Okay that was one way to go… To be honest, done this way, I would have rather skipped the VHIII episode altogether. What’s the point of all the ridicule? This almost makes me feel stupid for liking the album. I can understand that it disappointed the Roth-era fans who had come to idolize Eddie’s early approach and output, but hey, cut your losses and move on. No need for all the negativity. Come on, comparing the opening of the YTTD solo to drunken uncle on stage? I for one liked the gradual shift in Edwards solo-style towards more bluesy melodic lines away from the singularly unique jazzy/beboppy phrasing of his earlier years - which I also absolutely love! Clearly the album is not perfect and suffers greatly from the absence of a strong independent producer, but it holds some very inspired material, at least in my view. Dirty Water Dog, Once and How Many Say I are actually among my all-time favorite VH tracks. It’s pretty condescending to say it’s “sad” that “he thinks he is at his creative peak” when “his creativity is not at his peak right now”, and that “that’s when you go to therapy”. Wow. In reality, according to his interviews, this album actually was the result of a creative burst following therapy. Indeed, it’s different, it's dark and it’s all over the place. Clearly too much so for some. Oh well, at least we now have some more insight as to why many early EVH fans really don’t (want to) like this album.
I would much rather have had a podcast featuring Gary Cherone, who may not be a guitarist, but would have offered a more interesting take on (the making of) the album.
Blues and James: "In all fairness, IN ALL FAIRNESS, (I mean we haven't really listened to this album all the way through, and I have an attitude), this could have been a great 20 minutes")
Ok, I was about to post about how brilliant the episode on Balance was and then logged into see this was really excited at first, especially such high exalted players, but this feels like all of you set the phasers to destroy, not mono, and, even with objective comments that are insightful, as soon as an audio clip is played, it's basically attacked, especially out of context, without letting the song breathe. This is plays like a big FUCK YOU to this album and feels like where this series jumps the shark. I don't love this album but it doesn't deserve this thrashing.
I agree VHIII doesn't come close to the rest of VH discography. Christopher L mentioned this downfall maybe a result from the lack of leadership and that's a valid hypothesis. In my opinion I think Eddie tried to lead the project and avoid any source of conflict - do everything his own way. I remember Freddie Mercury saying the secret of Queen's quality and success was conflict and sometimes he provoked the other members to try to extract the best from them. Of course conflict also has a lot of disadvantages and not everyone can handle it for too long and maybe that's why Eddie tried to do everything his own way on this album.
In my opinion, "A Year to the Day" is the best track of the album and got a bit overlooked on this episode. The guitar parts are incredible and is the only track I think Cherone is at home.
Very happy to have a couple of episodes to listen to. Amsterdam and Aftershock are badass. Balance gets overlooked in the VH catalog, but personally I like it better than OU812. The glaring differences between Balance and VHIII make it clear that EVH was maybe struggling with some demons…and possibly some hearing loss. Balance was clean and shiny while VHIII is dark and muddy. Then compare to ADKOT where the fire was back with a vengeance…despite Roth’s shoddy vocals. VHIII is an obvious misstep … most bands have them. Again DZ thank you for this project. I enjoy it very much. Anxious for the next episode.
Okay that was one way to go… To be honest, done this way, I would have rather skipped the VHIII episode altogether. What’s the point of all the ridicule? This almost makes me feel stupid for liking the album. I can understand that it disappointed the Roth-era fans who had come to idolize Eddie’s early approach and output, but hey, cut your losses and move on. No need for all the negativity. Come on, comparing the opening of the YTTD solo to drunken uncle on stage? I for one liked the gradual shift in Edwards solo-style towards more bluesy melodic lines away from the singularly unique jazzy/beboppy phrasing of his earlier years - which I also absolutely love! Clearly the album is not perfect and suffers greatly from the absence of a strong independent producer, but it holds some very inspired material, at least in my view. Dirty Water Dog, Once and How Many Say I are actually among my all-time favorite VH tracks. It’s pretty condescending to say it’s “sad” that “he thinks he is at his creative peak” when “his creativity is not at his peak right now”, and that “that’s when you go to therapy”. Wow. In reality, according to his interviews, this album actually was the result of a creative burst following therapy. Indeed, it’s different, it's dark and it’s all over the place. Clearly too much so for some. Oh well, at least we now have some more insight as to why many early EVH fans really don’t (want to) like this album.
I would much rather have had a podcast featuring Gary Cherone, who may not be a guitarist, but would have offered a more interesting take on (the making of) the album.
Very well put, Rolf d.
Blues and James: "In all fairness, IN ALL FAIRNESS, (I mean we haven't really listened to this album all the way through, and I have an attitude), this could have been a great 20 minutes")
Ok, I was about to post about how brilliant the episode on Balance was and then logged into see this was really excited at first, especially such high exalted players, but this feels like all of you set the phasers to destroy, not mono, and, even with objective comments that are insightful, as soon as an audio clip is played, it's basically attacked, especially out of context, without letting the song breathe. This is plays like a big FUCK YOU to this album and feels like where this series jumps the shark. I don't love this album but it doesn't deserve this thrashing.
Two seconds of Neworld "I'm out"
Cool story, bro.
I get this idea and it would have been more impactful doing first quick impressions of VH1 or 5150 but this is not the setting for this.
Can you imagine the same mindset of 1984? Two seconds in of the prelude, "I'm out"
I'm just finished the VHIII episode and I'm a little embarrassed for all of you for this.
Hi,
I agree VHIII doesn't come close to the rest of VH discography. Christopher L mentioned this downfall maybe a result from the lack of leadership and that's a valid hypothesis. In my opinion I think Eddie tried to lead the project and avoid any source of conflict - do everything his own way. I remember Freddie Mercury saying the secret of Queen's quality and success was conflict and sometimes he provoked the other members to try to extract the best from them. Of course conflict also has a lot of disadvantages and not everyone can handle it for too long and maybe that's why Eddie tried to do everything his own way on this album.
In my opinion, "A Year to the Day" is the best track of the album and got a bit overlooked on this episode. The guitar parts are incredible and is the only track I think Cherone is at home.
DZ,
Very happy to have a couple of episodes to listen to. Amsterdam and Aftershock are badass. Balance gets overlooked in the VH catalog, but personally I like it better than OU812. The glaring differences between Balance and VHIII make it clear that EVH was maybe struggling with some demons…and possibly some hearing loss. Balance was clean and shiny while VHIII is dark and muddy. Then compare to ADKOT where the fire was back with a vengeance…despite Roth’s shoddy vocals. VHIII is an obvious misstep … most bands have them.
Again DZ thank you for this project. I enjoy it very much. Anxious for the next episode.