Down On The Farm
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Album Summary
Down On The Farm, released in 1979 on Warner Bros. Records, stands as one of the most emotionally charged chapters in Little Feat's storied history — a record that arrived under the long, heavy shadow of Lowell George's passing, making it the band's first posthumous release following the loss of their visionary founder and guiding spirit. Produced by the band alongside the seasoned Ted Templeman, who had been in their corner through previous efforts, the album was crafted during a period of profound transition, grief, and musical soul-searching. The surviving members poured themselves into these sessions, drawing on their deep well of collective talent to deliver a record that honored the Little Feat legacy — that unmistakable gumbo of rock, funk, blues, and country that Lowell had helped cook up from the very beginning. It was a bittersweet farewell and a testament to the enduring power of a band that was, at its core, something truly special.
Reception
- Down On The Farm charted on the Billboard 200, a testament to the loyalty of Little Feat's dedicated following and the enduring commercial pull of the band's name even in the wake of tragedy.
- Critics received the album with a mixture of reverence and measured praise, acknowledging the remarkable circumstances under which it was completed while noting that some felt the absence of Lowell George's singular presence throughout.
- The album was recognized for its strong ensemble performances and polished production, even as some observers felt it represented a more refined, studio-smooth sound compared to the raw, swampy fire of the band's earlier work.
Significance
- Down On The Farm stands as a powerful document of Little Feat's resilience and musical maturity, showcasing their ability to weave funk grooves, rock muscle, and country-tinged songwriting into a cohesive whole even under the most difficult of circumstances.
- The album highlights the depth of talent spread across the entire Little Feat lineup, with contributions that underline just how much collective genius existed within this band beyond any single member.
- As a bridge between the raw roots-rock energy of the early Little Feat sound and the more polished mainstream rock landscape of the late 1970s, Down On The Farm holds a meaningful place in the broader story of American rock music's evolution during that era.
Tracklist
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A1 Down On The Farm 99
4:16
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A2 Six Feet Of Snow 197
2:30
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A3 Perfect Imperfection 76
3:46
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A4 Kokomo 91
2:58
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A5 Be One Now 91
4:05
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B1 Straight From The Heart 99
4:59
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B2 Front Page News 124
5:57
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B3 Wake Up Dreaming 132
4:09
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B4 Feel The Groove 177
4:48
Artist Details
Little Feat is one of the most soulful, funky, and utterly original American rock bands to ever come out of Los Angeles, forming back in 1969 under the visionary leadership of the late, great Lowell George, whose slide guitar work and gritty songwriting blended rock, blues, R&B, country, and New Orleans funk into something that just couldn't be put in a box. They never quite got the mainstream radio love they deserved, but musicians and serious music lovers knew the truth — albums like Dixie Chicken and Feats Don't Fail Me were nothing short of masterpieces, dripping with groove and Southern-fried soul. Little Feat stands as one of the great unsung treasures of the American rock era, a band that influenced everyone from Bonnie Raitt to the Grateful Dead, and whose music still feels like a warm night in New Orleans with a cold drink in your hand.
