Music with the VINTAGE VAN HALEN SOUND
Every now and then we get reminded of why we love Van Halen so much. It happens on sunny days when “Beautiful Girls” or “D.O.A.” comes on blaring through the radio, or at night when we hear “House of Pain” or “Romeo Delight”. Or when we come across an old bootleg video of a tour we wish we had seen.
Well, the last time we were reminded why we love VH so much happened to be when we were surfing the internet and stumbled across a musician who wrote and recorded some original music that we think TRULY captures the sounds and feel of old Van Halen.
His name is Craig Parker Adams. He’s a California guitar player who wrote and recorded some songs that we feel have the essence of vintage VH. The music from his homemade Youtube videos blew us away.
We thought about doing a news feature about his music for the VHND. We wondered, would our readers want to hear about some music that was NOT written by Van Halen, but which, in our opinion, kicks some serious butt and SOUNDS like early Van Halen? Since there is no word on when Van Halen themselves will be making new music anytime soon, we figured we might as well share these songs with all the Van Halen fans out there. If people like Craig’s music HALF as much as we at the VHND do, it will be well worth it!
It turns out, he couldn’t get enough of the vintage Van Halen sound, and he got tired of waiting for Van Halen to crank out some more of it, so he decided to take matters into his own hands and write some instrumentals that sound like Roth-era Van Halen.
So, here are three of his instrumentals that sound the most like early Van Halen. Hope you enjoy them!
| “HOLD EVERYTHING” sample: |
“FIVE NINE” sample: |
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“POSSIBLE” sample: |
To purchase the full songs: All 6 of Craig’s instrumentals are available for just 99 cents each. Purchase them at iTunes, or at Amazon. Craig’s Youtube page, and Myspace page.
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We called up Craig at his recording studio in Los Angeles. He turned out to be a hell of a nice guy and we did a short interview with him.
VHND: How did these great songs come about?
“Well, as a guitar player, I’ve always felt very connected to Edward’s feel. It just connects. So naturally I love to play his songs and have always dreamed of playing with guys who shared the same connection or love for vintage VH. Unfortunately I was never able to find anyone who really had the feel for the music. Then one day a friend’s band came into the studio to record. The drummer from the band, Rich Toledo, completely had Al’s sound and vibe. I couldn’t believe it! It took about 2 seconds to figure that out. Rich told me he was a huge fan too.
“We compared our VH bootlegs lists, our favorite versions of songs, concert stories, and whatever. I said, “Hey man, we should get together and have a Van Halen jam night and some beers sometime” and he said “sure”. So, I set it up and my friend Michael Duarte, who was Rich’s bass player from their band, came along to play the bass. Well we commenced partying and having fun and I recorded the whole night. And what came of it was killer… We played 20 or so VH tunes and Rich and I played together like we had played our whole lives together. It was AWESOME! This was what I had always wanted and was waiting for. When we listened back to the recording it was scary. It sounded very authentic. I ended up editing little clips of the songs into a medley from that night and made a Youtube video called “Van Halen, All Cut Up”. You can totally hear straight away that the vibe was definitely there. And to me you’re sunk without it…
“Soon after that jam night I thought how cool it would be to actually write and record original songs that sounded like old unreleased VH tunes. For me that sound and era of Van Halen is something that I just could never get enough of. Rich thought it was a great idea. So we wrote and demoed six songs together.It’s not very easy to capture the Van Halen sound and vibe, trust me! Not easy at all…
“FIVE NINE”
“Basically what we’ve tried to do is capture and combine elements of different songs to create new songs. Like our song, “Five Nine”. The drum feel and sound is like Van Halen I . Kind of a “Jamie’s Cryin” thing and the guitars feel and sound like Van Halen II. Kind of a “Dance The Night Away” / “Women in Love” type vibe with a break down, ala “Light Up The Sky”. The guitar overdub is doing a “Jamie’s Cryin” type of single long note melody thing.
“HOLD EVERYTHING”
“Hold Everything” is just a straight ahead drop D crusher. Our version of an “Unchained” type of thing. The breakdown section with overdubs ( which is not on the live demo ) was inspired by the ultra cool feel of the breakdown in “Little Guitars”. It has a giant slow sliding echoey type of thing. It’s very cool.
“POSSIBLE”
Then there is the song “Possible”. I think this tune has some really cool and clever parts. The drums have an “I’ll Wait” 1984 feel and the guitar is a mix between Fair Warning and Van Halen II. The parts themselves overall have a Woman and Children First flavor to me…
So as you can see we’re combining vibes from different songs. I posted the demos online to see how people would respond. I wanted to see if there would be any demand for this type of music from two unknown guys. Just the fact that YOU loved them enough to call me is so cool I can’t believe it. Honored is an understatement. But ultimately we would love to write more tunes. My hope is to make a strong record of music that sounds like the Roth-era of VH. It’s the kind of music a lot of us still wish they were doing themselves.”
VHND: Are you, or have you ever been, in a Van Halen tribute band?
“Well, we are a tribute to VH, but in a different way. The difference is that our tribute is to the sound and vibe of the music. Take my word for it, you don’t want to see me in a wig and overalls with a striped guitar. That ain’t me! I should also say that that is why the music is instrumental. I don’t think it would work if it had vocals.”
VHND: What do you think Eddie and the guys would think of what you and Rich are doing?
“Well, it’s my understanding that Ed hates it when people try to do his thing. But, I’m not taking his notes. I’m copping his vibe. And frankly in a lot of ways that is much worse. So I suspect his regard for Rich and me would be somewheres down near the bottom of the swamp. But in our defense, we’re really just trying to keep and celebrate a spirit and sound of a flavor of music that we absolutely love. For us, it’s the ultimate respect. Just like it is for everybody else who’s keeping the Van Halen spirit alive in their own way. This is just how we do it! “
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November 1st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Wow! This guy has really nailed Eddie’s early sound! Nobody sounds like this, Not even Eddie nowadays…
For a while, I was really excited that Dave was back! But I am getting tired of waiting for new material from Van Halen, I hope this guy has much success with his music, and I will waste no time getting these songs from itunes!
November 1st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I was prepared to hate this and I honestly dig it. It really sounds like original “lost tapes”.
I think the way Craig characterizes Eddie’s potential reaction is spot on too. I agree, it’s the ultimate tribute to Ed, Mike and Al.
How cool would it be to hear these guys in a small club with a great P.A.? No singer needed.
November 1st, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Agreed - I was also prepared to hate this stuff, but I’d go so far as to say it’s better than VH. Except for Five Nine, that’s just Jamie’s Cryin’ minus a few notes.
November 1st, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Man-
does this cat have a website? If so, give us the link!Craig, man, you caught the vibe, and your runnin’ with it! Good job!
November 1st, 2008 at 6:41 pm
This stuff KICKS ASS! Craig, thanks for writing these songs! I’m buying them on iTunes right now.
November 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Very nice! And Craig is right, it wouldn’t work w/ a singer as only Dave is Dave. I love Edward, but I wish he still had that sound; Al is still smokin’ though.
November 1st, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Dude - I love it. I can hear Dave’s voice fading in from the background as we speak!
I gotta get more of this. Does he have a band?
November 1st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
thay are fucken HOTT.now he needs words too go along.good luck Craig.Ed look over your shoulder ha ha.still no one like EVH.
November 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
KILLER STUFF!!! I HAVE VAN HALEN BOOTS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE OLD DEMOS!!! I KNOW HE SAID THAT HE DOESNT THINK VOCALS WOULD WORK WITH IT BUT IF HE FOUND SOMEONE WITH THE SAME VH VIBE THAT HE HAS(I UNDERSTAND,I’VE HAD THE VIBE FROM DAY ONE)WHO KNOWS…LIKE DAVE SAID “ROCK ON”!!!
November 1st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Great riffs and killer tone…but where are the smokin’ lead lines? ;P
November 1st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
“Possible” is direct channeling of Edward’s sound and writing style back then. This guy understands it’s not all about fretboard speed with VH, it’s holding notes and empty space too. Good stuff.
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:38 am
good player…but misses the point. it’s not about totally imitating ed’s sound… it’s about taking him as an influence and turning it into something different. example: Ed’s influenced, and inspired by Clapton. But does he sound like him? NO. ’nuff said.
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
This kid’s got chops. That’s for sure.
I admire the fact that it’s such a clean sound.
It would be very interesting if he found his own lead singer(not a Sammy or Dave clone) and continued to explore this unique sound.
So far, he has my attention.
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
Ted,
I think that you are missing Craig’s point. He is indeed purposely imitating Ed’s sound, PERIOD. He’s, on purpose, NOT using it as an influence to do something different. And I think that’s just great.
I, personally, want to hear more songs that sound exactly like Van Halen, period. Not songs were written by a guy who was influenced by Van Halen, but then took that and did his own thing with it, making songs that are less-VH sounding. So I am very much loving these. The more they sound like something thet VH wrote 20 years ago, the better.
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Listening to “Hold Everything” right away you think of “Unchained”. I like it, but how to do you separate imitation from inspiration?
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Great Chops, Roth should hook up with this guy if nothing happens with VH! :]
November 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Dean hit it on the head….Roth would do better with this guy than his other bands…can hear him now…
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Craig,I’ve been telling friends for years about you and i’m glad a lot of VH fans are finally getting a chance to hear you guys play.You nail that shit!!
>>And for anyone else out there,i know Craig does it for the love of VH,i used to share his studio with him and he really is one of the nicest people i’ve ever met. Miss you brother!
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Great player! He had my attention from the start, so I bought all of his demos from iTunes - Definately worth the price of admission! Van Halen has only done 3 new tracks since 1998, so it’s refreshing to hear something new, even if it isn’t Eddie!
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
VH2008,
I understand what you (and I guess by extension Craig) are saying, but at the very least it should just be an experiment, or a project unto itself. I guess I’ve just seen too many carbon copies in my years as a fan.
November 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
WOW !! Awsome, I feel that this guy nailed the sound, I am a big VH fan, but c’mon; when are we gonna’ hear some new s**t!. Cut the crap, but with ALL DUE RESPECT: Ed & AL seem to be getting worse the they older get, let’s ROCK ! Teach these newer band’s what REAL rock is !!
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
This is incredible!!!! I purchased all the songs on itunes and love them all!!!
I’d love to hear this stuff live.
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
cant believe this is not VH. even the snare drum sounds like big al, and i had never heard this sound from other drummers than al. congratulations for getting so close to the original classic sound!this should kick VH’s a** hard enuff to come up with new stuff! guys, do you hear?
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
I’m unimpressed. He captured the sound of Ed’s reverb, and some of the muted picking - but other than that - the songs are pretty formulaic and the playing is unispired.
One of the great things about Ed’s playing is how fresh his rhythm parts are - even though you know there are many takes in the can it still has pop.
This guy also misses out on how Ed incorporates a lot of open ringing strings in his parts which is important when filling out the sound of a trio.
This guy isn’t bad - but he’s more or less an intermediate player with a good recorded sound and good back-up.
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 am
This guy ROCKS!!!! He’s even calm and cool like EDV when playing such intricate stuff. Such a heavy sound and makes it look so easy-like Ed…Must be in the foot tap.
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
JUST JOIN DAVE FOR A RECORD! SUCCESS WARRANTY!
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Craigs A hot mofo with da chops that make ya want to “JUMP”
Dam Sexy
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Good stuff. More than anything I think he nailed Al’s drum sound. That backbeat has the VH sound for sure. Guitar is good, but not quite as “crunchy” as Ed. Very good stuff though. I hope he’s out there making money playing this type of music!
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I took an immediate liking to the songs, the EVH vibe is definately there, but to be completely honest, it’s even more reminiscent of the material on Dweezil Zappa’s “Music For Pets”… just my opinion and for the record: I bought the songs from iTunes!
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
The guy is talented. Watching his Eruption video made me wonder why I have never once seen Eddie play it in it’s entirety note 4 note like that and I have seen every Boot out there more or less. Can he still play it? Anybody know??
I know Ed likes to mix up his live solo but he should belt it out in it’s original form occasionaly.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
atta boy!! I’ve been listening to your music for 10+ years and its still awsome! I love ya!! Xtina
November 4th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
It sounds like something off of The Wild Life soundtrack.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
This stuff is wild! I bought all 6 songs off iTunes and I’m enjoying them very much. Good job, and please write more stuff like this! I really miss this type of music.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Well done, Craig! I’m sold. These songs rock hard.
November 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Vandy nailed that one!!! Donut City, right? I can just see Chris Penn and those other “stoners” cruising to these tunes. Don Landee doesn’t work for Craig in his studio does he? lol ;)!!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I dont think so. Anyone can hook their guitar to a phasar effect box, hit a few chords and it would sound like the vintage Eddie sound. Eddie had fire, this guy doesn’t.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I liked the first 15 seconds but lost interest waiting for a solo spot.
And his sound isnt like early Van Halen, unless you’re under 30 and think F.U.C.K was an early album.
I also watched some youtubeclips: he can play some of the riffs, others he kinda paraphrases and misses out on the vibe.
Just my opinion.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:52 am
WOW. I love it. Headin’ over to Amazon to purchase!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
WOW!!
THAT IS THE “SPIRIT”, THE VH MOJO…
PLEASE!! SOMEBODY SEND THIS DEMOS TO DLR…AND TO MIKE TOO!!
MAYBE NOW EVH RELEASE/CREATE SOMETHING NEW…A TRUE “VAN HALEN CLASSIC” SONGS…
Good Job Craig!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Very cool stuff. Gotta find a singer for this though, maybe 6 songs with lyrics & 6 instrumentals. Rock fans would buy this shit up
November 6th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Simply said, God is Ed. That being said, cover bands are just that ~ cover bands.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:12 am
The ‘brown sound’ is back! I love it!
November 10th, 2008 at 6:55 am
If someone told me that this was a leaked recording from 5150-studios I’d go “Finally! Guess Dave got Eddie back on track.. blablabla..”. Only “suspicious” thing is the absence of fill-ins, but it certainly rocks. And now, you’ll have to excuse me, cause’ I suddenly got the urge to go for a late night drive..
(Don’t care at all, that it isn’t actually VH)
November 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I totally agree with Vandy — and can’t believe that someone else here thinks the same thing I do about these tunes. They sound very much like Eddie’s tunes on “The Wild Life” soundtrack (a movie from 1984, with Chris Penn and Eric Stoltz. In my opinion, those songs — and Craig’s — are OK, but kind of bland and not nearly as good as the good ol’ VH sound. Still, I give Craig props on recording these songs.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
This just makes it the more obvious how important the Bass and Drums Sound is to Roth Era VH. It totally nails it. Craig is spot on when he says that over another rhythm section it wouldn’t work, or sound right. Makes you apprectiate the original Michael Anthony/Alex rhythm section all the more, especially Michael Anthony.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Craig, get in the studio, record an album worth of this stuff and put the cd out in time so we can blast it on the way to the beach or sunset strip!!!!