Over and Over

The Zoo Crew is spinning Joe Walsh’s “Over and Over” from his 1978 album But Seriously, Folks..., a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving with its slick guitar riffs and laid-back vibe. This song, a standout on the album, showcases Walsh’s knack for blending rock with a touch of reggae rhythm, as noted in reviews for its “surprising reggae rhythms” and “swirling guitar work.” Producer Bill Szymczyk, who worked with Walsh on this album, described the recording process as “big fun” compared to the grueling sessions for the Eagles’ Hotel California. Szymczyk shared in a 2023 interview that the band rehearsed on a boat in the Florida Keys, a setting that likely contributed to the song’s relaxed yet edgy feel. The track features drummer Joe Vitale, Walsh’s longtime collaborator, delivering tempo changes that anchor Walsh’s slide guitar solo, which critics have praised as a highlight. Best Classic Bands noted that “Over and Over” probably deserved more chart success than its modest U.S. peak at 106, a sentiment echoed by fans on Reddit who call it a favorite for its “mid-tempo loping rhythms.”

Another layer to “Over and Over” comes from its context within the album, which was recorded as Walsh balanced his solo career with his role in the Eagles. The song’s introspective lyrics and heavier guitar flashes contrast with the album’s bigger hit, “Life’s Been Good,” showing Walsh’s versatility. Fans on Rock and Roll Globe have pointed out that the track’s production, with tympani and sympathetic ensemble playing, gives it a unique texture that feels both polished and raw. A 1978 review in Cash Box highlighted its “distinctive rhythmic breaks” and “organ backing,” crediting Walsh’s double-tracked vocals for adding depth. The album, including this song, was a creative peak for Walsh, recorded at Bayshore Studio in Coconut Grove, Florida, after plans to rehearse in a snowy North Carolina cabin fell through. This boat-bound rehearsal story, shared by Szymczyk, adds a hippie flair that the Zoo Crew would surely dig.

Joe Walsh, born Joseph Fidler Walsh on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, kicked off his musical journey thanks to a music-loving mother who filled their home with piano tunes. As a kid, Walsh moved around—Ohio, Chicago, New York City, and Montclair, New Jersey—before diving into rock ‘n’ roll via the radio. His first gig was as a bassist for the Nomads, but after high school, he headed to Kent State University, majoring in English and minoring in music. There, he played with local Ohio bands like The Measles from 1965 to 1967, honing his guitar skills. Dropping out to chase music full-time, Walsh joined the James Gang in 1968, where he made waves with their debut album Yer’ Album in 1969. Hits like “Funk #49” showcased his gritty guitar style, earning praise from icons like Eric Clapton, who said, “I don’t listen to many records, but I listen to his,” and Jimmy Page, who admired his “tremendous feel.” After leaving the James Gang in 1971, Walsh formed Barnstorm in Colorado, releasing their self-titled debut in 1972, followed by the 1973 hit “Rocky Mountain Way” from The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get. Joining the Eagles in 1975, he cemented his legacy with tracks like “Hotel California.”

Walsh’s official website, joewalsh.com, is the go-to spot for updates, tour info, and his VetsAid charity work. You can catch him on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares everything from tour clips to personal reflections, like a 2021 post about his song “One Day at a Time” and its connection to veterans. Fans have built a vibrant community online, with groups like the Joe Walsh Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and rare tracks. While dedicated fan websites have dwindled, as noted in a 2022 Reddit thread about the decline of fansites, Walsh’s influence endures through platforms like AlbumLinerNotes.com, which dives into his discography. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Walsh’s music and story keep the good vibes rolling.