Van Halen adds bluegrass twist
Published June 8, 2006
Start re-growing that mullet. Van Halen is back. And this time, they've gone bluegrass.
With CMH Records' release of Strummin' With the Devil: The Southern Side of Van Halen, spandex and flannels never looked so good together.
Upon first listen, this album has the potential to be pathetic, much like those string quartet tributes to bands like Dashboard Confessional and Tool. But unlike those awesome classical renditions of bad pop, these are good musicians, playing good songs and, at the very least, an album like this has never been made before.
Released on 06/06/06, Strummin' With the Devil begins with one of Van Halen's biggest hits, "Jump," featuring the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band and the vocal styling of David Lee Roth, who also sang on "Jamie's Cryin'."
The song really sets the tone for the entire album, showcasing the extreme contrast between the style of this album and the original hits.
I couldn't help but giggle as a banjo and fiddle played Eddie Van Halen's famous guitar solos. And it was a tad disappointing to find my favorite song, "Hot For Teacher," was instrumental on this album.
At best, this album is a welldone gimmick. No true Van Halen fan is going to really enjoy this album. It is far from the heavy rockin' guitars and headbanging beat fans are accustomed. Strangely enough, the lyrics are fitting to the bluegrass style, and a few fans of bluegrass might like it.
Listening to the bluegrass version of "Panama," performed by Cornbread Red, I could easily have mistaken it for a song originally written for bluegrass.
Sadly, most of the really enjoyable songs are the ones that feature Roth - his presence gives the songs a lot more personality.
Could this be magic? Most likely. But only for those open to something new and unique.
