25 years ago I was the manager of a Toys 'R' Us, and I was subjected to a steady stream of Muzak from the store's sound system. Yet Walsh's departure in 1971 changed the group's fortunes – and, by extension, upped the value of Rides Again, which survives as a near-flawless example of earnest 70s rock and organic playing.As most music lovers know, there's often a gap between the musicians we know and the songs we've heard. ![]() Similarly, the acoustic-based "Garden Gate" and Jack Nitzsche-orchestrated "Ashes the Rain and I" showcase sincerity and diversity suggesting the James Gangprepared to defy limitations afforded most of its peers. Streaked with throaty organ passages and reflective moods, sincere midtempo ballads like "Tend My Garden" tease with rave-up structures and express a softer side of the group. Such interplay extends to the more diverse, country-tinged fare on Side B. Throughout the record, the trio's synergy clicks at every turn. With Walsh's Echoplex-equipped slide guitar making psychedelic- and blues-leaning comments, his mates pick up on the direction and answer with melodic responses. Yet it, as well as the sexual thrust of the head-bobbing "Woman" and proto-metal slash of the multi-part "The Bomber," fully represents the pure chemistry and locomotive momentum of the James Gang. ![]() ![]() The FM radio staple "Funk #49" – kick-started by the irresistible declaration "I sleep all day, out all night/I know where you're goin'" – continues to be identified by many as a Walshsolo tune. Walsh, without question, remains the biggest draw on Rides Again. Increased separation between the instruments and airier, more open soundstaging add to the record's toe-tapping fun and seemingly unlimited groove quotient. The dimensional body and weight of the guitars, probing low-end of Dale Peters' bass lines, reedy timbre of Walsh's singing, and pacing of the crisp percussive cues are all enhanced. Mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed at RTI, and strictly limited to 4000 numbered copies,this 180g LP teems with involving textures, details, and depth hidden from view on prior pressings. Recorded at the then-brand-new Record Plant, the songs sound more authoritative and fun than ever before on Mobile Fidelity's restored analog pressing. From start to finish, Rides Againis a 70s rock classic – and, now, one that at last features first-rate sonics to match the music. The quartet's penchant for crunch-laden boogies and focused jamming pours out on the first half of the record before the band pulls its trick bag out on the second half and injects keyboards into the stylistically varied mix. Home to the top-down favorite "Funk #49," Rides Againsparks with a stylistic versatility, hard-rocking edge, and balladic vulnerability united by tight-knit musicianship. Led by future Eagle Joe Walsh, the James Gangestablishes a power-trio template for all times on its 1970 sophomore album. Mastered from the Original Master Tapes, Pressed at RTI, and Strictly Limited to 4000 Numbered Copies: Mobile Fidelity 180g Vinyl LP of Rides AgainPresents James Gang in Full-Scale Detail The Joe Walsh-Led James Gang Balances Edgy Hard Rock and Sincere Country-Tinged Ballads on 1970 Classic: Rides AgainFeatures the Radio Favorite "Funk #49" and Multi-Part "Bomber" ![]() The Bomber: Closet Queen/Bolero/Cast Your Fate to the Wind.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |