Songs I Can't Stand #2 - "Hotel California"

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The end is nigh. We are at #2 in my Songs I Can't Stand series, and that distinction belongs to The Eagles' classic "Hotel California." To say that The Eagles are a legendary band is a bit of an understatement. Forming in Los Angeles in 1971, The Eagles, despite several lineup changes, went on to become one of the biggest bands of all time. Check this out: The six time Grammy winners, with five #1 singles and six #1 albums, have sold more than 150 million records worldwide (their Greatest Hits (1971 - 1975) was the biggest selling album of the 20th Century.) They are the 5th highest selling act and the biggest selling American band in history. They are in both the Rock and Roll and Vocal Group Halls of Fame. "Hotel California" is the title track to their 1976 album, the 2nd highest selling Eagles album of all time, and the first to feature guitarist Joe Walsh. With lyrics by Don Henley and Glen Frey, and music composed by Don Felder, "Hotel California" was a smash. Still is. Reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Grammy winning tune is a gold record, and a triple platinum digital download song. Obviously, a lot of people like "Hotel California." At one time, so did I. And then I heard it, and heard it, and heard it, and heard it....face it. As is the case with all monster hits, "Hotel California" was overplayed from day one, and it's gotten worse over time. I once had a girlfriend that loved to sing Karaoke, so I spent four years hanging out in Karaoke bars. Without fail, someone did this song every single show (by the way, it's considered bad form to pick really long songs at Karaoke.) If I can no longer stand listening to the real version, sung by the great Don Henley, just imagine having to constantly listen to people that can barely sing do it. Yuck. There is a lot to like about "Hotel California." For instance, I love the Walsh/Felder guitar dual at the end (which took them three days to perfect.) But I can no longer stomach hearing the song ever again. Not even for that. Hate me now? Just wait until tomorrow. #1 awaits. (Info verified by Wikipedia)