Classic Rock Album of the Day- Van Halen- Self Titled (1978) ** 1/2
I have always really liked Van Halen's music. There is no underestimating EVH's guitar wizardry, and how it changed hard rock in the late 1970's. I have been late to the game with a review, because as legendary as this band is, I always was disappointed that every one of their LP's was at least half filler. Their great songs were great, but their covers, and secondary tunes, always seemed less than inspiring. VH did not make one entirely great album in their entire career. This is the eptitome, and kind of band that you always will come out better with one of their compliatons. And of their two Greatest Hits efforts, I recommend the '04 version, as it contains a comprehensive review of their career.
As everyone knows, the focal point of the band is EVH, and his absolutely revolutionary tapping, ultra fast neck work and solos. I can honestly say that there is no one else who had sounded like EVH before or after. His style was unique, and there was no doubt who was playing when a tune hit the radio. The band also had a strong focus on the front man, who in their controversy spawned maybe the most voluminous debates in rock and roll history...... Dave or Sammy. Personally I prefered Hagar, but VH's actual best albums I & II, featured Roth. I think these first two were so different and innovative for the time, that they at least get the nod from me, for just pure rock and roll value alone. By the 3rd album, I think their personas were interferring in the content. They never were great songwriters, but I think the commerical aspects were adversly impacting the product. And Roth was absolutely obnoxous in every respect. To me a clown, that cheapened their brand and legacy.
One of my biggest disppointments of the Hagar era, was that EVH did not allow Sammy to weld the ax. Hagar was a great guitarist in his rights with Montrose and his solo days. My guess that with a guitar in hand, and singing that Hagar might have gotten just a little too much spotlight square footage. I don't have proof of that, but it was always my suspicion. And it did seem EVH had a pretty sizable ego.
With that, I am picking their first album to review, mostly just for innovation. But again, a warning, once you get past the good stuff, the rest is filler. Sadly EVH passed in '20. He was a guitar legend, especially to a new generation of rock fans who saw Page, Clapton, and Beck as the "old guys"
Fun Fact: In guitar terms, EVH was the ultimate loyalist. As far as I know, I don't think he ever used anything else but Stratocasters and his own home made variatons of the Strat.
Side 1
-------------
Runnin' With the Devil- One of the great VH tune's indeed. His power chords and taps blasted this band onto the scene. Enough decent harmoneis, and searing solos made this an intro to remember - 2
Eruption- Maybe one of the most famous instrmental guitar runs of all time. And honestly the last time the rock community had gotten this excited about one partucular ax man's magic was a guy named Hendrix. 3
You Really Got Me- Decent cover of the old Kinks tune- Crying searing guitar worked pretty well. 4
Ain't Talkin' About Love- Easily one of the top 3 VH tunes ever made. Anthony was really never that great of a bassist, but in this one he nicely agument (and EVH's brother for that matter) a nice bass line that resulted in a great classic rock song. Heavist and most rocking number on the LP- 1
I'm the One- I'm the One- Side one ends in pedestrian fashion. Sure EVH's guitar sears, but not a good one for sure. 8
Side 2-
---------------
Jamie's Cryin'- VH tries a little bit more of a blues slant, ..... nope. 9
Atomic Punk- Wizardry, nothing else. 6
Feel Your Love Tonight- Sounds a lot a like of what was coming out of the AOR thing in the mid 1970's. You can see that three songs in, that Side 2, has been pretty much been a waste of your $6 at the record store. 7
Little Dreamer- Yawn. 10
Ice Creme Man- Silly blues remake. ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!! 11
On Fire- The best of Side 2, which isn't saying much. By this point, you realize the band had 3 or 4 really good songs, and the record company allowed the balance the filled with uninspiring shit. Yeah, the VH hits were awesome, but by all means, get the compliation sets. You won't regret that, versus buying any single LP or CD. I know all of these comments might offends some of their biggest fans. But..... I am a fan too... Just not of 60-70% of their catalog. 5
Original review prepared 30 March 2023
I have always really liked Van Halen's music. There is no underestimating EVH's guitar wizardry, and how it changed hard rock in the late 1970's. I have been late to the game with a review, because as legendary as this band is, I always was disappointed that every one of their LP's was at least half filler. Their great songs were great, but their covers, and secondary tunes, always seemed less than inspiring. VH did not make one entirely great album in their entire career. This is the eptitome, and kind of band that you always will come out better with one of their compliatons. And of their two Greatest Hits efforts, I recommend the '04 version, as it contains a comprehensive review of their career.
As everyone knows, the focal point of the band is EVH, and his absolutely revolutionary tapping, ultra fast neck work and solos. I can honestly say that there is no one else who had sounded like EVH before or after. His style was unique, and there was no doubt who was playing when a tune hit the radio. The band also had a strong focus on the front man, who in their controversy spawned maybe the most voluminous debates in rock and roll history...... Dave or Sammy. Personally I prefered Hagar, but VH's actual best albums I & II, featured Roth. I think these first two were so different and innovative for the time, that they at least get the nod from me, for just pure rock and roll value alone. By the 3rd album, I think their personas were interferring in the content. They never were great songwriters, but I think the commerical aspects were adversly impacting the product. And Roth was absolutely obnoxous in every respect. To me a clown, that cheapened their brand and legacy.
One of my biggest disppointments of the Hagar era, was that EVH did not allow Sammy to weld the ax. Hagar was a great guitarist in his rights with Montrose and his solo days. My guess that with a guitar in hand, and singing that Hagar might have gotten just a little too much spotlight square footage. I don't have proof of that, but it was always my suspicion. And it did seem EVH had a pretty sizable ego.
With that, I am picking their first album to review, mostly just for innovation. But again, a warning, once you get past the good stuff, the rest is filler. Sadly EVH passed in '20. He was a guitar legend, especially to a new generation of rock fans who saw Page, Clapton, and Beck as the "old guys"
Fun Fact: In guitar terms, EVH was the ultimate loyalist. As far as I know, I don't think he ever used anything else but Stratocasters and his own home made variatons of the Strat.
Side 1
-------------
Runnin' With the Devil- One of the great VH tune's indeed. His power chords and taps blasted this band onto the scene. Enough decent harmoneis, and searing solos made this an intro to remember - 2
Eruption- Maybe one of the most famous instrmental guitar runs of all time. And honestly the last time the rock community had gotten this excited about one partucular ax man's magic was a guy named Hendrix. 3
You Really Got Me- Decent cover of the old Kinks tune- Crying searing guitar worked pretty well. 4
Ain't Talkin' About Love- Easily one of the top 3 VH tunes ever made. Anthony was really never that great of a bassist, but in this one he nicely agument (and EVH's brother for that matter) a nice bass line that resulted in a great classic rock song. Heavist and most rocking number on the LP- 1
I'm the One- I'm the One- Side one ends in pedestrian fashion. Sure EVH's guitar sears, but not a good one for sure. 8
Side 2-
---------------
Jamie's Cryin'- VH tries a little bit more of a blues slant, ..... nope. 9
Atomic Punk- Wizardry, nothing else. 6
Feel Your Love Tonight- Sounds a lot a like of what was coming out of the AOR thing in the mid 1970's. You can see that three songs in, that Side 2, has been pretty much been a waste of your $6 at the record store. 7
Little Dreamer- Yawn. 10
Ice Creme Man- Silly blues remake. ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!! 11
On Fire- The best of Side 2, which isn't saying much. By this point, you realize the band had 3 or 4 really good songs, and the record company allowed the balance the filled with uninspiring shit. Yeah, the VH hits were awesome, but by all means, get the compliation sets. You won't regret that, versus buying any single LP or CD. I know all of these comments might offends some of their biggest fans. But..... I am a fan too... Just not of 60-70% of their catalog. 5
Original review prepared 30 March 2023
