Guys, I really, really love all that mid 70’s Linda Ronstadt stuff that featured Andrew Gold and Waddy Wachtel on guitars. All those great albums produced by Peter Asher (of Peter and Gordon fame) including “Heart Like a Wheel”, “Prisoner in Disguise”, “Hasten Down the Wind”, “Simple Dreams” and even “Living in the U.S.A.” are some of my personal favorites.
First off Andrew and Waddy are great players and their parts on these records are just brilliant. Their individual styles and complimentary tones are just perfect. Second the production is just beautiful. You can hear everything perfectly and it is understated not like some records today that are jammed packed with so many tracks your brain gets tired after the first 45 seconds. These recordings were probably done on a 16 track machine with the later recordings on 24 track……tape! Third and by no means least Linda Ronstadt rocks! Her vocals just kick major azz and she sings it like she means it without being too over the top but at the same time you know she means business.
I find myself listening to these records often especially when I’m driving. The upbeat tunes get me pumped and the ballads are soothing and make me chill out. Just brilliant stuff. Check out the clip of “You’re No Good” featuring Waddy and Andrew rippin’ on guitars. You can search Youtube for more clips including That’ll Be the Day, Tracks of My Tears, Poor Poor Pitiful Me, When Will I Be Loved and Tumblin’ Dice. Way too many more to list. Have fun and enjoy!!!