People can argue the validity of my next statement, but among the many perfect albums out there, the Eagles’ Hotel California is one of the very best, perhaps THE best. From 1977, one of the most disco-heavy years, came this amazing album with one radio classic after another. Even my parents loved this album, but the titular song in specific. And honestly, who doesn’t? Can you really say you don’t sing along with Don Henley or jam out your best air guitar at the end? Well, there’s no shame in admitting it. I am a master at the final air guitar in this truly incredible recording. There are tons of songs that are considered the pinnacle of classic rock: Stairway To Heaven, Let It Be, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc. Hotel California is my number one. The second track, New Kid In Town, also holds special meaning for me, since I was relocated to the Poconos at such a young, pivotal, vulnerable age when fitting in was paramount. I had only just found my ground in Lynbrook and there I was, yanked away to a foreign land of trees and rocks and bullies. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. Here it comes. Crank it up.
From the historical writing archive. Original date: December 13, 2015. Recovered from local source material; editorial review is still in progress.
