I'm counting down my the first Dave era Van Halen tracks. The first part can be found here. If you're all caught up let's not waste anymore time.
50. "Spanish Fly" from Van Halen II. This little acoustic tapping showcase came about after Eddie picked up an old acoustic at producer Ted Templeman's home. Templeman was surprised at how well Eddie's technique applied to an acoustic. Eddie would incorporate the instrumental into his electric guitar solo spot when on tour.
49. "Sunday Afternoon in the Park" from Fair Warning. Wickedly mean sounding synth instrumental perfectly in line with the darker tone of Fair Warning.
48. "Could This Be Magic?" from Women and Children First. I probably should rate this higher, but we're already entering hallowed ground. Everything from this point on is so great. This tune is the result of Ted Templeman handing Eddie Van Halen a bottleneck and asking him to play slide guitar. Dave accompanied Eddie on acoustic guitar, Nicolette Larson provided harmony after the guitar break, and the sound of rain falling could be heard as the studio doors were opened. "I see lonely ships upon the water...better save the women and children first." It's funny and evocative, and, dare I say, almost poignant.
47. "You're No Good" from Van Halen II. The slow boil opener of Van Halen's second album was a cover suggested to them by Ted Templeman. They had done it live back in their club days, but Eddie had forgotten it. Templeman hummed the main riff and Eddie took it from there. Linda Ronstadt had a smash hit with her version in 1975, but the Van Halen version is its own little thing. I really enjoy Dave's screams on it.
46. "Little Dreamer" from Van Halen. Similar to "You're No Good", but a Van Halen original song. This mid-tempo tune shows off Dave's singing chops. Dude had swagger for days and even had pipes back then.
45. "(Oh) Pretty Woman" from Diver Down. This cover of the old Roy Orbison chestnut was supposed to buy them some time in 1982. When it turned into their biggest hit at the time peaking at number 12, they were asked to provide a full album and Diver Down was born. "Happy Trails" was the b-side of the single which was initially released without the (Oh) in the a-side's title. Dave had wanted to record "Dancing in the Street", but Eddie chose "(Oh) Pretty Woman" instead. The seeds of destruction of my favorite group were taking root. Can't fault the music though. Despite Dave forgetting whole lines this was so glorious to hear coming over the airwaves.
44. "Top Jimmy" from 1984. This ode to local Los Angeles cult band Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs rocks like a mofo. Eddie played a Ripley stereo guitar which allowed for all of the strings to be panned individually. Put your headphones and you can really pick up on the weirdness.
43. "The Full Bug" from Diver Down. The acoustic intro and the harmonica are courtesy of Dave. Some feel this is the best song ever by Van Halen. It's a great stomping bluesy rocker.
42. "Push Comes to Shove" from Fair Warning. Dave wanted to cash in on the reggae sound, but instead we get this very intriguing ballad. Eddie's guitar line in the verses does have that reggae saunter, but Michael Anthony's bass is more funk with Alex's insistent drumbeat matching that vibe. I absolutely love Eddie's hornlike solo bits. I've heard that those parts are very Allan Holdsworth like.
41. Sinner's Swing from Fair Warning. Overt F-bomb! Insistent chugging rhythm. An unhinged Eddie first take solo. This song is a blast. Amazing to think I can find 40 more tracks from the original Dave era of Van Halen I like more. They were just so amazing. Stay tuned for 40-31 up in a few days.
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