Tag: Gregg Bissonette

My Sunday Song – “Yankee Rose” by David Lee Roth

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For My Sunday Song #447, we are talking David Lee Roth’s “Yankee Rose”. The song was the debut single off his first full length album, ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’. ‘Yankee Rose’ was released on June 18, 1986 and went to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. The song was a statement piece for David as this was his first album since his parting ways with Van Halen. And I will admit, between ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’ and Van Halen’s first album, ‘5150’, with their new singer, Sammy Hagar, I like this album and song the best.

The song was written by David Lee Roth and his shiny new guitarist, Steve Vai. If there is anyone that can compete with Eddie Van Halen on creativity, it might be Steve. The song is about the Statue of Liberty as there are numerous references to her and America in general. The Statue was in the public eye back in 1986 as she was getting a major renovation for her 100th anniversary of her standing and welcoming the world. There are a lot of great lines celebrating America such as national anthem, apple pie, sea to shining sea, firecrackin’ on the fourth of July and many others. A very, fun and patriotic song.

Musically, it is simply stellar. The drum beat that opens and then the conversation between David and Steve Vai’s guitar. The guitar would speak, literally, and Dave would reply back. Steve Vai could make the guitar do whatever he wanted. His playing through out is inspirational. The quick riffs, the killer solo all make this song heads and shoulders better than most out there at the time. David was the same old cocky self. He did his usual speak/sing style of lyric delivery and you realize that his Van Halen was the best…arguments can begin below in the comment section. The song is a pure 80’s rocker and just slays. Now, the rest of the band was pretty killer too as you had Billy Sheehan on bass and damn he slaps that baby hard. On drums is Gregg Bissonette and he lays down a great beat and keeps the song pounding forward. All together, this was on unstoppable force…for at least one album anyways.

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David Lee Roth – “Goin’ Crazy!” – 7″ Single

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Back in 1985, David Lee Roth was working on a feature film called “Crazy From the Heat” which of course was the same title as his debut E.P. David had written the screenplay and actually received funding from CBS Theatrical Films for $10m. David left the band to purse this, but in November of 1985, CBS pulled the funding and the film was shut down to never be made. David was undaunted and kept pushing forward. Taking the songs he had written for the movie and putting them towards his debut album ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’. The title track to the movie and one of the song son this album was “Goin’ Crazy!”.

The song was written by David Lee Roth and Steve Vai and was released as single in September 1986. The song did get massive play on MTV as I remember it vividly. The song only went to #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on the Rock Chart. Not as good as you would’ve thought based on the videoplay on MTV. The version of the single I have is a Promo copy as it says on the label below…”Promotion Not For Sale”. But the B-Side was not on the English speaking album as it is the same song, but in Spanish and called “Loco Del Calor!”. And that is because David Lee Roth also recorded and released the album in Spanish.

A-SIDE:

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David Lee Roth – “Just Like Paradise” – 7″ Single

Published on by 2loud2oldmusic25 Comments

During the last Record Show I went to in May 2022 here is Charlotte, as usual, I found a handful of singles. First up to discuss is the 7″ Single for the David Lee Roth song “Just Like Paradise” off his 1988 album ‘Skyscraper’. The song was written by David and Brett Tuggle (keyboardist for his band) while produced by Mr. Steve Vai along with Dave. The single was released on December 30, 1987 and was the first single from the album. Dave’s success continued as it went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped the album go Platinum.

Tuggle came up with the song after the ‘Eat ‘Em & Smile Tour’. He composed on the keyboard and he roughed out the drums. Vai added the guitar parts and then Tuggle took it to Dave who composed the lyrics before the band’s next rehearsal. The song is basically about the excitement and joy of young romance.

A-SIDE:

The song is pure fun. It is upbeat and has this whole Beach Boy surfer vibe to it. It is light and airy and David sings it only the way Dave knows how. Vai’s solo wasn’t overly involved. It was simple and kept to the song still having that fun, sunny vibe. If you are looking for a good time song, this would fit the bill.

B-SIDE:

The bottom line is with the heavy double kick drum from Gregg Bissonette, a great bass line and bass solo from Billy Sheehan and we also get a slick solo from Vai. It is solid rocker with a great rhythm section which might be the highlight. It does get a little deflated with the keyboard sound and would probably be better without it but I still like it. David does his sort of speak/sing vocals with a deeper tone this time around, however, it is still classic Dave. Easily could’ve fit on the debut album.

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed it. Still a handful more to go. See you next time and thanks for stopping by.