The Devil seemed to be getting some attention during this period. We were Shouting at him one minute then Running with him the next. Contrary to what people may have assumed based on my musical tastes, I have never been involved in anything remotely Devil-ly. No rituals, no sacrifices, no dark robes etc.
By the time I bought my first Van Halen album, they already had 5 and the next one was due any minute. I didn’t feel like I was late to the party but I guess I was. I had heard of Van Halen and the amazing guitar techniques of Eddie Van Halen.
Actually, I did hear a part of a Van Halen song as sung my a kid taunting my cousin. This must have been shortly after the release of their debut album. My cousin’s name is Jamie and this kid used to singather “Oh no! Jamie’s cryin’ Wah-Wah” Isn’t it weird how sometimes it takes 5 years to connect the unconnectable dots?
Van Halen must have really likedThe Kinkswhen you look at the covers. I may have been late to the Van Halen party but I felt vindicated when I would show people the original Kinks version of Van Halen songs.
There is this temptation to include Van Halen with The Metal Years. I’ve resisted because although they have some of the characteristics, they really aren’t. I would eventually end up with a large portion of their catalog but this album and 1984 were the ones that got the majority of my affection.
One last note on this album. I was on my second or third iteration of my car stereo. I had added an amp with a graphic equalizer and a few more speakers. One sunny day, I was driving downtown. I have no idea why. Driving downtown was not common. I had Atomic Punk absolutley blasting on the stereo when all of a sudden — silence. I blew all my speakers.
Runnin’ With The Devil
You Really Got Me
Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
Jamie’s Cryin’
Atomic Punk
Ice Cream Man
Here again I find myself wondering why I haven’t been listening to great old stuff like this more often. Van Halen was a lot of fun and I’d see them live in July of 1984 so stay tuned for that.