When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame started, it sounded really exciting. But for years, the inducties were from the beginning of rock in the 50's which left little for me to get really pumped up about. Now, I'm officially old enough to recognize the names of famous people when they die and have bands I know of enter the Hall of Fame. The biggest honoree this year? Van Halen!
From 1978 to 1995, Van Halen was one of the biggest hard rock bands on the planet. They defined the adrenaline rush of hard rock with party anthems, whiplash speed guitarwork and outlandish showmanship. When they were young, drunk and high they were unstoppable. But, aging and a few sober periods led to ego battles that killed the band. Van Halen now has a chance to shine at the induction ceremony and I hope they rise to the occassion. If they do, it will be the rock event of the year!
Speaking of sober, Eric Clapton has put out a CD recently by partnering up with JJ Cale. Clapton has played Cale's songs for years, most notably on classics like "Cocaine", "Travelin' Light" and "After Midnight". Cale's laid back style of blues rock with his laconic vocals and deft guitarwork has been like the template for Clapton's best work. The combination of the two on a full album delivers everything that is promised.
The Road To Escondido (2006) features material that's just as strong as Cale's To Tulsa And Back (2004) disc. Cale's sharp songwriting gives the duo a lot to work with and th
e two veterans make the most of it. Cale and Clapton groove on each others performances, their voices doubling up on many parts and their guitarwork blending and intertwining with a comfortable ease. Clapton benefits the most from this, removed from his adult contemporary leanings and turning in some of his most inspired guitar playing in a decade. "Danger" and "Ride The River"are the most memorable songs on the disc, both songs armed with a strong hook and slightly up tempo beat. Cale flies his freak flag on "When This War Is Over" while Clapton delivers a pleasant acoustic ditty "Three Little Girls". Elsewhere, the relaxed blues playing takes over-occasionally working up a sweat on a hot solo to keep things interesting. The Road To Escondido is a relaxing ride with just enough curves to keep you interested.
2 comments:
Ah the Hall of Fame. Reminds me of the Ellen Degeneres show today. They have this weekly phone message segment where they play real phone messages people left for the show. One guy just called and went off on this big rant about how the Scorpions weren't in the Rock Hall of Fame. I think he dialed the wrong number.
Anyways, Van Halen's good times.
That sounds really funny, I'll have to see if it's on You Tube somewhere. I like the Scorpions, but once you get past "Rock You Like A Hurricane" it's hard to think Hall of Fame ready.
One of the most memorable concerts I went to was to see David Lee Roth with my wife. It was hot outside and a small venue because his career was spiralling downward but we both had a good time (except my wife had a painful sunburn).
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