Sidetracked

To think that I once respected the Eagles.

I was already upset with them when they fired long-time band mate Don Felder in an ugly dispute over money. But now I hear that the band’s first studio album in 28 years is being released exclusively by Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.

Egad.

Siding with the ultimate corporate giant is such an uncool thing for a rock band to do — especially given “Mr. Walden Pond” Don Henley’s left-leaning political rants of past years. Come to think of it, I seem to recall Henley barking about songwriters’ rights some time ago. I guess he doesn’t care as much about independent record store owners.

I know it’s kind of popular to beat up on Wal-Mart and extol the virtues of indie record stores. But, come on. At least allow us a choice, guys.

Then again, in the end, the almighty dollar seems to be what drives the Eagles most today. After all, it was the Eagles who set a new standard for absurd concert ticket prices a few years ago. But, hey — it’s hard to make ends meet when you’re struggling musicians, right?

Don, I recommend Ramen Noodles — you can get 10 for a dollar at Albertsons.

Of course, maybe this exclusive isn’t the worst thing for indie record stores. The first single, “How Long,” is being offered as a free download from Wal-Mart’s Web site. And after listening to this song a few minutes ago, I can see why it’s free.

Suffice it to say, it’s not “Hotel California.” In fact, it’s not even “Journey to the Sorcerer,” that weird instrumental banjo song that somehow made its way onto an Eagles record back in the day.

After not having an album in nearly 30 years — and having worked on this one for about five — you’d think they’d come up with stellar material. But the first single, it turns out, is not even theirs. It’s an old song written by longtime Eagles collaborator J.D. Souther.

Maybe we should just buy his version. It’s actually better — featuring backing vocals by the Eagles.

And you don’t have to go to Wal-Mart to buy it.

–Pat P.

Posted on August 21st, 2007 by Pat
Filed under: Music