The Eagles
Long Road Out of Eden
Eagles Recording Company

Of course, the question that’s still coming up is “What took ‘em so long?” The Eagles’ first studio set in 28 years, since 1979’s “The Long Run,” is true to the band’s longstanding mix of country-rock, R&B, and other styles linked by the multi-guitar ensemble and yes, those harmonies. The album sold more than 700,000 copies in its first week out, available only through the band’s site, Sam’s Club’s site, and at Wal-Mart, and is surely platinum-plus by now.

Fans who’ve waited and waited certainly get a wealth of material–20 songs in all, spread over two discs. After the opening (and foretelling) acapella “No More Walks in the Woods,” the first CD’s “How Long,” written back in 1972 by longtime Eagles’ crony JD Souther, offers up that definitive Eagles sound that has inspired artists in both country and Americana overall for decades. The Don Henley cynical sneer of songwriting is all over “Busy Being Fabulous,” while Timothy B. Schmit croons on the soul-dipped “Don’t Want to Hear Anymore.” The band matches that “Hotel California” intensity with an anxious “Waiting in the Weeds,” which builds slowly to epic musical swirl.

For the most part, the Henley and Glenn Frey songs on both discs are too far from their various solo recordings. The second CD leads off with the album’s title track, filled with cutting lyrics and some guitar fireworks too, while the the closing “It’s Your World Now” serves as a final farewell and send-off to the younger generations, as the band members themselves have said it’s doubtful they have another album in them. It’s just too bad it took all those years for this one. The solo work–Henley’s most of all–was often engaging, but The Eagles all fly highest together.

Five For Fighting
Back Country Live Special Edition
CD/DVD
Sony

Five For Fighting is all about the songwriting of often piano-playing-man John Ondrasik. He may not be the rah-rah arena-level frontman, but he doesn’t have to be. It’s all about the storyteller and observer, and he’s one likeable guy-next-door type. Shot during a concert at the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida, the band’s top hits are all here: “100 Years,” “Superman,” “The Riddle,” and “Easy Tonight,” as well as other standouts, including “California Justice,” “65 Mustang,” plus other songs from the band’s most recent studio set, “Two Lights.” The DVD adds the original music videos, as well as Ondrasik’s stirring performance of “Superman” at the post-9/11 “Concert for New York,” and films from charities partnered with his WhatKindOfWorldDoYouWant.com. A fine concert set, plus some nice extras here too.

Barenaked Ladies
Talk to the Hand: Live in Michigan
CD/DVD

Canada’s Barenaked Ladies have always brought a delightful dollop of whimsy and good humor to an often dour-minded music scene. This CD/DVD (their first) concert set features the band playful and plucky on stage, playing faves like “One Week” and “Pinch Me,” along with more recent material, all recorded on June 15, 2007 at DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkston, Michigan. The set has its bright spots and its lulls, which means fast-forward on some numbers, whether listening or watching. The DVD includes the featurette “Backstage with the Ladies,” a sound check recording of “Angry People.” Plus, the entire package is green-friendly too, showing the group knows that being serious about certain things is good too.

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