Van Halen - 1984

Can't you see what I mean? Might as well jump! I've recently decided that Van Halen is one of the more under appreciated bands of all time. Why you ask? Well B Siders - quite simply put, they're pretty rockin'. I was listening to their greatest hits compilation a while back and couldn't help to be dumbfounded by all the incredible hits they had and how powerful their sound was. This was released in well - do I really need to answer that question? Maybe you think it's a trick, but it was actually released in 1984. Stunning. It's at least the 2nd DIAMOND certified album by Van Halen, including their self titled debut drop. That's a crazy amount of album sales generating just from two records. 20 million + from two albums is crazy sales. Everyone knows Eddie Van Halen's guitar prowess, but people forget he was a trained pianist as well. And that ability is put on display a bit more on this record. One of the favorite tracks, 'I'll Wait' allows Eddie to put on a piano show - which is awesome. The title track is also him on a synthed out piano - which is kind of a cool, spacey lead in for the record. This album incredibly never made it to number one on the charts in spite of having a TON of huge radio singles. A small album called 'Thriller' was also out in that year, and spent a lot of time at #1. But with hits like 'Panama' and 'Hot For Teacher' - this album is considered one of the best of all time, and not just by me. In short, this album is pretty amazing. I think I still like their debut slightly better - but it is a very tight race. I can't imagine you won't like this today - so give it a shot.

TRACK LISTING:
1. 1984
2. Jump
3. Panama
4. Top Jimmy
5. Drop Dead Legs
6. Hot for Teacher
7. I'll Wait
8. Girl Gone Bad
9. House of Pain

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Panama
2. I'll Wait
3. Jump

FINAL RATING:
4 out of 5 stars

Van Halen - Self Titled

For some odd reason, I have gotten turned onto Van Halen again lately. I've been going from STP to Radiohead to Van Halen in fairly consistent rotation. Anyway, I won't claim to be on the Van Halen superfan bandwagon, but I always enjoyed them from time to time. Since I don't have a certain record that sticks out in my head as better than the rest, I'll start from the beginning. When I think of '70s music, Van Halen wouldn't even enter into my thought process. This came out in '78, when I envision the world was still jamming to Zeppelin, Floyd and still trying to understand why Jimi died. I think of VH as an 80's band through and through. Clearly that isn't the case, and if I was alive to live in it - I'd probably know Van Halen was around and kicking. These guys are really into heavy guitar, and solid vocals from no matter who is behind the mic. Eddie Van Halen has to be in the discussion for best guitarist of all time, and that shows brightly with 'Eruption'. What impresses me about them too, is some of the songs actually have some substance. It's not like AC/DC where the lyrics are irrelevant on most tracks and the music is all that matters. I respect that. Check Van Halen out, I think you'll enjoy their tuneage. If you listen and this record isn't for you, grab a different one. I think eventually you'll find something you like.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Runnin' with the Devil
2. Eruption
3. You Really Got Me
4. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
5. I'm The One
6. Jamie's Cryin'
7. Atomic Punk
8. Feel Your Love Tonight
9. Little Dreamer
10. Ice Cream Man
11. On Fire

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Runnin With The Devil
2. Eruption
3. Ice Cream Man

FINAL RATING:
4.25 out of 5 stars