Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh's career had a slow start. The accomplished guitarist/singer fronted a couple OK bands (James Gang and Barnstorm) and had a respectable solo career but found his greatest success as a member of the already well-established Eagles.
Many Rock musicians have a sense of humor but Walsh was one of the few to who wore it on his sleeve. "Life's Been Good So Far" from "But Seriously Folks" is a prime example. Had he done nothing else, the tongue-in-cheek song about Rock excesses, would have assured he wouldn't be forgotten. Of course, had he done nothing else, he never would have written the song.
Leaving the James Gang in '71, Walsh formed Barnstorm. Finding only marginal success, that unit's days were numbered. Walsh was soon on his own as a footloose Rocker. Maybe a little too footloose for his own good.
While his albums were inconsistent, Walsh could produce infectious Rockers like "Rocky Mountain Way," which appeared on "The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get."
Walsh joined the Eagles just before their biggest commercial success, "Hotel California," and no doubt made significant contributions to that album and "The Long Run." About all that can be said regarding his post-Eagles solo career is that it kept him off the streets.
"The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" and "But Seriously Folks" illustrate Joe Walsh's humor laden Hard Rock style. However, the best way to hear the full force of his lengthy career is with the double album "Look What I Did," which includes his James Gang, Barnstorm and solo work. The single album "Little Did He Know" covers the same ground more concisely.