Easy to Slip

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of Easy to Slip by Little Feat from their 1972 album Sailin’ Shoes, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging it. This track, penned by Lowell George with Fred Martin, kicks off the album with a psychedelic twang, blending West Coast country rock with a breezy, introspective feel. In a 1972 Record World review, critics praised its “passionate vocal harmonies and one of the finest rhythm sections that ever rocked,” highlighting the band’s tight chemistry. The song’s lyrics, like “It’s so easy to slip/It’s so easy to fall,” reflect a laid-back yet poignant take on life’s slip-ups, resonating with the free-spirited ethos of the era. Fun fact: session percussionist Milt Holland added distinctive percussion to the track, giving it that extra layer of texture that makes it pop.

Another tidbit about Easy to Slip comes from its role in Sailin’ Shoes’s legacy. Despite critical acclaim, the song didn’t become the chart-topping hit Warner Brothers hoped for, as noted in a 2022 Americana UK article. However, it helped cement Little Feat’s cult following, with fans drawn to its raw, eclectic sound. The album’s producer, Ted Templeman, captured the band’s evolving style, and Van Dyke Parks, a friend of Lowell George, was so impressed that he covered the album’s title track on his own 1972 release, Discover America. On X, fans often share nostalgic posts about the song’s “dusty, canyon-road” vibe, with one user in 2023 calling it “the perfect road-trip tune for when you’re just drifting.”

Little Feat got its start in Los Angeles in 1969, born from the ashes of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. Lowell George, the band’s charismatic frontman, and Roy Estrada, the original bassist, were both Zappa alumni, bringing a quirky, experimental edge to their sound. According to the band’s official bio, George was encouraged by Zappa to form his own group after showcasing his songwriting chops, particularly with the tune Willin’. Teaming up with pianist Bill Payne and drummer Richie Hayward, they crafted a unique fusion of rock, blues, country, R&B, and jazz. Their self-titled debut in 1970 didn’t sell big, but it laid the groundwork for Sailin’ Shoes, which refined their Laurel Canyon-inspired sound and put them on the map as a band to watch.

The band’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. After Sailin’ Shoes, Estrada left, and the lineup shifted with additions like Paul Barrere, Kenny Gradney, and Sam Clayton, steering Little Feat toward the New Orleans funk of Dixie Chicken. Lowell George’s death in 1979 halted the band, but they reformed in 1988 and continue to tour and record. You can catch up with them on their official website, where they share tour dates and merch. Their Facebook page is active with concert updates and fan interactions, while their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes shots and throwback photos. On X, they engage with fans, often retweeting love for classics like Easy to Slip.

Fans keep the Little Feat spirit alive across the web. The Little Feat Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, rare recordings, and concert memories. Another fan hub, Featbase, is a dedicated site with detailed discographies, setlists, and band history. These communities prove the enduring love for Little Feat’s eclectic sound, with Easy to Slip remaining a fan favorite for its soulful, slip-sliding groove that captures the band’s early magic.