1974 - November: Linda Ronstadt ”Heart Like a Wheel”

Linda Ronstadt's fifth solo studio album would be her breakout one.  Heart Like a Wheel is a folk/country/rock mixture of covers and originals, and was the last album Ronstadt released on the Capitol Records label after she had moved to Asylum records.  It would reach the top of the Billboard 200, spend 51 weeks on the chart, and fuel Ronstadt's rise to the first "arena class" female rock star.

Linda Maria Ronstadt is the third of four children born to a family of Mexican and German descent and a long history in Arizona.  Her professional start is considered to be the folk rock trio called the Stone Poneys, who had a hit in 1968 with the song "Different Drum."  Ronstadt is famous for touring in the early 70's with a backing band that included Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner - artists who would go on to form the Eagles.  Her four earlier albums produced only moderate success before her fortune turned dramatically upward with "Heart Like a Wheel."

While Ronstadt's style is often referred to as country rock, she called it "Mexican bluegrass" in 1968.  Over time she would record songs in a variety of styles from rock to folk and country, including some Spanish language songs and even rock songs reimagined as lullabies.  Her ability to cross genres contributed both to her success and her share of criticism from those expecting something different.  Success did not always agree with her, as she felt she was encouraged to project a tough rock image that did not accurately reflect her true self.  

Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, shortly after her retirement from music in 2011.

Bruce presents this breakthrough country rock album in this week's podcast.

 

I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You)
This cover was originally written and recorded by Hank Williams back in 1951.  It went to number 2 on the Billboard country singles chart back then.  A bunch of people have covered this song, but Ronstadt's cover is the most successful, going to number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and winning her a Grammy in 1976 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

You're No Good
The first single released from the album went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is a cover of a song written by Clint Ballard Jr. and first performed by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963.  The success of this "glad to be broken up" song would set the template for Ronstadt over the next five years of doing remakes of classic rock and roll songs.

Faithless Love
An original recording rather than a cover, this deeper cut was written by J.D. Souther, who wrote or co-wrote songs for both Ronstadt and the Eagles.  It would hit number 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart when Glen Campbell covered it in 1984. 

Willin'
This song was first performed by Little Feat and was written by their front man, Lowell George.  Ronstadt's cover was used in James Cameron's film "The Abyss" in 1989.  Lowell wrote this song while he was a member of the Mothers of Invention.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Dance of the Reed Flutes (from the nature documentary "Animals Are Beautiful People")
In addition to its frequent use in the Christmas ballet "The Nutcracker," this piece was also used in the nature documentary

 

STAFF PICKS:

Whatever Gets You Through the Night by John Lennon
Lynch kicks off the staff picks with a song originally inspired by Lennon's habit of late night channel surfing.  He caught the phrase from Reverend Ike, an evangelist on TV, and turned it into this song.  It went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Lennon got Elton John to provide the vocal duet for this song, and in return Lennon appeared onstage with John during his Thanksgiving concert at Madison Square Garden - one of his last major live appearances.

I Can Help  by Billy Swan
Wayne brings us a song we all thought was performed by Ringo Starr.  Billy Swan was better known as a country songwriter than a solo artist, but this single would be his sole number 1 hit.  It is a particularly positive song, with a nice reprise at the end of the album cut.

Must of Got Lost by the J. Geils Band 
Rob features an early hit from the J. Geils Band, reaching number 12 on the charts.  It has a funky hook, and a grammatically incorrect title, with lyrics that explore why a relationship went wrong.

Wishing You Were Here by Chicago
Bruce closes out the staff picks with a song off the Chicago VI album.  Chicago gets some assistance from the Beach Boys, who contribute to the backing vocals on this song about missing the one you love while on the road with a touring band.

 

COMEDY TRACK:

Wildwood Weed by Jim Stafford
We finish off with a story in song about that whacky tobackey in a country setting

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