This Complete List Of Little Feat Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Little Feat studio albums. The band Little Feat was first formed in 1969. The group Little Feat hails from the area of Los Angeles, California. All these spectacular Little Feat albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Little Feat album as well as all original Little Feat album covers. Every Little Feat album listed below showcases the entire Little Feat album tracklisting.
LITTLE FEAT ALBUMS
Little Feat
Released: January 1971
Little Feat’s self-titled album marked the band’s debut, setting the stage for their blend of rock, blues, and folk. Though it wasn’t a commercial success upon its initial release, it has since become a classic and is now considered foundational in understanding the group’s development.
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Roy Estrada on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, and Bill Payne on keyboards. The album was produced by Russ Titelman and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at United Western Recorders and The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, in 1970.
CD Track Listings:
- “Snakes on Everything” – 3:05
- “Strawberry Flats” – 2:55
- “Truck Stop Girl” – 2:31
- “Brides of Jesus” – 3:23
- “Willin'” – 2:25
- “Hamburger Midnight” – 2:32
- “Forty-Four Blues / How Many More Years” – 6:30
- “Crack in Your Door” – 2:18
- “I’ve Been the One” – 2:23
- “Takin’ My Time” – 3:47
- “Crazy Captain Gunboat Willie” – 1:57
Sailin’ Shoes
Released: May 1972
“Sailin’ Shoes” was the last Little Feat album to feature original bassist Roy Estrada. The album was more cohesive than their debut but failed to chart. However, it introduced enduring tracks like “Easy to Slip,” which became staples in their setlists.
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Roy Estrada on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, and Bill Payne on keyboards. The album was produced by Ted Templeman and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, California, between late 1971 and early 1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “Easy to Slip” – 3:22
- “Cold, Cold, Cold” – 4:02
- “Trouble” – 2:21
- “Tripe Face Boogie” – 3:16
- “Willin'” – 2:57
- “A Apolitical Blues” – 3:29
- “Sailin’ Shoes” – 2:53
- “Teenage Nervous Breakdown” – 2:13
- “Got No Shadow” – 5:09
- “Cat Fever” – 4:37
- “Texas Rose Cafe” – 3:42
Dixie Chicken
Released: January 25, 1973
“Dixie Chicken” is Little Feat’s third studio album and perhaps their most iconic. It was also the first to feature new members Kenny Gradney, Sam Clayton, and Paul Barrère. Songs like the title track and “Fat Man in the Bathtub” became classics and are still performed today.
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, and Bill Payne on keyboards. New members included Sam Clayton on percussion and Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals. The album was produced by Lowell George and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Clover Recorders in Los Angeles, California, in late 1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dixie Chicken” – 3:55
- “Two Trains” – 3:06
- “Roll Um Easy” – 2:30
- “On Your Way Down” – 5:31
- “Kiss It Off” – 4:00
- “Fool Yourself” – 3:10
- “Walkin’ All Night” – 3:00
- “Fat Man in the Bathtub” – 4:50
- “Juliette” – 3:20
- “Lafayette Railroad” – 3:40
Feats Don’t Fail Me Now
Released: August 9, 1974
“Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” is the fourth studio album by Little Feat. This album contains a mixture of rock and roll, blues, and New Orleans R&B. Notable tracks include “Rock & Roll Doctor,” “Oh, Atlanta,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now.”
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. The album was produced by Lowell George and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Blue Seas Recording Studio in Hunt Valley, Maryland, and at Warner Bros. Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California, in early 1974.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rock & Roll Doctor” – 2:57
- “Oh, Atlanta” – 3:26
- “Skin it Back” – 4:11
- “Down the Road” – 3:46
- “Spanish Moon” – 3:01
- “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” – 2:26
- “The Fan” – 4:30
- “Medley: Cold Cold Cold / Tripe Face Boogie” – 7:01
The Last Record Album
Released: November 1975
“The Last Record Album” is Little Feat’s fifth studio album and features a smoother, more polished sound. Although it’s often underrated, it’s considered by many fans to be one of their best works. The record notably includes the song “All That You Dream,” which received considerable airplay.
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. The album was produced by Lowell George and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at The Sound Factory in Hollywood, California, in the summer of 1975.
CD Track Listings:
- “Romance Dance” – 3:48
- “All That You Dream” – 3:53
- “Long Distance Love” – 2:42
- “Day or Night” – 6:23
- “One Love Stand” – 4:28
- “Down Below the Borderline” – 3:45
- “Somebody’s Leavin'” – 5:07
- “Mercenary Territory” – 4:29
Time Loves a Hero
Released: May 1977
“Time Loves a Hero” marks Little Feat’s sixth studio album. It saw the band moving further towards a jazz-funk sound, though it was less commercially successful than their previous albums. The title track and “Rocket in My Pocket” are often cited as highlights.
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. The album was produced by Ted Templeman and Little Feat and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, California, between late 1976 and early 1977.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hi Roller” – 3:36
- “Time Loves a Hero” – 3:47
- “Rocket in My Pocket” – 3:42
- “Day at the Dog Races” – 6:27
- “Old Folks Boogie” – 3:32
- “Red Streamliner” – 4:44
- “New Delhi Freight Train” – 3:45
- “Keepin’ Up with the Joneses” – 3:50
- “Missin’ You” – 2:21
Waiting For Columbus
Released: April 1978
“Waiting For Columbus” is a live album by Little Feat, capturing their energy in a live setting over seven performances. It’s considered one of the best live rock albums ever made. The album was a commercial success, reaching Gold status, and features an expanded lineup including the Tower of Power horn section.
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. Special guests included Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons. The album was produced by Lowell George and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at various venues including the Rainbow Theatre, London, and Lisner Auditorium, Washington D.C., in August 1977.
CD Track Listings:
- “Join the Band” – 1:50
- “Fat Man in the Bathtub” – 4:50
- “All That You Dream” – 4:25
- “Oh, Atlanta” – 4:09
- “Old Folks’ Boogie” – 4:22
- “Time Loves a Hero” – 4:20
- “Day or Night” – 5:23
- “Mercenary Territory” – 4:27
- “Spanish Moon” – 4:49
- “Dixie Chicken” – 9:00
- “Tripe Face Boogie” – 7:02
- “Rocket in My Pocket” – 3:42
- “Willin'” – 4:42
- “Don’t Bogart That Joint” – 1:03
- “A Apolitical Blues” – 3:41
- “Sailin’ Shoes” – 6:18
- “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” – 5:17
Down on the Farm
Released: November 1979
“Down on the Farm” was released after the death of Lowell George and marks the band’s final studio album before they initially disbanded. It’s a more subdued album but contains some classic Feat songs like “Kokomo” and “Be One Now.”
The album featured Lowell George on vocals and guitar, Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. The album was produced by Little Feat and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Long View Farm, North Brookfield, Massachusetts, between 1978 and 1979.
CD Track Listings:
- “Down on the Farm” – 4:17
- “Six Feet of Snow” – 2:29
- “Perfect Imperfection” – 3:46
- “Kokomo” – 2:59
- “Be One Now” – 4:06
- “Straight from the Heart” – 4:58
- “Front Page News” – 5:57
- “Wake up Dreaming” – 4:11
- “Feel the Groove” – 4:45
Let It Roll
Released: July 12, 1988
“Let It Roll” is the first Little Feat album without Lowell George, marking a comeback for the band after a nearly 10-year hiatus. It reached No. 103 on the Billboard 200 and was well-received critically, featuring tracks like “Hate to Lose Your Lovin'” and “Let It Roll” that became staples of their live shows.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. New member Craig Fuller contributed to vocals and guitar. The album was produced by George Massenburg and Bill Payne and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Conway Studios in Hollywood, California, between 1987 and 1988.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hate to Lose Your Lovin'” – 4:21
- “One Clear Moment” – 4:49
- “Cajun Girl” – 3:53
- “Hangin’ on to the Good Times” – 4:46
- “Listen to Your Heart” – 5:51
- “Let It Roll” – 4:30
- “Long Time Till I Get over You” – 4:51
- “Business as Usual” – 4:26
- “Changin’ Luck” – 6:17
- “Voices on the Wind” – 6:18
Representing the Mambo
Released: March 27, 1990
“Representing the Mambo” showcases a band fully embracing the sounds of the late ’80s and early ’90s, offering a mix of their traditional rock, funk, and blues with modern production. The album received moderate airplay and charted at No. 110 on the Billboard 200.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, and Sam Clayton on percussion. Fred Tackett also became a full-time member, contributing on guitar and vocals. The album was produced by George Massenburg and Bill Payne and was released on Warner Bros. Records. It was recorded at Skywalker Sound, Marin County, California, between 1989 and 1990.
CD Track Listings:
- “Texas Twister” – 4:43
- “Daily Grind” – 4:20
- “Representing the Mambo” – 4:31
- “Woman in Love” – 3:56
- “Rad Gumbo” – 3:28
- “Teenage Warrior” – 4:52
- “That’s Her She’s Mine” – 4:47
- “Feelin’s All Gone” – 4:26
- “Those Feat’ll Steer Ya Wrong Sometimes” – 5:55
- “The Ingenue” – 4:18
- “Silver Screen” – 4:24
Shake Me Up
Released: September 10, 1991
“Shake Me Up” is a blues-rock album that builds on the band’s earlier work but also continues the trend of ’90s-sounding production. It was less successful than its predecessor, not charting on the Billboard 200.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by George Massenburg and was released on Morgan Creek Records. It was recorded at The Site, Marin County, California, in 1991.
CD Track Listings:
- “Spider’s Blues” – 4:27
- “Shake Me Up” – 4:53
- “Things Happen” – 3:31
- “Mojo Haiku” – 4:53
- “Loved and Lied To” – 5:35
- “Don’t Try So Hard” – 3:46
- “Boom Box Car” – 4:06
- “Fast & Furious” – 3:47
- “Livin’ on Dreams” – 4:46
- “Clownin'” – 4:35
Ain’t Had Enough Fun
Released: May 23, 1995
“Ain’t Had Enough Fun” was the first album to feature new vocalist and guitarist Shaun Murphy. The band returned to a more traditional sound, though it was a commercial disappointment.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, Shaun Murphy on vocals, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by Bill Payne and Paul Barrère and was released on Zoo Entertainment. It was recorded at The Site, Marin County, California, and Chateau Recorders, North Hollywood, California, in 1994-1995.
CD Track Listings:
- “Drivin’ Blind” – 4:16
- “Blue Jean Blues” – 4:55
- “Cadillac Hotel” – 6:02
- “Romance Dance” – 4:42
- “Big Bang Theory” – 4:20
- “Cajun Rage” – 3:58
- “Heaven’s Where You Find It” – 4:33
- “Borderline Blues” – 3:16
- “All That You Can Stand” – 4:37
- “Rock & Roll Doctor” – 3:11
- “Ain’t Had Enough Fun” – 4:06
- “That’s a Pretty Good Love” – 3:22
Under the Radar
Released: July 21, 1998
“Under the Radar” is one of the least-known Little Feat albums, but it contains some memorable tracks like “Home Ground” and “Eden’s Wall.” Despite its lower profile, it’s cherished by fans.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, Shaun Murphy on vocals, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by Little Feat and was released on CMC International. It was recorded at The Backyard, Encino, California, and White House Studios, Van Nuys, California, in 1997-1998.
CD Track Listings:
- “Home Ground” – 4:28
- “A Distant Thunder” – 4:45
- “Ain’t Had Enough Fun” – 3:56
- “Eden’s Wall” – 4:26
- “The Blues Don’t Tell It All” – 4:13
- “Under the Radar” – 4:25
- “Vale of Tears” – 5:10
- “I’d Be Lyin'” – 4:21
- “Hoy Hoy” – 4:09
- “Tattoo Heart” – 3:30
- “Hellzapoppin” – 4:17
Chinese Work Songs
Released: June 20, 2000
“Chinese Work Songs” marked a new millennium for Little Feat, delivering an album that balanced new material with some classic live tracks. Though not a commercial hit, it received critical acclaim.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, Shaun Murphy on vocals, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by Little Feat and released on CMC International. The album was recorded at White House Studios, Van Nuys, California, and mixed at The Backyard, Encino, California, in 1999-2000.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rag Top Down” – 4:58
- “Eula” – 5:06
- “Bed of Roses” – 4:00
- “Sample in a Jar” – 4:41
- “Just Another Sunday” – 6:26
- “Gimme a Stone” – 4:40
- “Rio Esperanza” – 5:07
- “Tattoo Heart” – 4:40
- “Marginal Creatures” – 3:39
- “Chinese Work Songs” – 4:56
- “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” – 4:10
Kickin’ It at the Barn
Released: October 21, 2003
Named after their own studio where it was recorded, “Kickin’ It at the Barn” was self-released. It features a blend of styles, ranging from blues, rock, jazz, and even some Americana.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, Shaun Murphy on vocals, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by Little Feat and released on Hot Tomato Records. It was recorded at The Barn, Los Angeles, California, in 2003.
CD Track Listings:
- “Night on the Town” – 5:42
- “Heaven Forsaken” – 5:24
- “I’d Be Lyin'” – 5:04
- “Corazones y Sombras” – 5:33
- “Walking as Two” – 4:35
- “In a Town Like This” – 4:21
- “Fighting the Mosquito Wars” – 5:48
- “Stomp” – 4:54
- “Why Don’t It Look Like the Way That It Talk” – 4:25
- “I Do What the Telephone Tells Me to Do” – 5:39
- “Bill’s River Blues” – 4:48
Join the Band
Released: July 1, 2008
“Join the Band” is a unique project where Little Feat invited other musicians to collaborate on some of their classic tracks. Guests include Dave Matthews, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, and more.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, Shaun Murphy on vocals, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by Mac McAnally and Bill Payne and released on 429 Records. It was recorded at various locations in 2007-2008.
CD Track Listings:
- “Fat Man in the Bathtub” – 4:46
- “Something in the Water” – 4:24
- “Dixie Chicken” – 8:50
- “See You Later Alligator” – 4:50
- “Champion of the World” – 3:26
- “The Weight” – 5:24
- “Don’t Ya Just Know It” – 3:53
- “Time Loves a Hero” – 4:13
- “Willin'” – 4:49
- “This Land Is Your Land” – 3:31
- “Oh Atlanta” – 4:45
Rooster Rag
Released: June 26, 2012
“Rooster Rag” features four songs written by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, making it unique in the Little Feat catalog. The album was positively reviewed, often cited for its return to a more roots-oriented sound.
The album featured Paul Barrère on guitar and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and backing vocals, Bill Payne on keyboards, Fred Tackett on guitar and vocals, Gabe Ford on drums, and Sam Clayton on percussion. It was produced by Little Feat and released on Rounder Records. It was recorded at various studios in California between 2011 and 2012.
CD Track Listings:
- “Candy Man Blues” – 4:27
- “Rooster Rag” – 4:30
- “A Church Falling Down” – 4:47
- “Salome” – 4:32
- “One Breath at a Time” – 4:43
- “Just a Fever” – 4:00
- “Rag Top Down” – 4:59
- “Way Down Under” – 5:24
- “Jamaica Will Break Your Heart” – 4:56
- “Tattooed Girl” – 5:05
- “The Blues Keep Coming” – 4:50
- “Mellow Down Easy” – 3:23
Feature Photo: Kotoviski photographed by Henryk Kotowski, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Complete List Of Little Feat Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
