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Joe Walsh performs tonight in Salt Lake City.

The 64-year-old Californian's immediate plans for more solos albums after "Songs for a Dying Planet" were canceled when hell froze over. (That would be the 1994 Eagles tour, named for bandmate Don Henley's oft-quoted characterization of the chances for a reunion after the group's acrimonious 1980 split.)The Eagles are still a touring staple — they performed the first concert at Rio Tinto Stadium in 2009 — but Walsh found a friend in well-known producer Jeff Lynne, as well as time in his schedule to finally write and record an album."It feels really good to have new music," Walsh said. "I'm happy to be an Eagle, but I get to play a little freer and kick ass some more. I'm taking it up a notch."Walsh, brother-in-law of Ringo Starr, recorded a 10-song album that lasts just 36 minutes, but still carries on the spirit established by Walsh's signature song, 1978's "Life's Been Good."The title track, "Analog Man," showcases Walsh's charmingly thin vocals and amiably crotchety persona. And the new song "Lucky That Way" can be seen as an updating of "Life's Been Good." "I've had a really good run," Walsh said of the emotions expressed in both songs. "It ended up as a sequel to 'Life's Been Good,' and that's fine with me."But Walsh, who injected his slashing guitar mojo into the Eagles back in the 1970s, isn't nostalgic about the past. For instance, despite the album's title, it was recorded digitally. "I didn't want to necessarily take my analog stance that far," Walsh said.This is the first solo album Walsh recorded as a sober man, but the witty perspective on his charmed life remains. "In my drinking days, I hid behind my drinking," he said. "I'm 18 years sober and there is more porch satire. When I got sober, I was worried I wouldn't be funny onstage."He paused. "But that's not true."

Joe WalshWhen • Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m.Where • Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake CityTickets • $35 at SmithsTix