Who can forget such classic songs as "Rocky Mountain Way", "Funk No. 49", "Life's Been Good", "Walk Away", and "A Life of Illusion", all having one thing thing in common-Joe Walsh. Whether a member of The James Gang, The Eagles, or his own solo career, Joe Walsh has been a legendary figure on the rock scene for over 30 years. The Definitive Collection covers the solo tunes (which was briefly called Barnstorm) as well as a few classics from Wash's years with The James Gang. One drawback is if you are looking for his stuff with the Eagles, forget it, they are not here.
The hard rocking attitude of The James Gang can be heard on classics like "Funk No. 49" and "Walk Away", songs that started Joe's rise as an American guitar hero. Included as well are lesser known but equally impressive gems like "Tend My Garden", "The Bomber" and "Mindnight Man", all from the Rides Again and Thirds albums from The James Gang. The early Barnstorm songs "Mother Says" and "Turn to Stone"are pretty good, and chances are will be new to the casual fan, unlike the FM radio staple "Rocky Mountain Way", a bust-out heavy rock 'n" boogie guitar rave-up. Walsh's talent as a vocalist and lyricist came to the forefront on later works, such as "Life's Been Good", "All Night Long", "The Confessor", and "Ordinary Average Guy". And who can resist the lazy yet compelling sing-along samba "A Life of Illusion"?
He's a hard rocker, he's a roots guy, and he can sure write a scathing or humorous political & social satire. Let's face it, he's Joe Walsh. The Who's Pete Townshend once called Walsh "America's greatest guitar player", and that's saying something. Now, 30+ years later, he's simply a respected, well traveled musical treasure, and this CD is a good sampling of some of his best work.
Track Listing
1. Funk No.49
2. Tend My Garden
3. The Bomber
4. Walk Away
5. Midnight Man
6. Mothers Says
7. Turn To Stone
8. Meadows
9. Rocky Mountain Way
10. Help Me Thru The Night
11. Life's Been Good
12. All Night Long
13. The Confessor
14. A Life Of Illusion
15. Ordinary Average Guy
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