By: William Clark
The primordial approach and inescapable influence of southern rock band, Little Feat. has recently been released in the form of the band’s new live album, Live in Holland 1976, comprised of previously unreleased classic recordings.
To attempt to categorize the sound of Little Feat within the generalization of “southern rock” would be unfair, simply because the band is well known for maintaining a generous blend of such influences as blues, boogie, country, gospel, and even jazz fusion.
It was this same combination which particularly appealed towards Led Zeppelin founder and guitarist Jimmy Page, who previously named Little Feat as his favorite band, which holds a heavy dose of gravitas in anyone’s book.
Their impact and influence throughout the hard rock genre is apparent on all fronts. Perhaps most notably, Van Halen (more specifically, the Sammy Hagar-led version) offered their version of the classic Sailin’ Shoes track, “A Apolitical Blues” on the aptly named “OU812”.
Little Feat will always and appropriately be most well known for their style of music, which first began appearing in the market back in 1971 with the release of the band’s self-titled debut album and has since continued with their most recent offering, 2012’s “Rooster Rag”.
The news of a new Little Feat live album would initally excite those dedicated listeners of the band’s catalog, however, Live in Holland 1976 joins the increasing line of archival releases, indicating live albums or videography which were initially recorded some time ago and are only now officially finding their ways onto the market.
This aspect shouldn’t discourage longtime Little Feat fans, however, as this album serves as a well preserved time capsule of the band performing in their original form.
The album boasts a set list with plenty of songs now considered to be classic rock staples, including the jazz-flavored “Skin it Back” and the easy listening “Rock and Roll Doctor,” the latter of which is further complemented by moderate piano arrangements and swooning guitar work.
The accompanying DVD is surprisingly vacant of the relaxed rocker “One Love Stand”, as well as the up tempo “Oh Atlanta,” both of which do appear on the CD version of Live in Holland 1976, however, what is lacks in a handful of recordings the DVD pressing makes up in nostalgic quality. The grainy footage typical for the time period shows Little Feat performing before a packed audience of fans, while also capturing some enjoyable crowd action which couldn’t be captured for the live album.
Little Feat’s Live in Holland 1976 is placed best as a notable release for any dedicated listener, considering the inclusion of multiple improvisional versions of the band’s best known songs. While previously unfamiliar rock fans may find themselves lost amongst the extended arrangements, there is still plenty Little Feat grit to chew on and enjoy.
Track List:
1) Skin It Back
2) Fat Man In A Bathtub
3) One Love Stand
4) Rock And Roll Doctor
5) Oh Atlanta
6) All That You Dream
7) Cold Cold Cold
8) Dixie Chicken
9) Tripe Face Boogie
10) Feats Don’t Fail Me Now
11) Teenage Nervous Breakdown
