Should VH try to comeback with a cover tune?

**darthadv** · 06.09.07, 09:26 PM

In light of all of these bands recording cover albums, do you think it would enhance the chances of a Van Halen comeback if the lead single was a Van Halenized cover tune? I'm not talking about recording a whole album of covers, but choosing a select cover tune that would maybe get accepted in more broad strokes by the mainstream than did Dave's "Me Wise Magic" or the 3 tunes with Sammy in '04?

You can assume either Dave or Sammy for the comeback, although I personally think it would have to be Dave this time out.

This idea came to me because I think Poison may have an outside shot at a little success with their new cover of The Romantics:

Note: I am NOT comparing Poison to VH!!!! I am just wondering if this is an easier way for them to get airplay beyond classic rock radio.

**Red** · 06.09.07, 09:37 PM

I think I'd rather hear a new cover in concert rather than as a first single. Especially a first single with Dave. Plus, a cover single would just bolster the argument for those who have knocked VH in the past for doing covers.

In a live setting, a surprising, obscure and well-performed cover makes a show unique, IMO.

**ZachenFoot** · 06.09.07, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by darthadv

In light of all of these bands recording cover albums, do you think it would enhance the chances of a Van Halen comeback if the lead single was a Van Halenized cover tune? I'm not talking about recording a whole album of covers, but choosing a select cover tune that would maybe get accepted in more broad strokes by the mainstream than did Dave's "Me Wise Magic" or the 3 tunes with Sammy in '04?

You can assume either Dave or Sammy for the comeback, although I personally think it would have to be Dave this time out.

This idea came to me because I think Poison may have an outside shot at a little success with their new cover of The Romantics:

Note: I am NOT comparing Poison to VH!!!! I am just wondering if this is an easier way for them to get airplay beyond classic rock radio.

Poison's doing the cheesiest thing a rock band can do: A cover's album. And that's because Poison can't write a decent rock tune on their own (their cheese '80s material managed to, but most songs like their's could've then). Then again this statement of mine is biased, as I truly despise Poison.

Van Halen doesn't need another "hit." If they release a new song it will get legitimate air play on classic rock radio. I don't want VH to sell out and do a cover or try to make a "hit" on their own. Van Halen should do their best to sound like "Van Halen." Not somebody else, whether its a cover or not.

A new VH album (Ed, Al, Dave, AND Mike, no exceptions) of all new music would debut well anyway (the 'Best Of Both Worlds' set came at #2, a fresh album of all new music could do the same) no matter what, so I don't see the need to write a hit or cover a song to be mainstream.

People will care because it would be Van Halen's return. At least for a little while. If it's "Van Halen IV" however, it may not fair so well...

**darthadv** · 06.09.07, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by vhrocks2005

Poison's doing the cheesiest thing a rock band can do: A cover's album. And that's because Poison can't write a decent rock tune on their own (their cheese '80s material managed to, but most songs like their's could've then). Then again this statement of mine is biased, as I truly despise Poison.

Tesla put out their own all covers record this week, too, but it has much different vibe to it... and Chris Cornell has a depressing cover of Billie Jean on his new disc.

Personally, I don't mind Poison... I take them for what they are: a party rock band. And there were plenty who tried to do what Poison did and failed miserably or at most had only one or two hits. Poison fit one niche for me, VH another, GnR another, Crue another, etc., and I wouldn't equate any of those bands with each other, or as a knock-off of one another!

To each his own... you're entitled to hate 'em!

Personally, I think a new VH could open big, too, in the first week, but feel it would drop off the charts within weeks if they're not relevant. Then there's only so much support that the record company would provide to such a tour. Like it or not, record companies want the albums/singles to sell, and it's not like VH wants to go grass-roots and tour the hell out of the country for 2-3 years rebuilding the fanbase (we'll be lucky if we see a tour, period, at this point, assuming Ed is good for one in the next couple of years).

I think for VH to get the most bang for its buck that it does need a hit. Maybe the cover tune as a lead single is not the most attractive option, but it would be a throwback to what got them started. They could then follow it up with one of theirs...

Of course, all of this is moot for at least a year!

I guess you don't like Diver Down all that much, do you?

**ZachenFoot** · 06.09.07, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by darthadv

Tesla put out their own all covers record this week, too, but it has much different vibe to it... and Chris Cornell has a depressing cover of Billie Jean on his new disc.

Personally, I don't mind Poison... I take them for what they are: a party rock band. And there were plenty who tried to do what Poison did and failed miserably or at most had only one or two hits. Poison fit one niche for me, VH another, GnR another, Crue another, etc., and I wouldn't equate any of those bands with each other, or as a knock-off of one another!

To each his own... you're entitled to hate 'em!

Personally, I think a new VH could open big, too, in the first week, but feel it would drop off the charts within weeks if they're not relevant. Then there's only so much support that the record company would provide to such a tour. Like it or not, record companies want the albums/singles to sell, and it's not like VH wants to go grass-roots and tour the hell out of the country for 2-3 years rebuilding the fanbase (we'll be lucky if we see a tour, period, at this point, assuming Ed is good for one in the next couple of years).

I think for VH to get the most bang for its buck that it does need a hit. Maybe the cover tune as a lead single is not the most attractive option, but it would be a throwback to what got them started. They could then follow it up with one of theirs...

Of course, all of this is moot for at least a year!

I guess you don't like Diver Down all that much, do you?

You're right. The originals on DD are some of their best. The covers, however, are cheese (although I do like "Where Have All The Good Times Gone).

Yes, to each his own. A cover would be nice as a single, just not a lead single. And it has to be a good one (like "Summertime Blues," "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers," or something they've never given us before).

But I do like the way you think. It does sound logical. So Van Halen probably won't do it

And yes. That Cornell cover is BAD. What was he thinking!?

**darthadv** · 06.09.07, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by vhrocks2005

You're right. The originals on DD are some of their best. The covers, however, are cheese (although I do like "Where Have All The Good Times Gone).

Yes, to each his own. A cover would be nice as a single, just not a lead single. And it has to be a good one (like "Summertime Blues," "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers," or something they've never given us before).

But I do like the way you think. It does sound logical. So Van Halen probably won't do it

And yes. That Cornell cover is BAD. What was he thinking!?

Something like "Summertimes Blues" would be perfect because a lot of people have heard that tune before (sadly, I don't think the mainstream would be well-read enough on ZZ Top beyond "Legs")... I can even picture the video with Dave and the boys in a "California Girls" style video decked out with friends of Ed from the Sacred Sin set... and maybe the return of Waldo all this time later (no one was sure of whatever happened to Waldo...)...

"I heard you missed us...... WE'RE BACK!"

**Dont disturb my Paradise** · 06.10.07, 12:09 AM

NO!!!! NO!!!!! No covers.
The best thing they can do is cover one of their old songs, like Motley Crue did with "Shout at the devil" in the 90's. I dont think Ed would do a cover. He'd be eager to get his own material out.....
Personally, a "Runnin with the devil 2008" would be good or maybe "Aint talkin bout love"

**BlzBob** · 06.10.07, 12:18 AM

NO! NEW VH songs... period. No covers. Save that shit for the stage! They've been out of sight/mind for far too long musically. They need to come back (strong) with an original they wrote and recorded.

**Van Halens** · 06.10.07, 12:38 AM

I prefer 100% new material; however, I'm cool if CVH's 7th album contains a Van Halenized cover tune. It's not like I'm not going to buy the new CVH album just because it has a cover tune. Bring it on!