Little Feat - Sailin' Shoes

Although considered a classic today, Little Feat’s 1971 debut had failed to sell up to expectations and, for that, the band found themselves on thin ice at Warner Brothers. Turning to another red-hot WB staff producer in Ted Templeman (The Doobie Brothers, Van Halen, Van Morrison), they were able to further hone Lowell George’s bent and surreal writing and elevate Bill Payne and Richie Hayward’s contributions into more hook-laden tunes, while maintaining the unique rock, blues and country blend that defined the quartet. Showing authority, confidence and, indeed, major cojones (including a re-arranged Willin’, a song from their first album, on their follow-up!), 1972’s Sailin’ Shoes firmly established Feat as a major force in pop music. With Burrito Brothers' #1 Sneaky Pete, perfectly seasons both Willin’ and Texas Rose Cafe with his steel guitar licks while ex-Beau Brummels member (remember them?) Ron Elliott adds rhythm guitar to A Apolitical Blues. (Mobile Fidelity Records)