Van Halen — 1984
Author: tracysigler | Posted: November 7th, 2006 | | Tags: 1983, hard rock, music, rock, Van Halen, vinyl | 1 Comment »
Van Halen -- 1984
- Artist: Van Halen
- Title: 1984
- Year: 1983
- Format: Vinyl 12 in.
- Rating (1-10): 8
- Owner: Tracy
- Acquired: Not sure when, bought it used at Plan 9 Records in Richmond, VA
- Keeper: Yes
Guess when this record came out. Incorrect! Or maybe, correct! I don’t know. Everything on the record and sleeve says 1983, but according to some sites it was January, 1984. Anyhow, what’s more important is that this was the last Van Halen record with my hero Diamond Dave. The guy’s lyrics were excellent, his singing was crazy, and he was, is maybe, a world class entertainer like no other.
The album starts off sounding like Eddie has OD’d on Human League. The synth stuff is over the top. Maybe that’s the reason I tend to forget how great this record really is. It’s chock-a-block with hits and lesser-known gems. At the time I thought the hit “Jump” was a bit cheesy, but of course it’s an excellent song with excellent lyrics which explains why someone like Aztec Camera/Roddy Frame would make a cover of it.
Another popular winner is “Panama” which I always associate with one of my many lessons in humility. Back when 1984 was new I remember being at a guitar store with my friend Tom Bundick when he started playing “Panama” and I think I responded with something like “what the hell are you doing?!” To which Tom replied “that song is great!” Of course, he was right and I was too punk, too cool for my own good. I’ve mentioned that affliction before, but at least I eventually got hip to these records.
1984 was their best selling album at the time. 10 million! Everyone knows the hits, but I also really like “Top Jimmy” and “Drop Dead Legs.” Of course the most awesome classic is “Hot for Teacher”, even the video is a classic. And awesome. For real.
“I don’t feel tardy.”
“Hot For Teacher” really is the epitome of the Diamond Dave era. I say this as a big VH fan — everything else is a shadow of the Platonic Ideal that is “Teacher.” Close 2nd on this album is “Drop Dead Legs” for that monstrous riff, the ocasionally atonal outro solo, and Dave’s conviction in making “giant butt” a meaningful lyric. Nice one!