Little Feat: Lowell George (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Bill Payne (vocals, accordion, keyboards); Roy Estrada (bass instrument, background vocals); Richie Hayward (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Ron Elliott (electric guitar); Sneaky Pete Kleinow (pedal steel guitar); Milt Holland (percussion); Debbie Lindsey (background vocals).
Though it seemed difficult for Little Feat to improve on their first album, SAILIN' SHOES does exactly that. Building on the bluesy feel of the debut, SAILIN' SHOES is more varied, with radio-ready country-rock ("Easy to Slip"), lilting downhome ballads ("Trouble"), rave-up rock numbers ("Teenage Nervous Breakdown"), and quirky, lounge-cool blues ("Texas Rose Caf‚"). Little Feat mastermind Lowell George is the pen and the voice behind all of these tunes, and SAILIN' SHOES shows him hitting his stride as a songwriter of great originality and appeal.
At his best, as on the gospel-inflected title cut, and "Willin'," one of his best known and most loved tunes, Lowell seems to tap into the heart of American song, pushing familiar buttons, yet keeping things thoroughly fresh and original. This--along with the band's tasty playing and lockstep grooves--was always the appeal of Little Feat's good time, downhome vibe: this is roots music with a smart, quirky twist. SAILIN' SHOES is an essential Little Feat recording (alongside its successor, DIXIE CHICKEN), and shows Lowell and company at their finest.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (3/30/72, p.54) - "...virtual treasure chests of haunting associations, sketches and scenarios...virile, touching songs...one super rock & roll band..."
