Jason Evangelho
As a grown ass adult who grew into a songwriter, I'm amazed I was so into bands like Van Halen (Hagar era) and Def Leppard (circa "Hysteria.)
I mean, these are lyrically AWFUL bands. Let's look at the thought-provoking chorus of Def Leppard's Women:
"I give you (Women, women)
Lots of pretty women
(Men, men) They can't live without them
(Women, women) Lots of pretty women
(Men, men) They can't live without them"
WOW, that is compelling stuff.
But wait, it gets so much better.
Jason Evangelho
We also can't ignore the Van Hagar masterpiece "Source of Infection," which begins thusly:
"Hey!
Alright!
Whoo! How 'bout 'cha now
Come on
Oh yeah!
Dig it!
That's right
Is everybody ready?
Let's go!
Up and down, around and 'round
In and out
Crank it, blow out
Ouch
Help me
Flip on over"
These bands certainly did not gain popularity and riches based on their lyrics... or did they? I bought these albums! I ROCKED THE HELL OUT to these albums!
Jason Evangelho
@karschsp "Sometimes lyrics are meant to be heard and not read."
Very astute observation, Steve!
Backing that up are multiple rock vocalists who often confess to writing a lyric just to compliment the music, not necessarily to make any sense 😂
Steve Karsch 🤘🏻:eagles:
@killyourfm I remember getting the cassette of DLRs “A Little Ain’t Enough” and reading the lyrics in the insert and thinking “really?” Don’t get me wrong, I love Dave and VH but sometimes lyrics are meant to be heard and not read! 🤘🏻
Jason Evangelho
@karschsp But on that note, I really need to revisit DLR's solo career (especially Eat Em And Smile & Skyscraper).
Jason Evangelho
@karschsp Mammoth WVH is a legend. The first album especially, where he totally "Dave Grohl'ed" the entire thing ala Foo Fighters' debut album.
I also saw him (and his band) open for Metallica, and he's just as incredible in a live setting.
(By the way, I just learned last month that Van Halen was originally called "Mammoth" before they were signed to Warner Bros.)
Steve Karsch 🤘🏻:eagles:
@killyourfm I’ve also been way down the VH and VH-related rabbit hole the last week or so (esp Mammoth WVH).
Jason Evangelho
@karschsp I didn't know that! Holy crap, that dude is impressive. I noticed a discernible improvement in the drumming on the 2nd album and just assumed it was his new live drummer.
Steve Karsch 🤘🏻:eagles:
@killyourfm He plays everything himself on the second album as well and it’s insanity. I know most people think of him as a guitarist but he is an incredible drummer. I want to try and catch him on this tour...
Ticktok
@killyourfm I've recently been trying to lean more into music, singing, and song writing, and finding it very difficult to not cringe at myself singing a Danzig song and the first 30 seconds of the song are incrementally increasing enthusiasm YEAs and WOOOs.
I wish they sold that kind of confidence in a pill form that wouldn't get me fired from work.
Jason Evangelho
@ticktok They don't sell it in pill form, but I think they sell thousands of varieties of it in liquid form for adults...
Seriously though, if you find yourself cringing, just make the song your own. Maybe record a cover of the song where you add your own flair to it.
Jason Evangelho
@skoobasteeve So happy I'm not alone in this. I cranked "Hysteria" this morning and it's such a guilty pleasure.
The way Mutt Lange recorded their vocals and harmonies especially...just absolutely sublime.
Ray :fedora: :python:
@killyourfm I think both their sounds were one of a kind at the time, Def Leppard especially. They are so cheesy but I still rock out to Hysteria and Animal at least once a year.
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