11 Comments
Dec 1, 2021Liked by Mitch Blum, CJ Kaplan, Ken Warshaw

Somehow, pitching the merits of any Van Halen album (pre-5150) is kindof like pitching the merits of beer. We know, we've all had some, just shut up and bring it.

Alas, the distinction must be made; the band that continued after DLR left should never be confused with Van Effing Halen. I make the same case about Pink Floyd after Roger Waters left, it's a crime they were allowed to continue using the name for the craptastrophe that followed.

Frankly, anyone who disagrees with admitting VHII permanently forfeits their Newbury Street rights. And I don't mean just in this thread, I mean you have to go from Boylston to Commonwealth, do not pass GO and do not collect $200. Such miscreants ought not be allowed to drive, walk, stand, or even look at photos of Newbury Street.

Does that make me an intolerant prick? Yes

Do I give a sh!t? No

Is this QA thing as fun as CJ makes it seem? Not really.

Chappy Channukah, boiz!

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Newbury St. is full of intolerant pricks. That's what makes it so much fun!

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Now who can argue with that? And a Happy Hanukkah to you too.

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1984 would have been an interesting debate because *some* of us think the wheels started coming off with Diver Down and still remember being horrified by addition of keyboards, but, counterpoint, Panama.

(Arguing with your own strawman arguments is another fun technique.)

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agree, have always hated "jump" for having the most talented guitarist alive playing piano chords a 4th grader could learn in a day. it's like having tom brady play special teams.

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I was 100% with you until this. I can see your point, but "Jump" is still good. Different, but good.

Brady'd never miss a PAT, and Eddie didn't miss here.

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agree to disagree, it's an impromptu brady 3rd down punt

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Lol. Fair enough.

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Dec 2, 2021Liked by CJ Kaplan

“D.O.A.” rules, and is the song I most return to for early Van Halen—muscular, intense, surprisingly dark for the lighthearted kings of California. I’m glad y’all did this one instead of the first album because I think it’s overlooked!!

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Criminally overlooked! Nobody needs to be reminded of VH I, but when people hear VH II for the first time in a while, they invariably say, "Oh sh*t! This is a great f*ckin' album!" Or words to that effect

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This reminds me of going to my friends' houses, and seeing their older brothers working on their cars. Malibus, TranAms, and Novas. Early VH and similar were always the soundtrack.

Have I ever heard this all the way through? I'm not sure.

Is it my loss? You bet.

Is asking/answering my own questions fun? Definitely.

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