I subscribe to the Lefsetz Letter and he wrote a couple blog entries that are critical of the Eagles:
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.p...8/22/how-long/
(Talks about non-tech savvy Eagles fans)
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.p...with-the-band/
(criticizes the fact that How Long is a cover)
And who should respond but the Eagles' publicist, Larry Solters, with the following:
===============
"NO -- I'M WITH THE BAND."
Bob-
Thanks for your expertise, Bob. After all, the Eagles have only been one of the most enduring radio and touring acts for 35 years -- and still are -- so, what the fuck do they know? Yes, the song they chose to release as their new single, "How Long?" is also about 35 years old, but as you have stated dozens and dozens of times in this space, it's not about new or trendy -- great music spans the ages. YOU testify endlessly that you prefer the older "classic" rock. So, let's not be hypocritical here. Yes, the song was written by J.D. Souther -- same guy who wrote the bulk of "New Kid In Town" which you just praised in your last post. And yes, "How Long?" was on his first solo release in 1972. So, how many people do you think bought that album -- or even heard it? The song will now get worldwide exposure, gleaning Mr. Souther some long-overdue consideration.
And before you render your verdict and have the band hung at dawn, why don't you wait and see what the album is like? It's got 20 songs on it (for the price of a single disc). You might actually like a couple of them. I've heard the whole thing and there are several songs that measure up to -- or surpass -- their best work. They didn't attempt to sound "now" and "cutting-edge." No lame, cheap production tricks. They wanted to sound like the Eagles -- quality songs, great harmonies, leaning heavily on their country roots. But, don't worry, Bob, there are statements aplenty -- some of the most pointed they've ever made -- and stellar playing. They even employed some Middle Eastern instruments.
Concerning your pronouncements about the technology -- the Eagles camp has checked and rechecked all the sites -- talked to the people who run them. NO PROBLEMS BOB. Maybe you should take that Tandy back to Radio Shack and get yourself a new one. We are more than thrilled with the single's reception at Country and AAA radio -- check the numbers, Bob. And we are totally satisfied with the amount of attention we have received on our MySpace profile in less than 9 weeks since launch. MySpace.com/eaglesmusic is the #2 search result in Google. Keep checking MySpace and see what happens. Meanwhile, the Eagles feature at Yahoo: 10,337,654 impressions; 182,427 clicks.
So, we're not Neanderthals, Bob, and neither are our fans. THEY know how and where to find us -- which brings up my final point: Do you really think that the Eagles and their manager, Irving Azoff, didn't try to get the URL "eagles.com?" You have often stated that Azoff is one of the sharpest, most effective guys in the business -- so, do you really believe that he didn't think about the URL? Check it out. The URL eagles.com belongs to a computer company in New Jersey. They've owned it since 1997 and their response to numerous inquiries from the Eagles camp: It's not for sale AT ANY PRICE. You want to call that company and negotiate a reasonable deal for us, Bob? Go for it. Also, you ever heard of an outfit called The Philadelphia Eagles? They don't own it either. And to keep their lawyers off our asses, we have to make sure that our URLs connect the name Eagles with our trade, i.e. "band" or "music." So, you see, Bob, all this stuff isn't really quite as simple as you and some of your mean-spirited, knuckle-dragging readers would assume. But the Eagles are just fine, thank you -- their "non tech-savvy fans" are obviously finding their way to both eaglesband.com and to the Wal*Mart online sites to pre-order "Long Road Out of Eden." And, somehow, these poor, "non-tech savvy fans” regularly find their way to our sites to purchase Eagles' concert tickets and merchandise. We don't need to bribe or intimidate anyone out of an ownership of a URL that includes "Eagles." The album will be released on October 30. Wait and watch.
Larry Solters
=============
It reads like an ad!
