Seven Bridges Road - Ian (Iaian) Matthews

Matthews recorded this cut on his 1973 album "Valley Hi". The Eagles modified their arrangement a little to launch their huge hit in 1980. Matthews is an English folk singer and musician who recorded with Fairport Convention during the late 1960s.

[Frankt]

RIP Mike Nesmith. Your beautiful work….

[jonstepro]

It took me 42 years to discover this version! I always heard the Eagles version on the radio. Nice that Mike Nesmith was on this as well.

[pattimartin]

come back here time and time again...just to visit the pureness...that guitar...the harmony...the song itself...long before the Eagles were flying, long before the technology could change your voice..pure. Nesmith. And Matthews. Stunning. Glad to listen with you...the end of this song just is about perfect to me.

[davesparks]

Best version of this song..hands down..

[brendanseanbarry]

Ian, Mike and Red are guaranteed immortality by creating something so perfect and so timeless. A thousand listens later and it keeps sounding better and better.

[johnwerner]

First hats off to Steve Young for writing such a gem. The Eagles may own it but I know where they got their inspiration and it's right here in Ian's version. That makes it rise above all the rest for me at least.

[johnowen]

In my early 70's now and a huge fan of the Eagles but heard this version today for the first time and I have to say it is better than the Eagles version.

[legormetrustre]

LOVE THE EAGLES, BUT THIS IS THE VERSION THAT MY SOUL WANTS TO HEAR.

[fredcloud]

Only one that matters. The production is flawless.

[robertpurdy]

I heard this song once on the radio. Way back in the early seventies. I never heard it again. But, I remembered it. Never cared for the eagles version. Now after all these years I hear it again. Wow!! Still as good as I remembered. Very grateful to whoever posted this. This song deserves to be remembered and enjoyed.

[proud]

In this fantastic song Matthews voice goes straight to heaven and the beautiful Nesmith production and arrangement (without strings!!!) makes this a real the best version ever of this song!!!! Makes Eagles childrens in school!!!!

[legormetrustre]

THIS IS THE VERSION IN MY MEMORY, AND HEART.

[robertrichey]

Red Rhodes' ethereal steel is celestial. Thanks to all responsible for this heavenly version. I can see the shooting star at the end of Red's solo.

[justmusic]

I have traveled through Alabama Georgia and Mississippi and they all have the same sweet smell of pine during the rain

[tamaraposton]

Such a sensual sound - it commands you to listen. My brother had this album and I would always hear him listen to this in his room - I always wondered if he was sad - pretty sure I knew who he was thinking about it. He passed away suddenly two years ago November. I am making a cd "Remembering Rob" and this is one of the songs that I put on it. His daughter was holding his hand when he passed. and I can guarantee some of the songs that are on this cd - she has never heard of. I miss this sound. I miss Rob more, I was 10 years old and still remember the words!

[kimballmitchell]

Some of the best harmony and steel guitar you will ever hear.  So beautiful...everything about this song.  I still get chills when I hear this one.

[notsure]

I've always loved this song whenever I heard the Eagles version. I heard this for the 1st time today...WOW!! I am blown away...the slide...oh, wow. This is good stuff!

[peterkane]

For me, this is the best version of Steve Young's great song.

[justmusic]

Have traveled through a heavy rain in Mississippi and Alabama and the smell after is telling you that God is still here

[squeezethewheeze]

one of the best albums of the 70's