Chinese Work Songs

I refrain from giving this collection five stars because the songs are just not on the same level as Dixie Chicken, Sailing Shoes, Let It Roll, or the more recent Aint Had Enough Fun. The hooks on the seven originals just are not as captivating as Rock N Roll Everynight, Cadillac Hotel, Heaven's Where You Find It, and Romance Without Finance from the previously mentioned Aint Had Enough Fun disc. And Dixie Chicken's best tracks just blow this stuff away. Don't get me wrong, these songs are all pretty good. But its just not of the Legendary Satus that these guys/lady have done in the past. If you are a die hard feat fan, pcik this one up as you can't go wrong.


Still great after all these years...   July 23, 2000
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Well, with the Band pretty much gone, I have to turn to Little Feat (whose second wind was much better than the Band's). Chinese Work Songs marks their 30 year mark and what can one say but wow. Hardly any band who has been around for this long can sound this great (something that even my beloved Rolling Stones can't claim). And while I know and everyone knows that this Little Feat little resembles the quartet that was formed by Lowell George in 1970, their transformation from trippy southern rock-country-blues band to awesome roadhouse unit is a refreshing one. I would hate for anyone in the band to attempt to write the surrealist lyrics that Lowell could throw off in his prime. It was a smart move for them to realize just what their limitations were and forge ahead. And really, despite the bizarre lyrics, they can still do just about anything they could in the past. What is important that Little Feat still puts out great music! It is music that you can turn on without having to skip any tracks muttering vague phrases about retirement and poor musicianship. This album proves all of that in spades. Turning in one of their tightest albums of recent years, the Feat throw off four covers that really cook (especially Phish's Sample in a Jar and the Band's Rag Mama Rag.) The originals are great, too, with Shaun Murphy topping her Hoy Hoy performance with Rio Esperanza and the band really rocking with Eula. Sometimes, they throw off a clunker (Tattoo Heart isn't so swift) but it is a mere detour in the beautiful rocking road that is Little Feat. I may never tire of this band.


Chinese Work Songs is a Winner!   July 9, 2000
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Little Feat's latest rates with Ain't Had Enough Fun as the finest studio work by the 30-year-old-and-still-going-strong Little Feat. The original material is as good as ever, and the 4 'cover' tunes can hardly be called 'covers' at the hands of this band - they soar. Recent touring dates by LF members with Phil Lesh and Bob Dylan are developing a new generation of Feat Fans. Check out the 'modern rock' feel of Feat's rendition of Phish's Sample In A Jar... too cool! Great latin grooves in the original tune 'Just Another Sunday', authentic country texture in 'Gimme A Stone' - all in addition to every song having that signature funky/jazz/cajun Little Feat groove. This band does it all, and continues to dare the corporate radio/music industry to find them. You won't tire of this CD...


Lowell Would Be Proud   July 6, 2000
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Lowell George wrote in the liner notes to"The Last Record Album" that he just sat back and watched " the rest of the folk in the group bring forth an identity that represents the so-called musical statement about the whole being the sum total of its parts." Those parts have continued to produce some fine sounds on the latest Little Feat offering "Chinese Work Songs."

The performances here are first rate as always and Bill Payne & Paul Barrere continue as fine songwriters. Payne truly shines on "Just Another Sunday", a song co-written with Shaun Murphy which is reminiscent of "Representing the Mambo" and "Gringo." Barrerre teams with Fred Tackett to produce "Eula" and the infectious "Marginal Creatures."

The surprise here may be the inclusion of four cover tunes (none by Allen Toussaint). Dylan's "It takes a lot to Laugh..." has been a staple of Feat's recent live shows & really highlights Shaun Murphy's vocals. And "Rag Mama Rag" sounds as if Robbie Robertson wrote the tune with Feat in mind.

All in all, this CD is a winner. Let's hope that rock radio can see beyond "Dixie Chicken" and give "Chinese Work Songs" a spin.


A must have album   June 30, 2000
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Worth the price of the CD just to hear the awesome cover of Phish's "Sample In a Jar". Throw in Rag Mama Rag, Eula, and Gimme A Stone and you can't go wrong.