The mind works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it? Take for instance the song I thought of very early this morning while walking my dogs and trying not to shiver so strongly that I wouldn’t be able to pick up their turds with a bag. There’s no reason I should have thought of this song or even this artist. There was no other connective stimulus that would have led me down this path other than the knowledge that I would write a post today and would thus have to write about some song. But why did I think of this particular one? I don’t know. But I’m so glad I did. Because this song A) rocks B) is fun and C) is covered in diamonds:
That may very well be the most enjoyable video of the 1980s. And that’s saying something. I mean, come on – the dude does a spin kick and bursts a giant balloon….that’s filled with other balloons!!! Are you kidding me?? Perfection! There are very few characters in mainstream rock that are as vibrant as David Lee Roth. When he sings “Guess who’s back in circulation?” how can you not smile just a little bit? That guy should never be out of circulation! And you know what’s extra great about that video? There was a sequel:
Oh my. The makers of spandex could not have asked for a better commercial endorsing their fabric. Now, us guitar nerds of course know that the shredder in those videos is none other than the virtuoso Mr. Steve Vai (and, yes, bass nerds I know that’s Billy Sheehan there as well). The rest of you though might remember this (Roth influenced?) little ditty:
I remember thinking that little punk was the luckiest kid in the world just for getting to touch that guitar. Later, he would become known to us all as none other than Into the Wild actor Emile Hirsch.
I’m kidding. I don’t know who he is.
More Monday…
10 responses so far ↓
moorhead // December 5, 2008 at 2:56 pm |
I owned Eat ‘Em and Smile back in the day. In that day, I joined those record clubs – you know, 12 tapes for a penny? Yeah. And this was one of them. Steve Vai was amazing back then. He may also be amazing now, but back then, he was amazing. Dude created the seven string guitar! I mean – he played so righteously he needed an extra string! Wow…
moorhead // December 5, 2008 at 2:59 pm |
I also later owned Skyscraper. Also because of the 12 for a penny tape clubs. I know all the lyrics to ‘Damn Good’, which I’ll bet is a talent I share only with Diamond Dave himself.
madsic chic // December 5, 2008 at 3:03 pm |
That brings back memories. I actually have that album on vinyl, yes i still listen to records, but only the classic vinly.
good tunes HP
I love the intro to Yankee Rose
Papa // December 5, 2008 at 3:46 pm |
Roth is the ultimate metrosexual.
Also, his understanding of surreal comedy and camp is what places early Van Halen as one of the greatest rock bands ever. He is the ultimate showman and I would put him up there with Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Ozzy, Anthony Keidis, etc..
Once VH tried to be “serious” they turned into a modern updated version of Foreigner.
Long live Diamond Dave – the lighter, dumber version of the Lizard King.
holepuncher // December 5, 2008 at 5:50 pm |
Moorhead – I never did the Columbia House music thing, but I did for movies. I was always disappointed by their selection when it came to music. But aside from that, I think I owned Skyscraper and I know I definitely had Eat ‘em and Crazy from the Heat (remember “Just a Gigolo”? Of course you do). That said, I bow down before your lyrical memory powers.
Madsic – have you been in Voltage Records downtown? I’ve never wanted to buy records so badly in my life than when I went in that place and I don’t even have a record player at the moment. Lots of picture discs and foreign imports of stuff like Maiden and Metallica. Maybe 20 bucks a pop. Pretty impressive selection.
Papa – I’ve never thought about it but you’re right! Roth is totally the Jim Morrison of the 80’s in that he represents so much of what the 80’s culture advertised.
holepuncher // December 5, 2008 at 5:52 pm |
Oh and Craig – did you own Passion & Warfare? It was a pretty amazing album. That and Satriani’s Surfing with the Alien are pretty much the hard rock instrumental bibles.
And did you know that the band Meshuggah has actually stepped up the game and are using 8 string guitars? I think Ibanez actually has a production model available now for the masses, too. It’s hard to get used to looking at – the pickups are so wide.
madsic chic // December 5, 2008 at 9:19 pm |
Yes i have been there MANY times. I usually get my used cds there, a little on the expensive side for used, but he is a good honest guy . I havent bought any records from him but i have sold him some. I usually look in consignment shops, garage sales or places like that where they dont know the “real” value of what they have. For instance i got a pink floyd dark side of the moon with all 3 original posters for like 3 buks in great condition, i think it lists for like around 30.00 or 40.00. Not a bad find. (that was at a yard sale in N. Asheville) also found a led zepp II for 5$.
I have a 2008 Sony record player-very nice!
r0ck0n // December 7, 2008 at 7:20 pm |
ahaha David Lee Roth is my FAVORITE. Thanks for digging these up!
holepuncher // December 8, 2008 at 9:04 am |
Madsic – nice! I didn’t even know Sony was still making turntables in 2008. I’d like to look into that when and if we ever move and I have a place to put one. Until then, I’ll just come steal yours when you’re not home…
General question: if David Lee Roth ran for city council in your town would you vote for him without researching his views?
I would.
r0ck0n // December 9, 2008 at 12:17 am |
I would too. I don’t need to know his views. I already know that everything he does is awesome.