Warner Records/Rhino Entertainment Company releases an excellent limited edition, re-mastered 2-LP vinyl of a pivotal Little Feat Album.
Little Feat – The Last Record Album – Warner Records/Rhino Entertainment Company (1975)/(2025) R1 727663/603497813872 [10/24/2025] Limited Edition 2-LP Set ****1/2:
(Lowell George – guitar, vocals; Paul Barrère – guitar, vocals; Bill Payne – keyboards, synthesizer, vocals; Richie Hayward – drums, vocals; Sam Clayton – congas; Kenny Gradney – bass; John Hall – guitar; Linda Ronstadt – backing vocals; Valerie Carter – backing vocals; Fran Tate – backing vocals; Neon Park – cover artwork)
Little Feat began their ascension in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s, in the thriving West Coast folk- rock culture. Founded by charismatic front man and songwriter Lowell George, the band created a sonic tapestry that expanded into funk, jazz, New Orleans “Swamp”, among many styles. Albums in succession (Sailing Shoes, Dixie Chicken and Feats Don’t Fail Me Now) became staples of FM radio airplay. Original member Bill Payne and new addition Paul Barrère developed into songwriters that contributed to a broader artistic vision. Their legacy was further defined by rollicking live shows, which resulted in the epic, Waiting For Columbus. Like most groups, there was volatility, disagreements and changing directions. George passed away in 1979. After a nearly 10-year hiatus, Little Feat re-emerged as standard bearers for this unique blend of music.
Warner Records/Rhino Entertainment Company has released a Limited Edition 2-LP re-mastered vinyl of the 1975 Feat album, The Last Record Album (homage to The Last Picture Show film). At this point, the band was established with an enthusiastic fan base, critical acclaim and creative independence. Ultimately, any new studio album would be compared to their prior catalog. This project saw George’s artistic control shared with other members. Side One kicks off with “Romance Dance”. In fitting with the newly leadership dynamic, Barrère and Payne wrote and performed lead vocals. It has Southern-infused boogie and describes a cool, but funky love story. (“…Well, come on girl, take a chance with me. And good ‘ol romance dance for me…”). George takes the lead on another Barrère/Payne collaboration (“All That You Dream”). His singing is relaxed, but rises with emotion (and a slight dose of falsetto) at the right times.The up-tempo jam is quintessential mid 70’s Feat with thick bass (Gradney) and great Hayward drumming. A certain highlight is the plaintive “Long Distance Love”. George’s wistful vocals (original composition) and nimble slide guitar are exemplary. His ability to distill melancholy and heartache (“…I wonder does she know, does she know she hurt me so…”) is heartfelt. Blues and fusion permeate “Day Or Night”. Payne’s electric piano and synthesizer underscore the genre-bending arrangement.
Side Two begins with another “band” song, “One Love Stand”. Lowell George is an evocative singer who has a flexible vocal range that can deliver vulnerability in a soulful way. Slide accents and Payne’s electric piano surround the vocals. Another gem, “Down Below The Borderline” has romantic angst (“She don’t leave no stone for you to stand on…”) set in a head-nodding template. This is also jazz-infused with electric piano and guitar exchanges. Payne’s sorrowful take on love “Somebody’s Leaving” is simple with voice and piano (some gospel and ethereal shading) taking center stage. The finale, Mercenary Territory” returns to the classic hooks and synchronized grooves that define Little Feat.
A second LP of outtakes and demos include alternate versions of “All That You Dream” (including a single version), “Mercenary Territory” and “Romance Dance”. Two stripped down versions of “Long Distance Love” hit the mark in expressing lament. There is an instrumental (“Day Or Night”) and a completed version of “High Roller” (which would appear on Time Loves A Hero).
This Limited Edition re-mastered vinyl of The Last Record Album (which will also be available in various digital formats) is another gem from Little Feat. The re-mastered sound is potent with excellent stereo separation. Bernie Grundman’s vinyl pressing is superior with little surface noise, and no hisses or pops. Neon Park’s surreal desert/Hollywood landscape cover art is amazing!
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Little Feat – The Last Record Album
TrackList:
Side One/The Last Record Album 2025 Remaster:
Romance Dance; All That You Dream; Long Distance Love; Day Or Night
Side Two/The Last Record Album 2025 Remaster:
One Love Stand; Down Below The Borderline; Somebody’s Leaving; Mercenary Territory
Side 3/LP 2:
Hotcakes, Outtakes, Rarities: Down Below The Borderline (demo); Rockin’ Shoes 1 & 2 (demo); Fool On The Avenue (demo); All That You Dream (alternative version); Mercenary Territory (alternative version); Long Distance Love (alternative version); Romance Dance (alternative version)
Side 4/LP2:
High Roller; Day Or Night (instrumental); Front Page News (outtake); Long Distance Love (rough mix); All That You Dream (single version).
