“Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love”
This is one of the songs on Van Halen’s album that all the kids in Los Rios Rock School immediately recognized. “Aint Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” is feature in Guitar Hero: Van Halen Tier 3 Hollywood and also Rock Band 4. Great songs truly never die. The song has also bee featured in several Television episodes including South Park, The Sopranos, and Freaks and Geeks.
What may be unkown to many about this song, the guitar solo was doubled in overdubs with an electric sitar. This song was also one of the few David Lee Roth era songs that onetime replacement Sammy Hagar was willing to sing in concert when he joined in the 80s.
“I’m the One”
The song was originally known as “Show Your Love” when the band was performing in their club days and Eddie was known to play a different solo at each performance of the song. The guitar riffs in this song are isolated and used in Guitar Hero: Van Halen because of the intense swings and the incredible drive. This song also contains the best bassline that Michael Anthony ever wrote. Alex’s booming double kicks are unforgettable.
What many people may not realize is that Van Halen started their journey to stardom as a cover band that played in Pasadena, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles in clubs and hotel bars. Eventually they were able to work in their own material and became the most popular band in Los Angeles in just a few years. Seeing the Los Rios Rock School cover this album is a fantastic tribute to an amazing and musically ground-breaking group, but also pays homage to their early days. Hopefully the kids at Los Rios understand the shoes they were walking in and the example that has been set before them for success.