Push comes to shove is a genius track in my mind, no matter what category you put it in it’s a dark, smoky, nasty groove almost like a movie track, and that lift in the second part of the solo is just freaking smart, just the perfect change that you don’t expect.
Dweezil I have to say how much Alex is a factor. I have never heard mammoth until now and he nails the fills on war pigs, wow. And if you watch the Oakland unchained video, he does a fast one right before the break down that blows my mind. It’s just incredible how in time and together they always were. Such a package deal that let Edward just shine. How old were you for your first VH show again? Mine was Sammy’s first tour as I was about to finish being 11. By the time Ed was half way through his solo part of the show, I could not hear anything except the very fast metallic strike of the pick on his strings. It was so loud I couldn’t hear him anymore! Anyway fun episode with Corgan thank you!
That's a tough question! I love them all for various reasons. You and Vai's personal stories tied to you learning guitar. Gilbert playing the lead vox melodies on guitar (which I've began to learn). And who could forget Blues' "SACK BABY" revelation!?!
Another great one Dweezil! Out of curiosity how many more do we have left in the early years series? And are you going to include the planned ADKOT episode in that or will it be for something different? Thanks a lot !! Lee
Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the episodes. The ADKOT is planned for the Right Here Right Now bundle. As for the Early Years, we have Diver Down and 1984 left plus an early years wrap up episode - which may end up being 2 episodes. So there’s some bonus stuff to look forward to!
It's "Mean Street" not "Mean Streets" Billy. Corgan sounds like an intelligent guy, but not convinced hes'a studied fan of the album. To not stop to talk about the clean flanger intro, the guitar work that covers the verse, not to mention the nasty/dark, inclusive of siren line lead work in "Hear About it Later" in favor of chalking the song up as "Poppy Cheese" and "Cutesy" is telling. "Too Wink/Winky"???? - If your'e going to call out that his playing on this album as "mean" in nature and tone, then to miss/not discuss that lead as some of the meanest playing on the album, WHAT? Most of what he came up with during the interview when asked to break down the playing was "I like the rhythm playing most" (yeah, what fan hasn't recognized that). I struggle to think Corgan could play along to VH I and do it any justice. I could be wrong. Dweezil- Really nice job! Love these conversations.
It's pretty easy to make the Mean Streets mistake. I've caught myself doing it too! Even Nuno called it Mean Streets. I was surprised Billy didn't like "Hear About It Later" but it doesn't stop me from loving that tune! In the Nuno episode, we went into great detail about that song. Doing 2 episodes on the same album is a bit tough because there are too many possibilities to cover the same points. I wanted to be sure to make the episodes as complete as I could but also have each one offer some different perspectives.
Thanks Dweezil. I appreciate the response! Yeah, I hear ya on Mean Street, maybe an unfair dig. Different perspectives is a good thing and yes loved the Nuno episodes where there was more discussion around the specific playing. Very much looking forward to the upcoming episodes!
When talking to the guests it's always a roll of the dice as to how deep to go with the details in the playing. Some players are inclined to talk about all of the nuances and others are more comfortable talking in general terms. I try to add in other layers of detail when I can if I feel like the listeners might like to hear more. There isn't a set formula for how to make a RWTD episode and each one turns out differently.
Excellent analysis Scott U. I've NEVER seen a video, heard a song, or read an article that showed Corgan to be more than a strummer. I would love to have heard him play along to "I'm the One".
When he was interviewed for the "Beyond a Lighted Stage" documentary on Rush and he said he could play Entre Nous and many other complex Rush songs, I scoffed. Now that he's on this podcast (only because of a Guitar World article that he wrote ~25 years ago) I'm full on choking at comments like "he plays mean"... no shit sherlock!
He should have listened to the in-depth, fanatical breakdowns by Gilbert, Bettencourt, Vai and Saraceno. That's what's expected here.
There are definitely players that don't fit the hard rock genre that would have done a much better job than Corgan. I'm indifferent towards John Mayer but the dude can rip and was a bonafide VH fan.
I know most of us here are absolute fanatics about Van Halen and their music. You never know who will offer an interesting perspective. As you probably know by now, I do my best to cover as much ground as possible. The tricky part is trying to find a way to uncover cool or unknown details about playing and recording while also having some fun storytelling to keep things moving along.
I've got some super detail-oriented guests coming up in the wrap-up episode(s) to the Early Years. More on that soon!
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Push comes to shove is a genius track in my mind, no matter what category you put it in it’s a dark, smoky, nasty groove almost like a movie track, and that lift in the second part of the solo is just freaking smart, just the perfect change that you don’t expect.
Jason, it's some of the best guitar playing ever. It's certainly my favorite EVH solo.
Great track. It owes a lot the Rolling Stones from Lee Roth's Mick Jagger-style raps to the funky feel. EVH plays one of his best solos.
Dweezil I have to say how much Alex is a factor. I have never heard mammoth until now and he nails the fills on war pigs, wow. And if you watch the Oakland unchained video, he does a fast one right before the break down that blows my mind. It’s just incredible how in time and together they always were. Such a package deal that let Edward just shine. How old were you for your first VH show again? Mine was Sammy’s first tour as I was about to finish being 11. By the time Ed was half way through his solo part of the show, I could not hear anything except the very fast metallic strike of the pick on his strings. It was so loud I couldn’t hear him anymore! Anyway fun episode with Corgan thank you!
Hi Jason,
Glad you’re enjoying the series. I was 12 when I saw the Diver Down tour. It was also loud as hell! It was amazing!
Dweezil, these episodes are FREAKIN' FANTASTIC!!! I've listened to them multiple times over. You're doing great work, my friend
Thanks Jason! Glad you’re enjoying them! Which one is your favorite?
That's a tough question! I love them all for various reasons. You and Vai's personal stories tied to you learning guitar. Gilbert playing the lead vox melodies on guitar (which I've began to learn). And who could forget Blues' "SACK BABY" revelation!?!
Good to know! That Blues story is still funny!
best, DZ
Another great one Dweezil! Out of curiosity how many more do we have left in the early years series? And are you going to include the planned ADKOT episode in that or will it be for something different? Thanks a lot !! Lee
Hi Lee,
Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the episodes. The ADKOT is planned for the Right Here Right Now bundle. As for the Early Years, we have Diver Down and 1984 left plus an early years wrap up episode - which may end up being 2 episodes. So there’s some bonus stuff to look forward to!
Thanks for the info! Looking forward to it all!
It's "Mean Street" not "Mean Streets" Billy. Corgan sounds like an intelligent guy, but not convinced hes'a studied fan of the album. To not stop to talk about the clean flanger intro, the guitar work that covers the verse, not to mention the nasty/dark, inclusive of siren line lead work in "Hear About it Later" in favor of chalking the song up as "Poppy Cheese" and "Cutesy" is telling. "Too Wink/Winky"???? - If your'e going to call out that his playing on this album as "mean" in nature and tone, then to miss/not discuss that lead as some of the meanest playing on the album, WHAT? Most of what he came up with during the interview when asked to break down the playing was "I like the rhythm playing most" (yeah, what fan hasn't recognized that). I struggle to think Corgan could play along to VH I and do it any justice. I could be wrong. Dweezil- Really nice job! Love these conversations.
Hi Scott,
It's pretty easy to make the Mean Streets mistake. I've caught myself doing it too! Even Nuno called it Mean Streets. I was surprised Billy didn't like "Hear About It Later" but it doesn't stop me from loving that tune! In the Nuno episode, we went into great detail about that song. Doing 2 episodes on the same album is a bit tough because there are too many possibilities to cover the same points. I wanted to be sure to make the episodes as complete as I could but also have each one offer some different perspectives.
Thanks Dweezil. I appreciate the response! Yeah, I hear ya on Mean Street, maybe an unfair dig. Different perspectives is a good thing and yes loved the Nuno episodes where there was more discussion around the specific playing. Very much looking forward to the upcoming episodes!
Hi Scott,
When talking to the guests it's always a roll of the dice as to how deep to go with the details in the playing. Some players are inclined to talk about all of the nuances and others are more comfortable talking in general terms. I try to add in other layers of detail when I can if I feel like the listeners might like to hear more. There isn't a set formula for how to make a RWTD episode and each one turns out differently.
Excellent analysis Scott U. I've NEVER seen a video, heard a song, or read an article that showed Corgan to be more than a strummer. I would love to have heard him play along to "I'm the One".
When he was interviewed for the "Beyond a Lighted Stage" documentary on Rush and he said he could play Entre Nous and many other complex Rush songs, I scoffed. Now that he's on this podcast (only because of a Guitar World article that he wrote ~25 years ago) I'm full on choking at comments like "he plays mean"... no shit sherlock!
He should have listened to the in-depth, fanatical breakdowns by Gilbert, Bettencourt, Vai and Saraceno. That's what's expected here.
There are definitely players that don't fit the hard rock genre that would have done a much better job than Corgan. I'm indifferent towards John Mayer but the dude can rip and was a bonafide VH fan.
Hi Fab,
I know most of us here are absolute fanatics about Van Halen and their music. You never know who will offer an interesting perspective. As you probably know by now, I do my best to cover as much ground as possible. The tricky part is trying to find a way to uncover cool or unknown details about playing and recording while also having some fun storytelling to keep things moving along.
I've got some super detail-oriented guests coming up in the wrap-up episode(s) to the Early Years. More on that soon!
Best, DZ