Analog Man

Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO, where the Zoo Crew is spinning the righteous vibes of "Analog Man" by Joe Walsh from his 2012 album of the same name. This tune is a time capsule, capturing Walsh's struggle to keep up with the digital age. In an interview with HuffPost, Walsh shared that the last time he made a record, it was on tape with knobs, but now it's all about keyboards and a mouse. He told Something Else!, "The digital thing is just kind of a theme that I touch on," reflecting his bemusement with modern tech. The song's got that classic Walsh humor, with lyrics like needing a "10-year-old smart-ass" to fix his tech woes, as noted on Genius. Co-produced by Jeff Lynne of ELO fame, the track has a glossy, radio-friendly sheen, but Walsh's raw guitar cuts through, as Ultimate Classic Rock pointed out. Fun fact: his brother-in-law, Ringo Starr, lays down drums on this one, making it a family affair with a Beatle and an Eagle.

The album took 20 years to come together, as Walsh was busy touring with the Eagles and getting sober, a journey he details in the song "One Day at a Time" from the same record. He told DailyMail that the bulk of Analog Man was finalized over three years, with bits and pieces brewing for decades. Rolling Stone called the title track "amiably cantankerous," noting Walsh's sobriety and family love shining through. Fans on Amazon reviews rave about the deluxe edition's DVD, where Walsh shares wild stories, like one about him and Keith Moon getting into mischief, proving he's still rock's clown prince. The song's a nod to his analog roots, hating on digital perfection, as he told Guitar World, preferring the warmth of vinyl and real instruments over Pro Tools polish.

Joe Walsh kicked off his musical journey in the mid-1960s, born Joseph Fidler Walsh on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas. Adopted by his stepfather at five, he grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and later Montclair, New Jersey, where he played oboe in high school but fell hard for the guitar at 10, inspired by the Ventures' "Walk Don't Run." By his teens, he was gigging with local bands like the Nomads in Madison, New Jersey, as Wikipedia details. After a stint at Kent State University, Walsh hit the big time with the James Gang in Ohio, where his guitar riffs on "Funk #49" made waves nationally. Signed by Roger Abramson to BPI in Cleveland, the band’s raw energy defined his early sound. In 1971, he left to form Barnstorm in Colorado with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli, releasing albums credited as solo work, like the 1973 hit "Rocky Mountain Way." By 1975, he joined the Eagles, bringing a rock edge to hits like "Hotel California," cementing his legend status.

Stay connected with Joe Walsh at his official website, where you can dig into his discography and tour dates. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and classic rock banter. Fans gather at spots like the Joe Walsh Fan Club on Facebook, a vibe-heavy group for sharing love for his music. Another cool spot is Joe Walsh Online, a fan site packed with news, photos, and deep dives into his career. Zoo Freaks, keep those analog vibes alive and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more from the Zoo Crew!