Review James Gang- Rides Again (1970) ****

album review

Catfish

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Classic Rock Album of the Day- James Gang- Rides Again (1970). ****

I'd like to start tonight's installment with an anecdotal experience that wasn't actually concert or music related. Back in about 1976 or 1977, Myself and a group of friends wanted to take a break from studying for finals, and made our way to an old 24 hour greasy spoon for some much needed coffee for cramming. Well, this was about at 2 AM, and what we saw was entertaining to say the least. Seems Joe Walsh and a group (band, roadies, and whoever else) were the only other patrons in the place....partying post concert. We watched in marvel as Joe et. al were eating with their hands, and the entire entourage was covered with food. What a mess. To say these guys were messed up, was an understatement. None of us dared to venture over to the table, as there was no conversation... Just grunting, laughing and food flying.

This really hit the mark in my understanding of what made Joe Walsh tick at the time. I saw his "Life's Been Good" persona in full glory, in real life, and really got to see how this mad man took his emotions and talents into what I feel is among the greats of slide guitar in our lifetimes. No one can dispute that Walsh took the Eagles from a genre of neuvo-Country to a an American Powerhouse of the Mid 1970's. Yes, the Eagles were massively successful in the early 1970's, but Walsh added that edge that was just icing on the cake for them. And from my POV, Walsh had some of the best contributions of that hay day of "Hotel California" and "The Long Run". Saying it was "and edge" might be an understatement. More like Rock and Roll Street Cred.

Sorry, to start this review off tagented, but Walsh as a Rock star is really a series of back stories that have resulted in some of the most fascinating reads in American Rock. It all really started with his heading in the James Gang in the late 1960's. The James Gang was a fine 3 man ensemble that took a great blues base, layered with heavy guitar/bass, then often morphed into some of the best slide guitar in rock history. I will go out on a limb, and say that Walsh does head that class. After significant mainstream success, he then went solo, and charted several tunes that our still mainstream favorites on Class Rock Radio today,

Within their discography today I want to cover what I felt was the gold standard of the JG stable.... "Rides Again". It is very good and consistent listen, and one that was so far ahead its time. When giving it a listen, don't forget that this was recorded in 1969. In this one especially remarkably stakes claim with bravado that he one of the greatest slide guitarist ever, and this album by far showcases that talent immensely. This was the pinnacle of his career as a band leader. And the fact he gave the Eagles (finally) a rock and roll edge, has impacted rock and roll history more than anyone realizes.

This album had a number of songs that got FM airplay in the day, and I can remember so many of them on Beaker Street back in the early 1970's. I am and always was fascinated with trio bands that had the ability to sound like 4 or 5. JG is one in that category.

Fun Fact: I am not alone in the opinion that "Rides Again" was the best one done by the JG. It is the only studio LP that made the Top 20 in the U.S. If you listen along, below you'll be amazed how listened to this one was.

Side 1-

Funk #49- The Gang's first signature song, and a hell of a rocker. Was the '45 on the album. Looking it up, it only reached #59 on the charts. Of course, The James Gang never really a band of mainstream rock success. Walsh did much better commercially as a solo act later in the decade. 3

Asshton Park- 2 minute instrumental bluesy ditty that has pretty much signature meter and technique Walsh is known for- 6

Woman- Another solid rocker, taken a slight notch down. Really solid bass lines, Walsh's supporting cast often did not get their due. 4

The Bomber/Closet Queen/Bolero'/Cast Your fate to the Wind- Walsh's greatest tune. An absolutely song writing tour de' force-a-rama. The power of the hook in masterful ways, with great riffs, mesmerizing slide guitar solos, and even an infusion of Ravel's Bolero that just make this song one of the greatest of the very early 1970's. I mean wow, this was actually recorded in 1969, released 1970. This song never gets old, and is timeless. And special props to Drummer Jim Fox and bassist Dale Peters.... The fills booming bass runs are amazing and add to the greatness. 1

Side 2-

Tend My Garden- With most other bands, this would easily be their #1 song. Band beautifully uses Hammond to season this classic. Listen to the riff lines, seems Scholz and his band Boston may have lifted a little too much on More Than a Feeling. Hmmmm maybe, maybe not. This is a ballad of greatness, and I don't say that too often. 2

Garden Gate- Guthrie like short tune, that is not in the Gang's wheel house. One of the weakest on what is a pretty damned good album- 8

There I Go Again- Didn't give this song much thought in the day, but it seems to have found some resurgence in Classic Rock era. 7

Thanks- Album isn't perfect. Sure there had to be some filler.. 9

Ashes and Rain and I- Nice ballad that incorporates strings in very innovative and simple ways. Straight mandolin and acoustic blended with orchestral backing, very odd, but effective. 5


 

dr wu

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Wonderful lp....should be in every rock music collection.
I was lucky to see them at IU in Bloomington IN about 6 months after this lp came out.
 

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