"You're never too old to boogie," says guitarist Paul Barrére after Little Feat charges through a particularly fiery version of "Old Folk's Boogie." Although he's probably referring to the song, the same applies to his veteran band. Thirty-two years into their career when this show was recorded in St. Louis in 2003, the DVD finds Feat as tight, energetic, and frisky as ever. While they'll never capture the raw genius and offbeat humor of the Lowell George years, they have become a rugged, professional touring outfit ...
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"You're never too old to boogie," says guitarist Paul Barrére after Little Feat charges through a particularly fiery version of "Old Folk's Boogie." Although he's probably referring to the song, the same applies to his veteran band. Thirty-two years into their career when this show was recorded in St. Louis in 2003, the DVD finds Feat as tight, energetic, and frisky as ever. While they'll never capture the raw genius and offbeat humor of the Lowell George years, they have become a rugged, professional touring outfit guaranteed to deliver exciting performances like this in any town they play in. Trusty favorites like "Oh Atlanta," "Dixie Chicken," "Spanish Moon," "Skin It Back," and "Fatman in the Bathtub" share space with newer post-Lowell George material, which, while not as off-kilter, admirably exudes the combo's established New Orleans funky vibe. If they're tired of playing the old classics, you'll never be able to tell as they charge through those warhorses with as much enthusiasm as the new music. Bill Payne remains one of the most talented, albeit under-recognized rock keyboardists of his era and drummer Ritchie Heyward's rugged backbeat -- which shifts from second-line funk to jazz -- is alone worth the price of admission (although it could probably do without the extended drum solo during "Fatman in the Bathtub"). The 5.1 surround sound is crisp and as spirited as the band, the camera work is lively but not distracting, and even interviews with the group members on a 15-minute bonus piece are worth hearing at least once. Longtime Feat-artist/associate Neon Park -- who died in 1993, but who left plenty of work for future Feat releases -- also designed this DVD's cover. Admittedly not as revelatory as seeing the George-era band live, this is still a treat for old fans and a good place to indoctrinate new listeners to the group's extensive history. ~ Hal Horowitz, Rovi
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