As Diamond Dave would say, "I heard you missed us - we're back!" Back with David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, and Alex and Eddie Van Halen, this time delving into their second studio album, conveniently entitled Van Halen II. Hot on the heels of their debut album released less than a year prior, Van Halen hit the studios for this second album a week after completing their world tour, and wrapped it up within a week.
The big hit from this album was "Dance the Night Away," Van Halen's first top 20 hit, and inspired...
As Diamond Dave would say, "I heard you missed us - we're back!" Back with David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, and Alex and Eddie Van Halen, this time delving into their second studio album, conveniently entitled Van Halen II. Hot on the heels of their debut album released less than a year prior, Van Halen hit the studios for this second album a week after completing their world tour, and wrapped it up within a week.
The big hit from this album was "Dance the Night Away," Van Halen's first top 20 hit, and inspired by Fleetwood Mac.
The album notes had a shout-out to the Sheraton hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, which the band trashed the 7th floor while on tour.
We hope you enjoy this fun and hard rocking second effort (and second podcast featuring the group) from Van Halen!
You're No Good
This is no Linda Ronstadt cover. Originally performed in 1963 by Dee Dee Warwick, this song was covered by a number of groups, most notably Linda Ronstadt in 1975. We like Van Halen's version just a wee bit better! Check out the dueling screams from Roth's voice and Eddie's guitar.
D.O.A.
A rocking deep cut - Dead Or Alive was the B-side from the single "Beautiful Girls." Roth tells a down and out story in a proto-rap style: Broken down and dirty, dressed in rags/from the day, my Mama told me boy, you pack your bags"
Women In Love...
The intro to this song features tap harmonics in the guitar solo leading into this original song. Eddie Van Halen said this song was "a tale about a guy losing a girl to another chick."
Beautiful Girls
Here's the other big hit from the album (Dance the Night Away being the first). This is a fun, syncopated beach song: "She had a drink in her hand, she had her toes in the sand, and wooh! What a beautiful girl!"
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the Television Series “All In the Family”
The final episode of "All In the Family" would air in April 1979.
STAFF PICKS:
"Roller” by April Wine
Wayne's staff pick brings us Canadian rockers April Wine. With three guitars (a rhythm and two leads), this hit describes a woman at the high stakes tables in the casino. It retains that 70's hard rock feel. April Wine was often selected as a "warm-up band" for bigger acts.
“Crazy Love” by Poco
Bruce takes the tempo down a bit with this biggest hit from the California country rock group Poco. This song was originally intended to be a song for the Cotton-Young band, but ABC Records had the group continue with the Poco name.
“Blow Away” by George Harrison
Brian's staff pick features former Beatles guitarist George Harrison. This song was considered a disco song by Harrison, and he said that it was one of the simplest compositions he ever wrote. The song arose from - believe it or not - frustration over a leaky roof.
“I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick
Rob finishes off the staff picks a track that is identified by its live version much more than its studio cut. The studio version came out in 1977, but the live version dropped in April 1979, and Rob profiles the two. This is Cheap Trick's biggest hit.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Take It to the Top” by Dixie Dregs
We wrap up this week's podcast with this prog rock group well known for their highly talented instrumental work.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
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