Eat-A-Peach) on my list ... When I got 24-bit flac versions of Fillmore East and Eat A Peach, I re-sequenced them like that Tom Dowd CD version that came out awhile ago - that's fun ... I'm still getting to know these new live Feats - sometimes these archival type things can show exactly how much (for good or ill) the post-production turns the great performance into a great album and why they endured. There's some interesting DVD/BluRay (24-bit audio) versions of the Band's shows at the Academy of Music that week in 1971, and those 'complete' Allman Bros concerts from the Fillmore I found used for great prices which are ... let's just say illustrative and I love each of them. 100% hoping we'll see "Feats Don't Fail Me" and "Last Record Album" just like this - these are really great! Miss Lowell George
@ayeatropoulos 1. Yes sir, "Waiting For Columbus" is a fine live album. But you must try to get to listen to "Electrif Lycanthrope" - a Little Feat bootleg album from 1974 - Lowell and the boys at their very best. Stay safe and well.
@@markmiwurdz202 Just found and skimmed through it. OMG!!! Amazing, and you can really hear Bill Payne's contributions, loud and clear!! Thanks so much for the heads-up on that boot!!!
I first discovered LF via a close friend of mine that played me "WFC" many years ago. I instantly fell in love with it, and it has remained my fav Live album of all-time. Yes, I too love the Allmans Fillmore album, but when it comes to my actual frequency of play, WFC has them all beat. Until I heard this album, J. Geils Bands' "Live Full House" was my favorite... although, again, I remain a fan of many. It kills me to hear so many people say, "oh, I don't like live albums". They have no clue what they're missing. Of course, those folks still listen primarily to radio, if at all, and they don't really collect music. Man, if I wasn't a music collector (far more for the entertainment than value of the recording) I just assume never to have been born. It is by far my greatest passion in life, obviously not including my family.
A little trivia...Little Feat mistitled "Don't Bogart That Joint". It's actually called "Don't Bogart Me" if you're looking for the original by Fraternity Of Man.
One other aspect putting me off the triple LP releases is that they are very expensive over this side of the world... $98! BUT $60 in the US, big price difference!
Indeed, Waiting for Columbus is the best live album of the 70s from an American band. I often listen to the CD version, with all the extra tracks. Little Feat is not the same without Lowell George. So I don’t even bother listening to any of their later stuff.
Mazzy, you’re on a roll, however it would be a crime to not add Chico Hamilton’s The Master album which is Little Feat backing Chico during the Feat’s elite period. I’m sure you know it!
I have late 70s "stripes" label copies. They were short enough to be cut nice and deep, and Canada's WB pressings at that time are generally excellent. (EDIT--ANOTHER BEATLES CONNECTION: Early 70s Canadian green WB label pressings were done by RCA in Smiths Falls...same plant that pressed the first Canadian Beatles records.💜💙)
Been waiting for someone to mention these reissues! Thank you sir. Just curious, where would you put One more from the road..Skynyrd. First time we heard the great Steve Gaines.
Waiting is a great live album, but heavily overdubbed. Depending on who you ask, not much of it is really "live" at all (all vocals and slide guitar redone in the studio?). It's all subjective, but At Fillmore East still gets the nod from me and it's 100% live. As just a pure listening experience, "Columbus" is excellent, and the sound quality is top-notch. Mick Taylor guests on "A Apolitical Blues".
Ted Templeman, yeah.. also produced Captain Beefheart’s best, Clear Spot (Reprise 1972). Best live? A toss up between Columbus and Rock of Ages - however it lands, I don’t mind.
Columbus is a great live album but I wouldn’t say it’s the best. You can still find beautiful NM original pressings of all these titles for $10 to $15. Feats Don’t Fail Me Now, is my favorite LF studio album.
I'm not that familiar with Little Feat. But, I know some of these songs from their cover versions. I'll bet Lynyrd Skynyrd's "One More From The Road" gives "Waiting For Columbus" a run for its money. You've definitely got me intrigued for "Sailin' Shoes", "Dixie Chicken" and "Waiting For Columbus".
Mazzy I have tried for years to listen to country/blue grass type music and I just cant. I dont know if its the vocals or the music its self but I just dont like it man. I do love your channel especially your Jazz shows. Have learned so much from you :)
I am a little bit too concerned about the amount of touch ups in the studio on the 'Waiting For Columbus' to qualify it as the greatest live album. I know that you could aim this point at many live records but is this one excessive? Also, the sound of the band seems a little too thin at times especially on the added shows to this particular live package. I personally would love them to do this resissue stuff for The Last Record... and Time Loves A Hero where they end up really stretching out, like most good musicians want to do. I saw them do a show where they played back up for Bonnie Raitt who supported them and then Bonnie did backing vocals when they played their set. A REAL encore was played after the curtain was closed and the lights went up signalling for everyone to leave, and the audience refused to leave until they came back. Good fun.
Maybe the touch ups would bother me if I hadn’t seen them live around this time and witnessed just how great they were in concert. The Dead’s Europe 72 is another studio fixer that helped to make it another great live record. Live albums are full of mixing tricks and supplements. No, not all, but I’ll still go with Columbus as the best for all the reasons I listed in the video.
@noblebagheera. You may already know this. When Lowell George was with The Mothers Of Invention, their drummer Jimmy Carl Black noticed LG's small shoe size. Jimmy commented something like "Look at him, little f*ck*ng feet!" So when Lowell formed the band, he had an idea for a name. Lowell changed the spelling to "Feat" as a nod to one of his favourite bands The Beatles. Stay safe and well.
At the time when Little Feat were creating these masterpieces, let's not forget the other artists they helped. Robert Palmer worked with Little Feat on several of his albums, beginning with Sneaking Sally Through The Alley, and whenever I listen to the Palmer albums with members of Little Feat I just enjoy the funky rhythm and beat of the records. Little Feat was one of my all time favourite bands from the 1970's! Thanks for giving them some love Massy!
The most criminally overlooked, under appreciated lp’s of the 1970s are these two albums, Joe Walsh’s Barnstorm and James Gang Rides Again, Paradise and Lunch, Sail Away and Zevon’s debut. Sailin Shoes and Dixie Chicken are in my top 30 albums of all time. Couldn’t live without them. Glad to hear about Rhino’s lps
Best band I ever saw
So good
I really like the song Perfect Imperfection on Down on the Farm which I have just found out after 40 years was co written by Paul Barrère and Tony Snow but featuring a great vocal by Lowell George. The bootlegs were pretty good too
@mazzysmusic.Greetings from the U.K. Thank you for your work on bringing these Little Feat re - issues to our attention sir! You may already know this. Lowell George's "Willin' " is a master class in alliteration. Those lines:
"Alice, Dallas Alice"
"Weed, Whites (a make of truck from many years ago) and wine"
"Tucson to Tucumcari, Tehachapi to Tonopah" ( I read that these each of these towns had houses of correction maybe?)
Just some of the best lyrics IMHO ever written!
I remember hearing Lowell introduce "Willin' " - using a quote apparently from the U.S. Union leader Jimmy Hoffa, which went something like "If you've got it, a truck brought it!" So as long as there are trucks and truckers, "Willin" will be their anthem.
I will be looking for the CD boxed set of "Waiting For Columbus" as you mentioned that there are extra discs of the U.K. concerts at Manchester and at The Rainbow Theatre in London. Little Feat played 4 nights at The Rainbow in early August 1977 - Monday through to Thursday. I went to the Tuesday show and the final gig on Thursday. The Thursday show included Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones joining Lowell and the boys on "Apolitical Blues". When the band played "Day At Dog Races" Lowell would leave the stage. Don't think he was too happy with where the band were going with some of these compositions. I did read later that Lowell had said something like "That stuff is the very antithesis of what Little Feat are all about". But Bill Payne, Paul Barrere and Kenny Gradney were making their marks in the band's catalogue while Lowell's song writing was on the decline,
It was such a shame the way Lowell's life ended. But we have the gift of all of the music he left us. May he, Richie Hayward, and Paul Barrere all Rest In Peace. Thank you again. You and yours stay safe and well.
I couldn't agree more ..... Truly Great band ...... I miss those days so much .
Your video made me pull out the guitar and play 'Roll em Easy' ..... It made me feel better ....
How… how on earth did I miss this group in the ‘70’s??!! I was a big big fan of the Allman Bros, so how did I skip over Little Feat?! I remember the album covers in the record stores and thinking they were very cool, but something just didn’t nudge me over the line. I’m so glad the YT algorithm put your vid in my feed and I thought I’d give it a try!
Gotta agree, Warner Bros. in the ‘70’s was a great label!!!
Well, now you found them. Enjoy the discovery ✌🏼
Love your videos Mazzy. Just caught up with your ranking of Grateful Dead albums (with which I agree), your reflections on Buffalo Springfield, Donovan and now Little Feat. I wholeheartedly agree that Lowell George was the soul of the band and a great loss although they were all great. Good to see that new versions of Thanks I’ll Eat it Here is part of the upcoming RSD. For me The Last Record Album seemed to capture Lowell’s spirit the best but the reissues you highlight are wonderful to have. Never saw any of these artists live living in Adelaide, Southern Australia. Little Feat performed here in 1977 but I missed it. Many said it was a magnificent show. Oh well. Really tune into to your take on these halcyon days. Not sure if you’ve done a video on Michael Nesmith but will check. Thanks for all your great work.
Little Feat are touring now doing the whole Waiting For Columbus double album live…despite recently losing Paul Barrere…they dedicate the show to Lowell George, Paul Barrere, and Ritchie Hayward.
FYI, Amazon prime deal is $46.77 for Sailin Shoes, $47.40 for Dixie Chicken.
Have these in order, can’t wait receive these wonderful Re-issues
I have them already and both are phenomenal. Like you, I"m a lifelong Feat fan. A wonderful edition to your Feat catelogue. 👏👏👏
Never tired of their albums, the songs and everything Lowell George. Nothing like them before or since. Highly recommended.
I was first turned on to Little Feat via the Warner Bros 'Loss Leaders' promotional series, of which I collected them all! Living and growing up in the Southeast, these provided exposure to many of the amazing West Coast artists that didn't get much airplay where I grew up.
Same here. I still have those and made a video a few years ago. ruclips.net/video/EmpETr-b5Tg/видео.html
@@mazzysmusic Excellent video, Norman!!!
Warner put out some great compilation albums, Schlagers was my favorite!
Hard to pick a favorite, as there are classic gems on just about all of them. But my first exposure was to "The Big Ball", so it's a regular go-to... that and the "Looney Tunes" box.
It’s “Tripe Face Boogie” and Ted Templeman.👍❤️
Yeah, and it's Paul Barrere (say "bar - air")!
Love me some Little Feat! Saw them twice on their Waiting for Columbus tour. These two new releases are superb, super clean.I’m in my mid seventies now and these albums still give me happy feet
This profile was so nostalgic for me, thank you. Well done. Little Feat, more than any other band outside of the Kinks, defined my college experience in architecture school at LSU during the seventies. We always had a gang of guys and gals listening to records in someone's dorm room, studio, or apartment, constantly. Those initial four albums are amongst the greatest run of any American rock group. Ry Cooder was (is) a favorite guitarist (his first FIVE albums are a great run too), so it was easy to become hooked on those first two Feat records in particular, but I certainly enjoy Dixie Chicken and Feats Don't Fail Me Now just about as much. I gifted myself a graduation trip to Atlanta in May of 1978 to see them perform at the Fox Theater (fortuitously caught Doc and Merle Watson at an intimate club called the Great Southeastern Music Hall, that same trip). Great concert, wonderful venue, unforgettable trip at the dawning of punk rock. My focus on Feat got sidetracked thereafter, for a time, but thankfully their records have long since returned to their rightful position of hierarchy on my play list. If Waiting For Columbus isn't the best live recording by an American group, I couldn't tell you what is.
Little Feat is one of my favorite bands. Such a unique band. My first introduction to them was in 1985 when i was at a friend of a friends house and he put on Waiting for Columbus. I was blown away and left wondering how they had escaped me for so long. I would agree that album is one of the great live albums of all time. Love the new reissue with the additional shows
Electrif Lycanthrope is also and equally as awesome.
Thanks Mazzy. It's so refreshing to see your passion for Little Feat as I have had through all these years.
So great ✌🏼
One of my favorite bands as well. There's something so rich about their music and signature sound. With repeated listens and more appreciation of the context between all the styles they blended they just sound even more and more special to me over the years. I think I enjoy the Electrif Lycanthrope: Live At Ultra Sonic Studios 1974 release even more than Waiting for Columbus. I really hope these editions sell enough so Rhino can put out more.
I've not heard either for years but my memory is that Rampant Synchopatio was even better than Electrif Lycanthrope, recorded at a wedding. Not as good as either but with a cracking Lowell George story about Howling Wolf is Aurora Backseat
Thank you Norman; I have been a fan of these albums since the 70s and you reminded me that I need to invest in these beautiful new editions. I unfortunately passed on seeing them in 78, but did see them in a small club during Craig Fullers time with the band. It remains one of the most energetic and fun concerts I have ever seen. Thanks for continuing to be an arbiter of good taste in music. Love that Avedon Lennon. Peace!
I could not agree more Mazzy. These two titles are the peak of their studio albums. The remastered albums have never sounded better and the extras and the live albums are good enough to stand on their own.
Enjoyed your video. Love Little feat. I getting these reissues soon. Have a good week.
Great review of a great band, Mazzy! So good in fact I bought the Rhino reissue of "Waiting for Columbus" before the video was over ;)
They were held in high regard by other musicians and critics alike.
Sadly, I never had the opportunity to see them live while Lowell was still with us. I did see them on the "Let It Roll" tour in Daytona FL, and they were fantastic!! Saw them again in the early 2000's at a small venue called "Freebirds" (owned by Ronnie Van Zant's widow), wherein they had incorporated the female vocalist (Shaun?), but they had lost their ZING, if you will. It was a good show, and being such a small venue, it was great to meet the band and get autographs, pictures, and I bought everything I didn't own that they were selling at the venue, but (for me anyway) they've never really been the same since.
I saw them in the late nineties, and they were still super funky and really hot, they played on two separate days at the byron bay blues festival, no Lowell of course but everyone else was still there, they were just gteat,i was in heaven.
Dixie Chicken one of the great albums. Didn't know the band back then - played in an import shop booth and bought straight after! Great review Mazzy.
Thanks for opening me up to Little Feat. You started me off right with WFC, and now have the two rhinos on order. I always considered Rock of Ages the best live album - maybe we can agree the Band was a North American band. Robbie Robertson did a nice job remastering and expanding the ROA album for a cd box set including one full night performance with the original song order and Dylan’s full encore performance. Definitely worth checking out. Thanks again.
Saw the Feat open for the Stones in Stuttgart, West Germany, 1975. Love the Stones but the Feat blew ‘em away. Top 10 show for me!
Why did you have to say how much better the Rhino pressings sound? I have all these albums from back then and they still rattle my speakers. Now I'm tempted to fork out mo' money just to compare for myself. BTW, Last Record Album is my fave, the record store that I practically lived in used it for speaker demos to show how good the 'bottom' was.
Slightly better. But if you have one copies those are really good. Enjoy them
I totally agree...Waiting For Columbus...best Live album, EVER!!
beautiful 3 LP sets that i wouldn't know existed except for you telling me they did. i agree with you entirely about lowell george and the first two albums especially. at the moment, my thought is that the allman brothers band with duane living until october 1979 would have produced the greatest live album of the 70's. "waiting for columbus" is spectacular but duane and gregg trump even lowell george in my opinion had duane lived but my view is speculation. great video as always.
Mazzy,
Thank you for this review! I bought these releases and have been enjoying these very much.
I have been following the Steve Hoffman forum threads. As you’ve seen, Jason from Rhino has said that further Little Feat Rhino releases will depend on sales of these two gems.
So I’m thrilled that word is getting out and maybe we will see their other albums!
Yeah. Excited ✌🏼
Best live American band album of the 70s? You bet…and their show on that same tour in Santa Barbara with Tower of Power horns was even better. Feat remain a huge influence here in SoCal, NOLA….and everywhere.
Love Little Feat and the live "Goodbye Columbus ".....very cool...
Totally agree, Little Feat great band, have every LP when they came out. Unfortunately only saw Little Feat without Lowell George, they were still fantastic 😊
thank you for this video you brought back great memories of little feat
Thanks norman for paying attention to this great band. You should get the ‘ speakers corner’ pressing of time loves a hero. Sounds great! Cheek to cheek was a popular title in the netherlands, and that was my first acquaintance with their music.
My favourite band! Have all the originals both British and American copies. Was fortunate to see them in Glasgow in '74 (I think) supporting The Who. They had a massive inflatable catcus! I've laid heavy hints on my wife for my birthday at end of this month. Where have the years gone? Love to you Mazzy.
Very good video, Mazzy. Really liked it. I only have some Little Feat on CD but this has inspired me to have a think about picking up those 2 deluxe LPs on vinyl
Thanks for the review. I was waiting for someone to do a review on Rhino's pressings. Thanks Mazzy, I pulled the trigger and got all three. I'm a big Little Feats fan since the 70's. Peace and love......
'feats dont fail me now' is where i picked up my little feat journey..still my favorite of their studio work, but love all their output, especially lowell's solo effort...great review of 'columbus' as well as the band itself..hope you are staying well..peace always my friend..rocky
Don’t forget to mention the amazing guitar solo by ex-Stones Mick Taylor on Apolitical Blues on Waiting for Columbus he was in his best years at that time and what a solo …
I can’t say that I’m/was was a big LF fan, but I bought a bunch of records and this live one was included. I saw LF many many years ago in Baltimore as part of a five band concert, and when they were announced my friends and I looked at each other and said “Who? Little Feet?”. Back to the present, I threw this on the turntable and was immediately drawn into the quality of the sound and the dynamics, and by that time a lot of the songs were already familiar to me. I don’t necessarily think I’ll pick up any other of their albums, but this one’s definitely a keeper.
Those are great albums , as is the live album .
Although my favourite Little Feat album is The Last Record Album , which is a perfect album in my view .
Cheers !
this classic band's album I return to the most.......
not a wasted second !
"Long Distance Love" gets ya every time....
@@grantross2609 Yes , every song is great .
Saw a much later incarnation of Little Feat in the 90s at LA's House of Blues. Sensational performance - one of my best ever concerts.
absolutely, seen them more than any other band during the 70's these guys are at the top
Okay Mazzy you convinced me to pick these two records up!
You'll never regret it!
like the first two Little Feat albums best. loved the live set for sure. I remember my slightly older sister went to the shows at Lisner Auditorium in DC. I think some of that concert made the album. I was always jealous that I didn't get to go. best live albums by an American band in the 70s, arguably yes. I like the Grateful Dead's "Skull & Roses" album and would play it ten to one over Little Feat.
the myths / stories and lore about Lowell George lured me into the catalog, much like Gram Parsons and Jerry Garcia stories got me to dig deeper too
Great Job Mr. M. the Feat are on the top of the heap. A fitting tribute to their greatness. Awaiting my copies of the new Rhino releases. Their album covers always had the best artwork by Mr. Parks plus the album package was always great lyrics & photos wise. Now I’m working on getting copies of the post-Lowell lps some of them are also a good listen.
Most of the songs on the original Band of Gypsies were from the 1st show on New Year’s Day 1970. The band did 2 shows on December 31 and 2 on January 1. They recorded all 4 shows. Jimi listened to the recordings from the first night and wasn’t happy so he focused all his energy on the first show on January 1. His guitar solo on Machine Gun from that show is incredible. Rolling Stone listed it as the greatest guitar solo ever. I agree. Still my favorite. Love waiting for Columbus. Suggest getting Rhinos box set with 4 complete concerts. Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore is also excellent. So much great live music in the 70s. Have both of these Little Feat reissues and highly recommend them!
Yeah all good ✌🏼
One of my favourite bands as well. I have all the official studio/live albums plus Lowell's solo album. Still sound great all these years later. Do I need to collect the reissues with the extras, I will have to consider that because of space constrictions. I don't want to fill up whatever vinyl space I have left with reissues of albums I already have. Of course that sentiment could change.
Grad nee….Ba-rare….tripe face boogie.
Just bought the new reissues on vinyl. Yum.
Based on your review I bought Dixie Chicken. Fantastic purchase. I now must buy the other one. As you advised. Super noisy vinyl but otherwise, total perfection. I wish there were bands of this quality still making music….
love little feat and the first 4 records, in particular Dixie Chicken and Sailin' Shoes natch. That said, I think Waiting for Columbus is really disappointing. I would say Lynyrd Skynyrd's One More from the Road is excellent but Fleetwood Mac's 3 Disc set "Boston" is my favorite. Recorded in early 1970 and meant to be released in the same year it didn't get an official release until the 80's i think, maybe. The extended Rattlesnake Shake on both vol.1 and 2 are must hear.
Mazzy, spot on with the Weather Report, Return to Forever reference for Day at the Dog Races! Just went back and gave it a listen. Only got to see the Feat after Lowell was gone, (Concord Pavilion many years ago) but great show. In my mind, along with Los Lobos, they are the best American band period. cheers p.s. Seeing Lobos again in September. love the channel
Very informative video, Mazzy; I’ll have to explore their discography. Same age as you, but I’d never heard of them until about 10 years ago. A friend of mine from the States was visiting me in Dubai and brought me one of their CDs as a gift. She was an avid Little Feat fan, but the blank expression on my face told her I wasn’t. Didn’t really give the CD much playtime, but after this video, I’ll have to explore their back catalogue. Thanks.
Dig it out ✌🏼
Yeah, you are quite correct , they just rock their asses off, and they are so funky as well, one of my favourite bands of all time. 3:20
I agree with almost everything you said even time loves a hero ,take it easy mate.☮️☯️
Only saw Little Feat once,in the UK with The Who,in 1974...awesome,btw,it's Ted Templeman,not Templeton who was Warners producer 👍
Man ...I really need those.
I saw little feet on the LET IT ROLL tour they were fantastic!! they had a very big following in the DC area like really big, they did 7 shows in 6 days at the warner theate. great video
Cool!✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼
Thanks for the heads up! Saw these, but didn't know if they were worth picking up.. Think I'll grab em afterall. I already have the new Waiting for Columbus (in Tomato Red) that you reviewed, so at least I have a start. I'd like to get the Lycanthrope '74 on wax too (already have the CD). 🍻
@WizardsWithMachinery. You may already know this. Back in the last century, I read somewhere that there were only 5,000 original vinyl pressings of "Electrif Lycanthrope". The original records were pressed by "Kornyphone Records" (?) and it was rumoured that Lowell George himself tweaked the tapes of the final mix. There's a credit on the jacket label - complete with Neon Park artwork of the German Shepherd dog with antlers, that says something like "Thanks to LLG". If you have the CD version, the track order is not the same as the vinyl version. My CD version from Smokin' Records breaks up the side 2 of the vinyl medley of "Spanish Moon/Skin It Back/Fatman In The Bathtub" which is IMHO the finest 12+ minutes of Lowell and the boys really cooking! However, I made a CD copy for private use in my car and put the tracks in the same order as the familiar vinyl sequence and the medley "joins up" again! Good luck in your search for this rarity. You and yours stay safe and well.
Great!!
I’m obsessed with a sub genre
1970s double live Gonzo. Ive got about 50 releases. Feat Columbus top 5 easily 1. Willin a truckers anthem. Lowell George was considered ad replacement for Mick Taylor in the Stones. Keith says Mick was against George because he sang and wrote to well. Ben Fong - Torres book Willin is detailed account of the Band.
Hey Mazzy! I bought the two Little Feat re-issues on cd two weeks ago they sound wonderful lot of punch! And for Waiting for Columbus is my favorite Live album . Second would be the Band Rock of Ages! Then the Allman Brothers. And Neil Young live album in 79 Rust never sleep’s but anyways great overview of Little Feat!
As an Australian i had never heard of them, i came across the 79 Mofi album last year at my local shop. Used Mofi and especially early Mofi records i hardly ever see over here, so i grabbed it purely out of curiosity. And WoW i loved it. Such a great album. On your recommendation ill get those 2 Rhino rereleases. (Just quickly streamed the 2 albums. Loved them)
Fun rocking records ✌🏼
To me Feats don’t fail me now is there best studio album.
Totally agree with content here, spectacular songwriting and music ship second to none. Essential vinyl
Yup✌🏼
I've got my tickets at The Ryman......can't wait!!
Very cool
🎸
Good video Mazzy, Columbus is in my top 5 live albums of the 1970s. Little Feat get very little attention and this reissue campaign is under the radar - don’t hear anyone talking about it except on Rachel’s livestream.
FYI - The Who’s live at Leeds was recorded in Feb 1970 and released in late Spring of that year so I would disagree about your comment not including this as a 70s live album. I do think it’s the greatest live album of all time. Maybe you were thinking of Get Your YaYa’ Out by the Stones. That was recorded in Fall 1969 but released in 70. Minor details though - all great music!
Thanks for the correction on Leeds. Still, not American ✌🏼
Do you know how these compare to the Mobile Fidelity and Speakers Corner (Kevin Gray) versions, respectively?
Only the live Columbus. Haven’t heard the other MoFis. But the two new ones are very good and the extras are fantastic. Haven’t heard Speakers Corner versions. From tape dubs. But probably good too.
I gotta agree that "Rock of Ages" really has to be in that conversation about live albums (70's US, &c) and I still kinda like J. Geils' "Full House" so there's the top 4-5 (counting the live stuff from Eat-A-Peach) on my list ...
When I got 24-bit flac versions of Fillmore East and Eat A Peach, I re-sequenced them like that Tom Dowd CD version that came out awhile ago - that's fun ...
I'm still getting to know these new live Feats - sometimes these archival type things can show exactly how much (for good or ill) the post-production turns the great performance into a great album and why they endured. There's some interesting DVD/BluRay (24-bit audio) versions of the Band's shows at the Academy of Music that week in 1971, and those 'complete' Allman Bros concerts from the Fillmore I found used for great prices which are ... let's just say illustrative and I love each of them.
100% hoping we'll see "Feats Don't Fail Me" and "Last Record Album" just like this - these are really great! Miss Lowell George
Full House is good but not my favorite songs
Rock of Ages mostly Canadian ✌🏼
I think a must have so I just ordered this Dixie Chicken deluxe edition ;)
For me, "Waiting For Columbus" is THE Greatest Live album of All-Time, period!!
@ayeatropoulos 1. Yes sir, "Waiting For Columbus" is a fine live album. But you must try to get to listen to "Electrif Lycanthrope" - a Little Feat bootleg album from 1974 - Lowell and the boys at their very best. Stay safe and well.
Absolutely !
@@markmiwurdz202 will do!!
@@markmiwurdz202 Just found and skimmed through it. OMG!!! Amazing, and you can really hear Bill Payne's contributions, loud and clear!! Thanks so much for the heads-up on that boot!!!
I first discovered LF via a close friend of mine that played me "WFC" many years ago. I instantly fell in love with it, and it has remained my fav Live album of all-time. Yes, I too love the Allmans Fillmore album, but when it comes to my actual frequency of play, WFC has them all beat. Until I heard this album, J. Geils Bands' "Live Full House" was my favorite... although, again, I remain a fan of many. It kills me to hear so many people say, "oh, I don't like live albums". They have no clue what they're missing. Of course, those folks still listen primarily to radio, if at all, and they don't really collect music. Man, if I wasn't a music collector (far more for the entertainment than value of the recording) I just assume never to have been born. It is by far my greatest passion in life, obviously not including my family.
A little trivia...Little Feat mistitled "Don't Bogart That Joint". It's actually called "Don't Bogart Me" if you're looking for the original by Fraternity Of Man.
Yeah I have that album ✌🏼
One other aspect putting me off the triple LP releases is that they are very expensive over this side of the world... $98! BUT $60 in the US, big price difference!
Indeed, Waiting for Columbus is the best live album of the 70s from an American band. I often listen to the CD version, with all the extra tracks. Little Feat is not the same without Lowell George. So I don’t even bother listening to any of their later stuff.
Mazzy, you’re on a roll, however it would be a crime to not add Chico Hamilton’s The Master album which is Little Feat backing Chico during the Feat’s elite period. I’m sure you know it!
All killer, no filler. Those were the daze.
I was ready to argue about the best live from the 70’s……but after hearing you tick off the points I’d agree😊 Live Bullet coming in 3rd
I have late 70s "stripes" label copies. They were short enough to be cut nice and deep, and Canada's WB pressings at that time are generally excellent.
(EDIT--ANOTHER BEATLES CONNECTION: Early 70s Canadian green WB label pressings were done by RCA in Smiths Falls...same plant that pressed the first Canadian Beatles records.💜💙)
I've avoided LF for years. Time to open my ears.
Enjoy ✌🏼
What about Rock of ages , that live
Set done by The Band . Remember
That one?
I literally mention it in the video. But all but one member is Canadian ✌🏼
Rock of Ages and Europe '72
@@richardp.341 Europe 72 a close second. As I wrote above, the Band are all Canadian except for Levon
Got all their original 70's albums.Might have gone for these but keeping up with a load of the current Jazz reissues is leaving my wallet empty
Been waiting for someone to mention these reissues! Thank you sir. Just curious, where would you put One more from the road..Skynyrd. First time we heard the great Steve Gaines.
Waiting is a great live album, but heavily overdubbed. Depending on who you ask, not much of it is really "live" at all (all vocals and slide guitar redone in the studio?). It's all subjective, but At Fillmore East still gets the nod from me and it's 100% live. As just a pure listening experience, "Columbus" is excellent, and the sound quality is top-notch. Mick Taylor guests on "A Apolitical Blues".
Ted Templeman, yeah.. also produced Captain Beefheart’s best, Clear Spot (Reprise 1972). Best live? A toss up between Columbus and Rock of Ages - however it lands, I don’t mind.
Great producer despite my mis pronunciation of his name 🤠
Columbus is a great live album but I wouldn’t say it’s the best. You can still find beautiful NM original pressings of all these titles for $10 to $15. Feats Don’t Fail Me Now, is my favorite LF studio album.
I'm not that familiar with Little Feat. But, I know some of these songs from their cover versions. I'll bet Lynyrd Skynyrd's "One More From The Road" gives "Waiting For Columbus" a run for its money. You've definitely got me intrigued for "Sailin' Shoes", "Dixie Chicken" and "Waiting For Columbus".
HOW many copies are enough> Enough is enough
I think Little Feat backed John Cale on Paris 1919.
Forgot that 📌
....and of course Lowell George and Richie Hayward backed John Cale on Paris 1919.
Love Little Feat but let's not forget Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Mad Dogs is great. But Cocker is an Englishman
cant disagree with any of that- great band
It’s Ted Templeman, Mazzy. Templeman.
Yes as corrected in the description here. Thank you ✌🏼
Mazzy I have tried for years to listen to country/blue grass type music and I just cant. I dont know if its the vocals or the music its self but I just dont like it man. I do love your channel especially your Jazz shows. Have learned so much from you :)
If you don’t like it then you don’t like it. But they certainly don’t play county bluegrass. Swampy soulful funky rock n roll ✌🏼
I am a little bit too concerned about the amount of touch ups in the studio on the 'Waiting For Columbus' to qualify it as the greatest live album. I know that you could aim this point at many live records but is this one excessive? Also, the sound of the band seems a little too thin at times especially on the added shows to this particular live package. I personally would love them to do this resissue stuff for The Last Record... and Time Loves A Hero where they end up really stretching out, like most good musicians want to do.
I saw them do a show where they played back up for Bonnie Raitt who supported them and then Bonnie did backing vocals when they played their set. A REAL encore was played after the curtain was closed and the lights went up signalling for everyone to leave, and the audience refused to leave until they came back. Good fun.
Maybe the touch ups would bother me if I hadn’t seen them live around this time and witnessed just how great they were in concert.
The Dead’s Europe 72 is another studio fixer that helped to make it another great live record.
Live albums are full of mixing tricks and supplements. No, not all, but I’ll still go with Columbus as the best for all the reasons I listed in the video.
Thanks Mazzy, I could listen to you extolling the virtues of the Feat all day long, what a great band!
Gosh, from the pictures their feet don’t look that small to me.
@noblebagheera. You may already know this. When Lowell George was with The Mothers Of Invention, their drummer Jimmy Carl Black noticed LG's small shoe size. Jimmy commented something like "Look at him, little f*ck*ng feet!" So when Lowell formed the band, he had an idea for a name. Lowell changed the spelling to "Feat" as a nod to one of his favourite bands The Beatles. Stay safe and well.