Defining Van Halen

[SactoFan]

Jimmy Page has said 'Kashmir' was the song that 'defined' Led Zeppelin...that, in his words, "...it's all there." Which song, one song, defines Van Halen?

In my humble opinion, it's Ain't Talkin' Bout Love.
1. the classic VH background vocals
2. the classic, memorable, distinct riff
3. the classic sing along chorus

what do you folks think?

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"Van Halen fans been hangin' in there for a long time...they're probably the best fans in the world..."-Sammy

[AJW]

I really love Hear About It Later.

Killer lyrics (vintage Diamond Dave with vintage war cries (WOW!!!))

Ain't got no money, got no house on the hill
Tell me honey, will your lovin' pay my bills, yeah? Pay my bills
Neighbors gettin' crazy 'bout the noise next door
It's a major violation, carried away for sure, yeah. I know!

See, I been tried and convicted, it's winner take all
I wanna run for my money, that's all
I don't wanna

(Chorus)

Yeah! I'm walkin', don't need no ride No explanation, just wastin' time, yeah. All my time

I been tried and convicted, it's winner take all
I wanna run for my money, that's all!
An' I don't wanna

(Chorus)

But you can try me at home, if it feels all right
But I ain't home, at night! Wow!

(Guitar Solo)

You can try me at home, if it feels all right
But I ain't home, at night! Ha-ha-ha!

Uh I don't wanna, I'll do what I please
Oh, I don't! Wanna. I made my due, look at me
Yeah, don't look at me baby
Yes, mmm better take my chances
I been dreamin' 'bout tomorrow
I don't, I don't, I don't. Whaa-ha!
I don't wanna hear about that, no-ay!
Wow!

Killer guitar (different sound for Edward in this song, especially in the intro. But that's what makes him so great. Trademark brownsound)

Killer backround vocals and harmony (Mikey and Edward are great)

Killer drums (Al has his vintage cmybal sounds and drums from hell)

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Al and I are the real Van Halen. There could always be Van Halen as long as it's me and Al. But if there was no Dave, this place would be pretty empty tonight. - EVH during a 1984 pre-concert interview before that night's sold out show

And there's only one David Lee. I'm the fun in Van Halen, always will be. - David Lee Roth

When classic Van Halen is together it's like one person. When I say 'I' in this respect, I mean my whole cadre that I am part of. I'm the tear boss, and I'm a fuckin' lifer. - David Lee Roth

"In America, we believe big time in publicizing the shit out of 'we ain't talkin'.' First we make goddamn sure that everybody knows we ain't saying anything..." - David Lee Roth

[This message has been edited by AJW (edited February 22, 2001 at 07:16 PM).]

[This message has been edited by AJW (edited February 22, 2001 at 07:19 PM).]

[This message has been edited by AJW (edited February 22, 2001 at 07:22 PM).]

[This message has been edited by AJW (edited February 22, 2001 at 07:29 PM).]

[BrokenCombs]

I don't think you can define an entire band by selecting ONE song...But if I had to pick ONE album that I would let someone who didn't know Van Halen, listen to, it would undoubtable be "Fair Warning"

[JWS_5150]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BrokenCombs:
I don't think you can define an entire band by selecting ONE song...But if I had to pick ONE album that I would let someone who didn't know Van Halen, listen to, it would undoubtable be "Fair Warning"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What he said.

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Classic VH. Ain't nothin' like it in the world.

Dirty Faced Kid - not literally

Strange is beautiful.

[Dan Halen]

I think it's Panama. Everyone knows the words ... "Panama!" Classic VH sound, great guitar solo, and shows Dave's personality "Reach down, between my legs, and ease the seat back."

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"We will be making some announcements very soon. All I can really tell you is we're in the studio working on new material, there will be a new Van Halen coming out, and it sounds great." --Michael Anthony, 1/22/01

Dan Halen

[Glenn]

Bottoms Up!!

It's all there. The Van Halen attitude, great riff, great guitar solo, great singing from the whole band, great drumming, Mikey is solid as usual.

I agree it's impossible to really narrow it down, but I'd say Bottoms Up!! does a pretty good job in a pinch.

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More perks than Elvis' night stand!!!
www.vhlinks.com

[Panama Dog]

This is a tough one and I don't know if there is going to be any right or wrong answer, because your perception of what VH is might be different from mine. I think the guys from Anthrax and Chuck D got it right when they described VH with quotes like "Purists in the realm of rock" and "Pure Energy". That being the case I think that "Unchained" best defines VH. It has an unmistakeable sound and it IS "Pure Energy" from beginning to end. A close second I think might be Ice Cream Man because it shows the range that VH has as a band.

[seenbad]

Unchained or Simple Rhyme. Probably Unchained though.

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sheepa latta peepah dabba looka foh a moopy


Look at that Mama, she got it sstick'n in the camera maan- (I wish I had some)

[SactoFan]

Panama Dog...agreed...there can NEVER be a 'right' answer to this question...

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"Van Halen fans been hangin' in there for a long time...they're probably the best fans in the world..."-Sammy

[raven]

IMO, it has to be Unchained! Strange that everyone has mentioned Dave era songs though. If I had to pick a Sammy song I'd go with something like, Summer Nights or BOBW!!! What do you guys think about Sammy songs?

[Panama Dog]

I think I would have to go with Poundcake for the Sammy era.

[Glenn]

Given the topic, here's what Eddie said in 1999.

GW: If they were sending a millenium time capsule into space and wanted to include one Van Halen song, which one would you choose and why?

EVH: Well, I don’t have to pick it right now, do I? We still have a few months to go.

GW: Sorry, but we’re launching the probe in 10 minutes. Choose now.

EVH: I’ve got 10 minutes? [starts to play guitar] Let me write something real quick!

GW: Come on, off the top of your head!

EVH: I guess it would have to be “Jump.” Musically, it was a real departure for us. We had the challenge of using the synth and keyboards for the first time and integrating that with the guitar and melody line. It was also our biggest hit. And “pop” comes from the word popular, which means a lot of people liked it. Now, 99 percent of the reason that I make music is to hopefully try and touch people with it. And that one touched the most people. So far.



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More perks than Elvis' night stand!!!
www.vhlinks.com

[SactoFan]

That was cool interview, Glenn...

Sammy era...I gotta go with...Dreams...one of Sammy's best lyrics and the music SOARS!

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"Van Halen fans been hangin' in there for a long time...they're probably the best fans in the world..."-Sammy

[seenbad]

Well , thats kind of a cute quote that Ed had there, and pretty much gospel coming from the man, but I'm sorry, I just cant say that I agree with Jump defining VH. I dont have a problem with Jump, just dont think it defines VH well. Jump is just too squeaky clean. "Popular" yes, but musically I dont think it defines our boys very well at all.

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sheepa latta peepah dabba looka foh a moopy


Look at that Mama, she got it sstick'n in the camera maan- (I wish I had some)

[Glenn]

I wouldn't agree with Jump either. Having said that, I don't agree that Kashmir is the definitive Led Zeppelin song.

What are Eddie and Jimmy talking about.

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More perks than Elvis' night stand!!!
www.vhlinks.com