Joe Walsh – "But Seriously, Folks..."

My favorite album! Bill Szymczyk’s elegant arrangement is the best.

I found this album still in shrink wrap in a cut out bin at a dollar store in 1989. At 16, it was too mellow for me. I was looking for an album full of 'Life's Been Good' rockers. Actually, I was looking for 'Funk #49', which was still all over classic rock radio and I thought was a Joe Walsh song. It took about a year, but I eventually got into this album. There is the big hit that persists to this day in 'Life's Been Good' (quoted by KARP in 'Bacon Industry'). 'Indian Summer' is a grand epic along the lines of 'Birdcall Morning' and 'Bookends'. 'Inner Tube' and 'Boat Weirdos' prove that Joe Vitale has always been the necessary foil keeping JW's albums fun and interesting. It's great that main Joe allowed JV such a big part of his solo albums; maybe a sign of his magnanimity (or lack of material?) Unlike the first three albums, there are a couple of MOR tunes. Like Nietzsche said, stare into the Eagles, and the Eagles stare back into you. 'Tomorrow' and 'Second Hand Store' would sit well on The Long Run (snooze. barf) Then there's 'Over And Over' and 'At The Station'. Good, solid JW rockers with wacky lyrics and mucho great guitar playing. A bit less classic than the early 70s Joe Walsh records, but worth your time. ...BSF was definitely worth the dollar I spent on it 34 years ago and then some.

Very nice pressing and mastering. Excellent soundstage with clear instrument separation. Dynamic and really pleasant sounding. Super clean but still a touch warm. It really is a beautifully done recording and equally great music. I just recently got into Joe Walsh after picking up barnstorm. This was one of the cheaper versions of this release, and it’s a steal for the price (I think it was $15 after shipping). In my collection of over 200 LPs, this is in the top 25 in terms of sound quality.

I’ll also add that this is missing the funny “wah wah” outro unfortunately. Not a deal breaker for me, but still a bit sad it wasn’t there.

Perhaps one of the best masterings of this album that I've ever heard. It's a shame it wasn't in SACD form, but the dynamic range and clarity is absolute madness!

Life’s been good, sounds great pumping, plenty of space, a fun one to crank!

Anyone know if any of the CD versions are brickwalled? Have it on vinyl and want to pick up a CD copy that sounds as wide and open. Afraid of 1991 CDs...

This album sounds so good on my system. Very full and lively!

This edition has excellent sound. Although the production is impeccable, the album is generally a tepid affair until the final three tracks which blend into a prog epic, Joe Walsh style. Worth it just for Life's Been Good.

Solid openers on both sides and incredible closers on both sides. Good album structure can go a long way. Album flows well. Great pressing and Joe Walsh was always my favorite Eagle. They just don't write songs like "At the Station" or "Life's been good" anymore. One of the best solo Eagles albums.

This is one of several of Joe Walsh's post-Eagles output, as he was certainly a key contributor to the legendary band. Here, you get a sense of his laid back, guitar-forward writing style. There's definitely a mellow, carefree attitude throughout the release.

Soundwise, the mix is good. There are several multitracked layers a guitar and keys which allow for exploration. This keeps the tracks interesting.

The highlight here is obviously his hit "Life's Been Good", which is cleverly penned and a catchy rocker.

Pressing is good. Recommended.