I was immensely surprised to hear that Joe Walsh, he of James Gang, Barnstorm, and Eagles fame, would be releasing a new solo effort some 20 years after his last, Songs For A Dying Planet.
The new album, Analog Man, begins with the album’s title track with Joe’s familiar style. On it, he sings about the good old analog sound versus the digital sound. But he isn’t on a rant. Far from it. But he does state his mind clearly enough. It’s good old Joe in great form.
Walsh visits several levels of Rock, a little country, and his “Life’s Been Good” biographical edge with the latest single, “Lucky That Way”.
“Lucky That Way” is, to put it simply, excellent Walsh. It’s pop/rock at its finest. It also holds its own in the Walsh singles catalog.
Another treat is the revisiting of James Gang classic, “Funk #49” with “Funk 50”, further letting us know that Joe Walsh can still bring it when called upon to do so.
There’s not a bad song on the album, not one. He hits the heavy sound (but never with the same heft that “Rocky Mountain Way” carries), he tinges with country, he butters with Pop.
And still I have to ask, “Joe, how do you do it ’cause you do it with such style and grace.” But he’ll just “shake his head and smile, look (me) in the eye, and tell me that “I’m just lucky that way”.
Classic Walsh!
Release Date: June 5, 2012
–Matt Rowe
I picked it up today and it is an excellent album. I agree with Matt. Not one bad song on the album. I hope he doesn’t wait another 20 years to release the next one.
Go for the Deluxe Edition if you purchase Analog Man. It has 2 bonus tracks, one of which is an unreleased James Gang jam from 1971 titled “But I Try” that features Little Richard on piano and vocals. It’s really good. The Deluxe Edition also includes a DVD titled “Joe Walsh – For The Record” that includes live performances of “Analog Man”, “Wrecking Ball” and “Lucky That Way.” They were recorded at the Troubadour and feature Jeff Lynne of ELO on the first two songs. Amazon has it for $13.99 right now, so treat yourself to one of the better albums by a classic rock act in recent years.