It’s been a few years ago when the Eagles released a DVD set called “The Farewell Tour.” Now, I’ve always appreciated Joe Walsh for his musical talent on the guitar. His vocals are okay but not to the standard of Don Henley or Glenn Frey. But, he can still carry his own. During the concert he “set up” a new song called, “One Day At A Time.” He basically said that the alcohol was destroying him and he had to quit. I didn’t know how this song would go over as people in the world don’t want to be preached to. But, he did the song and I thought it was okay. I’m glad Joe beat his drinking.
Back about a week ago Joe released his new solo project called, “Analog Man.” It’s typically Joe Walsh. I’ve listened to it and I admit I love the sound of it and I’ve grown accustomed to his voice after all these years. What kind of got me about the CD were a few things. He did record the studio version of the song mentioned above which I thought was good. Then, he sings a song about “Family.” He talks about his blessings; about, “giving thanks, saying grace and breaking bread.” So it sounds like Joe has come full course in his life. He says he loves living in California and the things that he’s been blessed with. It made me think though, “Did he become a believer?” But, I’m never that easily convinced. He made this statement: “At Otatara Pa in 2004 Walsh said, "This is a special place, and it is very special to me. It was here on a visit many years ago, up on the hills, that I had a moment of clarity. I don't understand it, but I reconnected with my soul, and I remembered who I used to be. I admitted I had problems and I had to do something about it. It was the beginning of my recovery from my addiction to alcohol and drugs, and when I got back to America it gave me the courage to seek help." The lines, “I reconnected with my soul” bother me. For as believers we know we are never “not” connected with our soul unless we die. Unless he just meant it in a figurative sense. And he also said “when he got back to America.” So, was he in a lotus position in India somewhere?
Then, Walsh married Marjorie Bach, sister of Barbara Bach in Los Angeles on December 13, 2008, making him a brother-in-law of Ringo Starr. Now, after doing some reading on Starr, I don’t know how much New Age Ringo actually believes in or if he’s had any effect on Joe. But Joe had enough effect of his own I’m sure. This brings me to my final points. In this day and age it seems we need to be careful what we watch and listen too. Those who know me know that I’m not a legalist. However, as Paul the apostle said, “All things all lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.” I Cor 6:12. It’s not my job to tell anyone what music to listen to. That’s between them and the Lord. I would personally only encourage someone to really seek the Lord on that matter and let the Holy Spirit do His job in our conscience.
With that said, Joe ends his CD with an instrumental track. It’s heavily percussion, drum and guitar oriented. I’d expect nothing less than that from Walsh. Now I have to admit I really like this song. But, when I listen to it, I get just a little bit of a weird vibe for two reasons. And again, I’m not a person who sees a demon behind every bush or a legalist. But the song is called, “India.” And we know largely what religions are held in India. And the actual sound of that song has that very strong “Indian” feel to it. I so much want to like it, but it takes me back a bit. Earlier I spoke of his song where he talks about giving thanks, breaking bread and saying grace. But, he ends with this song. I think you know where I am headed. Did Joe just reunite with his New Age beliefs? After all, he said, “I reconnected with my soul.” It wouldn’t surprise me if he bought into the new age beliefs once again.
I guess that’s between him and the Lord. All we can do is pray and really hope that some are truly saved and didn’t buy into a false bill of goods. Sure, I’ll listen to the CD. There’s some good material on it. I might have to leave the last song alone. But, you may listen to it and go, “Man this thing rocks” and not give it a second thought. With that, here’s the synopsis. When we look at current events in the world, it’s not hard to see which way the world is headed. The Lord warns us about things and the way we should approach our lives. We are to look at our lives and examine what we do, say and think about the matters we have with the Lord. I do hope that Joe is a believer. Again, though, he’s made no profession other than reconnecting with his soul and he quit drinking. Even in the song about the alcohol, he just sings, “I just got down on my knees and said ‘hey’.” Well who was he praying too? So, if you are so inclined, listen to the CD. If not, that’s okay too. For those that I tagged in this note, I’d sure love your comments. Especially my musician friends Joel Griffith, Kevin Johnson and Dwayne Barker. I do trust you guys and your viewpoints. May the peace of Christ be with you always.
