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Diver Down was the blueprint for DLRs solo albums of the future. In many ways it is comparable to the "Diamond Dave" CD of today.
Like much of Daves solo work, Diver Down consists of remakes. At least 5 pieces- Where hav alll the good times gone, Pretty Woman, Big Bad Bill (is Sweet William Now) , Dancing in the Streets and Happy Trails are remakes.
The barbershop quartet sound that DLR obviously loves makes a double appearance with two of these songs. The first tribute to this sound was "Could this be Magic?" from WACF. When people complain about albums like Diamond Dave, I dont think they get. To Dave, "Diamond Dave" IS Van Halen. After all, he has been putting out that type of music for over twenty years now. Tunes like "Just a Gigolo" are a natural extension.
Other than the instrumentals, and perhaps the Full Bug, I dont believe EVH contributed alot to this album. Even with songs like Intruder and Full Bug, this is NOT a guitar focused album. It could just as easily be the Atomic Punks or the DLR band backing Dave up here. This is really Daves album!
Two other notes- the finest song, and most personal one from DLR in my opinion is the autobiographical "Little Guitars". For my money, its the best piece of singing Dave has ever done. I believe the "Senorita" choruses and lyrics are a rememberance of a gal Dave knew when he worked in a stable among Hispanics. Its an ode to a teenage love.
I also thing Big Bad Bill is a joke to EVH. The lyrics talk of a man that has gotten married and given up his wild ways. That is certainly EVH after marrying Valerie. I dont think its meant as mean or spiteful, just a little joke between two friends at the time, Dave is telling Ed, "you're whipped pal!".
1984 was Eddies album. I believe the last album where the entire group was in synergy was Women and Children First. That is a complete album showcasing the best of Dave AND Eddie. But thats an essay for another day.
Chong
Like much of Daves solo work, Diver Down consists of remakes. At least 5 pieces- Where hav alll the good times gone, Pretty Woman, Big Bad Bill (is Sweet William Now) , Dancing in the Streets and Happy Trails are remakes.
The barbershop quartet sound that DLR obviously loves makes a double appearance with two of these songs. The first tribute to this sound was "Could this be Magic?" from WACF. When people complain about albums like Diamond Dave, I dont think they get. To Dave, "Diamond Dave" IS Van Halen. After all, he has been putting out that type of music for over twenty years now. Tunes like "Just a Gigolo" are a natural extension.
Other than the instrumentals, and perhaps the Full Bug, I dont believe EVH contributed alot to this album. Even with songs like Intruder and Full Bug, this is NOT a guitar focused album. It could just as easily be the Atomic Punks or the DLR band backing Dave up here. This is really Daves album!
Two other notes- the finest song, and most personal one from DLR in my opinion is the autobiographical "Little Guitars". For my money, its the best piece of singing Dave has ever done. I believe the "Senorita" choruses and lyrics are a rememberance of a gal Dave knew when he worked in a stable among Hispanics. Its an ode to a teenage love.
I also thing Big Bad Bill is a joke to EVH. The lyrics talk of a man that has gotten married and given up his wild ways. That is certainly EVH after marrying Valerie. I dont think its meant as mean or spiteful, just a little joke between two friends at the time, Dave is telling Ed, "you're whipped pal!".
1984 was Eddies album. I believe the last album where the entire group was in synergy was Women and Children First. That is a complete album showcasing the best of Dave AND Eddie. But thats an essay for another day.
Chong
yeah,......
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