When DLR left Van Halen, I was crushed. How could the best band in the world have so much turmoil to destroy the thing I loved most? There were all sorts of rumours doing the rounds at the time, but the biggest one of them all was that Dave was going to make a movie, and transition from rock star to movie star. When it was announced that Dave was going to release his first solo album, (Crazy From The Heat was an EP), I was intrigued – to say the least – especially when I knew the line up of the band.
Dave was out to kill and prove a point. Steve Val on guitar was an amazing choice because he was the big hotshot guitar slinger of the time. Billy Sheehan on bass was another amazing choice as he was another superb player, and session drummer, Gregg Bissonette, completed the line up. Then I heard the opening track, Yankee Rose, and I knew this was going to be a killer record. It’s so over the top and was a direct FU to the Van Halen guys. Shyboy was Hot For Teacher on acid with some killer playing. I’m Easy showed Dave’s love of crooner show tunes and had the big production to make them pop. Ladies Night In Buffalo was another inspired choice with the change of groove and vibe. Goin’ Crazy, which was the title of the EP, showed how this band could write great pop songs.
Tobacco Road opens up Side 2 and is a killer rendition of this classic by The Nashville Teens, thanks in part to some great guitar from Vai. Elephant Gun is all about Vai, and if there is one track that sums up this new line up best, it’s this. Everything is over the top with Vai, and Sheehan is ripping up a storm. Big Trouble is another step away from the norm for Dave, with a funky groove and a rap lyric. This is the hidden gem on the album with a superb solo from Vai. The funk continues with the riff to Bump And Grind, and it reminds me of VH with the harmony vocals. That’s Life closes out the record and the love for the big show tunes is on show again. You have to admit that Dave does these so well.
Compare this to what Van Halen put out with 5150, and you have to agree that 5150 was a tad underwhelming. Although there was some great playing on the album, it just sounded like another corporate rock record – that edge had gone that made them special. Everyone says Dave can’t sing, and Sam The Sham is a better vocalist, but I can tell you this – no way could Sam sing Dave’s tunes and do them justice. DLR was the best front man in Rock, period. I’m pleased to say I got to witness that a few times.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
