Hey, college kids loved Desperado, it's my fave Eagles album and it evokes the old west just like they intended, it's a masterpiece of country rock. It's a better record today than it was 50 years ago.
For me Desperado is The Eagles` best album, and it always was. One good thing about this documentary is that you get to see a little of Randy Meissner. He was a very important component of the Eagles` early sound, and I missed him a lot when he left..
@@calbackkI don’t completely understand your comment. Randy Meisner was with the band for the first five of their seven albums. To limit Meisner to their”early sound” diminishes his contribution. He contributed far more than Schmidt. Schmidt was probably the only person capable of replacing Meisner but he was no where near as influential.
@@benloyd1970 I see what you mean now. I guess I basically ment that I liked the early Eagles (as with most artists) the best, and that the Randy Meissner was an important part of that. The same can be said about Bernie Leadon (in my opinion).
@@calbackkabsolutely spot-on about Bernie leadon as this video demonstrates. Kind of the Forgotten eagle, as a multi-instrumentalist as well as a lead vocalist and lead guitar work he's integral to the Eagles sound as we have come to know and love it.
IAM 66 this year and on EVERY birthday for the last 30+ years l play my fav'' album of all time ,which just so happens to be " DESPERADO" .hears to the next 30+ years .
I'm 69 and can't go to this latest concert. Who knows, maybe this one will really be the last. As long as Don is still with us, we never know. Lol So I've been playing and reading everything I can find, and I'm even in a few fan groups. Lol Have fun digging around. ❤
One afternoon back in the early seventies after a few lunchtime beers, I was laying on the floor between my speakers with the radio on (as you do) and "Bitter Creek" came over the airways. Wow! I was blown away. Totally different to anything I'd heard before. I've been a fan of the Eagles ever since, especially with the addition of Don Felder.
At first I was taken aback by these British critics talking about the Eagles, probably one of if not the most iconic groups of the 70’s. Their influence and appeal is well known and their “Greatest Hits” was the bestselling album in the U.S. in the 20th century. They must’ve been doing something right. So, like some of the other commenters, I almost left after 15 minutes of the critiques of the early Eagles. But I soldiered on and am glad I did. It seemed to me that most of them came around at the end when one in particular praised the Desperado album and ranked it as their 2nd best. No argument there. I saw them during the Desperado tour and played the album into the ground. This band, in its original form, was special. Randy Meisner in his singing prime was one of the best at hitting the high notes of all time. His vocals soar over the other three. And their harmonies were incredible. Not taking anything away from Timothy B. Schnidt, of which I’m a big fan of, especially during his Poco days. But even he acknowledged Randy’s contribution to the band at the HOF induction ceremony. These guys caught lightning in a bottle and made the most of it.
The entire Desperado album is a great piece of work IMO, and the theme song "Desperado" by Don Henley is one of the best songs I've ever heard. So thought provoking with magical lyrics that every listener can relate to and lives and some point in his life. I was fortunate enough to live in Aspen when they first started making music and saw them every night for a month. What a fantastic experience!
I believe The Eagles concert in 1973 or ‘74 was the best concert I’ve ever been to. I saw The Eagles at a small venue Catonsville Community College in Baltimore Md. not far from DC. That’s probably one of the the best concert I’ve ever been to. Desperado was a well written and excellently arranged story.
Finally … Desperado gets the acclaim it deserves. It is a GREAT country rock album, and IMHO, an essential of the genre, and a first rate concept album. I wore several copies out!
Desperado blew us away when it first came out. Starting with a few joints and beers, we would play this album over and over again 6 or 7 times in the course of the night and were swept away by the musicality and harmonies as our babies slept in their cribs.
The Beatles had their own kind of music and their place in music history. The Eagles were great also. But you cannot compare apples to Oranges. ( No pun intended) The Eagles had their own unique style as well as the Beatles in their time and place in history. The Beatles had been broken up long before the Eagles were hatched. So there is no comparison. They are all who they are as individual artists who came together to make the magic of music. What one didn't think of the other one did.
Desperado is my favorite album....of any artist. I was in my early 20's then and It brings back so many memories for me Also my early introduction to Mary Jane. Toke, have some brewskis and listen to Desperado....nothing like it! I'm in my 70's now and I'd do it all over again.
I was living in California when the Eagles took flight! I was in love with my husband - we were so young! Many adventures to come❤ I listened to all of them! Pure heaven
Everyone has their own opinion, and my personal one is that this album is a masterpiece! I first heard it way back in my childhood, on my dad's stereo, and it's still one of my favourite albums all these years later.
When Don Henley wrote it, you know it was going to have a splash of soul. Love his voice. When Glen Frey wrote it, it was going to be like a movie and short story. The Eagles are hands down the best rock-country band to me with a dash of R&B at times (One of Those Nights) and smoothed out with A/C, , which was big in the 70s.
This is an album that I can play from beginning to end just to hear the story it tells. I've always thought it was a way underrated and under-talked-about album.
I so loved the song desperado. As it described every aspect of my life I had this painted on the back of my Peterbilt in 1994 the artist was great and I was so happy with his work. Amazingly he was fighting addiction God bless Mike.Schelteema
Desperado for sure is the best album the Eagles ever made. And the title track is probably one of the best balllads in rock history, if not the best at all
Don, " the golden throat", Glen with raw emotion whatever he was feeling, and every other gifted artist past. from Meisner guitar to Timothy, voice to the one and only innovative guitar of Joe Walsh and Jackson the wordsmith and the amazing Linda Ronstadt all the way back to "The Stone Ponies" day. Thak you for sharing your music with all of us and the world. Anyone who loved westerns loved the desperado side of your music. We also love your rock side because we love rock.
@@johns.8239 thank you for the correction. I could not think of Bernie at the moment. I have so much of their music since the beginning for me is Linda and everything in between..
late to the party, but exactly my same feeling; Eagles were and ARE the American answer to The Beatles’ breakup and the “vacuum” in popular music they left on AM and FM radio in the 70’s (nothwithstanding their succesful solo careers), as well as a sort of “take that” at the English Invasion of the 60s; Eagles (along with bands like Three Dog Night, Doobie Brothers, Chicago and America) demonstrated that the 70’s were the golden age of American Rock
They were part of the Americana movement in the 70’s … they are my all time favorite band simply because of the harmony and simplicity of the songs, no cleverness or twisting of meaning. Nobody played acoustic like them either.
Amen to that. My saddened disappointment over Randy Meisner AND Bernie Leadon having been replaced lasted for decades. The first four albums, especially after adding Don Felder, and before Joe Walsh, was the best version of the Eagles. I saw that lineup in 1975 at Anehaim Stadium, with Jackson Browne and Linda Rondstadt, was a performance, as well as the general feeling or vibe that blanketed that place, that I will never forget.
Yep his voice is truly mesmerizing. Heard em live in 95 (accidental rhyme must be inspired by him lol) & Desperado was their 3rd & final encore and his voice echoed like a bell through the stadium. Since the King there has been no finer vocalist, and because he writes the lyrics, the way he sings the words it just draws you in. As pure voices go Andrea Bocelli is the best ever IMO then Elvis and a whole bunch of brilliant 70's & 80's guys like Lou Gramm, Steve Perry, Peter Cetera, Richard Marx and several others of which Henley is at the very front, but I just love his 'style' of singing more than anyone.
@@mauriceortiz8817 Oh AND @mauriceortiz8817 Can Sing Wonderfully even though I've never actually heard him sing, I've just been referred to him by....ahh..let me think...that's right @mauriceortiz8817 👏👏👏😊
I think the guy with the long blonde hair is fairly accurate with his review. Personally & with the view of hindsight I think Desperado should have been released as a single. The reason why it was covered by so many different people over so many years is that it is such a standout song on the album despite being so deep and introspective - how many of us just kept replaying it at the time. For me it is 5 times better than Tequila Sunrise ever will be. Any soulful, bluesy, ballad Henley sings is instantly magnetic- take Witchy Woman the first time you hear it you think oh this is just a very basic simple song then 10 sec later &3 more times listening to it you realise why..Henleys voice and singing style is astonishingly mesmerising.
Had been meaning to play some Eagles when this appeared. They were all over radio through my high school days. They played it so much you got sick of 'em . Graduated 1975. I heard Henley keeps something like 60 lawyers who are constantly alert for copyright infringement.
I saw the Eagles perform the whole of the Desperado album at the Rainbow theatre in London. They were supporting Neil Young. They absolutely blew him off stage. Brilliant from start to finish. The guy in the satin jacket presenting this video is largely taking Bull****!
The Eagles, THE greatest band of all time, a ridiculous amount of talent in one band, plus they settled for nothing less than perfection, in the studio or live. Three legendary guitarists, two great bass players who both sang amazing high harmonies, every body sang fantastically and together there were no better harmonisers, plus Henley’s voice becoming one the the all time greats, plus the songwriting abilities of Frey and Henley. Glenn had a gift of arranging, Henley the thoughtful English major, Felder and Walsh probably the best guitar duo of all time, the multi skills of Bernie as a guitarist, banjo and mandolin. Felder was no slouch on pedal steel, banjo and mandolin too, and the legendary lead vocal of Randy Meisner on Take it to the limit. It’s amazing to think that their best selling album of all time, their first greatest hits was released through Geffen’s frustration at Hotel California taking so long to create, and released without The Eagles’ approval. Even now with the addition of country legend Vince Gill, they’re still THE best live band on the planet. We will never see their like again, true Legends. I’ve been a fanatic since 1973 and biased admittedly, but I stand be every word.
Love them so much. I’m such a purist that I struggled with seeing them go back out after Glenn passed. Even with legendary Vince Gill joining them. What justified it for me was including Deacon (or as my cousin likes to refer to him as “Small Frey” 😉). It kept Glenn’s spirit there. And I’m sure Daddy is smiling down with proud approval.
Glenn Frey and Don Henley are very good at spotting good songs. Take It Easy was mostly written by Jackson Browne, and Hotel California's music was mostly written by Don Felder. Being able to spot good songs and perfect them was the magic.
About this same time, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, J D Souther and a few others did the Desperado album and acted out the parts on a western set dressed as Cowboys. I saw this movie once in the early 70s. I had hoped this was it. Thanks anyway this was good to
I like the Eagles, BUT I think it needs to be considered that Poco was already in the process blending these styles together starting in 1969 with "Pickin' Up the Pieces." The Eagles "Eagles" album was in 1972, and Desperado came out in 1973. I would say Poco started it, though the Eagles were more recognized, but BOTH did a great job bring the music forward into mainstream.
I will never forgive Glenn Frey for his firing of Don Felder. Felder was one of the top in the band, and it was Glenn's smart ass mouth and attitude that got Don fired.
Don and Glenn were the ones who started the band. Meisner and Leadon auditioned with Don and Glenn to get hired. I always thought auditioning was like interviewing. If someone interviews then hires me, I don't think that I'm on an equal level as them. Sometimes you either just shut up or quit. I heard once that he got $1 million from them, but have no idea if that's true. I've tried to find it, but 🤷♀️
I heard an interview with Felder.. he said the agreement he had with The Eagles when he joined the band, was that he would be brought in as an actual, full-fledged member of the band.. meaning Henley, Frye, Felder… were “The Eagles”… Walsh, Schmidt, and the others were brought in to the band essentially, as paid employees
@@JanPratt-k5n You are spot on! It was a BUSINESS. Glenn & Don Henley were the owner's of the business and the rest were employees! People take it way too personal when members were let go. If you don't like your JOB, then leave. If they don't like you they show you the door. Period End. I'm so glad you get it, as do I. Sorry for those who don't.
I think Linda Ronstadts version I’d best. She adds a dimension the guys just don’t have. When it’s just Don and Linda, nobody else, wow. Gives me chills and tears me up.
I bought Desperado when it came out.... My favorite Eagles work by far. I have always considered it the great american western musical novel. And the end of musician's hommage to their 1950's cowboy youth. (TV and movies, myth ect. )
My saddened disappointment over Randy Meisner AND Bernie Leadon having been replaced lasted for decades. The first four albums, especially after adding Don Felder, and before Joe Walsh, was the best version of the Eagles. I saw that lineup in 1975 at Anehaim Stadium, with Jackson Browne and Linda Rondstadt, was a performance, as well as the general feeling or vibe that blanketed that place, that I will never forget. PS: The critic with the blond hair in this video doesn't get it. Going from mellow and country, to getting their rowdy on for a trip into town, is not inconsistent. That is what the the kind of old west guys they were portraying would imaginatively been like. And who cares if the entire album doesn't fit into a single genre. Plus he shouldn't even have been a commentator in this.
You're in good company Sam! Seamless concept album - and can be enjoyed as a tragedian classic, or a cautionary tale. Some of these Pommy clowns barely 'get it'. Into Prog Rock myself in '70s, though we didn't know that title then. As Classical Music lover, was always excited to find a cohesive album on a theme or a storyline. Thick as a Brick, and the lesser known '666' by 'Aphrodite's Child' were among highlights of that time.
Having come from the bleak and violent days of 1967 and 68 and the East Coast big city riots that brought about a change to the Liberal way of thinking positive. The advent of the outdoor concert mixed with differing shades of marijuana, like Acapulco Gold and Panama Red leant itself to the whole "Country-Rock" genre. Add to this the bands that fit perfectly into this motif like Poco, Seatrain, Mollie Hatchet, etc and also the big music venues like Summer Jam, which I saw at Mile High Stadium in 76 after moving to Denver in search of the same high. There was a massive shift to outdoor activities such as rock climbing, spelunking and other good reasons to drink beer and smoke pot while getting healthy. This was also the dichotomy of living through the crazy 60's and the cocaine 70's and 80's! In those heady days it didn't take much to start a movement. I think you could call it "Based on G" for all intents.
Randy was a great singer, and wrote two of my favorite Eagles songs. As much as I liked him, I can’t imagine through what prism you could call him the most talented. Just the fact that Don Henley was arguably the most successful solo performer of the originals with Randy maybe third is to me proof. He was reportedly the most likable, I’m happy to say.
He still had the best voice, he just didn't want to be center stage. He said that without the stage light directly on him was his comfortable area, he would have sung his signature song that way
As much as I loved The Eagles in the 70s, I never had the desire to see them in concert. I loved the Judds music just as much as Brooks & Dunn music, but I loved seeing the Judds in concert.
This is a really good video. The Eagles are my favorite all-time. I somehow never envisioned a bunch of English and Australian guys sitting around pontificating about such an American Band. But, whatever, I guess. Just to get the screenshots out there. They do quite a bit of pontificating of the origin of the Album focus, The Dalton Brothers. What they don't mention is they were real people, and they have real relatives still walking today. Of which I happen to be one. Bob Dalton was a fourth cousin. But,..Oh, to go back to 1976!
There was a symmetry to the original Eagles era (1972-80): the first and last albums, though a bit scattershot, had brilliant moments on each [and both actually reward upon further listens], the middle two allowed for some exploration while still providing memorable (that is, big hit) songs also, and both the 2nd album and the next-to-last (Desperado and Hotel California] were great abstract concept albums that had some of the best written, sung and recorded tracks ever...while the whole on each was greater than the sum of those awesome parts. (RIP Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner) BTW, Don Henley was the ideal drummer for Eagles in much the same way that Levon Helm was ideal as The Band's primary percussionist.
I remember Desperado as a phenomenal song, but even more I remember the video they produced, Doolin-Dalton, which featured the members in a western town shootout, followed by the finale of Desperado. The finale was one of the best song productions they ever made.
IMO the album would not have worked without "Out of Control." That is an element of being a young male whether you are a gunslinger from another century or a pop musician fighting for a chance to make it in a tough marketplace, The Eagles had to include this song to draw the parallel at the heart of the concept of this concept album. Risk taking is a factor. There is acknowledgment of danger, of existential threat to a person or a career; the stakes are high. Hence the "no guts no glory" relinquishing of common sense. The Eagles are throwing themselves all the way in. They are going "out of control. " This song had to be there.
Absolutely, even if it makes one of these dumbass reviewers feel schizophrenic. You said it well...And followed by Tequila Sunrise- the perfect foil! At last, someone has remarked on the universality of meaning in this album. The cautionary Doolan Dalton tale here, is surely meant to be metaphorical
Nice to hear Desperado getting its due as a classic concept album. The comments about "Out of Control" not fitting don't get the point that it fits the narrative of young men out to live free and wild, which is the narrative of the whole album. It's a rock track because rock and roll is the music of a young man on the make, just as Tequlia Sunrise exactly fits the reservations about that whole thing that come once the young man sobers up.
I saw the band in June of 1972 and they were opening for The Edgar Winter Group and Yes; as far from a country-rock crowd as you could get. They went over well, however. Most of the crowd, it seemed, was like me; able to enjoy country-rock like Poco and the Flying Burrito Bros. AND prog-rock.
Fine line between selling out ...or creating deep music that sells ..Been in Music ...well later on EMI ...UK ..I took artistic root ..no ..way it goes ...thats rock n Roll ,,still play ...makes my soul happy ..done ..MUSIC ..old school ..just a musician ...need to do it ...soul. I love the Eagles ..love 70's ..different time.
This is a great documentary, on my favorite band, aside from the Stones. I absolutely love the Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner version of the Eagles, with the Country Rock aspect. I like the later version with Hotel California, but not as much.
Hotel California was their most successful album but as others have said Desperado is their "masterpiece" and hence it has always been my favourite. Interesting one of the commentators said the idea came from one of them picking up a book on gunfighters. In the 70's a series of books bound in leather was released by Time Life on the Wild West, one of them was called "The Gunfighters". Could have been this book. It's a good read if you are into this stuff. Got all the old outlaws in it, the Doolans, the Daltons, Charlie Pierce, "Bitter Creek" George Newcombe etc and other "reprobates" and the Lawmen of the time, some of them being reformed outlaws themselves. A good read with plenty of old photos.
I love the Eagles but they owe a lot to many other great singer-songwriters of the late 60's, early 70's. In particular, the 4 Canadians and 1 American that preceeded them that later became known for creating Americana music, a group called The Band. It may be a stretch for some people but they blew the lid off when it came to creating totally new music and lyrics that put a whole new slant on rock and roll, a few years before the Eagles were still learning the ropes.
AÑD THAT one American was the drummer. Besides a great drummer his voice carried the band. He also played in movies, coal miners daughter, sniper, the original astronots movie. It was he not the Canadians who made that sound and like henley was a Texan.
Very interesting story, how it took quite a while untill they broke. The key as told was that David Geffin s belief on their talent. And they were truly talented, all four, as songwriters like as a one of the best country rock band of all times. And they truly knew how to make cross over combining different trends, out of whiFch they made their unique sound and style. Anybody, who understands pop music, can tell, when you here first time Take it Eesy, that it will become a megs hit. Like Elton John did Your Song. Those melodies people will remember always after heard them, even once. Thank you. First class music document 👍. But, if BBC has produced this doc, its self evident.
What an enjoyable video to watch. The insights these lads each contributed were consice accurate and produced a narrative of that time period in my life that was magical. Brilliant. Thanks Scot
One of the 1st albums I bought, still have it, this is old hat all this stuff, but still a good listen, Bernie .Randy. And Felder should have formed there own band and screwed the gods.👍🏴🙏
Desperado is a story. No point listening unless from the beginning to the end. It is probably one of the few albums that I can do this with. I had never heard of the Eagles in 73 until I heard someone play Bitter Creek himself, and I was hooked. It was just a shame the whole Eagles thing turned so egocentric and commercial driven in later years.
Read Felder's book if you want the "horror" of Frey's ego and control. Henley went along for the ride. Frey tried to screw Felder out of big bucks, despite Felder being given legitimate "equal" partner status.
I just love it when Randy sings the line, "And it's a certain kind of fool who likes to hear the sound of his own name.' Then Bernie walks over towards Glen Frey and smiles at him as if to say " that's you buddy.' Lmao
There isn’t a bad eagles album, they were just great at ree inventing themselves.Felder coming in ree invented the sound Walsh just a tail wagged to the gods.🙏🏴👍
☘️🍀☘️Gram Parsons’ vision brought all those styles of music together before the Eagles - he did it first. He saw the beauty of the musical genres. Gram Parsons “found” Emmy Lou 🦅
I started watching this video because I loved the Desperado album the first time I heard it and I became a lifelong fan of the Eagles from that point on. The people in this video commenting on this album are full of crap as far as I'm concerned. They said that the album is Schizophrenic because the songs don't all have the same tempo. So what? I call that keeping the album interesting and not BORING! What they call Schizophrenic I call eclectic. Out of Control and Outlaw Man are two of my favorite songs on that album and I do not feel like they are out of place at all. I'm guessing these guys never wrote anything close to being as good as the Desperado album which is why they feel compelled to denigrate it.
Hey, college kids loved Desperado, it's my fave Eagles album and it evokes the old west just like they intended, it's a masterpiece of country rock. It's a better record today than it was 50 years ago.
I think Desperado was a great album,still my Eagles favourite
I love and enjoy all the Eagles members and their talents, but I love Randy Meisner and Don Felder the absolute most.
I am so glad I saw the Eagles WEEKS before Randy left. The voice of an Angel
Missing Randy every day. Such a good soul.
Randy Meisner, IMHO, was the backbone to the Eagle’s harmony.
After he left, that harmony started
going away.
For me Desperado is The Eagles` best album, and it always was. One good thing about this documentary is that you get to see a little of Randy Meissner. He was a very important component of the Eagles` early sound, and I missed him a lot when he left..
Early Sound? Meisner was with the Eagles through the Desperado album. Schmidt was only on The Long Run, Hell Freezes Over and beyond.
@@benloyd1970 Yes early sound. What do you mean?
@@calbackkI don’t completely understand your comment. Randy Meisner was with the band for the first five of their seven albums. To limit Meisner to their”early sound” diminishes his contribution. He contributed far more than Schmidt. Schmidt was probably the only person capable of replacing Meisner but he was no where near as influential.
@@benloyd1970 I see what you mean now. I guess I basically ment that I liked the early Eagles (as with most artists) the best, and that the Randy Meissner was an important part of that. The same can be said about Bernie Leadon (in my opinion).
@@calbackkabsolutely spot-on about Bernie leadon as this video demonstrates. Kind of the Forgotten eagle, as a multi-instrumentalist as well as a lead vocalist and lead guitar work he's integral to the Eagles sound as we have come to know and love it.
IAM 66 this year and on EVERY birthday for the last 30+ years l play my fav'' album of all time ,which just so happens to be " DESPERADO" .hears to the next 30+ years .
I'm 69 and can't go to this latest concert. Who knows, maybe this one will really be the last. As long as Don is still with us, we never know. Lol
So I've been playing and reading everything I can find, and I'm even in a few fan groups. Lol Have fun digging around. ❤
One afternoon back in the early seventies after a few lunchtime beers, I was laying on the floor between my speakers with the radio on (as you do) and "Bitter Creek" came over the airways. Wow! I was blown away. Totally different to anything I'd heard before. I've been a fan of the Eagles ever since, especially with the addition of Don Felder.
Ahem..”(as you do dahlings)”
At first I was taken aback by these British critics talking about the Eagles, probably one of if not the most iconic groups of the 70’s. Their influence and appeal is well known and their “Greatest Hits” was the bestselling album in the U.S. in the 20th century. They must’ve been doing something right. So, like some of the other commenters, I almost left after 15 minutes of the critiques of the early Eagles. But I soldiered on and am glad I did. It seemed to me that most of them came around at the end when one in particular praised the Desperado album and ranked it as their 2nd best. No argument there. I saw them during the Desperado tour and played the album into the ground. This band, in its original form, was special. Randy Meisner in his singing prime was one of the best at hitting the high notes of all time. His vocals soar over the other three. And their harmonies were incredible. Not taking anything away from Timothy B. Schnidt, of which I’m a big fan of, especially during his Poco days. But even he acknowledged Randy’s contribution to the band at the HOF induction ceremony. These guys caught lightning in a bottle and made the most of it.
The entire Desperado album is a great piece of work IMO, and the theme song "Desperado" by Don Henley is one of the best songs I've ever heard. So thought provoking with magical lyrics that every listener can relate to and lives and some point in his life. I was fortunate enough to live in Aspen when they first started making music and saw them every night for a month. What a fantastic experience!
That's amazing! Thanks for sharing
Agree 100% Desperado is #1!
I have all the Eagles albums on vinyl and Desperado is my go to album whever I want to listen to some Eagles music. Luv it!
A friend of mine was a serious Eagles fan. He had all the albums and that's what he'd play when we went to his place.
I believe The Eagles concert in 1973 or ‘74 was the best concert I’ve ever been to. I saw The Eagles at a small venue Catonsville Community College in Baltimore Md. not far from DC. That’s probably one of the the best concert I’ve ever been to. Desperado was a well written and excellently arranged story.
That's amazing! Thanks for sharing
Finally … Desperado gets the acclaim it deserves. It is a GREAT country rock album, and IMHO, an essential of the genre, and a first rate concept album.
I wore several copies out!
I listened to this album so much in the 70's that I could sing it word for word, end to end in the 90's.
So did I in late the 90’s:)
Desperado blew us away when it first came out. Starting with a few joints and beers, we would play this album over and over again 6 or 7 times in the course of the night and were swept away by the musicality and harmonies as our babies slept in their cribs.
The Beatles had their own kind of music and their place in music history. The Eagles were great also. But you cannot compare apples to Oranges. ( No pun intended) The Eagles had their own unique style as well as the Beatles in their time and place in history. The Beatles had been broken up long before the Eagles were hatched. So there is no comparison. They are all who they are as individual artists who came together to make the magic of music. What one didn't think of the other one did.
Me, too, still can & do.
This incarnation of the band was amazing, with 4 distinct and powerful voices. It's no wonder their harmonies blew everybody away.
The originals ❤❤❤
I would like to see The Eagles to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for their influences and musical styles.
Along with Gene Parsons.
😮They're not?
@@bak-mariterry5180 Along with Gram Parsons.
Desperado is my favorite album....of any artist. I was in my early 20's then and It brings back so many memories for me Also my early introduction to Mary Jane. Toke, have some brewskis and listen to Desperado....nothing like it! I'm in my 70's now and I'd do it all over again.
one toke over the line sweet jesus you bet me to
Me Too and I’m now 77
Cheers 🍻
I remember Desperado as being a song that just bonded itself to you, and you'd find yourself singing it and being surprised that you know every verse.
Very true
I was living in California when the Eagles took flight! I was in love with my husband - we were so young! Many adventures to come❤ I listened to all of them! Pure heaven
In my humble opinion as an Eagles fan since 1973....Desperado is they BEST album.....it's perfect
Everyone has their own opinion, and my personal one is that this album is a masterpiece! I first heard it way back in my childhood, on my dad's stereo, and it's still one of my favourite albums all these years later.
Masterpiece is the perfect word. 40 plus years on, the concept, and the songs still hold up.
@@loscrimefighter1899 Agreed. I LOVE the song Outlaw Man, one of the first I learned on guitar.
I agree 100%. This album is the Eagles masterpiece and one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time by any group.
Don’t take these clowns opinion serious.
Me too
Desperado became my favorite album 40 years later. Had to appreciate it is all.
When Don Henley wrote it, you know it was going to have a splash of soul. Love his voice. When Glen Frey wrote it, it was going to be like a movie and short story. The Eagles are hands down the best rock-country band to me with a dash of R&B at times (One of Those Nights) and smoothed out with A/C, , which was big in the 70s.
This is an album that I can play from beginning to end just to hear the story it tells. I've always thought it was a way underrated and under-talked-about album.
They were the most popular band around here. It was a completely new sound of their own and everyone loved it!
I so loved the song desperado. As it described every aspect of my life I had this painted on the back of my Peterbilt in 1994 the artist was great and I was so happy with his work. Amazingly he was fighting addiction God bless Mike.Schelteema
Desperado for sure is the best album the Eagles ever made. And the title track is probably one of the best balllads in rock history, if not the best at all
Don, " the golden throat", Glen with raw emotion whatever he was feeling, and every other gifted artist past. from Meisner guitar to Timothy, voice to the one and only innovative guitar of Joe Walsh and Jackson the wordsmith and the amazing Linda Ronstadt all the way back to "The Stone Ponies" day. Thak you for sharing your music with all of us and the world. Anyone who loved westerns loved the desperado side of your music. We also love your rock side because we love rock.
Joe Walsh was not yet in the band, he replaced Bernie Lendon for the Hotel California album. I love Joe Walsh, but not as an Eagle
@@johns.8239 thank you for the correction. I could not think of Bernie at the moment. I have so much of their music since the beginning for me is Linda and everything in between..
Don Felder is and was a killer guitarist. Best in the Eagles
One of the greatest bands of all time, and dare I say The Eagles are to the USA what The Beatles were to the UK.
Agreed
late to the party, but exactly my same feeling; Eagles were and ARE the American answer to The Beatles’ breakup and the “vacuum” in popular music they left on AM and FM radio in the 70’s (nothwithstanding their succesful solo careers), as well as a sort of “take that” at the English Invasion of the 60s; Eagles (along with bands like Three Dog Night, Doobie Brothers, Chicago and America) demonstrated that the 70’s were the golden age of American Rock
No not even close
They were part of the Americana movement in the 70’s … they are my all time favorite band simply because of the harmony and simplicity of the songs, no cleverness or twisting of meaning. Nobody played acoustic like them either.
Yes jody I agree with u , Randy was amazing , Randy and Felder two best eagles👍🏴🙏
Yes yes yes - agreed
Joe.
@@michellemachet-philip2801😊
Oh my goodness, these songs are still being played daily or weekly = 50 years later. It is their own sound, good music.
The words to their songs related so well to the general public I think thats a major reason they were so well accepted.
When Meisner left, there was a vocal void that was never replaced, even Timothy couldn't do what Meisner did.
Amen to that. My saddened disappointment over Randy Meisner AND Bernie Leadon having been replaced lasted for decades. The first four albums, especially after adding Don Felder, and before Joe Walsh, was the best version of the Eagles. I saw that lineup in 1975 at Anehaim Stadium, with Jackson Browne and Linda Rondstadt, was a performance, as well as the general feeling or vibe that blanketed that place, that I will never forget.
I DISAGREE. TIMOTHY DID AN AWESOME JOB!
Don't get me wrong, Randy was a good musician. My favorite song of his is "TRY AND LOVE AGAIN." I play it over and over because I can relate.
So VERY true....Randy Meisner was possessed of an uncanny vocal range and impeccable delivery. A truly rare talent...
Totally disagree. Timothy B Schmidt voice is like butter
holy smokes... henley's voice on the live Desperado reprise.. one of the best voices of all time
Yes. In my illustrious musical career ( coughs) I mimic his voice as best I can. The best impression you never heard
Yep his voice is truly mesmerizing. Heard em live in 95 (accidental rhyme must be inspired by him lol) & Desperado was their 3rd & final encore and his voice echoed like a bell through the stadium. Since the King there has been no finer vocalist, and because he writes the lyrics, the way he sings the words it just draws you in. As pure voices go Andrea Bocelli is the best ever IMO then Elvis and a whole bunch of brilliant 70's & 80's guys like Lou Gramm, Steve Perry, Peter Cetera, Richard Marx and several others of which Henley is at the very front, but I just love his 'style' of singing more than anyone.
@@theelf152 I am not pleased that you have omitted me again.
@@mauriceortiz8817 Oh AND @mauriceortiz8817 Can Sing Wonderfully even though I've never actually heard him sing, I've just been referred to him by....ahh..let me think...that's right @mauriceortiz8817 👏👏👏😊
@@theelf152 now you're talking business. That's right! Show His Baby. And you know this.
I think the guy with the long blonde hair is fairly accurate with his review. Personally & with the view of hindsight I think Desperado should have been released as a single. The reason why it was covered by so many different people over so many years is that it is such a standout song on the album despite being so deep and introspective - how many of us just kept replaying it at the time. For me it is 5 times better than Tequila Sunrise ever will be. Any soulful, bluesy, ballad Henley sings is instantly magnetic- take Witchy Woman the first time you hear it you think oh this is just a very basic simple song then 10 sec later &3 more times listening to it you realise why..Henleys voice and singing style is astonishingly mesmerising.
Had been meaning to play some Eagles when this appeared. They were all over radio through my high school days. They played it so much you got sick of 'em . Graduated 1975. I heard Henley keeps something like 60 lawyers who are constantly alert for copyright infringement.
I saw the Eagles perform the whole of the Desperado album at the Rainbow theatre in London. They were supporting Neil Young. They absolutely blew him off stage. Brilliant from start to finish. The guy in the satin jacket presenting this video is largely taking Bull****!
The Eagles, THE greatest band of all time, a ridiculous amount of talent in one band, plus they settled for nothing less than perfection, in the studio or live. Three legendary guitarists, two great bass players who both sang amazing high harmonies, every body sang fantastically and together there were no better harmonisers, plus Henley’s voice becoming one the the all time greats, plus the songwriting abilities of Frey and Henley. Glenn had a gift of arranging, Henley the thoughtful English major, Felder and Walsh probably the best guitar duo of all time, the multi skills of Bernie as a guitarist, banjo and mandolin. Felder was no slouch on pedal steel, banjo and mandolin too, and the legendary lead vocal of Randy Meisner on Take it to the limit. It’s amazing to think that their best selling album of all time, their first greatest hits was released through Geffen’s frustration at Hotel California taking so long to create, and released without The Eagles’ approval. Even now with the addition of country legend Vince Gill, they’re still THE best live band on the planet. We will never see their like again, true Legends. I’ve been a fanatic since 1973 and biased admittedly, but I stand be every word.
Love them so much. I’m such a purist that I struggled with seeing them go back out after Glenn passed. Even with legendary Vince Gill joining them. What justified it for me was including Deacon (or as my cousin likes to refer to him as “Small Frey” 😉). It kept Glenn’s spirit there. And I’m sure Daddy is smiling down with proud approval.
One of all time Eagles favorites is Journey of the Sorcerer!! A very overlooked great instrumental tune!!
Heard this album first time around 1975 . Has always been a favorite. Ready to buy it again
Tequila Sunrise is iconic . It has stood the test of time by far
Agree! These Brits aren’t giving it enough credit. I love it! Most Eagles fans do!
Glenn Frey and Don Henley are very good at spotting good songs. Take It Easy was mostly written by Jackson Browne, and Hotel California's music was mostly written by Don Felder. Being able to spot good songs and perfect them was the magic.
I’ve been an
EAGLE Fan from the
Beginning
About this same time, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, J D Souther and a few others did the Desperado album and acted out the parts on a western set dressed as Cowboys. I saw this movie once in the early 70s. I had hoped this was it. Thanks anyway this was good to
These guys are straight out of the "Famous book of British teeth " !!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
NOTHING LIKE FREE GORVERNMENT DENTAL LOL
Ever watched the Gerry Springer show?
@@Ken-yy9us especially when the tornado go through town.
I like the Eagles, BUT I think it needs to be considered that Poco was already in the process blending these styles together starting in 1969 with "Pickin' Up the Pieces." The Eagles "Eagles" album was in 1972, and Desperado came out in 1973. I would say Poco started it, though the Eagles were more recognized, but BOTH did a great job bring the music forward into mainstream.
YES LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT POCO. I LOVE BOTH BANDS!
I’m a Poco fan. Eagles had a more talent, better writers & a wider range of music genres.
Actually Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers were first.
Amazing these people are telling us The Eagles story and they dont know Glenns last name, otherwise I enjoyed this, love anything about The Eagles!
Just the English pronunciation
Fray? No. It's pronounced Fry. I'm in agreement with you!
@@gregorydensford7185 and Bernie “Leaden” not “Leeden” 😂
@@rcdubya you're absolutely right! Damned British. Haha
@@startupbusinesscoaching Of a person's last name? No....
I will never forgive Glenn Frey for his firing of Don Felder. Felder was one of the top in the band, and it was Glenn's smart ass mouth and attitude that got Don fired.
RIGHT !!!
Felder won in the end. He hit them in their pockets.
Don and Glenn were the ones who started the band. Meisner and Leadon auditioned with Don and Glenn to get hired. I always thought auditioning was like interviewing. If someone interviews then hires me, I don't think that I'm on an equal level as them. Sometimes you either just shut up or quit. I heard once that he got $1 million from them, but have no idea if that's true. I've tried to find it, but 🤷♀️
I heard an interview with Felder.. he said the agreement he had with The Eagles when he joined the band, was that he would be brought in as an actual, full-fledged member of the band.. meaning Henley, Frye, Felder… were “The Eagles”… Walsh, Schmidt, and the others were brought in to the band essentially, as paid employees
@@JanPratt-k5n You are spot on! It was a BUSINESS. Glenn & Don Henley were the owner's of the business and the rest were employees! People take it way too personal when members were let go. If you don't like your JOB, then leave. If they don't like you they show you the door. Period End. I'm so glad you get it, as do I. Sorry for those who don't.
I appreciate the analysis of the Album which is an early masterpiece.
2 bands came directly from heaven. Beatles Eagles, thank the higher power, shame the band members never got it.👍🙏🏴
I think Linda Ronstadts version I’d best.
She adds a dimension the guys just don’t have.
When it’s just Don and Linda, nobody else, wow.
Gives me chills and tears me up.
People. It was musicianship and song writing talent that took them to the dizzy heights. Oh! and a lot of charisma. You know what that is don’t you?
Call me crazy, I like this version of the band!
I bought Desperado when it came out.... My favorite Eagles work by far. I have always considered it the great american western musical novel. And the end of musician's hommage to their 1950's cowboy youth. (TV and movies, myth ect. )
Someone needs to make a documentary about these british rock critics !...they are so amazing !!!...so incredibly talented people !! WOW !!!
My saddened disappointment over Randy Meisner AND Bernie Leadon having been replaced lasted for decades. The first four albums, especially after adding Don Felder, and before Joe Walsh, was the best version of the Eagles. I saw that lineup in 1975 at Anehaim Stadium, with Jackson Browne and Linda Rondstadt, was a performance, as well as the general feeling or vibe that blanketed that place, that I will never forget.
PS: The critic with the blond hair in this video doesn't get it. Going from mellow and country, to getting their rowdy on for a trip into town, is not inconsistent. That is what the the kind of old west guys they were portraying would imaginatively been like. And who cares if the entire album doesn't fit into a single genre. Plus he shouldn't even have been a commentator in this.
ALso country rock was well established before the Eagles. They were hardly a new trend
Desperado was always my favorite album. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought so.
You're in good company Sam!
Seamless concept album - and can be enjoyed as a tragedian classic, or a cautionary tale.
Some of these Pommy clowns barely 'get it'.
Into Prog Rock myself in '70s, though we didn't know that title then. As Classical Music lover, was always excited to find a cohesive album on a theme or a storyline. Thick as a Brick, and the lesser known '666' by 'Aphrodite's Child' were among highlights of that time.
Having come from the bleak and violent days of 1967 and 68 and the East Coast big city riots that brought about a change to the Liberal way of thinking positive. The advent of the outdoor concert mixed with differing shades of marijuana, like Acapulco Gold and Panama Red leant itself to the whole "Country-Rock" genre. Add to this the bands that fit perfectly into this motif like Poco, Seatrain, Mollie Hatchet, etc and also the big music venues like Summer Jam, which I saw at Mile High Stadium in 76 after moving to Denver in search of the same high. There was a massive shift to outdoor activities such as rock climbing, spelunking and other good reasons to drink beer and smoke pot while getting healthy. This was also the dichotomy of living through the crazy 60's and the cocaine 70's and 80's! In those heady days it didn't take much to start a movement. I think you could call it "Based on G" for all intents.
Randy Meisner was by far the most talented Eagle.
Randy was a great singer, and wrote two of my favorite Eagles songs. As much as I liked him, I can’t imagine through what prism you could call him the most talented.
Just the fact that Don Henley was arguably the most successful solo performer of the originals with Randy maybe third is to me proof.
He was reportedly the most likable, I’m happy to say.
@@samstevens7172 He was not a major songwriter, by his own admission.
He still had the best voice, he just didn't want to be center stage. He said that without the stage light directly on him was his comfortable area, he would have sung his signature song that way
In total agreement....
Note to Smiles and the others: although Glenn's last name is spelled F R E Y.....it is pronounced FRY...not FRAY. 😎
As much as I loved The Eagles in the 70s, I never had the desire to see them in concert. I loved the Judds music just as much as Brooks & Dunn music, but I loved seeing the Judds in concert.
Versatile boys , Eagles will call u to join the band.👍🙏🏴
RIP Glenn and Randy.
I still can't believe it. Deacon seems to be pretty talented and fits in his dad's place with great respect though.
I loved Desperado album and original band members!
It tells a story. It was my introduction to the Eagles in the 70s. Still have a copy and listen to it often.
I love the originals too. They were on my bucket list to see . One that I can't check off 😢
Amazing vocals
This is a really good video. The Eagles are my favorite all-time. I somehow never envisioned a bunch of English and Australian guys sitting around pontificating about such an American Band. But, whatever, I guess. Just to get the screenshots out there. They do quite a bit of pontificating of the origin of the Album focus, The Dalton Brothers. What they don't mention is they were real people, and they have real relatives still walking today. Of which I happen to be one. Bob Dalton was a fourth cousin. But,..Oh, to go back to 1976!
I appreciate you mentioning this. The album's theme is fantastic. For decades l have loved the theme of this album.
Eagles are simply a supergroup. Put together the talent you get a sensational band. Unfortunately they were so awesome on their own.
Desperado one of the eagles best tracks
There was a symmetry to the original Eagles era (1972-80): the first and last albums, though a bit scattershot, had brilliant moments on each [and both actually reward upon further listens], the middle two allowed for some exploration while still providing memorable (that is, big hit) songs also, and both the 2nd album and the next-to-last (Desperado and Hotel California] were great abstract concept albums that had some of the best written, sung and recorded tracks ever...while the whole on each was greater than the sum of those awesome parts. (RIP Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner)
BTW, Don Henley was the ideal drummer for Eagles in much the same way that Levon Helm was ideal as The Band's primary percussionist.
You all telling the real truth about the Eagles is the best thing to listen to. I had to figure it out on my own. That's hard when you can't read
The best band, ever.
I remember Desperado as a phenomenal song, but even more I remember the video they produced, Doolin-Dalton, which featured the members in a western town shootout, followed by the finale of Desperado. The finale was one of the best song productions they ever made.
IMO the album would not have worked without "Out of Control." That is an element of being a young male whether you are a gunslinger from another century or a pop musician fighting for a chance to make it in a tough marketplace, The Eagles had to include this song to draw the parallel at the heart of the concept of this concept album. Risk taking is a factor. There is acknowledgment of danger, of existential threat to a person or a career; the stakes are high. Hence the "no guts no glory" relinquishing of common sense. The Eagles are throwing themselves all the way in. They are going "out of control. " This song had to be there.
Absolutely, even if it makes one of these dumbass reviewers feel schizophrenic.
You said it well...And followed by Tequila Sunrise- the perfect foil!
At last, someone has remarked on the universality of meaning in this album.
The cautionary Doolan Dalton tale here, is surely meant to be metaphorical
Personally the original line up was my favourite.
Considering their song writting ability and their music they were phenominal!!!
Nice to hear Desperado getting its due as a classic concept album. The comments about "Out of Control" not fitting don't get the point that it fits the narrative of young men out to live free and wild, which is the narrative of the whole album. It's a rock track because rock and roll is the music of a young man on the make, just as Tequlia Sunrise exactly fits the reservations about that whole thing that come once the young man sobers up.
What an amazing band! Love The Eagles
They weren't the same after Bernie and Randy left. Randy and Don H , could sing lead vocals or backing v🎉to one another perfectly
I saw the band in June of 1972 and they were opening for The Edgar Winter Group and Yes; as far from a country-rock crowd as you could get. They went over well, however. Most of the crowd, it seemed, was like me; able to enjoy country-rock like Poco and the Flying Burrito Bros. AND prog-rock.
Some good old boys that really hit the big time!
Bernie's voice was as good as any other member of the Eagle.
Like most sucessful groups they didn't start out great but over time did develop their own unique style that was phenominal!
Fine line between selling out ...or creating deep music that sells ..Been in Music ...well later on EMI ...UK ..I took artistic root ..no ..way it goes ...thats rock n Roll ,,still play ...makes my soul happy ..done ..MUSIC ..old school ..just a musician ...need to do it ...soul. I love the Eagles ..love 70's ..different time.
This is a great documentary, on my favorite band, aside from the Stones. I absolutely love the Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner version of the Eagles, with the Country Rock aspect. I like the later version with Hotel California, but not as much.
Don Feldner is a major artist in the Eagles.
Felder and was
Hotel California was their most successful album but as others have said Desperado is their "masterpiece" and hence it has always been my favourite. Interesting one of the commentators said the idea came from one of them picking up a book on gunfighters. In the 70's a series of books bound in leather was released by Time Life on the Wild West, one of them was called "The Gunfighters". Could have been this book. It's a good read if you are into this stuff. Got all the old outlaws in it, the Doolans, the Daltons, Charlie Pierce, "Bitter Creek" George Newcombe etc and other "reprobates" and the Lawmen of the time, some of them being reformed outlaws themselves. A good read with plenty of old photos.
I love the Eagles but they owe a lot to many other great singer-songwriters of the late 60's, early 70's. In particular, the 4 Canadians and 1 American that preceeded them that later became known for creating Americana music, a group called The Band. It may be a stretch for some people but they blew the lid off when it came to creating totally new music and lyrics that put a whole new slant on rock and roll, a few years before the Eagles were still learning the ropes.
AÑD THAT one American was the drummer. Besides a great drummer his voice carried the band. He also played in movies, coal miners daughter, sniper, the original astronots movie. It was he not the Canadians who made that sound and like henley was a Texan.
Very interesting story, how it took quite a while untill they broke. The key as told was that David Geffin s belief on their talent. And they were truly talented, all four, as songwriters like as a one of the best country rock band of all times. And they truly knew how to make cross over combining different trends, out of whiFch they made their unique sound and style. Anybody, who understands pop music, can tell, when you here first time Take it Eesy, that it will become a megs hit. Like Elton John did Your Song. Those melodies people will remember always after heard them, even once. Thank you. First class music document 👍. But, if BBC has produced this doc, its self evident.
What an enjoyable video to watch. The insights these lads each contributed were consice accurate and produced a narrative of that time period in my life that was magical. Brilliant. Thanks Scot
One of the 1st albums I bought, still have it, this is old hat all this stuff, but still a good listen, Bernie .Randy. And Felder should have formed there own band and screwed the gods.👍🏴🙏
Glenn Fray??? My favorite band since I heard "take it easy" on the radio in '72
Desperado is a story. No point listening unless from the beginning to the end. It is probably one of the few albums that I can do this with. I had never heard of the Eagles in 73 until I heard someone play Bitter Creek himself, and I was hooked. It was just a shame the whole Eagles thing turned so egocentric and commercial driven in later years.
Read Felder's book if you want the "horror" of Frey's ego and control. Henley went along for the ride. Frey tried to screw Felder out of big bucks, despite Felder being given legitimate "equal" partner status.
You get it, each song is a chapter of the entire story.
If they haven't released a "Best of The Eagles" album, yet, they really need too.
They did! The Eagles Greatest Hits and it recently surpassed Michael Jackson’s Thriller album.
I can still hear her voice on the AM radio. So pure and refined.
I just love it when Randy sings the line, "And it's a certain kind of fool who likes to hear the sound of his own name.' Then Bernie walks over towards Glen Frey and smiles at him as if to say " that's you buddy.' Lmao
Henley is an idiot for siding with Glenn when Glenn bullied Randy out of the group. Randy is/was a good singer
There isn’t a bad eagles album, they were just great at ree inventing themselves.Felder coming in ree invented the sound Walsh just a tail wagged to the gods.🙏🏴👍
Does anybody else like Bitter Creek? Somebody out there probably does but not the people who made this video.
☘️🍀☘️Gram Parsons’ vision brought all those styles of music together before the Eagles - he did it first. He saw the beauty of the musical genres. Gram Parsons “found” Emmy Lou 🦅
I started watching this video because I loved the Desperado album the first time I heard it and I became a lifelong fan of the Eagles from that point on. The people in this video commenting on this album are full of crap as far as I'm concerned. They said that the album is Schizophrenic because the songs don't all have the same tempo. So what? I call that keeping the album interesting and not BORING! What they call Schizophrenic I call eclectic. Out of Control and Outlaw Man are two of my favorite songs on that album and I do not feel like they are out of place at all. I'm guessing these guys never wrote anything close to being as good as the Desperado album which is why they feel compelled to denigrate it.
In Britian they call that a twit.
Great jobs all.
Love your channel.
Please pray for us in the US.
I believe that the Lord is working it all out.