Album: Joe Walsh, Analog Man (Decca/Concord

A first outing in 20 years by the sometime Eagle, goodtimey master of the slugging riff and the sardonic aside.

Jeff Lynne co-produces, Tommy Lee James co-writes, brother-in-law Ringo does a turn on the drums. And yes, it sounds like you imagine: slightly artificial, pop-inflected chunk-rock, with dustbin-lid drums, loads of guitars and even a hint of voice box/Auto-Tune. Meanwhile, Joe utters his plea for understanding. This is a personal album, you understand. NC