Analog Man

Collectively, The Eagles may be in the aviary for their 40th anniversary, but that hasn’t stopped individuals flying the nest. 20 years after his last solo effort, Joe Walsh releases his musings on time out of mind. It’s an intimate affair exuding the contentment of one who has accommodated his demons. Towards that end he has brother-in-law Ringo Starr pounding the pots and Jeff Lynne twiddling the knobs, creating a warm full sound over which Joe can throw a bit of scruff. ‘Wrecking Ball’ is what The Travelling Wilburys would have sounded like if Ozzy Osbourne had replaced the Big O. ‘Lucky That Way’ is ‘Life’s Been Good’ Part 2 as recounted by a contented 64-year-old who’s parked the Maserati, sold the mansion, and is happy to be alive.
There’s some great tracks, touches of experimentation and a lot of cruise control. ‘Hi Roller Baby’ sounds like it’s selling package holidays to pensioners – the other Joe Walsh would approve! ‘Funk 50’ has a pop pulse and honky sleaze feeding off Buddy Holly’s ‘Not Fade Away’ but is a fragment that should have been left on the cutting-room floor. By contrast, album closer ‘India’ fully unleashes Walsh’s trademark attack guitar sound. Going toe-to-toe with a dance beat he explores his inner Jeff Beck, stretches creative boundaries and shows that he can still bash an axe. Now what about that reunion?