Those Shoes

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of Eagles' "Those Shoes" from their 1979 album The Long Run, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks tuned in and turned on. This song stands out for its gritty take on the late '70s Hollywood nightlife, with a funky groove and a biting edge. One juicy piece of trivia comes from Eagles guitarist Don Felder, who revealed in a 2019 interview with Uncle Joe Benson on Ultimate Classic Rock Nights that he drew inspiration from jazz legend Miles Davis. Felder, a jazz fan, wanted to craft a tune where he and Joe Walsh could duel with talkboxes, mimicking the soulful sparring of trumpets. The result? A track that feels like a nod to Davis’ minimalist soul, with Walsh and Felder’s talkbox guitars weaving a melody that’s both jazzy and raw. Felder recalled laying down all the parts, including the talkbox sections, and submitting it to the band, who loved it. Glenn Frey and Don Henley insisted it had to make the record, and they cut it live in the studio, talkboxes blazing.

Another tidbit about "Those Shoes" comes from its lyrical bite, which paints a cynical picture of the predatory club scene. In a 1981 BBC interview, Joe Walsh shared that the talkbox effect, which he’d pioneered on his solo hit “Rocky Mountain Way,” was rooted in a Nashville innovation. He credited pedal steel guitarist Bill West, husband of country singer Dottie West, for conceptualizing the talkbox, though West never got the props he deserved. Walsh met West in Nashville, got a prototype, and later used it to craft the distinctive sound in "Those Shoes." Fan comments on Reddit’s EaglesBand community also highlight the song’s underrated status, with one user noting how the dual talkbox guitars give it a unique “jazz-like” departure from the band’s country-rock roots. Some fans even crank up the subwoofers to feel the mirrors dance to that funky beat.

The recording of The Long Run wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. The album, which took three years to follow up the mega-hit Hotel California, was marked by band tensions. Wikipedia notes that the Eagles were fraying at the edges, with egos clashing and the pressure to top their previous success weighing heavy. "Those Shoes" emerged as a spark of brilliance amid the chaos, with its dark, funky edge reflecting the band’s mood. Fans on Songfacts have speculated about the talkbox lyrics, with some hearing Walsh say “burnout, burn out” or even “butt out” as a jab at the band’s feuding. Others argue it’s just sounds, not words, but the mystery adds to the song’s allure.

Now, let’s rewind to how the Eagles got their start. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the band came together when Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner were all gigging as backup musicians for Linda Ronstadt. According to Britannica, the four had crossed paths in the LA music scene, and manager David Geffen saw their potential, signing them to his new label, Asylum Records. Their debut album, Eagles, dropped in 1972, blending country and rock with hits like “Take It Easy.” The band’s early sound was shaped by their laid-back grooves and knack for capturing emotional highs and lows, all while pushing the boundaries of country rock. Over time, they added members like Don Felder, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, evolving into a rock powerhouse. Their albums Desperado, One of These Nights, and Hotel California defined the '70s for millions, cementing their legacy.

For Zoo Freaks who want to dive deeper, the Eagles’ official website is your go-to for news, tour dates, and merch. You can catch up with them on Facebook, where they share throwbacks and updates, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. Their X account keeps it real with quick hits of band news. Fans can also join the conversation on the r/EaglesBand Reddit community, where diehards swap stories and debate deep cuts. For a fan-driven hub, check out Eagles Online Central, a site packed with discographies, interviews, and more. There’s also the Eagles Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow enthusiasts to share their love for the band’s timeless sound.