Published on Mar 18, 1997
Joe Walsh got his start at a guitarist for the James Gang, which
he left for a solo career in 1971. Known best for his efforts with
the Eagles, it was Walsh’s 1974 album,
So What, that secured him a place with the Eagles after
Bernie Leadon departed. Walsh is still credited as the guy that
gave The Eagles’s laid-back sound a swift kick in the ass.
First and foremost, Walsh is an unbelievably solid guitar
player. Walsh belongs to a class of guitar player that hasn’t
surfaced in the 90’s alternative rock scene. It’s almost sad
really. Walsh is really a master of his instrument, while recently
formed groups can barely play (i.e. Veruca Salt, seen 3/15/97 on
Saturday Night Live).
So What has a sound that is firmly rooted in the 70’s.
Today, the 70’s feel is very refreshing. When you listen to
So What, you feel like you’ve jumped back to the mid-70’s
again, which is a nice feeling. You catch all of the harmonized
backing vocals that was a 70’s staple, while listening to guitar
work that is creative in any era.
“Welcome To The Club” has a enough rhythm changes to keep you
hooked for hours, with signature Walsh guitars that build and fade
meticulously. Lyrically, Walsh is a bit more subtle here than he’s
famous for, spinning a yarn about crazy situations on the road.
“Falling Down” has a soulful, western feel to it. The rhythm
work is done on a 12-string, with most of the leads added
delicately with a 6-string electric. Present again are the 70’s
vocal harmonies, which are layered so that they’re almost ghost
like.
On “Time Out”, Walsh returns the style that made him famous on
“Rocky Mountain Way.” The song features a combination of standard
and slide lead guitar that Walsh does so well. To date, I can’t
think of anyone who so perfectly combines these two styles. The
drumming and bass are very prominent on this track. Walsh seems to
let the rhythm guys hold the song while he paints over it. This
isn’t anything new, it’s the standard Rx for rock and roll. It’s
just that when you listen to this album, you notice all of the
ridiculously simple things that many bands don’t do anymore.
“Help Me Through The Night” was the doorway into the Eagles and
beyond. This was the first song that Henley, Frey and Walsh worked
on together. With Henley and Frey on backing vocals, it sounds like
the song is from
Hotel California. While the presence of the Eagles is
noticeable, the song still preserves the feel of the rest of the
album.
While
So What lacks any mega hits, it’s probably his most
beautiful album. With it’s firmly rooted 70’s style, it will show
some signs of age on the turntable today. But its strengths, great
guitar work, great vocal harmonies, and peaceful demeanor are
timeless in any era. With
So What in the background, a nice drink and a loved one
nearby, the album promotes a wonderful “time out” to unwind.