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James Gang — The Bomber
Album: James Gang Rides Again
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2549









Released: 1970
Length: 6:59
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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When I became of age my mama sat me down
Said, "Son, you're growin' up, it's time you look around"
So I began to notice some things I hadn't seen before
That's what brought me here knockin' on your back door
Oh, yeah

A closet queen, the bus stop's dream, she wants to shake my hand
I don't want to be there, she decides she can
It's Apple Dan, he's just the man to pick fruit off your branches
I can't sleep, and we can't keep this cattle on my ranches
Oh, yeah

It's too strong, somethings wrong and I guess I lost the feelin'
I don't mind the games you play but I don't like your dealin'
God looked bad, the luck's been had and there's nothin' left to smoke
Will I be back tomorrow for the punchline of the joke?
Comments (165)add comment
10 Years old... AM radio cut version. Spent a weeks paper route on the Album. Ho Lee Fuk! the bolero version Blew my Mind...Still does

LLRP
Posted 8 hours ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
 Graham_M wrote:

I just paused my work to enjoy that brilliant piece. Loved it.  Then as the final notes faded I thought - this could segue perfectly into Led Zep's Communication Breakdown.
Ok ... let's try n get back to work!ru6gy76667676777767



Posted 1 month ago by ajbebb    [ Reply ]
 Elephantik wrote:


I'm totally with you. When I heard it I just thought "What the hell, an LZ song I haven't heard yet?"


Me too! Totally sounds like the same guitar at the start, from "Good Times Bad" I think it is
Posted 6 months ago by alex_h    [ Reply ]
A really underrated band IMHO.
Posted 6 months ago by RickRickerson    [ Reply ]
Beckish
Posted 6 months ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
I can see Torvill & Dean winning gold to this.....
Posted 10 months ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
james gang

ndes again
Posted 1 year ago by dse    [ Reply ]
F’ing amazing back then & still!
Posted 1 year ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
I've always admired how in any song Joe Walsh plays in, his unbelievably expressive guitar is given very significant parts in the dialogue...and in this, IT SINGS
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I just paused my work to enjoy that brilliant piece. Loved it.  Then as the final notes faded I thought - this could segue perfectly into Led Zep's Communication Breakdown.
Ok ... let's try n get back to work!
Posted 1 year ago by Graham_M    [ Reply ]
Jeff Beck was joining this lineup.
Posted 1 year ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
 cassanjp wrote:

Le Boléro de Ravel..... rocks!


& maybe a touch Vince Guaraldi for good measure
Posted 1 year ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
Walsh in his prime. Yeah he could rip a guitar!
Posted 1 year ago by reguru2112    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

The power trio was shepherded through record company red tape by Bill Szymcyk, a legend as recording engineer and producer.

Mr Szymcyk's name is on a LOT of fabulous music, from Carole King to Quincy Jones to the Eagles.  Got his original audio training as a US Navy sonarman.
Posted 2 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

How does that Led Zep  lyric go?

"Shame for me girl... 
I want to be your back door man". 


I've always heard, "Shake for me, girl ..."
Posted 2 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:













oh yeah.

i've been on a james gang kick for about 3 weeks. can't seem to get enough.


please play this a lot more!!!
Posted 2 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]



 cassanjp wrote:
Joe Walsh... and Maurice Ravel!








It's unanimous, then.
Posted 2 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 GawgaBoy wrote:



The whole album still sounds great.  Certainly in my top 10 of all times.




Their first album (Yer Album) is  better. I wish RP would play some of that.
Posted 2 years ago by dlirious    [ Reply ]
 v73c wrote:

I wish we had negative rating numbers.



We do - you rate negative 10
Posted 3 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
I wish we had negative rating numbers.
Posted 3 years ago by v73c    [ Reply ]
Take off AlienNLight, eh? This is superb. Love his bluesy Bolero interpretation. Moved mountains for me when it came out. Meet you at Schwartz’s to continue the debate?
Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
Ouffff...... I think this hurts. Sounds like a demo from a cover band trying to emulate Led Zeppelin mixed with Black Sabbath.
Posted 3 years ago by AlienNLight    [ Reply ]
Glory jam from The Golden Age of Radio! We had THIS Gang, Janis, Jimi, Joni, Elton, Earth, Wind & Fire, ELO, Deep Purple, Donovan, Dylan, The Doors, The Who, BTO, T-Rex, The Stones, Steely Dan, The Beatles, The Monkees, Golden Earring, Edgar Winters, Canned Heat, The Moody Blues, CCR, 10cc, Three Dog Night, The Guess Who, Jefferson Airplane, QMS, Steppenwolf, CSNY, The Hollies, The Sweet, Fleetwood Mac, The Yardbirds, War, Chicago, Santana, Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, all of Motown's Best, Yes, and more, serenading us through those tough, turbulent times...
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Good tune! Iconic!
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
hell yeah!!!!!!!  Turn it up!!
Posted 3 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

Come on man - it's Joe Walsh.


awesome I love this record...good on ya Bill killer tune
Posted 3 years ago by Yiungdrac    [ Reply ]
 GREAT TUNE!! I haven't heard this  in a long time! Thank You RP! ...it sounds much better than the old days, listening in FLAC w/ great K702 studio phones, amp & DAC!!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Great Friday morning song... thanks Bill.
Posted 3 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

How does that Led Zep  lyric go?

"Shame for me girl... 
I want to be your back door man". 



I'm totally with you. When I heard it I just thought "What the hell, an LZ song I haven't heard yet?"
Posted 3 years ago by Elephantik    [ Reply ]
more of this!!!!  thanks, Bill!
Posted 3 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
 Easyrider wrote:

Still such a great track to kick back to after all these years.




The whole album still sounds great.  Certainly in my top 10 of all times.
Posted 4 years ago by GawgaBoy    [ Reply ]
Quite a reach to add classical... doesn't work well.
Posted 4 years ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
Still such a great track to kick back to after all these years.
Posted 4 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
 ProfessionalGeek wrote:

Anybody notice the guitar interlude of "Cast your fate to the wind" mirroring the Vince Guaraldi piece that was played a few songs ago?




Just read a post on the Guaraldi piece that got me searching for "the James Gang version", found it was from The Bomber and then comes this track - one year later.
Guaraldi, Joe Walsh and RP - triple threat.
Posted 4 years ago by Kilgoretrout    [ Reply ]
 cassanjp wrote:
Le Boléro de Ravel..... rocks!
 
And a taste of Caste Your Fate to the Wind
Posted 4 years ago by cinzia1026    [ Reply ]
 ProfessionalGeek wrote:
Anybody notice the guitar interlude of "Cast your fate to the wind" mirroring the Vince Guaraldi piece that was played a few songs ago?
 

Very nice.
Posted 4 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
Up the Volume
Posted 4 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
How does that Led Zep  lyric go?

"Shame for me girl... 
I want to be your back door man". 
Posted 4 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Hear that Led Zep sound? 
Posted 4 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
What a beutifull song......awesome!!!!
Hello RP!!!
Posted 4 years ago by salupi    [ Reply ]
This really makes me smile. I knew Joe Walsh was kinda' quirky and weird, now I know he was that way even this far back. Amusing and talented guy.
Posted 4 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
Joe Walsh... and Maurice Ravel!
Posted 4 years ago by cassanjp    [ Reply ]
RP is on point tonight! The last 6 songs have been great.
Posted 4 years ago by rushfan    [ Reply ]
Le Boléro de Ravel..... rocks!
Posted 4 years ago by cassanjp    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
 NoisyMiner wrote:

Having not tried it I'm not sure what to think
 Well, Milk toast is disgusting. I can't imagine Crack would make it any better.

 
Would  the cliche "don't knock it until you've tried it" apply here?      
Posted 4 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
A bit dated perhaps but still Badazz! Gotta love Joe Walsh
Posted 4 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
"That's what brought me here, knockin' on your back door . . "
Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 NoisyMiner wrote:

Having not tried it I'm not sure what to think
 Well, Milk toast is disgusting. I can't imagine Crack would make it any better.

Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 kquinn03 wrote:
Music now is like milk toast on crack. 
 
Having not tried it I'm not sure what to think
Posted 5 years ago by NoisyMiner    [ Reply ]
This is where The White Stripes come from.
Posted 5 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
Who wouldn't love to jam along with that drummer? Seriously. Wow.
Posted 5 years ago by alexandersmcmillan    [ Reply ]
I bought the 1st and 2nd album right when they came out. We would listen to the James Gang right after Jimi Hendrix. Those were the days. Music now is like milk toast on crack. 
Posted 5 years ago by kquinn03    [ Reply ]
 diannemck56 wrote:
I saw The Eagles last year and Joe Walsh WAS the show.  I just love everything about him. 
 
Did they play any James Gang? I'd go see that.
Posted 5 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
One of my absolute favorites! Thank you RP! You just made my day but took a couple of days off my Crowns and old JBL's.
Posted 5 years ago by schitfitz    [ Reply ]
Most excellent. 
I like it when Bill plays early 70's rock.
Keeps the money flowing.
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
Communication Breakdown?
Posted 5 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Pretty much directly inspired by, and improved considerably.



 unclehud wrote:

Pretty much directly inspired by, and improved considerably.
 

LOL!


Personally, I would hesitate to express that opinion in some circles. -hehe- 
Posted 5 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 jacopo777 wrote:
If you can catch the Walsh Vid telling the story on how the band was created from a calamity it is well worth it. Funny as hell. 
 
The power trio was shepherded through record company red tape by Bill Szymcyk, a legend as recording engineer and producer.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 ProfessionalGeek wrote:
Anybody notice the guitar interlude of "Cast your fate to the wind" mirroring the Vince Guaraldi piece that was played a few songs ago?
 
Sly fellow, that BillG guy.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 atmanv1 wrote:
hints of Bolero?
 
Pretty much directly inspired by, and improved upon.  Considerably.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 Sam_Hill wrote:
Bolero? Unmistakable ...
 oh yeah. definitely. he even alludes to it on the album notes. although calls it bull-ero. lol

Posted 5 years ago by atmanv1    [ Reply ]
hints of Bolero?
Posted 5 years ago by atmanv1    [ Reply ]
I saw The Eagles last year and Joe Walsh WAS the show.  I just love everything about him. 
Posted 5 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
This song brings back memories I’ll go 9
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
Bolero? Unmistakable ...
Posted 5 years ago by Sam_Hill    [ Reply ]
many great, partial memories...partial 'cause this went along with being bombed in those days when listening to this song..
Bill, you need to play some stuff from the first James Gang album ('Yer Album), one of the best first albums by any band...
Posted 5 years ago by dlirious    [ Reply ]
Anybody notice the guitar interlude of "Cast your fate to the wind" mirroring the Vince Guaraldi piece that was played a few songs ago?
Posted 5 years ago by ProfessionalGeek    [ Reply ]
Oh yeeeaaaahhh... Not many have the cahonies to go with the Bomber...!!  This is pure art.  Wonderful.
Posted 5 years ago by stretcher    [ Reply ]
If you can catch the Walsh Vid telling the story on how the band was created from a calamity it is well worth it. Funny as hell. 
Posted 6 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Saw James Gang at Winter Pop in Toronto in the early 1970s.

 
Green with envy, I wish i had a time machine.{#Mrgreen}
Posted 6 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
Got to the Bolero part (or at least that I recognized), looked over at the comments and laughed out loud. This is awesome. 1970? Really? Wow.
Posted 6 years ago by discdrive    [ Reply ]
 {#Clap}Dave_Mack wrote:
Digging Walsh's Bolero {#Guitarist}

 

Posted 7 years ago by pcjimioj189    [ Reply ]
One of the best.  Solid 11.
Posted 7 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
Digging Walsh's Bolero {#Guitarist}
Posted 7 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]

This song is a good friend of mine {#Angel}
(long story)
Thanx rp.

Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Saw James Gang at Winter Pop in Toronto in the early 1970s.
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Sitting on the floor at the Ashland College field house watching The James Gang, maybe 1970? Crikey Joe, how do you play like that when you can barely stand up? Thanks for the memories!
{#Bananajam}Dale    {#Drummer} Jimmy    {#Guitarist} Joe
Posted 7 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
Ladies and Gentlemen, for your delight and enjoyment: the DRUMS! {#Drummer}
Posted 7 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
Now as ever, when I think of all the times I've gotten myself into Standard Orbit while this mad rocker is playing, well...I feel his genius
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
So, is it "The Bomber" because it's a 'bomber' (big doobie) sized song?  Probably a big "duh" there.  But of all the times over all the years I've heard this I never paid attention to the title.
Posted 8 years ago by markthecarp    [ Reply ]
One of my absolute all-time faves from anyone. James Gang Rides Again is Da Bomb (er)!!!{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}

Seriously, this is the epitome of guitar tone and technique, drumming, and bass guitar as well as composition and ensemble playing. Recent jam-banders take note.
Posted 8 years ago by folkrocker    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:

yes indeed  : )    wooo-hoooo wicked    Jim Fox bangin' the fu-gots outta them drums baby

 
uh hu{#Bananajam}
Posted 8 years ago by rmaple53    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I have no business rating this, because I wasn't there and I don't understand it.  Sorry, fans.

 
Your loss, but that is what makes the world go round! {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by willmcnaught    [ Reply ]
I have no business rating this, because I wasn't there and I don't understand it.  Sorry, fans.
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Love it! Joe is awesome
Posted 8 years ago by BrokenArrow    [ Reply ]
 fiddler wrote:
Everything about this is pure and awesome. Thanks for playing the unedited version...it would be a sin not to. I SO respect Joe - then and now. He seems to have really gotten is head and life together and therefore we still get to listen to him create. I believe he could have easily gone the way of Keith Moon and John Belushi. HEAR'S to Joe!

 
yes indeed  : )    wooo-hoooo wicked    Jim Fox bangin' the fu-gots outta them drums baby
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Greatness.
Posted 8 years ago by GTT    [ Reply ]
Thank you Bill!!{#Heartkiss}
Posted 8 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
Wow, The James Gang, and after John Mayal - both from 1969. I haven heard these in quite a while! Thanks.
Posted 8 years ago by Jim_Poquette    [ Reply ]
That last 3 song set was awesome.  What more can you say.....
Posted 8 years ago by dmarshalldavis    [ Reply ]
Bolero never sounded so good.  Always enjoyed Joe Walsh through the years.
Posted 8 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:
James Gang has acquired a very campy feel to it after all these years.  Or maybe it was always there and I just noticed it.

 
Come on man - it's Joe Walsh.
Posted 8 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
{#Guitarist}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 8 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
James Gang has acquired a very campy feel to it after all these years.  Or maybe it was always there and I just noticed it.
Posted 8 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Appropriate song for the 50th anniversary of Star Trek ... I think part of this song was used in an episode or two, maybe with Spock on his home planet?
Posted 8 years ago by sheeelaaa    [ Reply ]
Here I am a guy who grew up in the 60's and 70's and the only James Gang song that I could think off the top of my head was Funk #49 (and I didn't know that was the name of it without looking it up ... just now ...). But this number is a total gem. Love it!
Posted 9 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favorite 8 tracks .... and it still freakin rocks!!!
Posted 9 years ago by bobcanna1    [ Reply ]
 {#Yes}

below72 wrote:

hey but-locks...there are those of us who lived our roaring teens and 20's thru the 60's and 70's ...and then there are wanna-be's...like you.
...don't let the sun shine thru that dark tunnel. {#Bananajam}{#Yell}{#Guitarist}{#Drummer}

 

Posted 9 years ago by blouvet    [ Reply ]
My God 1970s... And I only discovers that  jewel today! Never too late! Thx RP! 
Posted 9 years ago by Blackdalhia    [ Reply ]
 chinaski wrote:
Is this not amazing?

 
And lo, upon hearing it, he concurred that it was, indeed, amazing.
Posted 9 years ago by jab49    [ Reply ]
Is this not amazing?
Posted 9 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
8 track player cranked in the car!

{#Drummer}  great drummer!

ps Joe's not bad either! :-)
Posted 9 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
 Antigone wrote:
How Raveling! lol

 
Was going to say the same thing! =)
Posted 9 years ago by Meolla_Reio    [ Reply ]
I love the "Cast Your Fate to The Winds," segment.
Posted 9 years ago by helenofjoy    [ Reply ]
How Raveling! lol
Posted 9 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
When this record came out, it changed the game.
Posted 9 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
Cast Your Fate To The Winds


Posted 9 years ago by helenofjoy    [ Reply ]
perfect drum works - never heard of this band i must admit 9
Posted 9 years ago by slandering    [ Reply ]
SOOOO  Good!!!!


Posted 9 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
 sheeelaaa wrote:
anyone else thinking James Kirk (Star Trek)

 

lol .. love well done "song within a song" type songs.. :)
Posted 9 years ago by TreborG2    [ Reply ]
anyone else thinking James Kirk (Star Trek)
Posted 9 years ago by sheeelaaa    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:
This drumming by Jim Fox (who played with Joe Walsh forever), and is also an avid license plate collector, having published a book about them) and the interplay between the guitars and drums is just... spectacular. There are multiple nested rhythms cycling around at the same time. I cannot imagine how to make this more perfect. It's a masterpiece. This album is on my 100 Best Albums of All Time list. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gang_Rides_Again - it must partly be the great teamwork with producer Bill Szymczyk.
 
Well said, BBoyes.
Not sure I'd go quite so far as "masterpiece", but it is some kick-ass rock & roll!
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 mgkiwi wrote:
What a load of old hippy bollocks!!! {#Ass}

 
hey but-locks...there are those of us who lived our roaring teens and 20's thru the 60's and 70's ...and then there are wanna-be's...like you.
...don't let the sun shine thru that dark tunnel. {#Bananajam}{#Yell}{#Guitarist}{#Drummer}
Posted 10 years ago by below72    [ Reply ]
WOW! This is the best song I've never heard before.
Posted 10 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

I think this is Arcade Fire.

 

Or is it Linkin Park or Kid Rock or Foo Fighters?

 

These 21st century bands are so creative and have such good guitar players!  



 {#No}


Posted 10 years ago by zplnlvr    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
Oh, man, does this take me back to high school.

 Oh yeah!!


Posted 10 years ago by zplnlvr    [ Reply ]
This drumming by Jim Fox (who played with Joe Walsh forever), and is also an avid license plate collector, having published a book about them) and the interplay between the guitars and drums is just... spectacular. There are multiple nested rhythms cycling around at the same time. I cannot imagine how to make this more perfect. It's a masterpiece. This album is on my 100 Best Albums of All Time list. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gang_Rides_Again - it must partly be the great teamwork with producer Bill Szymczyk.
Posted 10 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
What a load of old hippy bollocks!!! {#Ass}
Posted 10 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
Everything about this is pure and awesome. Thanks for playing the unedited version...it would be a sin not to. I SO respect Joe - then and now. He seems to have really gotten is head and life together and therefore we still get to listen to him create. I believe he could have easily gone the way of Keith Moon and John Belushi. HEAR'S to Joe!
Posted 10 years ago by fiddler    [ Reply ]