Reviews

Little Feat Strike Up The Band

Posted by on May 9, 2025 at 10:30 am

By Brian Rock,

Hoy! Hoy! Little Feat are back with a new album! Their third album in two years, Strike Up The Band, is the band’s 16th studio album of original material in their 50 plus year career. Like The Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffet, Little Feat have become a genre unto themselves. Their musical gumbo of southern rock, Memphis Soul, New Orleans Jazz, Philly Funk, Piedmont blues and world beat rhythms has stood the test of time for over half a century. That signature sound is on full display here. 

“Running Out of Time With the Blues,” carries forward the feel of their 2024 GRAMMY nominated, blues tribute album, “Sam’s Place.” With a laid-back Piedmont Blues rhythm, complete with moaning dobro; lead singer Scott Sharrard sings, “You’re crying diamond teardrops, sobbing dollars and change; the clock is there ticking while you’re rattling your brains.” Reminding us that time is precious, Sharrard points out that every moment spent in self-pity is a waste of valuable resources. Expanding on his point, he sings, “Time is money and money talks. Clock keeps ticking while the bullshit walks. But all you ever seem to hear time or money say is, ‘Goodbye’.” Realizing that both time and money are fleeting, Sharrard encourages us to devote our energy to the things that really matter – our hopes, our dreams, our loves. Making sure no one misses the point, he hammers it home, singing, “While the door seems like it’s closing, you better state your case before old Father Time slams it right in your face.” The message is clear, if harsh. However, the mellow, “Brickyard Blues” inspired cadence softens the rough edges and makes the passage of time, at least for a few moments, truly enjoyable.

“Bayou Mama,” finds the band in peak mid 70’s form. “Bluegrass Pines,” adds sultry Salsa rhythms to a haunting, yet nebulous tale of past misdeeds. “Midnight Flight,” captures the horn driven energy of their 1988 hit, “Let it Roll” with an added World Beat percussive flavor.  “4 Days of Heaven,” manages to combine heavy guitar licks inspired by Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” with greasy Blues riffs, and surging horns to advocate for a break from the seven day work week. Their trademark musical fusion continues to shine on, “Shipwrecks,” “Love and Life Never Fear,” the Cajun tinged, “Dance a Little,” and “Disappearing Ink.” Rounding out the set, “New Orleans Cries When She Sings,” is a love letter to the Crescent City. Starting as a tender, piano driven ballad, the song erupts into a 2nd line jazz celebration. You can almost taste the Jambalaya and see the Mardi Gras floats as the band brings the sights, sounds, and smells of New Orleans to life. After more than 50 years together, Little Feat continues to make original, vibrant, feel-good music – and that’s no small feat.

littlefeat.net  |  fb  |  buy

Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

Latest posts by Brian Rock (see all)

Comments are closed.

MENU