Down on the Farm cover

Down on the Farm

Little Feat · 1979

37 min · 9 tracks · country music

A vibrant fusion of Southern rock and blues, steeped in playful grooves and lyrical storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Down on the Farm Start here — The title track captures the album's essence with its lively rhythm and vivid imagery of rural life, showcasing the band's energetic style.
  • →
    Straight From the Heart — This track stands out with its heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery, reflecting the emotional depth that characterizes much of Little Feat's work.
  • →
    Feel the Groove — With infectious beats and an engaging chorus, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with intricate musicianship.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of vibrant grooves and lyrical storytelling but lacks the innovation of earlier works.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section, setting a lively tone that persists through several tracks.
  • The last three tracks slow the tempo significantly, creating a contrast to the upbeat opening songs and allowing for more introspective moments.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • playful spirit with heart
  • for a sunny afternoon
  • engaging narratives throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in the catalog but not widely recognized as essential.
Themes
rural life imagery· Southern rock storytelling· heartfelt country blues
Career context
Released in 1979, Down on the Farm marked Little Feat’s sixth studio album, following the critical acclaim of their previous record, Waiting for Columbus. The band was solidifying its unique sound, blending rock, country, and blues while navigating lineup changes that influenced their musical direction.
Stylistic neighbors
The Band· Widespread Panic· Gov't Mule

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Straight From the Heart

    The verse shifts from reflective contemplation to a direct appeal for connection, creating an emotional pivot in the song.

    This structural choice deepens the listener's investment by transitioning from introspection to vulnerability, enhancing the song's impact.

Tracklist

  • 1 Down on the Farm Start here 4:16
  • 2 Six Feet of Snow 2:30
  • 3 Perfect Imperfection 3:46
  • 4 Kokomo 2:58
  • 5 Be One Now 4:05
  • 6 Straight From the Heart 4:59
  • 7 Wake Up Dreaming 4:09
  • 8 Front Page News 5:57
  • 9 Feel the Groove 4:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata