Things

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Things" by Joe Walsh from his 1981 album There Goes the Neighborhood, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this quirky track. In a 1981 interview with the BBC, Walsh shared that the song came about when he couldn’t decide on a topic for a song. He started jotting down a list of possible subjects, which ballooned into a ten-page catalog of ideas. Amused by the sheer volume of "things" he could write about, he turned the list itself into the song’s lyrics, rhyming them into a five-minute-plus romp. Walsh called it "a little overwhelming" at first listen but felt it captured the chaos of everyday life. He even joked about a potential "Things, Part 2" for a future album, as he had about 50 more ideas that didn’t make the cut. The track’s playful vibe, backed by Walsh’s signature guitar and vocals from Eagles bandmate Timothy B. Schmit, makes it a standout, with Walsh noting in a Rhino article that he found it "real fun" to create.

Another layer to "Things" is its reflection of Walsh’s mindset post-Eagles breakup in 1980. Drummer Joe Vitale, a longtime collaborator, recalled in an interview with Classic Rock Review that the album’s recording was a creative and optimistic time despite the uncertainty following the Eagles’ dissolution. The song’s lighthearted approach masked some of Walsh’s frustrations with the music industry, which were more evident in the album’s cover art—a humorous depiction of Walsh atop a tank amid rubble. Vitale loved the cover’s absurdity, pointing out hidden details like a gold album, a surfboard, and even a toilet, which he felt summed up Walsh’s irreverent take on fame. Fans on the Joe Walsh Fan Club Facebook group often cite "Things" as a hidden gem, appreciating its offbeat humor and catchy riffs, with some sharing stories of discovering it during road trips in the early ’80s.

Joe Walsh kicked off his musical journey in Wichita, Kansas, where he was born on November 20, 1947. Raised by his mother, a classically trained pianist, Walsh was exposed to music early, picking up the guitar by age 10. According to a Kent State University bio, he taught himself The Ventures’ "Walk, Don’t Run" and was hooked on becoming a musician. In the mid-1960s, while attending Kent State, he played in local Ohio bands, honing his skills. His big break came in 1968 when he joined the James Gang, a Cleveland-based rock outfit. Their 1970 hit "Funk #49" showcased Walsh’s fiery guitar work, earning praise from legends like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Walsh’s innovative style, blending hard rock with blues and funk, helped the James Gang become a staple of the FM radio revolution. After leaving in 1972, he formed Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli, releasing the critically acclaimed Barnstorm album, which marked his shift to a solo career.

Walsh’s solo work, including hits like "Rocky Mountain Way," solidified his status as a rock icon. In 1975, he joined the Eagles, contributing to classics like "Hotel California" and "Life in the Fast Lane." His career spans over five decades, with 12 solo albums, stints with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, and countless session gigs. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper dives, check out the Joe Walsh Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memorabilia, concert stories, and love for tracks like "Things." Another great resource is James Gang’s fan site, which chronicles Walsh’s early days and influence.