Search - Little Feat :: Under the Radar

Feat Best Kept Secret in Music Industry

J. Conrad Guest | Northville, MI United States | 01/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having read the mixed reviews on this latest CD from Little Feat, I feel compelled to add my two cents. First, to suggest that in order to receive air play, a song must be under five minutes is not only ludicrous, it borders on censorship. The one thing preventing this band from enjoying much greater acclaim is precisely the same thing that makes it great: Innovation. Unfortunately, today's music industry requires everything to fit into neat little categories and that's the one thing this band doesn't do - fit. Every time you think you have Little Feat figured out, their newest release simply manages to blow away your perspective. Since Let It Roll - their first release after a long hiatus - each new CD, although distinctively Little Feat, has offered up a slightly different flavor, and Under the Radar is no different. The rhythm section (Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney, Richie Hayward and Sam Clayton) is as tight and as exciting as ever (Locomotives, The Blues Don't Tell It All). Shaun's vocals are as always stupendous (Hoy Hoy, Vale of Tears, The Blues Don't Tell It All) - one of the best moves the band ever made was bringing her front and center - and Paul's guitar sounds (as always) at least as good as the late Terry Kath (Chicago). Finally, the lyrics range from soulful to downright humorous (Ferocious Morning - the story of a man who wakes up on the wrong side of the wrong bed!).Other notable cuts on this CD (although none of them can be called B-side material) include Home Ground (only Paul could meet a caterer from Decatur), I Got Happiness, and Calling the Children Home (the latter two recalling the band's roots).If innovation is the only thing preventing this band from far greater acclaim, I hope they never conform. In short, if you want commercial, tune in your radio to hear Phil Collins, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston; however, if you want to hear something unique and innovative, go buy any of Little Feat's CD's - you won't be disappointed.The day Little Feat decides to hang up their instruments will be akin to "the misery minute down at the happy hour". Keep up the good work guys (and Shaun)."

A Sacrilegious View

Johnny Hodges | Clark Fork, ID United States | 08/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Been a Feat Fan since Dixie Chicken, seen them live then and recently, and I love Lowell George but ... IT'S A BETTER* BAND NOW! Shaun Murphy is the most powerful rock female vocalist I've heard since Janis Joplin (and I've seen her live, too). One of my all time favorite CDs in a large music library. Get this! And by all means, if you get a chance to see them live do yourself a big favor (be sure to wear your boogie shoes). I think Billy Payne is the most exciting rock keyboard player extant.* "Better Band" = tighter, more emotionally engaging, higher energy, more consistent"

Vail of Tears-Awesome!

Carl Johnson | Detroit, MI United States | 02/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have followed Little feat since the Lowell George days. This IS the best record (since he past away) that Little Feat has put out to date (remember, I am writing in 2003). Shaun Murphy is just incredible on this record. You can feel that the rest of the band members are revitalized ... no infected in a positive way by her presence. And the master musicians are still the master musicians. The jams are tight and freely polished to perfection here. Under The Radar, Eden's Wall, and Vale of Tears are what stick out in my mind as some of the bands best work. Thank the lord that Little Feat never did try to make 3 minute AM radio stuff! They are too good for that! Incredible and awesome spin!"