One Guy's Review - Heaven and Hell: My Life with the Eagles

Mexican Bolero.

That's what Don Henley originally wanted to call the song we all now recognize as "Hotel California". Not quite the same ring, eh?

Don Felder was a full fledged member of the group The Eagles, whose main contributions were lead guitar and penning "Hotel California". After being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Following a suit against his former band mates (namely his manager, Don Henley and Glenn Frey), Felder began composing this autobiography about his rise in the music biz and his life with The Eagles.

Heaven and Hell: My Life with the Eagles was originally published in 2008. I won't really go into the whole summary of it (you can click right there to read's Amazon's summary); that's not why we're here, now is it?

What did I think of it?

I like it. Sure enough, it was a great detail into a great guitarist's growth and career, and fall from grace. I found myself really enthralled with Felder's simplicity. This isn't going to win any big time author awards; Felder's a guitar player and songwriter. There's a common-man-telling-his-story realness to it that made for quick and enjoyable reading. Felder's not abashed to share that much of the time in bands revolved around drugs (marijuana, cocaine, and more). He discusses how he would meet his wife, Tom Petty, and many other musicians that would help to give a sound to the 1970's.

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What was bad? Here's probably the most interesting part. For me, as I was reading it, I kept going back to the 60 Minutes interview from a few years ago where Don Henley and Glenn Frey were interviewed and the awkwardness of much of the situation. Felder's release was under some really interesting conditions, depending upon your view. And that's the problem with this book. If you are a hard core Henley and/or Frey fan, you probably won't like what this book has to say. What's worse is that you'll probably find yourself shaking your head with a weird disbelieve and saying "I don't doubt it." While I don't know Henley or Frey (but I do like their singing and playing), both are control freaks. This has lent itself to their success, but also to the alienation of many of their band mates (namely Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner).

Read the various reviews found on Amazon. Most are 4 stars or more, there are a few that bash Felder for...well, bashing his former bandmates (read: Henley and Frey) for giving him the boot. This schism makes reading and buying into Felder's perspective more difficult (I didn't say impossible).

If you've heard "Hotel California", it's worth your time to give this book a check. If you are of the belief that Don Henley does no wrong, you'd best keep on to the next book in the music aisle.

It's a fast read for the most part, with pictures from various points in Felder's life.

Enjoy.

C, thanks for your kind words earlier; you really motivated me to finish this review.

Shazam!

Playing Guitar...Some More

I got to play some guitar seriously yesterday.

Not too terribly often that I get to really jam with my buddy Tom, but when we do, we usually have a great time.

Yesterday was no different. I played rhythm while Tom cut a bit o' lead and Dylan got in on the action with a little drum. More so, I was amazed with the fills that he put in. Dyl-Man is becoming quite a drummer.

Basically, "Jenny Jenny" is turning out quite nice, but I was more impressed with how our improved "Hotel California" turned out. I've been working on some basic progressions with it just to sing and mess around with at the house, and Tom just jumped right in and we played it through, long ass solo and all.

Don Felder penned a great song with that one. I finished his book (with a pending review), and it's a worth read for any Eagle fan, but more so any music lover. Check it out it.

If not, just "sit back and enjoy the magic of rock!"

Eagles - Hotel California
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Gawd, I love that song...

Shazam!

Personal Saturday

What a day.

I was fortunate enough to score some sweet tickets to the rodeo today, and even better, I would be attending with my wife, in addition to my good friend Tom and his wife as well.

I have to say, the rodeo itself it pretty cool. If you've never been, try it at least once. Watching these athletes (yes, that's what they are) go at it to perform their absolute best, often times with the aid of a horse and/or another person (think team roping or steer wrestling). Truly artistry in motion.

One point that may come up: animal cruelty. No animals were hurt today, but I can't comment on their comfort. I can say this however: In the event of Calf Roping (where the cowboy ropes the steer around the neck or horns, and then ties together three of the legs), there were two instances where the cowboy roped the calf, but instead of continuing, the rope was in an awkward position. This wasn't an illegal rope, but the cowboy knew that it wasn't the best for the animal, given the conditions. Sportsmanship. It wasn't about getting yours and not caring about the animals (because we are still going to eat those animals and wear their skin, right?).

The concert that followed was Tim McGraw. He put on a nice show and really got his groove on with singing. Not nearly as animated as other performers (I happen to favor Garth's antics), but I do like his catalog of songs. Got to talk musicianship and instruments with Tom, hold hands with wifey during those ballads. Good stuff.

Best part of the day, after coming home to the kiddoes? I started reading Heaven and Hell: My Life with the Eagles, a book by Don Felder. If you are an Eagles fan, you might want to check it out.

Best line so far?

"Pubert was, for me, an agony of teenage confusion. Hairs sprouted, bones grew, skin erupted, my voice broke, and all manner of alarming thoughts stole into my head. Ripples of heat would pass through my body at the very thought of a girl..."

Damn, sounds like seventh grade again.

Shazam!