'Atomic Punk' -- 2023 Version

Happy Friday and "new" music for the weekend!

David Lee Roth is back with one of his classic Van Halen re-recordings. This time it's "Atomic Punk." I think he sounds good here and I support these new recordings of classic hits. Plus, the download is free at the link in the post below.

Comments

[Bob]

Personally, I think these classic artists who re-record their old tunes have more fun recording them than we do listening to them. This new version has largely the exact same arrangement, but with inferior musicianship, no groove, and a dry, lifeless digital production. It's like they plugged directly into the board, fired up ProTools, and knocked this out for whatever reason. It's not bad -- it just doesn't add anything to the legacy of the song, the band, or DLR. If he had done the song with a new style or arrangement, that would have been much more interesting.

[stu]

like all the other dlr retread songs lately, i couldn’t male it past the first verse.

[Him]

Totally hear both of you, Stu and Bob.

Thing is, and I know I am a DLR fanboy, I think DLR just does what he wants to do and doesn't give two rips what others think. Start a tattoo lotion company that nose-dives in a few years? Sure. Record videos of you listening to other people while you do your soft-shoe dancing? Go for it!

I think that his, and VH's, legacy is secured. After all, we have the original stuff and those memories that go along with that. Does he tarnish that legacy with his cartoons, his current 'live' voice, or the suggestions--more likely, facts--that he was partially responsible for tanking a wanted and needed tribute to EVH? Even as a fanboy, I say yes. To me, these re-recordings are trifles flung like truffles at both the pigs and patrons. A bit of what you fancy? Maybe. A tin-can produced approximation of far lesser value than the originals? Likely so.

But, again, I don't think he cares. He will try to surprise youngsters who absolutely have no idea who he is. Why? Because that's DLR. He will continue to banter like a loon with too much meth in his tank. Why? Because that's DLR. He cinches up his Borsch belt and just gets to stepping, occasionally dropping truth bombs, occasionally simply rehashing well-worn bromides, and all with that grin that has become more rictus and less welcoming as time and age have taken their toll.

I think it all boils down to the inevitable sunset of our idols and also, respectfully, envy. I suspect a lot of us would love to lead a life where we didn't really care what others thought of us. Then again, that can also be seen as an echo-chamber of our own devices, where we only hear ourselves and don't really see or hear others. Paradise or prison? Everyone's got a take.

And that's enough from my filthy little mouth! Because, clearly, a little ain't enough for me.

[Bob]

Him, I'm so glad you're not a Shy boy that cares about being in Big Trouble for doing that Bump and Grind while holding an Elephant Gun. :) Like you, I am a total DLR fanboy. I don't think these re-recordings tarnish his legacy at all; they just don't add to it so they don't do anything for me personally. An example of a DLR re-recording that i love is the big band jazz version of "Ice Cream Man" that he did on the "Diamond Dave" record. Different style, different arrangement, very cool stuff. I love that DLR does his own thing with tongue in cheek and middle finger extended. Finally, he is also a natural raconteur. Give that man a microphone and no time limit and he will keep you captivated for hours.

[fletch]

crucified and abused, Bob.

Look up that Bon Jovi song. Or, should I say Desmond Child.

hopefully, that brings a smile to Dave

[Him]

Well said, Bob. Well said. You spoke the truth with far less verbiage! And far more references. Hahaha.

Another reason I wish there would, at some point, be a gathering of the BBG! tribe. I suspect the conversations would last for hours (and, surprisingly, not because I couldn't keep my pie-hole shut). Despite my click-and-clack loquaciousness, I am actually a fairly reserved conversationalist. Surprise of surprises, I like to listen!

Thanks, again, Bob.