"Down on the Farm" is the seventh studio album by American rock band Little Feat, released in 1979. It holds a special place in the band's history as it was completed and released shortly after the tragic death of the band's founder and frontman, Lowell George, who passed away in June 1979 from a heart attack. The album was, therefore, one of the band's final works for nearly a decade, as they went on a hiatus after George's death and did not record any original material until their reunion in 1987.
The album's release was marked by the band's internal turmoil, as they had already announced their breakup during the making of Down on the Farm. Despite this, the remaining members—bassist Ronnie Barron, drummer Richie Hayward, keyboardist Bill Payne, and guitarist Paul Barrère—finished the album as a tribute to George, though they were uncertain about the band's future.
Musically, Down on the Farm showcases the blend of rock, blues, and funk that Little Feat had become known for. However, the album's tone is somewhat more subdued compared to their earlier works, and it contains a mix of the band's characteristic quirky, Southern-influenced rock along with more introspective, reflective songs. The album includes tracks like "Down on the Farm," "Six Feet of Snow," and "Feets Don't Fail Me Now," but it was met with a mixed reception.
While Down on the Farm was seen by many as a bit of a departure from the critical success of previous albums like Dixie Chicken (1973) and The Last Record Album (1975), it remains a poignant part of Little Feat's catalog. It captures the band's final moments before their hiatus, with much of the material on the album reflecting George's distinct songwriting and musical vision.
The album cover was created by artist Neon Park, who had done several covers for Little Feat, and it features one of his famous "duck-girl" characters. The surreal and playful image is an allusion to "The Finishing Touch," a work by renowned pin-up artist Gil Elvgren, aligning with the quirky and offbeat sensibilities that Little Feat's music was known for.
Despite the band's break-up after its release, Down on the Farm was significant in that it was the last Little Feat album to feature Lowell George before his untimely passing. Although the album did not enjoy the same level of success as some of their earlier works, it was an important, albeit bittersweet, end to an era for Little Feat. It would be almost a decade before the band reformed in 1987, this time without George, who had been a central figure in shaping the band's sound.
Ultimately, Down on the Farm stands as a testament to the band's resilience and the enduring influence of Lowell George on their music, marking the conclusion of a crucial chapter in the band's history before they went on to regroup in the late '80s with a new lineup.
