I don't think the seventies get enough credit. Sometimes when people think of the seventies they remember roller disco, then shudder and try to forget about the seventies. There were actually many things going on in the 1970s that were in no way related to roller disco. There was glam rock, KISS, funk, punk, the start of new wave, the Rolling Stones, teen idols, all kinds of good stuff.
Of course, not everything was good. I am thinking specifically of people trying to be mellow. I know about the mellow movement from Doonesbury because on Mark's radio show he was always interviewing...I forget his name...a character who was a mellow expert. More recently, Mike Nelson (in his Mind Over Matters book) wrote a very funny essay on how the seventies conspired to make him mellow and he resisted because he was nine.
His most hilarious example of forced mellow involves a traumatic trip to a record store where the employees were blaring the Eagles. The Eagles always seem to end up as the poster boys for mellow. I've been thinking about that because it has occurred to me that I don't think I have ever heard someone say, "I love the Eagles!" I have met plenty of people who like the Eagles, as well as the occasional person whose blood boils at the mere mention of the Eagles. Then I thought about the days at the record store. I have sold quite a few Eagles albums in my time and I don't remember a customer ever telling me that they loved the Eagles.
I'm starting to wonder, is there such a thing as a fanatical Eagles devotee? There have to be some, otherwise the re-formed group would not be able to extort huge sums for their concert tickets. Or are their concerts just arenas packed with people who like them okay? I like the Eagles okay. I probably won't change the radio station if an Eagles song is playing, but I wouldn't actually choose them on purpose.
I tried to think of an Eagles song I would listen to on purpose, and the only one that made the list was Take It Easy. The other Eagles songs I came up with, well, I couldn't muster any opinion beyond moderate indifference. I decided to have a look at the track listing of their Greatest Hits (which is still mighty popular) to see if I had forgotten any major hits that I enjoy.
Take It Easy
Yes! I like this one! Of course since I already mentioned that I don't know if I need the exclamation points. Anyway, I'm not supposed to let the sound of my own wheels drive me crazy? Or is it make me crazy? Doesn't matter, I still like this one. Every time I hear it on the radio I turn it up and then feel dirty. In the back of my mind I know there is some nagging reason that I'm not supposed to like this song. (Meanwhile, the blood boilers are hollering, "Because it's the Eagles!").
Witchy Woman
I don't care for the background vocals in this song, but I like it because of that Seinfeld episode.
Lyin' Eyes
Let's see, on the other side of town someone is waiting. Is this the song where, um? Cheating side of town? Well, why not. Again, I don't like the background vocals. The overly mellow harmonies get on my nerves, even when they are just playing in my head.
Already Gone
I'll change the channel on this one.
Desperado
My favorite, favorite Eagles song because of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine's boyfriend won't let her talk during Desperado. If LCG hears it on the radio he will call me up, sing the word desperado and then when I try to answer he shushes me. Desperado has provided call after call of hilarity, especially if I get more than one call in a week because then I can use Jerry's joke and ask LCG if he listens to the all-Desperado station.
Later in the episode (but not long after that joke I stole) Elaine brainstorms with Jerry about a song she could share with her boyfriend and suggests Witchy Woman. Jerry doesn't know it so she sings it and he says, "Oh, Witch-ay Woman." I never, ever get tired of saying that which is why Witchy Woman and Desperado are on the list of songs I like. However, if I had to listen to Desperado without the jokes I don't think I would enjoy myself.
One of These Nights
Indifferent. A station changer.
Tequila Sunrise
I know the title, and I bet I know the song too. I just can't match them up in my mind.
Take It to the Limit
I don't think I know this one at all.
Peaceful Easy Feeling
If the Eagles are the official representatives of mellow, this is their official theme song. This is the most mellow of all of the songs (that I recognize) on the album. This song gives me a creepy feeling down the back of my neck and I have to change the station as soon as I hear the chorus.
Best of My Love
Another track that rings no bell.
So out of ten songs I truly like one. I don't know three others, two make me change the station, two leave me with no strong opinion, and two I like because of Seinfeld. No wonder I leave them in the I like them okay category. Their track record (1971-1975) isn't so hot. I'm thinking this Eagles-induced listener lethargy is their own fault. They pushed the laid back vibes a little too far and it caused people to become indifferent. Or maybe the people who really do love the Eagles have become so mellow they are no longer able to express enthusiasm.