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Celebration of "Desperado"
Since our On the Border appreciation thread was such a hit, I figured we'd do one for Desperado now, to commemorate its release on April 17, 1973! Of course, to go along with this, we'll have the Desperado Style as the board default for the next week.
I know I'm in the minority, but I find Desperado to be their most consistently good album. I love every song on it. I love the way it tells a story. The album, as a whole, is more cohesive thematically then even Hotel California. They took a tired metaphor - "rockers as outlaws" - and breathed new life into it. While it suffered from the sophomore curse at the time of its release, it's held up well.
In the Desperado spirit, have some fun watching the Eagles play cowboy in the music video shown at the end of Doolin-Dalton/Desperado Reprise:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnF6Ga9dNCs[/ame]
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Re: Desperado Appreciation Thread
Great Idea Nancy! :thumbsup:
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Great style for the board Soda! I was hit by it as soon as I logged in! Its fantastic. I must say, Desperado was the first 'proper' Eagles album that I bought (ie discounting the Greatest Hits compilations) and it has a lovely fresh sound to it!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Well that explains why the Desperado background popped up as soon as I brought up the Border this morning! I thought I was a wee bit crazy! (well probably am but...)
Thanks for posting the above video--can never see that to much!! Yum!!!!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Nancy, the board looks wonderful!! Desperado is my favorite Eagles album-it's the one my hubby reviewed for our college newspaper, way back in 1973. I sure wish I still had a copy of that review-I'm sure it was a good one!:thumbsup:
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Actually, I gotta agree with you Nancy, Desperado is one of my favorite albums as well (despite the notable absence of ONE particular Eagle)
I'm learning the songs off the album on the guitar right now as well as reading up on the story behind the concept. I want to be able to play and sing the songs and tell the story around the camp fire this summer.
Great work on the desperado theme and the Video!!! As always, you've outdone yourself,Nancy! Bravo!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Funny. The first thing I did when I came here today was check the 'today in Eagles history' at the bottom of the page. I was still on the OTB style, so I changed it myself to the Desperado style in honor!
I wonder why mine wasn't automatically changed?
Anyways, methinks Glenn is at some of his hottest in this era! :inlove:
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I love the DESPERADO album I like really every song from it.
Thanks for posting the video, I see it just to 3 times in succession!
As the Desperado background popped up, I thought whats this:headscratch:, than I read that today is the released Day from this album everything was clear!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brooke
Funny. The first thing I did when I came here today was check the 'today in Eagles history' at the bottom of the page. I was still on the OTB style, so I changed it myself to the Desperado style in honor!
I wonder why mine wasn't automatically changed?
I didn't override user preferences, so if you had a special theme picked out, it didn't get changed. Just the default.
Love reading you guys' thoughts!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I was actually using 'default' for a change and I guessed that it must be Desperado anniversary time. This is such a good idea. It would be good if we could also do this for any solo albums where we know the release date (obviously without changing the board style).
Regarding the Desperado album it does have an almost Shakespearean feel to it, something which endeared me to it immediately. It perhaps is more successful at the beginning when the rock star/outlaw is starting his career and still feels young and exuberant.
I know that the title track is a standard but I've heard it so often that it hasn't aged as well as it should have. I know it sums up the album's themes perfectly, but really so does Certain Kind Of Fool, a song which is totally underrated and right up there with Meisner's best work. The same goes for Bitter Creek, which is great until it rather tapers off with all the 'doo doo' stuff.
I suppose for me I have to go for the 'I am an outlaw' stuff which should surprise nobody. Outlaw Man and Out Of Control are both superb rockers. Perhaps Out Of Control tries a bit too hard but it is hard to argue with it (or the narrator....:rockon: I believe there is a slight autographical feel to it). As for Tequila Sunrise, there is not much left to say about it. The song is a quiet masterpiece.
I have not mentioned Saturday Night, which I have to be in the right mood to appreciate fully. I know why its there but I'm not that fond of it. The same goes for Twenty-One which is dispensable. That leaves Doolin-Dalton and its Reprise, both superb songs. I think I could have done a lot better explaining why the album works.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
And to continue the theme - the single Tequila Sunrise was released on this day in 1973.
Check out this single cover! Love Glenn's expression, lol.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ilasunrise.jpg
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I was watching the Desperado Under the Covers segment when I was making my avatar and it struck me that they seem really proud of this album, to this day.
Glenn: "It's been a record, and a concept, that's withstood the test of time and it's gotten better as the years have gone on, as a whole piece. It's now a well-recognized concept album."
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Desperado is one of my favourite Eagles albums. I love the Wild West theme, and I like the fact that it's youthful and energetic (Twenty One, Out Of Control), while still carrying many of the darker themes that have permeated Eagles records since (Saturday Night, Desperado, Doolin Dalton.) There is not a song I dislike. I still marvel at the fact that Glenn and Don wrote a song like Desperado at such a young age.
Thanks for posting the Tequila Sunrise cover, Soda. Glenn is smokin'! Randy's expression cracks me up.
The Kirshner vid was a treat, too. I can't get enough of that show. Don in that shirt with that 'fro... Such a cutie!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Desperado is one of my favorite Eagles albums; there isn't a song on it that I dislike. It was a major accomplishment for them. This was a huge accomplishment for them, methinks.
I wish I had more time right now to write out my views on the different songs but hopefully later. I love hearing everyone's different opinions on the album.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Just noticed that your av is animated, Soda. (My internet was playing up a little while ago and the picture didn't move.) WOW! It looks fantastic.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I, too, like your avi soda!
Now, for my philosophical (sp?) side, concerning troub's comment about Glenn and Don writing Desperado, I believe there are people we are supposed to be connected to in life - based on our God given destiny's. It can not be a coincidence that these guys are together...I'm not talking about fate...I think they were destined to work together...jmho...
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
The segment below is where I got both the avatar footage and the Glenn quote. Great behind-the-scenes stuff! Glenn especially looks GOOD. It's from the Under the Covers documentary.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt5kAgVnrx4[/ame]
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
GOOD is not the word for Glenn the narrator of the video...that is his BEST EVER look, IMHO!!:heart::heart::inlove::faint: No comparison to Glenn the cowboy look, for me, anyway...
I LOVE Jackson Browne's acting in the film...he know how to take a hit! And HE looks extra-hot with that smile at the end of his dying scene :hilarious:!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I'm with you, EV. My favorite time for Glenn was his look around the HFO era. He's devastatingly handsome in the video as narrator, and only very sexy as a cowboy. There is a gradation there. ;)
Check it out:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c9...enn/Oil028.jpg
http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFreyJulieUTC.jpg
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Well, real life has really limited my time on the board lately, so, sadly, I have been unable to give this thread its proper due. Desperado is my second favorite Eagles album. And as has been previously stated, even though it wasn't a huge commercial success, it is an outstanding piece of work. I've said before that at the time the album was released, it seemed to have an identity crisis - too rock for country and too country for rock. However, justice prevailed and time has been very kind to it. I love all the songs on the album, especially the Doolin' Dalton/Desperado Reprise.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Yes, we've missed you, Dreamer!
I just listened to the album last night, beginning to end, unlike my usual iPod shuffle of Eagles tunes. It really works best as a piece. Loved it!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sodascouts
Oh man. "Only very sexy" as a cowboy, Soda? That first one there really gets my blood pumping! :inlove:
I finally got time to go back to the "Rank the six studio albums" thread and read what I wrote about this album. Doesn't surprise me!
#1- Desperado. I just love the whole album. The only song I don't love is Bitter Creek and I can listen to it without skipping it. Very favorite song overall is Desperado and I wish Don would sing it like he used to and not be so dramatic with it.
I still really love this album most of all. And Glenn and Don are at some of their hottest! Tequila Sunrise, Doolin' Dalton and the Reprise, Desperado, Out of Control, love them all.
Thanks for the DD/DR video Soda. I love it when Glenn sees the camera on him and shakes his head (and that lovely hair) while singing "Lay down your law books now, they're no damn good" with determination. Too funny! And the harmonica playing at the beginning. :sigh:
And in the video where Glenn narrates, loved the part where Glenn is telling about the powers that be not being happy they had made a "f'ing cowboy record!" :hilarious:
And Jackson really put his all in to his death act! :lol:
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I decided to use the same scale that Scarlet Sun came up with in the On the Border appreciation thread to rate the songs on Desperado. As I said before, I don't think there is a bad song on entire album, so my ratings are very high overall.
1. Doolin-Dalton/Desperado Reprise - 5
2. Tequila Sunrise - 5
3. Out of Control - 5
4. Certain Kind Of Fool - 5
5. Doolin-Dalton - 5
6. Desperado - 5
7. Outlaw Man- 5
8. Bitter Creek - 4
9. Saturday Night - 4
10. Twenty-One - 4
key:
5 - I love it
4 - I really like it
3 - I like it
2 - meh
1 - yikes
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Excellent idea, Dreamer.
1. Tequila Sunrise - 5
2. Out Of Control - 5
3. Outlaw Man - 5
4. Doolin-Dalton - 5
5. Desperado - 5
6. Certain Kind Of Fool - 4
7. Doolin-Dalton/Desperado Reprise - 4
8. Bitter Creek - 3
9. Twenty-One -3
10. Saturday Night - 3 (although I admit the last two border on the 2 rating).
key:
5 - I love it
4 - I really like it
3 - I like it
2 - meh
1 - yikes
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I was wondering which of the songs on Desperado the band has performed live. I looked down the list and I believe every song on this album has been played live by the band.
One other thing I was thinking about is how many different artists have covered the song Desperado? Here's a few I can think of right off the top of my head:
Linda Ronstadt
Johnny Rivers
Johnny Cash
I know there are many others, so please add any other artists that you can think of.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I really liked Clint Black's version of Desperado.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I like this rating system idea, it is easier to put a number to the songs than try to explain how they make you feel. IMHO
In no particular order:
Doolin Dalton - 5
Out of Control - 5
Tequila Sunrise - 5
Bitter Creek - 5
Doolin Dalton/Desperado [reprise] - 5 I actually like the reprise better than both the songs :shrug:
Certain Kind of Fool - 5
Outlaw Man - 5
Saturday Night - 5 This one has grown on me quite a bit over the years.
Desperado - 5 This is a borderline 4 for me, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Over played and hasn't aged well. Nonetheless, still a great song.
Twenty One - 4
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I don't agree Melissa, I think Desperado is a beautiful song, and it has aged well, IMO.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Not to spoil the fun of thinking of different cover versions of Desperado, but I actually have a list of 'em on GFO if you're curious!
http://www.glennfreyonline.com/solo/coversindex.htm
(Scroll down to Desperado)
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Unfortunately, over-exposure to a song often dampens its impact - after a while, you stop listening to the lyrics and thinking about the meaning because it's so familiar. When I clear my mind and listen to Desperado with fresh ears, and think of it in the context of two young guys sitting down and coming up with this song... that's when it gets me. I know that Don isn't particularly satisfied with the original recording, as he felt rushed and nervous, but I think that makes it more endearing. In the same way that Out Of Control's raw, haphazard sound works, Don's Desperado vocals work because they're youthful and honest. It's nice that he's had the opportunity to 'perfect' it on stage in the years since, but I still think the original recording stands up there with the best live performances. This whole album is characterised by youth and a mixture of bravado and uncertainty. The themes apply as much to everyday people as they do to outlaws and rockstars. That's what makes it such a great album.
Also, just because it's been in my head all day, I feel the need to mention Saturday Night again! I like the simplicity of it, but I don't think it gets enough credit for its deeper meanings. When it gets to the "what a tangled web we weave" part, it steps up a notch, for me. I love the idea of wondering how to tell "the dancer from the dance". Is it the person you're in love with, or have you been swept up in the wave of courtship and ritual? (Obviously it can apply to many things, not just a person.) This is just idle conjecture, but I think "the dance" is important in Eagles' songs in general, whatever the dance is - the mood, the excitement, running with the same crowd, doing things that are fun but ultimately leave you alone or empty, getting caught up in the moment and going through the motions... I just love lyrics like this that hint to their later work. The fact that they wrote these songs when they were so young never fails to amaze me.
I'm also in the Doolin Dalton/Desperado Reprise fan club! There's just something different about it. Again, very specific lyrics that somehow turn into important universal themes.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
I meant to comment on the Under the Covers DVD earlier. I love those interviews with Don and Glenn. My favorite lines are when Don says the only thing they had to do back then was think about writing songs - and girls. He says "and girls" as if it was an afterthought and has this cute little grin on his face. My favorite Glenn line is when they show him an old photo and he says something like "this is not history, it's evidence!" That line cracks me up every time.
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Troubadour
Unfortunately, over-exposure to a song often dampens its impact - after a while, you stop listening to the lyrics and thinking about the meaning because it's so familiar. When I clear my mind and listen to Desperado with fresh ears, and think of it in the context of two young guys sitting down and coming up with this song... that's when it gets me. I know that Don isn't particularly satisfied with the original recording, as he felt rushed and nervous, but I think that makes it more endearing. In the same way that Out Of Control's raw, haphazard sound works, Don's Desperado vocals work because they're youthful and honest. It's nice that he's had the opportunity to 'perfect' it on stage in the years since, but I still think the original recording stands up there with the best live performances. This whole album is characterised by youth and a mixture of bravado and uncertainty. The themes apply as much to everyday people as they do to outlaws and rockstars. That's what makes it such a great album.
Also, just because it's been in my head all day, I feel the need to mention Saturday Night again! I like the simplicity of it, but I don't think it gets enough credit for its deeper meanings. When it gets to the "what a tangled web we weave" part, it steps up a notch, for me. I love the idea of wondering how to tell "the dancer from the dance". Is it the person you're in love with, or have you been swept up in the wave of courtship and ritual? (Obviously it can apply to many things, not just a person.) This is just idle conjecture, but I think "the dance" is important in Eagles' songs in general, whatever the dance is - the mood, the excitement, running with the same crowd, doing things that are fun but ultimately leave you alone or empty, getting caught up in the moment and going through the motions... I just love lyrics like this that hint to their later work. The fact that they wrote these songs when they were so young never fails to amaze me.
I'm also in the Doolin Dalton/Desperado Reprise fan club! There's just something different about it. Again, very specific lyrics that somehow turn into important universal themes.
Wow, Troub! You said it all perfectly. And I don't think it was idle conjecture at all. Really.
Edited to add: Tequila Sunrise started playing on the radio!
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Re: Desperado Anniversary Appreciation Thread
Very eloquently stated, Troub!
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Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
Desperado was released on this day in 1973. I've changed the default board style accordingly - it's our week to celebrate the Eagles' sophomore album and my personal favorite, Desperado!
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Re: Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
Happy Birthday, Desperado!
I think it is my favourite album, too. I love the theme, and there are some truly great songs on it. (I'm sure I will expand on that when I have a bit more time!)
I love the board style, and your avatar is SMOKIN', Soda. Who doesn't love our Eagles as gunslingers? :armed::drool:
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Re: Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
The thing I love about Desperado is that (IMHO) there is not one weak song on the album. There are stronger individual songs in the Eagles catalog, but this album is the most consistently good - and the theme aspect really puts it over the top.
Here's a video for us to enjoy, to get into the spirit of it:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_XOh0IQ6ok[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwlY6mXy0qs"][/ame]
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Re: Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
Are we going to do a Survivor for it, or is that not possible at the moment due to an upcoming Road Trip?
I have to say I'm becoming a real Desperado fan. I think on this album Randy and Bernie really shine - this is perhaps the most integrated 'group' album where all four members are equally showcased.
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Re: Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
First of all, Happy Anniversary to my 2nd favorite Eagles album. I agree with most of you that this album is a superb piece of work. There is not a single bad song on it, IMHO. I just shake my head now when I think about when it first came out. I liked it, but I didn't think it was as good as the 'Eagles' album at the time. I wasn't alone either because it wasn't as commercially successful. It wasn't until I purchased my Eagles box set about 5 years ago, and started listening to all of the albums again that I gained a brand new appreciation for the album.
And Soda, thanks for posting that YouTube video of my very favorite song from the album. To me, that is among the best of the best.
And FP, we decided not to do a Desperado Survivor game right now. It is too close to the On the Border game and we're going to have a lot going on in the next few weeks with the resumption of the LROOE tour. We'll get around to it some time though, I'm sure.
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Re: Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
Ah yes, Desperado. 37 years ago? Impossible! This is my favorite album overall (as some of you have stated here), as I said back when we ranked the albums. I even had to change my av for the celebration! Love nearly every song on it.
And I think it's funny that someone (I think from the record company) said when they finished it up, something about "they made a f*&#@*#g cowboy record" or something to that effect! :lol: Well, cowboy record or not, it's wonderful! :nod:
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Re: Happy 37th birthday Desperado!
Here's the show that quote was from - Under the Covers - check it out, guys. They talk about the Desperado photo shoot and show footage from it. Glenn looks magnificent.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6hhKPNYKis[/ame]