5150 the song

**Top Timmy** · 10.12.00, 10:28 AM

Ok, I feel kinda weird bringing this up because I've always felt that Van Halen is pure perfection on every studio track ever recorded. With that said though, has anybody ever noticed an imperfection during the breakdown of 5150 the song? After Ed's huge solo, there's a breakdown, where it's just Ed, and Al is playing the hi-hat.

Now, listen to Al's hi-hat. Doesn't it sound way out of time? I've wondered if maybe he was making an adjustment to his equipment or getting a new stick or what. This is just something I've noticed and wanted to see if anybody else has too.

------------------
VHLinks.com - Your Van Halen Internet Resource Guide
VHLinks.com Graphics Dude
"I'm just a punk kid who plays guitar" =EVH=

**Brett** · 10.12.00, 10:52 AM

Hmm, ok Mr. Drummer, I'll have to give that a listen. I'll listen to the boot version of the song without the solo, maybe I can hear it better.

------------------
Webmaster
VHLinks.com - Your Van Halen Internet Resource Guide
http://www.vhlinks.com

**Glenn** · 10.12.00, 11:41 AM

Damn, everybody's a critic.

I'm in the middle of VH live in Milwaukee in 1980. As soon as I'm done, I'll give that a listen.

------------------
The Michael Jordan of Van Halen websites!!!
www.vhlinks.com

**Down In Flames** · 10.13.00, 04:58 AM

Hey Glenn, is Top T giving me a run for my money in the "Best Ears" department, or what?

------------------
"Fuck you. I give you my ass." - Rick S' dog, as interpreted by track 5

Official Bartender Of VHLinks

**Glenn** · 10.13.00, 09:12 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Down In Flames:
Hey Glenn, is Top T giving me a run for my money in the "Best Ears" department, or what?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>That's the great thing about that title; it's always up for grabs.

------------------
The Michael Jordan of Van Halen websites!!!
www.vhlinks.com

**paradiddle** · 10.13.00, 09:36 AM

I've noticed before where Alex goes in and out of time, and I think it's very tasty. He's able to do it so well because Ed is such a fantastic rhythm player, not to mention the two probably have some kind of psychic link by now.

------------------
RLRR LRLL

**Top Timmy** · 10.13.00, 04:33 PM

I think paradiddle, that maybe you thought I mean Al plays in and out of the time, which I agree is cool and funky sometimes. But in this example, he's clearly trying to keep time, like a metronome, but falls off the click. I know he's not playing to a click BTW. Listen closely and see if you agree.

------------------
VHLinks.com - Your Van Halen Internet Resource Guide
VHLinks.com Graphics Dude
"I'm just a punk kid who plays guitar" =EVH=

**Glenn** · 10.13.00, 07:25 PM

Hi hat, snare, ride, crash. Man, I'm not a drummer, these words confuse me.

TT, can you tell me in minutes and seconds which section of the tune you're talking about? I listened to it in the car today but didn't notice what you're referring to. Of course, I was trying to avoid hitting other cars, so perhaps my attention wasn't as focused as it could have been.

------------------
The Michael Jordan of Van Halen websites!!!
www.vhlinks.com

**Top Timmy** · 10.13.00, 07:52 PM

Ok Glenn, it's 4:32-4:42.
The only thing Al is hitting is the hi-hat. (non-drummers know these as pretty shiny things

) It might just be my drummers ear, but it's there.

------------------
VHLinks.com - Your Van Halen Internet Resource Guide
VHLinks.com Graphics Dude
"I'm just a punk kid who plays guitar" =EVH=

**Glenn** · 10.13.00, 07:59 PM

Okay, that's easier. It doesn't sound like he's out of time to me, but then I don't have the drummers ear that TT, Paradiddle and others have. I'm sure you guys notice the drums slip out of time a fair amount, I either don't hear it, or don't pay attention to it, I'm not sure which.

------------------
The Michael Jordan of Van Halen websites!!!
www.vhlinks.com

**sinner's swing** · 10.14.00, 06:22 PM

hey, i can hear it!!! I guess I always ignored it before. It's definately not one of Al's famous "wacky timey things" It sounds like he's distracted or something. But who knows, maybe it's some genious thing on a different level than we can comprehend

------------------
"stayin' round here takes patience,
it's like a full time occupation
I've become a diplomaniac" ---Dave