Song of the Day 6/15: The James Gang, “Tend My Garden/Garden Gate”

Back when Midwestern power trios like Grand Funk Railroad ruled American rock, none was better than the classic lineup of the James Gang — Jim Fox on drums, Dale Peters on bass and Joe Walsh singing and playing guitar. Walsh, who of course went on to later fame solo and with the Eagles, wrote most of the band’s material for the three albums he was with them. This one’s off their best album, “Rides Again,” which contained the band’s first hit, “Funk #49,” credited to all three as writers. This pair of Walsh tunes that opened side two demonstrated a versatility as a composer that he hasn’t equalled since.