Another Reason for Happiness: The Eagles' New Album

Don Henley, a lead singer of one of my favorite bands, the Eagles, said two decades ago when the band broke up that they'd get back together "when Hell freezes over" in response to constant badgering about it. So a few years ago, when they finally did get back together, they named their album, which was a live album with four new songs on it, "Hell Freezes Over," along with a tour and $100+ seats. Fans were ecstatic. Still, no new studio album.

That changed last weekend, when I read that the band had a new album coming out called "Long Road Out of Eden". I raced to Wal-Mart, which has an exclusive distribution deal with them, to buy it but discovered it wouldn't be out until Tuesday the 30th. Dejected, I left but accepted my wife's offer to stop by on Tuesday and pick it up for me.

I have been far from disappointed. The Eagles have lost nothing in the 20 years since their last big album came out. The new album is a double-CD, 11 songs on one and 9 on the other. Nearly every track is fantastic. Every member is showcased in various songs, and the boys are all there, except for guitarist Don Felder.

For me the best part, besides the catchy tunes themselves, has been savoring the classic Eagles harmonic sounds. This is showcased from the very first song, largely a capella, "No More Walks in the Wood". But it really shines in the chorus of the second track, "How Long" (which you can listen to on their website), as well as "Do Something," track 10. After the band broke up, members Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmidt (okay, maybe not Timothy) went on to successful solo careers, as they're all quality singers and songwriters. And together their sound is just magical.

In a time when there's so much junk out there calling itself music, it's truly refreshing to hear brand new music from one of the best bands of the 70's and 80's. It's fresh music from "old school" musicians: Just singing, piano, Hammond organ, drums and lots of guitar.

Here's hoping and praying it doesn't stop with this phenomenal album.