By: Jay Broderick - On January 9, 1984 Van Halen released the top selling album in their catalogue. The aptly titled 1984 was loaded with the hit singles "Jump", "I'll Wait", "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher". Sadly, it was the last album that would feature original vocalist David Lee Roth. Just prior to the split, DLR released his first solo initiative Crazy From The Heat on January 28, 1985. It would only be a couple weeks later that the band officially split. Today, Roth's versions of 4 cover songs is 40 years old.
At the time of this EP's release, I was 13 years old. I would turn 14 later that year. My coming of age! I remember this EP fondly. OK... well maybe it was the music videos that I remember fondly, as we'll talk about shortly. So I'm happy to take another look.
The Tracks
Crazy From The Heat starts off with a piano intro. Roth's smooth vocals quickly make us feel as though we are in a smokey lounge, perfectly aligned with the lyrics "Saturday night, At the corner cafe, I had me some drinks, And I'm feeling my way". After the first stanza, a big band, jazz fueled music accompaniment ascends as the track "Easy Street" takes hold. Originally recorded by The Edgar Winter Group in 1974, it's a bit of a far cry from the hard rock sounds of Van Halen's "Runnin' With The Devil", but I remember loving the contrast even back then. As I listen to it now, I appreciate the track even more.
"Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" is the second track on DLR's solo effort, and was the second of 2 singles released from the EP. Based off 2 songs from 1940s/50s American entertainer Louis Prima, the same jazzy style hits us, and we get a good idea of Roth's intended style for this recording. The track is catchy, and the rhythm hooks you with the crooning vocals. As the second single, the music video is a hilarious parody that adds to the attraction. And how do you ever forget the "hummala babyla zibala boobala humaala babyla zeebala bop!" moment at the 2:52 mark?
Roth's version of the 1965 Beach Boys track "California Girl" leads off side 2 of this 4 track EP. It's really a rock and roll classic. The difference here is that David Lee Roth creates a music video that sexes it up by 100 times! As a 13 year old boy this was pure gold!! I spent the summer of 1985 in St. John's, NL hanging with cousins, and when this video came on, we completely ate it up! I mean, who wouldn't? And just maybe, it still holds a special place in my heart! There doesn't seem to be an "official" video on Youtube, so you'll have to settle with this version. Either way, you'll see my point!
"Coconut Grove" closes out David Lee Roth's first solo effort. This one is a cover of The Lovin' Spoonful's 1966 track from the album Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful. Much gentler than the previous 3 songs, Roth's vocals continue their smooth flow. It's a true rendition of the original, but listen... do we really care? Because, "California Girls".....
Crazy From The Heat was a great intro to David Lee Roth's solo career. And the decision to make it a 4-track EP was the right call in my estimation. I'm not sure the theme would have worked as a full length. The EP however, came at the perfect time in my life, and it will always hold a special place for me. For me, Van Halen with DLR was the cream of the crop for that band (no disrespect Sammy). I was sad to see him depart, but I'm happy for "California Girls". (please see above)...
Track List
Easy Street
Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody
California Girls
Coconut Grove
release date: January 28, 1985
David Lee Roth Online
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