Lowell George, the flawed genius who was a Feat founding member, gifted songwriter, character-filled vocalist and nuanced guitarist, has been quoted as saying democracy was the band's undoing. In any other outfit, George's vision would have set the course.
However, his pact with fellow founder Bill Payne (keys/vocals) and second guitarist Paul Barrere meant that when the band's sound drifted toward limp jazz-fusion, nobody stepped up to scream an emphatic "No!"
Others will point the finger at George himself. A hard-drinking drug taker, George collapsed and died in June, 1979 at the age of 34. Perhaps he didn't have what it took to fulfil his early promise.
Whatever the reason for Little Feat's uneven ride, there were some glorious highs along the way (no pun intended).
Sailin' Shoes, the band's second album, is a riveting road trip across America's gritty soil. Released in 1972, the album mixes rock, folk, country, blues and boogie, claiming them all as legitimate mediums for storytelling.
George is in full command of his voice, veering into its gravelly edges when power is needed and easing back with the smoothly controlled slide of a pop singer in the album's more tuneful moments. He and his band play with confidence, giving each track either the space or hard-out jamming it deserves.
Highlights include radio-friendly opener Easy To Slip, delicious country-rock ballads Trouble and Willin', Dr John-style blues number A Apolitical Blues, languid folk track Sailin' Shoes, rollicking hip-swinger Tripe Face Boogie and joyful rocker Teenage Nervous Breakdown. In fact, there are no missed opportunities on the album. Little Feat would save that for later.
