What is it about EVH music?

[perticelli]

Im curious as to what the people here think when asked the question, "What is it about EVH music that is important to you?"

Is it the melodies? Is it the solo's? is it the technique?

What always gets you or, in its absence, leaves you dissapointed?

Ive always marvbeled at Ed's virtuosity and innovation, but its the notes..the tunes..the flow and the overall feel of his music that always gets me. It might explain why its so easy for me to love most everything he does..he just has a unique take on music and his inner ear seems to play what i want to be hearing and feeling, regardless of type.
If you just take "You really got me", by the kinks, and then interpret it into a cover tune, there's endless ways of going with it. The way Ed did is unique to him and it is that essence that captures me. It's not that its heavy or has super fast elements or amazing tapping, etc..that's all incredible no doubt, but not the main thing for me.

When you listen to the new songs, there's a lack of the legendary 'style', but if you listen, its all EVH, from the top, all the way down to the swampy, edgy bottom.

It's kind of like storytelling. Some people tell stories in a unique way, regardless of the content or genre, and capture the imagination of different people in different ways.
Some people tell stories the same way, no matter what the tale..be it loud and funny, slow and mysterious or even long and winded..biut it is their style and if it turns you on, you'll listen to them and most likely enjoy it.

Which brings us back to Edward. I love his storytelling, regardless of the story.
Some people only like Ed's stories if they are fast and dangerous, while others only like them if they are distinctly upbeat. Others still, they like it if Ed is screaming his lungs out to tell it, while others prefer sweet, poetic styles.
For me, it's alot like listening to Orson Wells or or watching Steven Spielberg..regardless of the story he's telling, his innate perspective is overwhelmingly compelling..

So im just wondering, what is it you like or dont like about EVH music?

[ZORBA5150]

You said a mouthful- and I agree with all of it.
But most importantly- Van Halen's music never fails to put me in a good mood. That and the Grateful Dead!

[broken9500]

There's a certain reckless abandon...a certain confidance, a certain intelligience and wit, and a swagger to the music...a lot of people enjoy the sex and rock and roll aspect of VH. Other's enjoy the guitar hero thing. Some folks think of VH as that summertime drive to the beach. For me, it is certainly all those things but I've always enjoyed the depth in the music. I love the swagger from the roth years. I love the tenderness that Sammy brought to certain songs. I love the intellect and ambition during VH3. Ed himself certainly has a thumbprint that is undeniable but so does the entire band. They are certainly not your average rock band. There are so many levels and faces of VH...which is why there are so many factions among the fans. You don't find too many other bands whose fans form their own brigades and armies and whatever. These guys have more depth and versatility than most people notice simply because their passion for one aspect of the band is so strong. I think in the end, that's what I like about Ed and the band so much and what I hope to see more of and what was dissapointing about the VH3 era: his ambition and wanting to see him follow his muse whereever the hell it goes without regard for what I or anyone else will like.

[sixstring]

For me, it's about the tunes first - he's always been a great songwriter, and then it's about the tone and approach of his playing - there's a mysterious fire about both. He's just got that 'magic' that makes him totally unique and inspiring...or something like that!

[Van Squalen]

I LiKe iT wHeN Edddd playz th geetar reel Good.

Fast and danger

[smithjc]

Are you the real Santista?

Great question Pert. Lots to think about and it's still too early for that. But this one is easy b/c it's Edward. He's been a part of my life for forever and will be until I die. His music is unique, there's no one in the world like him. The Brown Sound is pure Edward. Pure magic. Edward is such a tremendous talent, I am so thankful to have been able to see him play live so many times, his talent is simply amazing. Often imitated, never duplicated.

Now I gotta hear some Halen.

[LoveWalkinIn]

I got into VH because of the catchy tunes I heard on radio. I feel like there are a lot of things that draw me to the music, and keep me interested. For me it has moved in stages. A catchy tune is what first got me, then as I became more interested in VH, I began to notice different things in terms of tone, became more interested in Eddie's technique, and just listened more closely to the overall composition of the songs. I've always felt like there's never a boring moment on a VH album, at least the first 6, that is. Anyway, in general VH is a feel-good party band, and the music is typically upbeat and well-performed, and what's important to me is that I can turn on a VH album, and it can fit whatever mood I am in. It's really great stuff that anyone should be able to enjoy.

[51501984]

EVH`s style of playing in `78 was a fresh new flashy style yet it still had soul and feel to it and it rocked. Add Daves cocky "Let`s Party" concert attiude and you`ve got the best American hard rock band ever , IMO. That`s just a quick summary.

[MattWales]

Eddie gets the best tone! His Effects always fit.

Innovative style. Innovative tone. Innovative riffs.

And his writing is far above most. unique.

Its all about the music and Edward knows music well.

Far beyond basic. unique sytle. unique tone. unique.

His music makes you feel good too. Very Feelgood sytle.

Eruption. Classic all time guitar solo ever.

in one word. "unique"

Matt Wales
AKA
VanWalen

[Jimmy is Cool]

Eddie gets the best tone! His Effects always fit.

Innovative style. Innovative tone. Innovative riffs.

And his writing is far above most. unique.

Its all about the music and Edward knows music well.

Far beyond basic. unique sytle. unique tone. unique.

His music makes you feel good too. Very Feelgood sytle.

Eruption. Classic all time guitar solo ever.

in one word. "unique"

Well said

Have to agree with homeboy on this one

[LLFHS]

Ya know, I've never sat and decided just what it is about Ed's sound that grabbed me at age 13 and since has never let go. I've never analyzed his style or technique, and myself not being a musician, I won't attempt to try.

My theory is this.....we are all predetermined from birth to respond to certain sounds, not just music, but tones and inflections. And since there are trillions and trillions of sounds, I'm sure they all reside in their own subgroups, containing a multitude of different sounds sharing a common sonic thread. Ed himself, and likely Al, are attuned to respond to the same subgroup...and thus make music that resonates with said group.

We as Halen fans are also attuned to Ed's subgroup, thus the sounds he makes, and enjoys making and hearing himself, taps directly into our need to hear those tones.

And no I'm not smoking weed, however I'm bringing this up the next time I'm hanging with Jan and Alfred at the next W1P show.

[smithjc]

I believe the term is VH on the brain.

[steve mcqueen]

For me it's the joy of his playing....you can hear him smiling so to speak, when he plays.....the music of Van Halen is fun because it sounds like he is having fun playing it....that and the confidence of his playing.....there is a certain swagger to it....a kind of "you ain't as good as I am, and I ain't really even trying!".....

[perticelli]

Ya know, I've never sat and decided just what it is about Ed's sound that grabbed me at age 13 and since has never let go. I've never analyzed his style or technique, and myself not being a musician, I won't attempt to try.

My theory is this.....we are all predetermined from birth to respond to certain sounds, not just music, but tones and inflections. And since there are trillions and trillions of sounds, I'm sure they all reside in their own subgroups, containing a multitude of different sounds sharing a common sonic thread. Ed himself, and likely Al, are attuned to respond to the same subgroup...and thus make music that resonates with said group.

We as Halen fans are also attuned to Ed's subgroup, thus the sounds he makes, and enjoys making and hearing himself, taps directly into our need to hear those tones.

And no I'm not smoking weed, however I'm bringing this up the next time I'm hanging with Jan and Alfred at the next W1P show.

So think about it for a second and riddl me this:
Did the subgroup that Ed tapped exist prior to Ed being born, or did Ed come to the world for the purpose of 'opening' said subgroup?

[LLFHS]

So think about it for a second and riddl me this:
Did the subgroup that Ed tapped exist prior to Ed being born, or did Ed come to the world for the purpose of 'opening' said subgroup?

I think the subgroup already existed and it took Ed to point it out to us. And the subgroup itself may have been a sub-subgroup where one might find Hendrix or Page.


Where's that pic of Walken floating through space when ya need it?