Meadows

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Meadows" by Joe Walsh from his 1973 album The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get. This track, a deep cut from Walsh’s Barnstorm era, has some wild trivia that’ll blow your mind. According to the liner notes from Walsh’s anthology, the song’s iconic screaming intro was a studio prank gone right. Walsh and his bandmates agreed to mess around for the first 15 seconds of the track using a new 24-track recorder, each recording a short clip to create a unique intro. But here’s the kicker: the band punked Joe by staying silent, leaving his demented screams as the sole intro—pure chaos that made the final cut. Another tidbit? Fans and critics have noted that the guitar riff in "Meadows" bears a striking resemblance to Deep Purple’s "My Woman From Tokyo." Walsh has claimed he was working on "Meadows" before leaving the James Gang, suggesting both tracks might’ve birthed that riff independently. The song’s cryptic lyrics, unusual for Walsh’s typically straightforward style, paint a reflective vibe, with lines like “I’m out here in the meadow / Part of an old stone wall,” inspired by a morning drive in Massachusetts, as Walsh once shared in a Rolling Stone interview.

The creation of "Meadows" ties into the album’s broader story. Walsh told Rolling Stone that The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get was nearly complete, but "Meadows" started as an instrumental track needing words. While mowing his lawn in Boulder, Colorado, Walsh looked up at the Rocky Mountains, sparking inspiration for the album’s vibe, though "Meadows" itself leaned into a more introspective mood. The track features the ARP Odyssey synthesizer, a gift from Pete Townshend after Walsh hooked him up with a rare guitar, adding trippy textures to the song’s soundscape. Though it never charted, "Meadows" remains a fan favorite, praised for its spacey, almost progressive rock feel, with Genius noting its melody echoing Deep Purple’s work. The song’s laid-back yet intense energy perfectly fits the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe, making it a staple for our airwaves.

Now, let’s rewind to how Joe Walsh kicked off his legendary career. Born Joseph Fidler Walsh on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, he grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, where he picked up his first guitar at age 10, mastering The Ventures’ “Walk, Don’t Run.” By the mid-1960s, Walsh was studying at Kent State University, gigging with local Ohio bands around Cleveland. His big break came in 1969 when he replaced Glen Schwartz as lead guitarist for the James Gang, a power trio that skyrocketed to fame with hits like “Funk #49,” showcasing Walsh’s killer riffs. Frustrated by the band’s limitations, he left in 1971, moved to Colorado, and formed Barnstorm with drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli. Their 1972 debut album, Barnstorm, was a critical hit, blending rock with experimental sounds. The follow-up, The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, credited to Walsh but officially a Barnstorm project, went platinum, cementing his solo stardom before he joined the Eagles in 1975.

Stay connected with Joe Walsh through his official website, where you can dive into his discography, tour dates, and more. Follow him on Facebook for updates and throwback posts, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. On X, Walsh shares stories, like his 2021 post about connecting with veterans through his music, linking to VetsAid footage. Fans can join the Joe Walsh Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate his legacy. For more fan-driven content, check out Joe Walsh Online, a dedicated site with detailed discographies and photos. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO as we vibe with "Meadows" and honor the one and only Joe Walsh!