Beyond excited to listen to everyones every word in this Van Halen series! Thank you for doing this ... you have given us a 'one thing' when asked ... 'what's your one positive memory from 2020'.
Hope you continue with future series like this ... I personally would love a big series where you discuss your growing up with your dads music ... as well as one with everyone who worked on your Confessions album (one of my favorite albums that came along when I was in music school). Thanks again for all you give us ... Happy Holidays!!!
I appreciate your kind words and reference to RWTD being a positive memory in 2020. It's been a terrible year for so many people and if this podcast helps to take people's minds off of life's challenges for even a few minutes, that's a good thing.
I'll see what I can do about your other suggestions. I have been thinking about doing something related to my dad's music for a long time. Best, DZ
On the DLR line from "Everybody Wants Some"...so I had to try and figure this out too. I found the following 3 different answers on different lyric websites:
1. I took a mobile light, lookin' for a moonbeam
2. I seen a lotta people lookin' for a moonbeam
3. I've seen the people that are lookin' for a moonbeam
I then found this interesting note on a webiste that's called "songfacts":
For the first line in the second verse, Roth meant to sing, "I've seen a lot of people just looking for a moonbeam," but forgot the words when he was recording it and just slurred out some gibberish that came close. They liked the attitude in the vocal, so they kept it anyway. The resulting lyric became the topic of wide speculation, but it couldn't be misheard because it was misspoken to begin with.
Then I found a similar clarification form a site called "song meanings" and it's supposedly Dave's own words, from 'Crazy from the Heat':
In the song "Everybody Wants Some," I think the original lyric was, "I've seen a lot of people just lookin' for a moonbeam." That doesn't sizzle and snap, crackle and pop for you like going, "Sheepa lotta peepah dabba looka foh a moonbeam," and it means so much more, and you're adding a little editorial. You're throwing in an opinion -- so critically important in the first verse. Even more so in the second.
Everything on the internet is true so I have no reason to doubt any of these possibilities.
Thanks for the info! It was fun trying to figure it out anyway! I usually don't pay much attention to the lyrics in songs because the instrumentation and the playing of the instruments is generally more interesting to me.
It’s so GREAT to participate as a listener in this series. I think that a lot of us needed this EVH tribute...I know it’s helping me. With his passing, it feels like ‘FUN’ (in its entirety) took a huge knock. This helps!!
In the mid 80’s, I was a guitar playing teen in CT from a town (New Britain) which wasn’t very far away from where Blues launched. He was even (innocuously) working at Creative Strings the day I picked up my Candy Apple Red Kramer Baretta. Of course, I had no idea that the moment was significant but it did FEEL significant. Creative Strings (Creative Music/Creative Percussion) had sort of an avant-garde jazz affect to it. The kids of the day didn’t need much retrospect under their feet to convey: ‘Proverbial Ascot Dudes, you’re a Kramer Dealer about to be overrun!!’ . The whole thing...the whole trip...was ENERGETIC & ENTHUSIASTIC. The Van Halen tide...❤️.
(I’m not sure if Blues could feel the support at the time but there were (& are) an awful lot of spirited CT people rooting for his continual success. It’s cool to know that he’s such an endearing person. (And, his CT reference to doilies are damn-accurate to these ears. Cracked me up!!). Can’t wait for Part II!!
Thanks for your kind words. It's nice to hear that this series is being regarded with such positivity. Funny that you have that CT connection with Blues!
Hey Einar - what a small world! I grew up in East Hartford CT and me and my guitar playing friends used to see Blues at Creative ALL THE TIME!! We were a few years older and would always see him in there. Even back then in the mid-80s, we knew the kid could play so its no surprise that he would find later success.
and Dweezil - thanks so very much for doing this series - its staggering to me of the lasting impact that EVH made in our world (and our lives) and its fitting that you are the force driving this project.
I'm from CT too. I had no idea that's where Blues is from.
Another great episode... While I wish all the content was available all at once because it's solid gold. I most grateful I cannot blast through it. Savoring it is surely best...
Couple things... Women And Children First is 40 years plus old. Being 55 I wish 1980 was only 30 years ago :P And those are "turnbuckles" on the Shark guitar. Obtainable at any hardware store. Or know by some as "Tone Killers." Ed installed them because his butcher job took too much meat out of the body and it was coming apart according to few old interviews.
During the opening of Everybody Wants Some, where Ed does the various "sound effects" at the .53 second mark there is a ripping/scrape like the sound that always reminded me of the creeping sound the eggs made opening up in the Alien movies made... I was hoping that might be explained.
Glad you're liking the episodes! Thanks for your insight and commentary on the turnbuckles! I'll listen for the sound you mentioned at .53 and see if I can possibly shed some light on it for you.
Me and my rocker buds gave nicknames for the sounds Ed made in that part of the song back in the day. The first one was the "Scooby" The sound Ed makes for the first one sounds a bit like Scooby talking. Second one the Alien egg-opening sound.(My personal favorite) The third was the "Rocket", and the last one was called the "Boomerang"
Remembering Paul Gilbert's, "Snarly Dog Lick" comment. The solo in, And the Cradle will Rock has some, which sound really neat in the cleaner sound the 3rd album had.
Hey Dweezil - seriously amazing job so far. Easily the first podcast where I've listened to episodes multiple times - there's so much to digest. Super enjoyable and a perfect level of depth. Thanks a ton for dedicating the time & effort for everyone.
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying all the episodes. Sorry, we don't have any video of the episodes. Future episodes might include video. I'm exploring video options for the reverse engineering of the Brown Sound episode.
This series has been incredible so far! Just brings a smile to my face listening to you guys sharing your experiences and dropping interesting tidbits along the way. Guitar nerds are totally eating up the geek out on the nuances of Ed’s playing. Keep up the excellent work. Absolutely on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode.
I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I can't wait for you to hear the Blues Saraceno episode this coming Thursday. I just finished interviewing Joe Satriani a few minutes ago. His episode is going to be a winner as well!
Looking forward to the Diver Down ep...in particular Little Guitars. Is there a wah in the intro? It doesn't sound like the usual flanger or phase 90 to me. Not sure where you're at in the process, but if you haven't recorded it yet...would love to get some insight on that. Really enjoying the podcasts. Be well.
Yeah, Little Guitars is probably the most special VH song to me. I adore it. The songwriting and melody just touch something in me.
I don't know what amp he used. He had a few pedals and he used an Ibanez Strat style guitar with a non locking tremelo. I did recreate a bit of the VH record sound by taking his mono guitar and panning it left while adding some reverb and delay to his sound on the right in post production.
One last question. Always loved your playing what would you recommend to a guy that’s getting older and is tired of lugging Amps to every job ,,a fractal or a kemper. ( I know the kemper is more a amp sim). Thank so much for everything. The insights you provided here with the interviews are amazing!!!!
Sure thing! The Fractal line of products would be my recommendation. To my ear, the amp modeling is the best and you have all of the effects as well. The computer editing software makes it easy for programming sounds and the community forum is very helpful as well.
The Kemper is great for capturing the sound of your own amps but the Fractal can do that as well.
Thanks mr Zappa sir :). I have to admit I am a old fashioned amp kinda guy ,, I may have to check out a fac or Kemper after you do the “brown” sound episodes. Btw The Gilbert episode was amazing too. ( all of them. Great job!!)
Thanks! I love amps too but there are some advantages to some of the modern technology. When I do the reverse engineering of the Brown Sound it will be focused on showing the key ingredients that exist in the sound (frequencies etc) so that it can be closely replicated with a wide assortment of guitars and amps/amp modelers.
This may possibly be the best $51.50 I've ever spent. All three episodes have been extremely entertaining.
Any chance you could add a 10sec back button to the player? It's really hard to rewind on a phone with the timeline being so small. (On my android anyway)
How long after buying the 5150 bundle should I expect information/access codes for the Premier Guitar subscription please?
Hi John,
Thanks for reaching out. You should receive an email from Premier Guitar this week. Best, DZ
Just started enjoying Episode 1 of the 5150 Bundle. Thank you so much DZ, for making this available to us. Gratitude from Sweden! / Jocke Lundgren
Hi Jocke,
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the series! New episodes launch every Thursday at noon PST. Much more to come!
Beyond excited to listen to everyones every word in this Van Halen series! Thank you for doing this ... you have given us a 'one thing' when asked ... 'what's your one positive memory from 2020'.
Hope you continue with future series like this ... I personally would love a big series where you discuss your growing up with your dads music ... as well as one with everyone who worked on your Confessions album (one of my favorite albums that came along when I was in music school). Thanks again for all you give us ... Happy Holidays!!!
Hi David,
I appreciate your kind words and reference to RWTD being a positive memory in 2020. It's been a terrible year for so many people and if this podcast helps to take people's minds off of life's challenges for even a few minutes, that's a good thing.
I'll see what I can do about your other suggestions. I have been thinking about doing something related to my dad's music for a long time. Best, DZ
On the DLR line from "Everybody Wants Some"...so I had to try and figure this out too. I found the following 3 different answers on different lyric websites:
1. I took a mobile light, lookin' for a moonbeam
2. I seen a lotta people lookin' for a moonbeam
3. I've seen the people that are lookin' for a moonbeam
I then found this interesting note on a webiste that's called "songfacts":
For the first line in the second verse, Roth meant to sing, "I've seen a lot of people just looking for a moonbeam," but forgot the words when he was recording it and just slurred out some gibberish that came close. They liked the attitude in the vocal, so they kept it anyway. The resulting lyric became the topic of wide speculation, but it couldn't be misheard because it was misspoken to begin with.
Then I found a similar clarification form a site called "song meanings" and it's supposedly Dave's own words, from 'Crazy from the Heat':
In the song "Everybody Wants Some," I think the original lyric was, "I've seen a lot of people just lookin' for a moonbeam." That doesn't sizzle and snap, crackle and pop for you like going, "Sheepa lotta peepah dabba looka foh a moonbeam," and it means so much more, and you're adding a little editorial. You're throwing in an opinion -- so critically important in the first verse. Even more so in the second.
Everything on the internet is true so I have no reason to doubt any of these possibilities.
Thanks for the info! It was fun trying to figure it out anyway! I usually don't pay much attention to the lyrics in songs because the instrumentation and the playing of the instruments is generally more interesting to me.
It’s so GREAT to participate as a listener in this series. I think that a lot of us needed this EVH tribute...I know it’s helping me. With his passing, it feels like ‘FUN’ (in its entirety) took a huge knock. This helps!!
In the mid 80’s, I was a guitar playing teen in CT from a town (New Britain) which wasn’t very far away from where Blues launched. He was even (innocuously) working at Creative Strings the day I picked up my Candy Apple Red Kramer Baretta. Of course, I had no idea that the moment was significant but it did FEEL significant. Creative Strings (Creative Music/Creative Percussion) had sort of an avant-garde jazz affect to it. The kids of the day didn’t need much retrospect under their feet to convey: ‘Proverbial Ascot Dudes, you’re a Kramer Dealer about to be overrun!!’ . The whole thing...the whole trip...was ENERGETIC & ENTHUSIASTIC. The Van Halen tide...❤️.
(I’m not sure if Blues could feel the support at the time but there were (& are) an awful lot of spirited CT people rooting for his continual success. It’s cool to know that he’s such an endearing person. (And, his CT reference to doilies are damn-accurate to these ears. Cracked me up!!). Can’t wait for Part II!!
Hi Einar,
Thanks for your kind words. It's nice to hear that this series is being regarded with such positivity. Funny that you have that CT connection with Blues!
Hey Einar - what a small world! I grew up in East Hartford CT and me and my guitar playing friends used to see Blues at Creative ALL THE TIME!! We were a few years older and would always see him in there. Even back then in the mid-80s, we knew the kid could play so its no surprise that he would find later success.
and Dweezil - thanks so very much for doing this series - its staggering to me of the lasting impact that EVH made in our world (and our lives) and its fitting that you are the force driving this project.
I'm from CT too. I had no idea that's where Blues is from.
Dweezil...
Another great episode... While I wish all the content was available all at once because it's solid gold. I most grateful I cannot blast through it. Savoring it is surely best...
Couple things... Women And Children First is 40 years plus old. Being 55 I wish 1980 was only 30 years ago :P And those are "turnbuckles" on the Shark guitar. Obtainable at any hardware store. Or know by some as "Tone Killers." Ed installed them because his butcher job took too much meat out of the body and it was coming apart according to few old interviews.
During the opening of Everybody Wants Some, where Ed does the various "sound effects" at the .53 second mark there is a ripping/scrape like the sound that always reminded me of the creeping sound the eggs made opening up in the Alien movies made... I was hoping that might be explained.
Thanks again for the awesome content!
Hi John,
Glad you're liking the episodes! Thanks for your insight and commentary on the turnbuckles! I'll listen for the sound you mentioned at .53 and see if I can possibly shed some light on it for you.
Dweezil..
Me and my rocker buds gave nicknames for the sounds Ed made in that part of the song back in the day. The first one was the "Scooby" The sound Ed makes for the first one sounds a bit like Scooby talking. Second one the Alien egg-opening sound.(My personal favorite) The third was the "Rocket", and the last one was called the "Boomerang"
Remembering Paul Gilbert's, "Snarly Dog Lick" comment. The solo in, And the Cradle will Rock has some, which sound really neat in the cleaner sound the 3rd album had.
Laughing my ass off during this episode!!!!
Good times!
Hey Dweezil - seriously amazing job so far. Easily the first podcast where I've listened to episodes multiple times - there's so much to digest. Super enjoyable and a perfect level of depth. Thanks a ton for dedicating the time & effort for everyone.
Hi Scott, Thanks for the kind words. I'm happy you're enjoying the series enough for repeat listens!
Hi Dweezil, have thoroughly enjoyed all three episodes, is there video of Paul, and if so any chance of us being able to see that? Thank you, Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying all the episodes. Sorry, we don't have any video of the episodes. Future episodes might include video. I'm exploring video options for the reverse engineering of the Brown Sound episode.
This series has been incredible so far! Just brings a smile to my face listening to you guys sharing your experiences and dropping interesting tidbits along the way. Guitar nerds are totally eating up the geek out on the nuances of Ed’s playing. Keep up the excellent work. Absolutely on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode.
Hi Brian,
I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I can't wait for you to hear the Blues Saraceno episode this coming Thursday. I just finished interviewing Joe Satriani a few minutes ago. His episode is going to be a winner as well!
You got blues doing an segment!!! Wow,, I have not heard that name in a while. Very cool !!!
Yep! His episode will be in 2 parts. We covered a lot of ground. Enjoy!
I just love how much Paul is playing during this session!
Glad you're enjoying the series Michael!
Looking forward to the Diver Down ep...in particular Little Guitars. Is there a wah in the intro? It doesn't sound like the usual flanger or phase 90 to me. Not sure where you're at in the process, but if you haven't recorded it yet...would love to get some insight on that. Really enjoying the podcasts. Be well.
Yeah, Little Guitars is probably the most special VH song to me. I adore it. The songwriting and melody just touch something in me.
I love that song too. Especially the intro with the heavy chorus sound!
Great interview with Paul !!! Love the flow you let occur. Can you share or do you know what Gilbert was using / playing through.
Thanks again ;)
Hi Jim,
I don't know what amp he used. He had a few pedals and he used an Ibanez Strat style guitar with a non locking tremelo. I did recreate a bit of the VH record sound by taking his mono guitar and panning it left while adding some reverb and delay to his sound on the right in post production.
Damn. That’s sweet . The reverb n delay definitely gave it that “plate” reverb sound. It sounded “eddie-esque”.
Very cool and Thanks.
Sure thing!
One last question. Always loved your playing what would you recommend to a guy that’s getting older and is tired of lugging Amps to every job ,,a fractal or a kemper. ( I know the kemper is more a amp sim). Thank so much for everything. The insights you provided here with the interviews are amazing!!!!
Hi Jim,
Sure thing! The Fractal line of products would be my recommendation. To my ear, the amp modeling is the best and you have all of the effects as well. The computer editing software makes it easy for programming sounds and the community forum is very helpful as well.
The Kemper is great for capturing the sound of your own amps but the Fractal can do that as well.
Thanks mr Zappa sir :). I have to admit I am a old fashioned amp kinda guy ,, I may have to check out a fac or Kemper after you do the “brown” sound episodes. Btw The Gilbert episode was amazing too. ( all of them. Great job!!)
Hi Jim,
Thanks! I love amps too but there are some advantages to some of the modern technology. When I do the reverse engineering of the Brown Sound it will be focused on showing the key ingredients that exist in the sound (frequencies etc) so that it can be closely replicated with a wide assortment of guitars and amps/amp modelers.
Is there video of Steve??
Hi Jim,
Sorry, there aren't any videos from the podcast episodes. I do plan to have some video footage for the Reverse Engineering of the Brown Sound episode.
...also, very much looking forward to e.4/Women & Children 1st. My favorite of all of them, in particular “In A Simple Rhyme” . Until then...
Another sparklingly excellent episode! These are amazing! Thanks very much for putting this together Dweezil! Viva EVH!
This may possibly be the best $51.50 I've ever spent. All three episodes have been extremely entertaining.
Any chance you could add a 10sec back button to the player? It's really hard to rewind on a phone with the timeline being so small. (On my android anyway)
Wanted to see the video of paul so bad! Any chance to make that available? Love this podcast. Thanks so much! You rawk!
Hi Matt,
We don't have video of the episode! Sorry about that! Glad you're enjoying the series so far.
Best, DZ