Barnstorm

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Barnstorm is considered to be Joe Walsh's 1st solo album after leaving his band The James Gang, despite being a band of the same name with Walsh, drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli. Released in 1972, "Barnstorm" heralded the progressive sound of Pink Floyd's classic "Dark Side of The Moon" in 1973. Walsh's use of the synthesizer and effects on his guitar, like playing through a Leslie speaker were quite striking at the time. The progressive nature of the songs and the sound of the album can't be ignored when compared to Floyd's Dark Side. While "Barnstorm" was critically acclaimed it was not the commercial success that Floyd would have a year later and Walsh never got the credit he deserved for it. Walsh credits Vitale's input in the making of the album and became unhappy with the label Dunhill promoting it as his solo album. Back in 1972, there was nothing like "Barnstorm". It's a great sounding record and Walsh's writing and playing is some of his best. The album contains the original version of "Turn To Stone", which is much heavier than his re-recording of the song on his solo album "So What" a couple of years later. For me, "Barnstorm" is Joe Walsh's masterpiece. Listen to it in its entirety and see if you don't agree with me.

I believe this was Joe's first proper "solo" album. I purchased the LP back in the day on the basis of his work within the James Gang, having been a big fan of early '70s rock radio favorites Walk Away and Midnight Man, both of which were huge FM hits in El Paso when I lived there back in 1971. Initially, I'll admit that I was a bit underwhelmed by Barnstorm because I didn't hear a Walk Away or Midnight Man-type track on the LP. I hardly even noticed when it went missing during one of my many apartment moves. A bit further on up the road, however, and after getting into his The Smoker You Drink LP, I went out and repurchased Barnstorm and began to really appreciate its highpoints, of which there are many. It just may be Joe Walsh's quietest work, but in many ways, it may also be one of his deepest. Glad to finally have it on CD and back in my collection.

Barnstorm, from the early stages of his incredibly productive career, just after James Gang, Joe takes us on a journey through his magnificent talent, with his wide ranging guitar styles from gentle strumming to get down extended solos. He displays a variety of interesting songwriting techniques, layers in excellent complimentary instruments and impresses with his masterful vocal work. What a hugely talented artist. A true gift to any old (or new) rocker. I have nearly all of his music, adding this wonderfully remastered album to the mix is a real treat. Trust me when I say, this cat is no Ordinary Joe.

Barnstorm is an excellent album recorded when Joe was in his prime. I became a fan of Joe in the early 1970s and he is one of my favorite guitarists. I discovered this record while at college in England, where he and the James Gang had a cult following. Most of my college friends were shocked when he joined the Eagles.Joe wrote some great music. This is a slightly forgotten and underrated album, even though Rolling Stone gave it 4 stars in their 1983 Record Guide. It is more laid-back and relaxed than most of the music he recorded with the James Gang. As well as electric guitar there is flute, piano, and acoustic guitar. It also features an early, understated, version of “Turn to Stone” which is a great song. It later turned up on “So What” as a rock anthem.Barnstorm was recorded in Colorado in 1972 with help from Kenny Passarelli (bass) and Joe Vitale (drums and flute). Vitale had previously played with Walsh in a band called the Measles. Barnstorm still sounds good today.

used to play this quite a bit years ago. some very nice stuff by joe, and altho quite tame from what we expect from joe, it is superbly done with nice melodies, great guitar riffs, and endearing lyrics. I love it and am happy once again for the experience. Quality is fine and the studio production gives a pleasant audio experience. some interesting reflective and personal material from the FUNKMAN. I am happy it is in original format with no added tracks or bonus to alter the feel of its creator's original intent of continuity. Damn, I love this guy! Live and Love long, Joe - happy to have shook your hand back in 70-71? at the Allentown PA fairground concert - still don't know how I got backstage as you came up last from the basement BUT am so happy for that memory! You sure were a smiler back then! As proven with your other future shows, THAT NIGHT WAS ONE DAMN MEMORABLE PERFOMANCE!!! thanks for everything.

I would hazard to say that this album is least known to the public as a Joe Walsh or James Gang effort. The semi hit- "Turn to Stone" originated here and is a Joe classic, but has been on many compilations since. If I was to sum up the rest of 'Barnstorm', I would say that is it is Joe Walsh locked up in a cabin just like the cover, with some mellow partying materials and a case of wine. It is a beautiful bit of techno and over dubbed fat mellow synth guitars. It is introspective and haunting. The way Joe is in real life. I have met the man. This CD is for rainy days or dusk after a long day. If you like simple rolling synths and wall of sound keyboards with guitar over dubs..get this. Joe's singing is still like a cat caught in a drain pipe, but is earnest and real.Many instrumentals anyway. Love this CD

I enjoy this album. True gems from Walsh. A classic! A must have for Walsh/Eagles fans.

Tardó un poco,pero mereció la pena

The best of Walsh alone, not so Rocker as the previous records with James Gang, but is a record that you have to achieve. Top 10.

Brilliant. Great songs. Wonderful arrangements and playing. The later albums were commercially more successful but this rewards with every listen. I have owned it in one form or another since The Smoker You Drink came out and it is this album I always come back to.

Joe Walshが1972年にリリースした1stアルバム。全体的に見るとのどかな雰囲気が漂う作風ですが中には楽曲『Turn to Stone』の様なロックの名曲も収録されています。その中でも私が好きなのは5曲目の『Birdcall Morning』で小鳥のさえずりが聞こえてきそうなギターワークが秀逸だと思います。Joe Walshはギタリストとしても凄腕ですがソングライターとしても素晴らしい才能を持っていると思います。（10曲中8曲作曲）まあJames Gang時代とは少し違った側面を見せてくれている様に感じました。そして今回Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab社のCD盤を購入しましたが音質が良いと思いました。