Rock's original slacker compiles and annotates a career-spanning 33 tracks dating back to his 1968 debut with The James Gang. Overcoming an early fixation with The Who (good buddy Pete Townshend contributes liner notes her... more »e), Walsh developed into a rock fixture with Barnstorm, then turned out deceptively lazy gems like "County Fair," "Life's Been Good," and "Decades" as a solo star. The surprise here is that this is one guitar hero whose songwriting was far superior to his instrumental work. --Jeff Bateman« less
Rock's original slacker compiles and annotates a career-spanning 33 tracks dating back to his 1968 debut with The James Gang. Overcoming an early fixation with The Who (good buddy Pete Townshend contributes liner notes here), Walsh developed into a rock fixture with Barnstorm, then turned out deceptively lazy gems like "County Fair," "Life's Been Good," and "Decades" as a solo star. The surprise here is that this is one guitar hero whose songwriting was far superior to his instrumental work. --Jeff Bateman
Lee B. (showme) from PARK HILLS, MO Reviewed on 3/24/2011...
This cd not only has all of my favorite Joe Walsh songs, but a lot of classics that I have always really liked, and practically forgotten! Rosewood Bitters, Indian Summer, and the tongue-in-cheek Walsh tunes like All Night Laundry Mat Blues and Welcome To The Club. (Only and Ordinary Average guy like Joe could put subjects so true, yet so depressing, into lyrics that could bring a smile to your face, and get away with it.) I give it 6 STARS!
CD Reviews
Joe Walsh at his best!
Gerry Lehn | Lawrenceburg, Indiana | 01/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As with most anthology's, there's bound to be a few tracks missing. We all have our favorites, which sometimes miss the cut. "Confessor" is inexplicably absent, and there's no "Eagles" stuff here. All of that would require a third CD. No, J.W. is the number one attraction in all of these songs, as the collection highlights Walsh's tremendous, unmistakable guitar work, and lyrical creativity. One of the bright spots includes a full length version of "The Bomber". This 2 CD collection also includes a simple song - by - song review, in booklet form, by Joe himself, that is quite interesting, and adds a bit of explanation to many of the tunes.
If you're a new Joe Walsh fan, this collection is a perfect place to start, and if you're an aging boomer (like myself), these tunes will bring back memories, and possibly introduce you to a few worthwhile bits you overlooked. I'm a tough grader, and this is a "5"."
Almost the Perfect Joe Walsh collection!!
Michael E. Taylor | Salem, OR | 09/08/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a Joe Walsh fan, or a fan of his career then you'll really like it as it IS a step in the complete Joe direction but is NOT.
"The Confessor" which I personally think is a brilliant song but NOT included as well as "15 Years" from the same CD.
Waffle Stomp is STILL missing from this collection (Found on the Fast Times At Ridgemont High Soundtrack).
Though they DID finally get I.L.B.T.'s & Space Age Whiz Kids on there. Ordinary Average Guy is a live version, so they should have also included the studio version.
Come on, guys, get it right!! *Grin*"
Life's Been Good
Disciple | FL | 12/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A re-mastered gathering of classic rock masterpieces and obscure rockers. Walsh's finest and well worth the price. Don't look for Eagles stuff because you won't find any. The long and complete version of "The Bomber" epitomizes his skills of brilliance. This is a must have for any serious classic rock music fan."
Joe's Done It All!
Lee Ann Zech | Kansas City, Missouri | 09/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As fans of Joe Walsh already know, his gift for playing the guitar is almost unparalleled in the music world today. His talent has only improved through the years and he's playing and writing some of the best works of his career even as we speak. This anthology is a comprehensive look at his various styles through the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. As you listen you realize that Joe has style all his own and once a song begins, you immediately know it as Joe's! Even though this collection has all the hits we've come to love, it also has some lesser known songs that you may have forgotten about or never discovered. It's great to hear these songs again! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a Joe Walsh fan or anyone who wants to put the headphones on, lie back and listen to the master of guitar at work."