Song of the Day: 'I Can't Tell You Why' by the Eagles

My mind is always coming up with lists and ideas for blog posts. So while I work on a big one that's not quite ready yet, another thought came to mind: How many bands have had hits with someone who isn't their normal lead singer? 

"Everything Counts" and "Somebody" by Depeche Mode, "Tempted" by Squeeze and "Stay" (sort of) by Shakespears Sister all come to mind, as does this 1979/80 smash by the Eagles, which was their first single to feature Timothy B. Schmit, who joined the band during the "Hotel California" tour, replacing Randy Meisner on bass/vocals. 

Song of the Day: 'Take It Easy' by the Eagles

I'm not quite standing on a corner in Winslow, Ariz. But I am halfway between Phoenix and Tucson visiting my parents -- plus my sister and her family in the Valley of the Sun -- so no Remains of the Day today so I can spend more time with the gang. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Mug Shot Monday

From a Facebook friend:

This Mugshot Monday is the definition of brooding. What's worse is that he appears to be an Eagles fan.

He's also a cheap date -- he stole $8 worth of merchandise.

Philly Mayor Calls Trump a ‘Fragile Egomaniac’ Afraid of the Embarrassment of Throwing a Party No One Wants to Attend

Kudos to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney for seeing Donald Trump’s decision to disinvite the Super Bowl-winning Eagles from the White House for exactly what it was.

Song of the Day: 'Funky New Year' by the Eagles

Quirky b-side from their famed "Please Come Home for Christmas" single.

Meet 6-5, 237-Pound Carson Wentz, Eagles' Draft Pick Quarterback

Sam Bradford just canceled his subscription to SI. More of his ginger replacement HERE.

Eagles Members, Jackson Browne, to Honor Glenn Frey at Grammys

I like the sound of this -- which I'm guessing will be "Take It Easy" ...

From a release:

Glenn Frey will be honored at the 58th annual Grammy Awards when the late musician's bandmates join close friend and collaborator Jackson Browne to perform a classic hit from the Eagles' legendary songbook. Eagles members including Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh will be joined by Browne in a one-time-only special tribute to Frey.  

 "Glenn Frey's untimely passing was a huge loss for the entire creative community," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "For more than 45 years, the Eagles have played a significant role in shaping our musical landscape. We are honored to welcome the band, along with Jackson Browne, to the Grammy stage in tribute to Glenn's tremendous legacy."  

Eagles founding member Glenn Frey is a six-time Grammy winner. His wins include Record of the Year for "Hotel California" in 1978 and, most recently, Best Pop Instrumental Performance for "I Dreamed There Was No War" in 2009. 

Song of the Day: 'New Kid in Town' by the Eagles

Still reeling over the death of Glenn Frey. Losing him and David Bowie while they were still in their 60s just doesn't seem right. 

Glenn Frey, Founding Member of the Eagles, Is Dead at 67

Wow, the hits keep coming. Very sad -- perhaps abnormally so -- that Glenn Frey died today in New York at age 67, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. Besides my obvious worship of the Eagles, which he cofounded with Don Henley, I've always had a weakness for his cheesy '80s solo material. My brother Terence and I used to half cringe, half marvel when "I Found Someone" came on (nonstop) in the early days of MTV. But when he bought me the "No Fun Aloud" CD for my birthday 20 years later, it became obvious we were secretly just marveling. (That sax solo -- come on!) "You Belong to the City" was my other solo favorite, with yet another unforgettable sax solo. "Hotel California," "Already Gone," "New Kid in Town" and "Take It Easy" were his most popular -- and arguably best -- songs. But "I Found Somebody," "She Can't Let Go," "The Heat Is On" and even the obnoxious "Partytown" never failed to make me smile. Thanks for the music, Glenn. You will be missed. RIP.

Eagles Documentary Soars

 Anyone catch "The History of the Eagles" on Showtime over the weekend? I'm a fan, but it's hard to imagine anyone not enjooying this three-hour look the biggest-selling American band of the '70s. While friction between the band's only two constant members -- Don Henley and Glenn Frey -- was definitely a factor in the band's 1980 implosion, it's the subplots involving Randy Meisner (who sang lead on "Take It to the Limit"), Bernie Leadon and, especially, Don Felder (who was responsible for the haunting guitar part in "Hotel California," which certified their place in rock 'n' roll history) that provide the documentary's biggest fireworks. There's a reason we don't have these bands filled with singers and songwriters that were so prevalent in the California scene back when -- like Fleetwood Mac, Buffalo Springfield, Poco, etc. -- because managing that many egos was impossible. And if Gary Valentine, Jane Wiedlin and the No Doubt guys thought they could steal the spotlight from Debbie Harry, Belinda Carlisle and Gwen Steafani, imagine what a seemingfly interchangeable guy with long hair and a mustache was thinking back in 1977! Can't recommend this one enough ... have a look:

Song of the Day: 'New Kid in Town' by the Eagles

   Feel free to make fun of me in the comments section for loving this song, from the band's 1976 album "Hotel California," a song I like even more.