261. The Eagles - The Eagles

We weren't overly excited when we selected this album, to be frank. Whilst I loved Hotel California as a teenager, and still have a soft spot for it, I've always considered that the good Eagles' songs I knew were outliers from a more average back catalogue. The only song I knew off this album was Take it Easy, which certainly belongs in the anomalous category. Still, it probably wouldn't be an unpleasant week's listening.

The Eagles' debut album was recorded in 1972 in London, with Glyn Johns the producer selected. The band's key difference was their harmonies, which took them away from other country-rock records which littered the charts at the time. The album was more of a slow-burner than an overnight success, and it actually wasn't until 2001 that it finally went platinum. Critical reception was initially also slightly mixed, with some reviewers impressed by the professional and slick sound on the debut, whereas others found it more style than substance. Interestingly (possibly) Don Henley only contributed two songs to this album - Witchy Woman and Nightingale - both a far cry from his finest work (Boys of Summer if you were wondering). 

Take it Easy is a track you will struggle to rid yourself of; I am in fear that it will still be in my head several years on. The chorus is a sublime work of close harmonies, and there's some impressively quick double-time banjo. But you probably knew this already, given how well known this particular song is. Witchy Woman is not so well know, and with good reason. It isn't bad, so much as forgettable, although it was, somehow, the highest charting single off this album, reaching number 9 in the UK. In contrast, Chug all Night and Most of us are Sad would probably go into the former categories. They are the upbeat and downbeat examples of MOR country-rock meh. What's disappointing is that the band are capable of more, as demonstrated on the near outstanding Take the Devil. A bit of direction, a classic transition from acoustic to electric at the chorus, and a moodier tone makes the whole band sound a lot more emotive. Peaceful Easy Feeling was Chloe's stand out, and it is an enjoyable set of melodies and harmonies, showing the purer country side of the group. 

Overall, the album was what we'd expected: two or three (very) good tracks, with a lot of inoffensive tunes in between. The quality of these individual songs, plus the fact that most of the not good songs weren't bad per se drove the score up. I can't imagine it being an album that I ever return to, although I will enjoy Take the Devil on a regular basis as a bit of a unexpected delight.

Chloe's rating: 5
Chloe's favourite track: 9. Peaceful Easy Feeling
Olly's rating: 5
Olly's favourite track: 7. Take the Devil

Next week is 634. Viva Hate by Morrissey. I doubt that'll be middle of the road.