End Of Album Songs: Van Halen

It’s only fitting that today I do a Van Halen article. Eddie Van Halen was a force to be reckoned with on guitar. The impact he had on rock music as well as his influence over the years is astounding. His style of playing and music will most definitely live on forever. While thinking about his legacy yesterday and today as well as listening to a ton of Van Halen albums, I thought why not showcase their end of album songs. Some of these aren’t the best songs the band has but, they were chosen to end the albums for a reason. So let’s get this party started.

On Fire (from Van Halen I):

Beautiful Girls (from Van Halen II):

In A Simple Rhyme (from Women and Children First):

One Foot Out The Door (from Fair Warning):

Happy Trails (from Diver Down):

House Of Pain (from 1984):

Inside (from 5150):

Sucker In A 3 Piece (from OU812):

Top Of The World (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge):

Feelin (from Balance):

How Many Say I (from Van Halen III):

Beats Workin (from A Different Kind Of Truth):

Best Guitar Solos: Van Halen- Eruption

This topic is quite fun to do. Going back and listening to these songs, especially the solos, has been pretty cool. When you really take the time to listen to the structure of the solo and how it’s played, it’s no wonder these are considered the best of all time. Obviously, this topic can’t go on without acknowledging “Eruption” by Van Halen. So here it is.
Van Halen- Eruption:

 

 

Cover Song: John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- Van Halen Covers

A couple weeks back during John 5’s tour stop in Los Angeles at the Whisky A Go Go, John brought out Slipknot/Stone Sour singer Corey Taylor, former Van Halen bassist (and the band’s secret weapon) Michael Anthony, and former Cinderella drummer now film/tv composer Fred Coury to play a couple Van Halen songs. They ripped through “Running With The Devil” as well as Van Halen’s version of The Kinks classic “You Really Got Me” and in prime fashion too.

John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- Running With The Devil:

 

 

 

John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- You Really Got Me:

 

Songs In Film: Van Halen- Panama in Superbad

I really love when the music chosen for a scene in movie or tv show really fits. Even if it’s for just a brief moment, that scene and song will stick with you. Last night while looking for something silly to watch, Superbad caught my eye. While watching and the scene with the demolishing of the police car happens, I knew right then what I needed to write about tomorrow. Van Halen’s Panama will now forever be tied to Superbad for me. Anytime I hear that song, I always go back to this scene.

 

Van Halen- Panama in Superbad:

 

Top Ten Bands A to Z: V

The A to Z list continues to find the top ten bands/artists in the alphabet. V is upon us and needs help to complete the list.

As usual your suggestions are wanted in completing this list.

These are in no particular order as well.

01) The Velvet Underground
02) The Verve
03) Van Halen
04) Vision Of Disorder
05) Vast
06) The Ventures
07) Vanilla Fudge
08) Violent Femmes
09) The Vandals
10) Vexes (one of the best new V bands)

That Was A Bad Idea: Van Halen with Gary Cherone

I remember this story very well actually. I was completely taken aback by the news of this story. On the heels of Sammy Hagar and Van Halen parting ways, it was announced that the band had a new singer, Gary Cherone formerly of Extreme. You remember them, they had that really annoying power ballad “More Than Words.” This move certainly sparked many questions and debates about the state of Van Halen, the band. By the time the band released Van Halen III, it marked a real departure of the band’s sound and focused more on ballad type songs than rock. Not only did the fans not like the album, critics panned the album as well.

There are some theories on why this album is so bad and the decision to hire Gary. It’s thought that this album was a sort of Eddie Van Halen solo album. It was disclosed that Eddie had played a majority of bass and drums on the album, as well as taking a couple songs himself to sing lead vocals on. It should also be noted that around this time is when Eddie was dealing with a serious addiction problem. So we know he wasn’t thinking straight. I really want to know whose idea it was to bring Gary Cherone into the band. Not to completely rip Gary to shreds, as he does have a good rock voice, he shouldn’t have even been thought of for this role. This was a bad idea all around and it leaves a bit of a stain on the band’s discography.

 

Van Halen- Van Halen III: