This post really got to me, in a very good way. I’ve always liked this song, but it’s always been The Eagles’ version that is in my head, but yeah, there’s something a bit darker to Walsh’s solo that echoes personally for me. Thanks for writing this.
Um, wow... So awesome seeing you post about this! One of my oldest friend groups had deep love for this film. Endless quoting and referencing. And for me, "In the City" made me realize there was more to Joe Walsh than my "Rocky Mountain Way" guilty pleasure listening. Digging into your podcast now!
Very interesting, I remember the movie and I'm going to go back and listen to some of these pieces by de Vorzon. I don't remember if I knew there were two versions of "In the City."
I don't remember the movie at all, maybe I missed it. But Joe Walsh has always been a favourite artist, not just for his musical skills and talent, but because of his authenticity and honesty, telling it like it is.
We’re fairly close in age and somehow I made it until about 2020 or 2021 without seeing this movie. Finally a friend knocked some sense into me, and part of his selling was “In The City.” The movie is terrific ... and the song ... talk about sticking the landing.
Maybe a hot take, but for me, the opening riff to "In The City" is in the same "recognizable" rarified air as the Beatles' "Revolution" or even G & R's "Welcome To The Jungle." One of those songs you know from the first note.
An all time city-bummer favourite, along with Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" that kinda sum up that 70s urban desperation for me, songs that feel as faded and dingy as archived news clips of bombed out buildings in the Bronx. Also brilliant to me how easily recognizable both of these are, "In The City" by those opening chords, and "Baker Street" with that unbeatable sax...
Oh, man — "Baker Street" is SUCH a glorious bummer. I remember how it would make me really depressed every time I heard it on the radio back in '78, though at the time I couldn't have explained why...
I’m sick of running from these wimps!
This post really got to me, in a very good way. I’ve always liked this song, but it’s always been The Eagles’ version that is in my head, but yeah, there’s something a bit darker to Walsh’s solo that echoes personally for me. Thanks for writing this.
Right on, John! Thank you!
Um, wow... So awesome seeing you post about this! One of my oldest friend groups had deep love for this film. Endless quoting and referencing. And for me, "In the City" made me realize there was more to Joe Walsh than my "Rocky Mountain Way" guilty pleasure listening. Digging into your podcast now!
Crazy timing. I woke up with that song in my head a few days ago! Great tune
Great post, Dan. And kudos to the late, great Lynne Thigpen for bringing us all the music.
She was so great in this film.
From “Nadia’s Theme” to the Warriors soundtrack, Barry De Vorzon sure had some range.
I recall when The Warriors was on USA’s Up All Night, they made it a point to mention that it featured Joe Walsh’s “In The City” in the promos.
De Vorzon also co-founded Valiant Records, which released The Association’s early singles and LPs. The guy has enjoyed quite a ride!
Very interesting, I remember the movie and I'm going to go back and listen to some of these pieces by de Vorzon. I don't remember if I knew there were two versions of "In the City."
I don't remember the movie at all, maybe I missed it. But Joe Walsh has always been a favourite artist, not just for his musical skills and talent, but because of his authenticity and honesty, telling it like it is.
I highly recommend the film, especially if you dig action flicks set amid the grittiness of late-'70s NYC.
Thanks, I'll add it to my list :)
Such a banger and perfectly placed within the film.
We’re fairly close in age and somehow I made it until about 2020 or 2021 without seeing this movie. Finally a friend knocked some sense into me, and part of his selling was “In The City.” The movie is terrific ... and the song ... talk about sticking the landing.
Late to the party here, but thank you for this.
Maybe a hot take, but for me, the opening riff to "In The City" is in the same "recognizable" rarified air as the Beatles' "Revolution" or even G & R's "Welcome To The Jungle." One of those songs you know from the first note.
I’m 💯 with you on that!
Great read Dan! I still rewatch Warriors every couple of years. Can you dig it?!
I can, indeed!
An all time city-bummer favourite, along with Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" that kinda sum up that 70s urban desperation for me, songs that feel as faded and dingy as archived news clips of bombed out buildings in the Bronx. Also brilliant to me how easily recognizable both of these are, "In The City" by those opening chords, and "Baker Street" with that unbeatable sax...
Oh, man — "Baker Street" is SUCH a glorious bummer. I remember how it would make me really depressed every time I heard it on the radio back in '78, though at the time I couldn't have explained why...