The Long Run - Eagles (Rock) (The) (CD)

One band that can safely look back on their catalogue with a the pride of knowing that there are no weak spots, is the Eagles. This band produced a collection of works, second to none, as far as being of consistently excellent quality.

This album, The Long Run, was their last as a group before going on a 20 year hiatus. This is the follow up to the monster hit Hotel California. After all the acclamation they received from that album, it is a miracle that they were able to even approach the studio again. The next one had so many expectations before release, it had to weigh heavily on their decision not to record anymore.

But if you are going to go out, you might as well do it with a bang! And that is just what the Eagles did! Roll up the sleeves and lay down an album that is a true stunner! This album exemplifies everything that this band was all about. Great musicianship, great lyrics and a overall product that cannot be faulted anywhere!

This album holds up as well as any that they did. It also seems to me, looking back, that they knew at the time this was going to be their "Abbey Road." Each member plays a predominant role somewhere on the album. Each gets to give his farewell. Each does it with style and grace. Then there is also the group farewells. These songs are powerful and as artistic as anything they had done before.

So it was with mixed emotions that I listen to this album, just as "Abbey Road" gives me the feeling of loss because it was the final Beatles album, The Long Run, ends another era for me.

The album starts off with the title track, "The Long Run." This song, with it's bluesy, chunky approach, almost lulls you in if not for the dynamic drum effects of Don Henley. His serious skins work gives this song an almost anthem feel and that is what this might just be too. An anthem to the Eagles. They had one great, long run and now it is coming to a close. The undercurrent to this song that Don Felder provides with his organ playing, adds yet another dimension to this great rocker. But the highlight is the magnificent slide guitar work of Joe Walsh. Talk about another underappreciated guitarist!!! Great work by a man who is easily on of the most unique guitarist and personalities in the rock world.

One of the finest love songs ever written is the next track. It did not receive the air play that is so richly deserved. "I Can't Tell You Why" is such a fantastic song on all levels. The vocals of newcomer Timothy B. Schmit are electrifying! The lyrics are dynamite. "Every time I try to walk away/ Something makes me turn around and stay." I can't tell you how many times I have felt this very sentiment! Then the guitar work of Detroit native Glenn Fry is absolutely amazing. He crafts a solo that defies description. It is as descriptive as the lyrics in trying to convey the message. Breathtaking work by a terrific group of musicians!

Wow! Shades of the James Gang assault me with the next song, "In The City." Joe Walsh takes over the lead vocals to perform this song that is one of the best that Walsh has ever written. A very powerful rocker, Walsh uses the technique of blasting the power chords as background to his tale of life in the city. Again Joe adds a superb slide guitar to this one. The intermittent piano tinkling by Fielder also adds a nice little touch. That is one of the things that these guys did so well. The looked after the details that makes a good song great!

"The Disco Strangler" is a little different than the usual Eagles type song. At first you will think that the band and Henley singing, are all looking at different sheet music! But as this song progresses, it becomes evident that this is all part of the plot! The band usually has something to say about society in each of their albums, this one is no exception. The disoriented days of disco are well represented by the boys here!

An interesting song, "King of Hollywood,"uses a nifty fade in to take you into this dark and brooding song about a very sleazy movie agent. When it comes to telling a story, there are few that are the equal of Henley and Frey. This one could be a script for the next DePalma film! One other aspect of this song, all three guitarist take a turn at providing their interpretation of this song. Each solo being unique and done in the style that they are known for. Another great song that is a dark masterpiece.

So far the band has not really displayed the harmonies that they are so well known for. Well it is time to put that to an end! The next song, "Heartache Tonight" shows off just how amazing these guys are. Crosby, Still, Nash & Young are the only other group that comes close to the way the Eagles can meld their voices into one. Then, to do it on such a high energy rocker! This is good time rock and roll at it's best! The chunky rhythm guitar offset by the slide guitar work of Walsh, makes this one a foot stompin' treat for the ears!! As a side note, Frey enlist one of his buddies from the motor city to help write this song. Bob Seger gives a hand to make sure they get it right!!

From there, the band takes you down into the back alleys where the real brooding music comes from. This is also where you are going to find a woman who is wearing "Those Shoes." A heartbeat bass gives this one a very gritty and powerful feel. Almost a touch of S&M in this one! Walsh adds an eerie quality with his use of the talk box. All in all, it is one song that hits you right below the belt!!

Another slow, bluesy tune, "Teenage Jail" tells the tale of the kid caught between adolescents and adulthood. This is a rough time for all and this song captures it perfectly. Churning and moody this song is chilling in its ability to show the pain of being a teenager. This is helped in a big way by the magnificent guitar solo by Don Felder. It is filled with so much emotion, I can feel those days again through the power of Felder's guitar! Great stuff again! This song fades right into the next one,

"The Greeks Don't Want No Freeks." After the song about the pain of the teenage years, I always thought that this song referred to frat houses and the animal house type behavior that is a mainstay of college life. Kind of part 2 to the last tune. This is one song that lets us know that these guys still know how to have fun. It could have been the motto for Bluto and the rest from National Lampoon's slice of academia. A rip roaring piece that even has a great sing-a-long chorus that is just right for your next kegger!!! One note, Jimmy Buffett is on hand to help with this chorus..seems fitting to me!!

The album ends with the song, "The Sad Cafe'." I have always looked upon this song as the ultimate farewell. It is a slow almost ballad quality tune that seems underplayed on purpose by the band. It reminds me of the type of song that you hear at the end of the movie as the credits roll. Even using a super sax solo by Mr. David Sanborn to add a kind of finality to the song. A great ending to a great album!!

Well everyone knows that the band ended up getting back together a mere 20 years later. But that was short lived. I think that too much water had passed under the bridge for these guys to pick up where they left off and they realized it rather quickly.

But there is still the recordings that made this band a legendary group. Their music is as fresh and brilliant as the day they wrote it and this one is at or near the top of the list!!