Tag: Sailin’ Shoes

Little Feat – Cold, Cold, Cold

This band was one of the most talented bands of the 70s. Well, more like all time in the history of rock and roll. Other musicians would go out of their way to see Little Feat. It’s an honor to put headphones on and listen to them. I’ve been doing that with other songs lately as well, trying to have a different view on my posts. Trying to describe the mood, and with this band, it’s a lot to describe. 

Guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne formed Little Feat in 1969. Lowell George was a member of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. Bass player of the Mothers, Roy Estrada, joined along with drummer Richie Hayward.

After Lowell George left the Mothers of Invention, he began writing songs that showed blues forms, rhythm, and breathing space rather than so much complexity. This one was designed to feel natural rather than a studio production. What you hear is close to how it sounded in the room. I wish more bands would do this. Lowell George’s voice just melts into this beat. The sync of the drums and keyboards is fantastic!

This song was on the album Sailin’ Shoes, released in 1972. When the song was recorded, producer Ted Templeman kept the song at a reasonable length. The take reflects how the group played the song live at the time, with minimal studio adjustment. Vocals were delivered with feel, and the band avoided overdubs that would alter the structure. 

 This song showed their interest in groove and patience. The song was not meant to stand out on its own. Back in that time, bands made albums, not just individual songs. Everything had to fit and sound good as a whole, transitioning from one song to another. I wrote in another Little Feat post: Only Little Feat could’ve made this record. That sentence fits this album. 

The album didn’t come close to the top 40, but it has grown in stature. This album set the stage. Their next album, Dixie Chicken, would go gold. The lineup had many changes through the years, and unfortunately, Lowell died in 1979 of a heart attack. The band broke up after George’s death but reunited in 1987. The band continues today with Bill Payne still a member.

This is, to me, a pure album band. You don’t just sit through single songs…you listen to the album and get the entire vibe. Below is the album. Put on some of your sailin’ shoes, headphones, and eat some Dixie chicken and groove to Little Feat on this Sunday!

Cold Cold Cold

Cold, cold, coldCold, cold, coldFreezing, it was freezing in that hotelI had no money, my special friend was goneThe TV set was busted so she went alongI called room, room service,I’m down here on my kneesA peach or a pear, or a coconut please,But they was cold

Well it’s been a month since I seen my girlOr a dime to make the call‘Cause it passed me up, or it passed me by,Or I couldn’t decide at allAnd I’m mixed up, I’m so mixed upDon’t you know I’m lonelyAnd I wish the world would get off of my caseAnd get on one of it’s own

Cold, cold, coldCold, cold, coldThat woman was freezing, freezing coldWell I tried everything to warm her upNow I’m living in this cold hotel‘Cause she passed me, up or she passed me by,Or I couldn’t decide at allOh I’m mixed up, yes I’m mixed upDon’t you know I’m lonelyOf all the things I had to doI had to fall in loveYou know she’s cold

Turn your clock back woman when you see me comin’ roundMy feet don’t, feet don’t even touch the groundDon’t be cold, don’t be coldDon’t be cold, don’t be cold

…

Little Feat – Sailin’ Shoes

This week I will feature artists with a southern feel to them. Little Feat formed in California but fit nicely with the Southern bands of the time because of their influences.

Little Feat is one of those bands that I learned about when I read about other artists. Many musicians were fans of this band. Led Zeppelin would travel to see Little Feat when they could. They were the definition of a musician’s band. The only other band that I can think of during that period like that was The Allman Brothers.

Guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne formed Little Feat in 1969. Lowell George was a member of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. Bass player of the Mothers Roy Estrada joined along with drummer Richie Hayward.

This is to me, a pure album band. You don’t just sit through single songs…you listen to the album and get the entire vibe. This song was the title track to the album produced by Ted Templeman. It was the band’s second album and was released in 1972.

Even though Sailin’ Shoes wasn’t a huge hit when it first came out, it’s become one of Little Feat’s most remembered songs. The album didn’t come close to the top 40 but it has grown in stature. Their next album Dixie Chicken would go gold.

The lineup had many changes through the years and unfortunately, Lowell died in 1979 of a heart attack. The band broke up after George’s death but reunited in 1987. The band continues today with Bill Payne still as a member.

Ted Templeton:  “These guys were monsters in terms of musicians” 

Sailin’ Shoes

Lady in a turban, cocaine treeDoes a dance so rhythmicallyShe’s cryin’, and a singin’ and having a timeand gee that cocaine tree look fineYou’ve got to put on your sailin’ shoesPut on your sailing shoesEveryone will start to cheerWhen you put on your sailin’ shoesJedidiah, he’s got a dimeSays he catch a more fish, every timeWell I’ve got a line, and you’ve got a poleAnd I’ll meet you at the fishin’ holeYou’ve got to put on your sailin’ shoesPut on your sailing shoesEveryone will start to cheerWhen you put on your sailin’ shoesDoctor, doctor, I feel so badThis is the worst day, I ever hadHave you this misery a very long time?Well if you if, I’ll lay it on the lineYou’ve got to put on your sailin’ shoesPut on your sailing shoesEveryone will start to cheerWhen you put on your sailin’ shoes