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Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
I have been on a big DLR kick this past week. Eat Em and Smile and Skyscraper. Eat Em is amazing. This was my favorite album before GNR hit the scene when I was in 7th grade, and I have only listened to DLR sporadically since then. Its just a fun album that doesn't take itself seriously. What you hear is what you get. No deep thought needed. Eat Em is solid with VERY little filler. Only filler is probably Thats Life, and maybe Tobacco Road. The rest kicks ass.
Skyscraper has some great tracks, but more than half the album is filler.
Vai stomps ass on both these records. Its sad it was the last time Vai and Roth worked together. After getting a heavy dose of these albums, I actually wish Roth would do another solo album with the Eat Em lineup INSTEAD of continuing with VH. I know it will never happen because there is no demand for it and these Roth albums were considered more like novelty records that are forgettable.
If you are also a Roth fan but haven't heard these albums in ages, I highly recommend you listen to them again. For 80's pop feel good rock, this material stands the test of time very well.
If you have never heard these albums, what are you waiting for?
Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
I agree - I thought DLR would be able to sustain a solo career with the band he had going. Good songs, good vocals, great guitar work. I'm not sure what really hurt him, but I think he's one of the best frontmen from the 80s.
That killer lineup disintegrating is what killed him. GNR hitting the scene also killed him. His type of rock became irrelevant after AFD hit. However, if he had been able to keep that amazing lineup(basically a supergroup) intact, and took a few years off after Skyscraper, I do think he could have stayed relevant.
I'm listening to Big Trouble at this very moment. This song is kicking my ass.
Even though his career didn't turn out how he wanted, for that 85-87 period he was bigger(and better) than Van Hagar. No one can deny that.
Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
It would be cool, but I really don't see Vai being into it. He's carved out a pretty good niche just putting out albums that make guitar players want to put down their guitars for a long time. I can't see him wanting to go back with Roth unless it was guarunteed to be a lot of money, fun, and he would have a measure of control. Which I wouldn't see Roth being willing to give up to anyone not named Van Halen.
- Communist China
- Rep: 130
Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
I've heard a couple of DLR solo songs. They sound so damn corny and dated, the ones I've heard. bUt I'm probably wrong. I do prefer Roth to Hagar in the VH setting though.
Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
I've heard a couple of DLR solo songs. They sound so damn corny and dated, the ones I've heard. bUt I'm probably wrong. I do prefer Roth to Hagar in the VH setting though.
Well, they are dated now, but at the time, it was what was happening then taken over the top. Dave came off as an ego-maniac and he played the part well. Dave TV was hilarious. Who else could remake California Girls and Just a Gigilo and make them into hits?
Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
I've heard a couple of DLR solo songs. They sound so damn corny and dated, the ones I've heard. bUt I'm probably wrong. I do prefer Roth to Hagar in the VH setting though.
You're not necessarily "wrong", but I don't think I would use the word corny. It was supposed to be fun 'happy go lucky' type music. He wasn't trying to make any sort of artistic statement, and he is/was not digging through the bottom of his soul for meaningful lyrics. Probably the most 'serious' song from him is Damn Good.
Download these tracks for the "essential Roth".....
Big Trouble
Ladies Night in Buffalo
Goin Crazy
Yankee Rose
Bump and Grind
Elephant Gun
Knucklebones
Just Like Paradise
Skyscraper
Damn Good
If you like this, then maybe dive into some of his 90's shit.
- Gunslinger
- Rep: 88
Re: Time to give props to Diamond Dave
You have to check out the DLR Band's album as well. This one had a very much "old school classic VH" sound. Standouts on the album: Slam Dunk!/Counter-Blast/Lose the Dress (Keep the Shoes)/King of the Hill/Going Places.../Wa Wa Zat!!/Relentless/Weekend With The Baby Sitter. Also the album A Little Ain't Enough should be checked out, the standouts: (the title song)/Lady Luck/Tell the Truth/Last Call/Drop in the Bucket. All great stuff. The next album dropped in quality sharply (Your Filthy Little Mouth) producing only two decent songs: Big Train/Everybody's Got the Monkey. After this came the album "Diamond Dave"...don't bother.
