Walter Egan Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
Apocalypso Now is Walter Egan's eighth solo album, though fans can be forgiven for missing out on his sixth, Lost Album (aka Mad Dog Album), recorded in the 1980s but not released until 2000, and seventh, Walternative, released in 1999, and supposing that he has been inactive as a solo artist since the release of Wild Exhibitions on MCA in 1983. Essentially a one-hit wonder, Egan gained his greatest exposure in the late '70s largely through his association with members of the then-white-hot Fleetwood Mac, who produced and appeared on his records. His one major hit, 1978's "Magnet and Steel," featured backing vocals by the group's Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Nearly a quarter-century since his heyday, he is living in Nashville, and Apocalypso Now is one of the first releases on the independent Gaff Music label. The journeyman rocker, whose career dates back to the 1960s, picks up where he left off; Apocalypso Now contains the kind of sophisticated pop/rock typical of the late '70s. "Only Love Is Left Alive," for example, sounds like it could have been an outtake from Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. And Egan harks back even further: "The Reason Why" recalls the Byrds, circa 1966, and an untitled hidden track at the end is a '50s-style rockabilly number. This is music more of style than content (though the lyrics are full of references to regret and the passage of time), and what's missing is the kind of expensive studio sound Egan's '70s peers used to revel in. Instead, the album sounds like a demo for the kind of records he used to make. Nevertheless, anyone who feels that pop music took a wrong turn in the early '80s and longs for the glory days of '70s Southern California rock should feel right at home. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like his genius cohort Lindsey Buckingham, who again helps out here, Egan is an infinitely talented oddball, but also such a consummate professional that his lofty tunes sometimes slide right through the public consciousness. Thus, his songs are more successful covered by other acts (Gram Parsons, Night), just as Buckingham benefits from the contrast of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie (who also makes an appearance). Musically, the '80s are not very fondly remembered, and West Coast class fell out of vogue in the '70s, but this unreleased record from 1985 delivers well-crafted sophisti-pop which is, of course, very easy to digest. The term "Spielberg sky" from the very cool "Invisible Man" descries the inaccessibility of Egan's almost too-perfect ditties: high quality but sometimes too deceptively clear. This tune also drops an autobiographical Dangerfield reference. The remainder of the release renders further study in the cynical Californication of this former East-Coaster. Besides Egan's disdain for label politics snaking subtly through the lyrics, a weary personal disenchantment creeps to the surface. Egan dedicates The Lost Album to the spirit of Randy California, and one cut, "Silvery Sleep" (an Elvis Presley anagram), laments a friend's suicide. In "Loneliest Boy," Buckingham cannibalizes his own acoustic finger-work from "Never Go Back Again," as Egan did indeed drop out for more than a decade (excepting a singular, unobtrusive return to his surf roots on A Malibu Kind of Christmas). ~ Doug Stone, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A year after recording his 1977 debut album Fundamental Roll, New York City native turned California rocker Walter Egan, found himself back in the studio once again joining forces with Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham (producer) and Stevie Nicks (background vocals). The winning combination of the Egan, Buckingham, and Nicks on Not Shy proved it's potency by giving Egan one of the biggest smash hits of 1978, "Magnet & Steel" which peaked at # 8 on the Billboard charts. Much like it's predecessor Fundamental Roll, Not Shy oozes sexy summertime California pop rock complete with an impeccable production and Egan's knack for writing catchy fun-loving romantic lyrics. Which again is best exemplified on "Magnet & Steel", a 50's doo-wop style ballad in which Egan's warm laid-back soulful voice melts with Buckingham and Nick's angelic background vocals. While the remaining nine tracks on Not Shy may not come close to the magic of "Magnet & Steel" most are as equally memorable. After listening to the record it's a mystery why such tracks as "Blonde in The Blue T-Bird" (featuring Dean Torrance of Jan & Dean fame on background vocals) and "Finally Find A Girlfriend" didn't give Egan any follow up hits. Stylistically Not Shy exhibits a bit of sleeker pop-rock approach than the more straight-up country rock of Fundamental Roll but at the same time still maintains a good dose of classic country rock twang. Like Fundamental Roll, Not Shy is a lost 70s treasure and is highly recommend listening for both fans of Fleetwood Mac and goodtime Southern California rock in general. ~ Rick Kutner, All Music Guide
