Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the Eagles' musical output had come to define Californian rock by the time the decade was out. But more than that, it ended up defining the entire sound of the 70s – and much more beyond.
One of US rock's most profoundly impactful bands, it's vaguely ridiculous that their back catalogue spans only seven albums – especially given the 50 years they've been a band. But within those seven albums, they've managed to create some of rock's most enduring tunes.
With their ethos of 'song power' – a slogan they emblazoned over T-shirts and carried on to rock radio across the world – they merged rock, country, sweet surf and buoyant pop. When teamed with the creative powerhouse of Glenn Frey and Don Henley, they were an unstoppable force.
That influence is still looming heavy over rock music today – not least in the work of Canadian psych-rockers Walrus. While upcoming album, Cool To Who, might not initially sound like it takes many cues from the West Coast rockers, listen to the dreamy, surfy guitar and infectious melodies, and you can hear the sun-soaked influences poking through.
Here, Walrus pay their dues, pick out their favourite Eagles tracks, and talk us through what they mean to them one by one.
I Can’t Tell You Why (The Long Run, 1979)
Take It Easy (Eagles, 1972)
Take It To The Limit (One Of These Nights, 1975)
Victim Of Love (Hotel California, 1976)
Hotel California (Hotel California, 1976)
New Kid In Town (Hotel California, 1976)
Lyin' Eyes (One Of These Nights, 1975)
Witchy Woman (Eagles, 1972)
Seven Bridges Road (Eagles Live, 1980)
Peaceful Easy Feeling (Eagles, 1972)
Walrus' new album, Cool To Who, will be released via Outside Music on October 18. Check out new single Played Out below.
