James Gang

• Yer' Album [Bluesway, 1969] B
• James Gang Rides Again [ABC, 1970] B-
• Passin' Thru [ABC, 1972] C

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Yer' Album [Bluesway, 1969]
An exciting, hard-rocking white blues/soul record. It includes a terrific version of Howard Tate's "Stop" and other nice things, but it isn't quite original enough to make you play it again and again. B

James Gang Rides Again [ABC, 1970]
I grant that Joe Walsh's band is more interesting than the usual power trio--because it isn't a power trio, just a trio. Walsh's guitar dominates, as is customary, but by stealth, by which I guess I mean style--rather than blasting fast he goes for country-spacey glisses that are all slide and sustain. Just wish he didn't sing that way--makes it sound like his songs are (is it possible?) guitar showcases. When's the last time my fave cut on anything was an instrumental? "Asshtonpark," it's called, and it's funker than "Funk #49." B-

Passin' Thru [ABC, 1972]
Okay, boys, just as long as you're out of town by sundown. And Troiano, leave your guitar with me. That Walsh feller, he was a gentleman, but there's no tellin' what you'll be shootin' off next. C