Gary's Lyrics

**Garywascooltoo** · 11.07.00, 10:33 AM

As you may or may not know, I'm a HUGE fan of VH and all the incarnations of the band. While growing up listening to the band, I also matured in my musical tastes, while staying true to my "roots." I thought the 3rd edition with Gary was different, but intriguing and exciting. I could really tell that Gary influenced Eddie's writing. Someone on another thread somewhere said Gary's lyrics sucked. I beg to differ in every way. Gary was deep and thought provoking. I think III was a very emotional CD and I love every track (and can at least respect eddie's effort on How Many Say I--btw, he sang at Gary's suggestion...what a team player, huh?) He has more on his mind than just pussy.

Any comments.

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**SToRM** · 11.07.00, 10:44 AM

bcoz of no new material at all, i gave VH3 another chance. and i tried my best, but, no, i just cannot stand it. i guess, the outro of "Fire in the hole" is still the best thing on that whole record.

makes me wonder what other "rock-stars" were thinking when they listened to that VH3.

i can see how the guys from Metallica were just smiling down the line when they listened to "How many say I" ... going like: "that's it man, they are done!"

cheers,

SToRM

**Spanish Doctor** · 11.07.00, 12:05 PM

Gary's lyrics sucked. They were stupid, depressing, and completely un-Van Halen like. End of story.

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**Glenn** · 11.07.00, 12:14 PM

I think Gary is a great lyricist, and I love the lyrics on III. I guess it just comes down to what you're looking for in a Van Halen album. If I'm looking to rock out and feel happy, III is not the album I'm going to reach for. But when I'm having one of my "me against the world, introverted, self awareness" days, III is the perfect listen.

I think that is one of the greatest things about the changes which have taken place on Planet Van Halen. There's a type of music there for whatever mood I happen to be in.

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**Greg** · 11.07.00, 01:49 PM

The lyrics on 3 were definately a departure from anything that Dave & Sam did, but the music was a departure from anything the band has done as well. I thought the music fit the lyrics big time, and is still one of my favorite VH albums.

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**Georgie** · 11.07.00, 03:24 PM

I'm with Greg's post.

**diggyd** · 11.07.00, 04:14 PM

I thought the lyrics were ok it was the music that sucked. Blame that one on Ed.

**diggyd** · 11.07.00, 04:16 PM

Actually only 3 songs sucked. They were From Afar, Josephina, and How Many Say I...ugh. I had a problem typing those. I was more discouraged with the recording quality.

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**Stuff No More** · 11.08.00, 05:30 AM

Actually, Spanish Doctor, I think that's a flawed and biased opinion, but hey, your perrogative

Gary's lyrics did NOT suck, they are just so unlike what "typical Van Halen" fans expect, and god forbid they expand their horizons.

Case in point: People will automatically write off every ballad as "cheesy" or "stupid" simply because... it's not another Mean Street. If they can't handle a simple musical convention like the ballad, how in the hell will they handle lyrics that require thought?

I quote a friend of mine in responce to the whole, "Dave is the only good lyricist the band had" issue - "Hell, it's not like he wrote Shakespeare."

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**BrokenCombs** · 11.08.00, 05:34 AM

diggyd:

I feel just the OPPOSITE.

I thought the music on III was great, but the vocal delivery and SOME of the lyrics were downright AWFUL.

I can't say for sure (regarding the vocal delivery ) that it is all Gary's fault that his vocals are so thin sounding and weak.

I blame the production on the album for that. It always seemed to me that Gary's vocals were just buried in the mix.

Listen to his vocals on any Extreme album. Then listen to them on III. He is BURIED in there and sounds like shit.

Now as for the lyrics, well that's ALL Gary. I like some of them on III, but similairly to Hagar, there are others that just make me cringe.

Anyone agree with my assessment?

**GirlGoneBad!** · 11.08.00, 09:30 AM

Yeah god forbid if Van Halen fans try something different. Hey Spanish Doctor I might be going to Montreal in the winter,I hope we can meet.

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**billy007** · 11.08.00, 12:26 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GirlGoneBad!:
Yeah god forbid if Van Halen fans try something different.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If I didn't try something different I would only own 7 albums. But I own over 500 as far as I can tell and they don't all sound like Van Halen, but when I put a Van Halen album in I expect to hear Van Halen!

And I'd like to second what Loons said, but I've never heard 3 so I can't second that part, but I'll second the rest!

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**Stuff No More** · 11.08.00, 12:56 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Loons:
I am one open-minded muddahfooka,but you AIN'T gonna see my dancin' a jig to "Once" unless it's the Pearl Jam tune!!!!!!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know if you COULD dance to Once, to be asininely (sp?) literal

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[This message has been edited by Stuff No More (edited November 08, 2000 at 12:56 PM).]