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If any video sums up Van Halen‘s 1980s, it’s Hot For Teacher. Carefreeand ribald, it features a socially awkward schoolboy (Waldo) and underdressed two models: Miss Canada runner-up Donna Rupert and former Playboy Playmate of the Year Lillian Müller. It’s not the kind of video anyone would commission today, but as a time capsule it’s alive with the spirit of the age.
Starring along side Waldo, the models and the band were four young actors employed to play the members of Van Halen as children. Amongst them was Van Halen nut Yano Anaya.
How did you end up playing a junior version of Michael Anthony in the Hot For Teacher video?
Yano Anaya: I was thirteen years old, and Van Halen was one of my favourite bands at the time. I’d done some commercials and a movie, A Christmas Story, before that, so when I got a message from my manager on the answering machine that I had an audition to play the part for Michael Anthony Jr in an upcoming Van Halen video, I swear to god I was so excited. In my mind I was thinking: “Holy crap, I look just like Michael Anthony – this is my job.”
Did you know any of the other kids before you met them on the shoot?
No. I went to an audition in Hollywood, then I got a callback two days later, then two days after that I got the call that I actually got the job. I didn’t meet anybody else until I got to the location, which was at a high school [John Marshall High School] in Los Feliz. The school wasn’t operating, because they used it so much in movies and commercials.
What do you remember about the day of the shoot?
The shoot took four days. I got there on the first day at nine-thirty in the morning, and I told my mom: “I need to go meet the band, that is my priority.” So I found their trailer and knocked on the door. Alex Van Halen answered, and he looked at me and went: ‘What’s up, kid?’ And I went: “I’m part of the cast, I’m playing Michael Anthony Jr. I just wanted to see if I could hang out with you guys.” And he went: “Come on in.” I was like: “Yeeeeahhhh!”
You were a thirteen-year-old kid. Were they on their best behaviour when you were with them?
Well, their best behaviour for Van Halen. Cos there was no filter. Alex was like: “Hey, man, why don’t you go to the back and grab us a couple of beers?” So I walked back there, and Dave Lee Roth was there. He looked at me and went: “Who the fuck are you? Why is there a kid in our trailer?” And Alex was like: “Don’t worry about it, man, he’s part of the cast, he’s hanging out with us.”
They had an ice chest in the back with nothing but Coke and Schlitz Malt Liquor beer. So I grabbed two of them and went up the front, and Alex challenged me to a shotgun. I’m like: “I’m thirteen years old, it’s ten-twenty in the morning, and I’m a drinking a Schlitz beer with Alex Van Halen.” I drank that one beer, and I was so drunk.
What was the real Michael Anthony like?
He was very cool. He was just chilled. Eddie was kind of quiet as well. And I don’t think Dave was into hanging out with some kid. But Alex was the one. He wanted to know who I was, where I was from.
What’s your favourite memory of actually shooting the video?
The thing that stuck with me the most was the part where the teacher was dancing on the table and all the kids were looking at her legs. The director was shouting: “Grab her legs!” I looked at my mom: “Should I actually do that? Is that okay?” And my mom was like: “Do your job, son.” I was so embarrassed to do that.
Did you get to spend much time with Eddie?
Yeah. I grew the balls to ask him to play the intro to Running With The Devil, which was my favourite song. He took me to the back of the trailer, pulled out a tiny little amp, pulled out his guitar, and literally played the whole thing for me, in person, by myself, just for me. That experience was epic.
The EP begins with the title track, “Never.” A solid bass line immediately pulls listeners into the song. Then, the drums and distorted guitar join, quickly establishing an alternative vibe. The lead vocals follow, delivering a unique, somewhat hypnotic tone, reminiscent of the 1990s. This song evokes memories of bands like the Smashing Pumpkins through its engaging structure.
Next is “Crashing Down,” which showcases a strong guitar riff. The heavy, distorted guitar adds a robust foundation, contrasting with the lead voice, which appears velvety and melodic. This track borrows elements from Radiohead, particularly in its melodic line. The production is minimalist, relying solely on guitar, bass, and drums. This simplicity, paired with thoughtful harmonics, enhances the song’s effectiveness.
The EP closes with “Let Go,” which opens with a soft, twilight-inspired arpeggio. This introduction creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The vocals amplify this feeling, further deepening the emotional impact. This song stands out for allowing moments of pure guitar notes, introducing bold interludes. It gradually builds in intensity, enriching the listening experience.
Never – Sound and Atmosphere
What I particularly enjoy about this band is their ability to focus on essential elements. Their music achieves a high level of atmosphere. The tracks possess a certain openness, akin to a recipe where every ingredient is distinct and clear. This approach leads to a lovely sound that is genuinely enjoyable.
Dude’s Taken has crafted an EP that combines alternative rock’s rich textures with minimalist production. Each track contributes to a cohesive narrative, inviting listeners on an emotional journey. They clearly draw inspiration from various influences while maintaining their individuality.
Never – Performance and Production
The production allows the music to breathe, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. The emotional depth thrives within the simplicity, creating a strong connection between the music and its listeners.
Through this EP, they offer a unique perspective on modern rock music. I anticipate their future work, as they have now established a distinct voice within a crowded genre.
“Never” deserves a place in the playlist of anyone who appreciates thoughtful and engaging alternative music. With its mix of styles and influences, it holds the listener’s attention perfectly. Music lovers looking for something fresh yet familiar should give this EP a chance. It showcases the band’s talent and creative vision. My recommendation is clear; Dude’s Taken has created something noteworthy in “Never.”
Through their music, they invite listeners on a journey, filled with emotion, nostalgia, and clarity. It’s an experience that resonates deeply, affirming their place in the alternative rock scene.
Tom Waits gritty voice is poetry augmented by music. The grittiness is not only in his voice but also in his lyrics. The trademark smokiness elicits more emotion in a sad song and weaves dark stories in much of his catalog. Many of his title characters are women he’s loved or revelations about himself. Additionally, Waits writes heroines who have names like Martha, Muriel, or Georgia Lee. Others are nameless and still iconic, like a Minneapolis Hooker or the unnamed woman in Dead and Lovely. Tom Waits does not write songs built on traditional female stereotypes. Instead, he focuses on situations
Rum Lad: Hold Three Times And Cancel Self Released. Buy on Bandcamp here Rum Lad continues to churn out stuff like the prolific punk bastard he is. He has a new album incoming but this one has to be reviewed. Wayne AF Carey gets on late… Although not a new album this needs to be […]
Jonathan Davis was a surprise guest at X Japan star Yoshiki’s performance in Los Angeles this week – where the pair performed a soaring orchestra-backed version of Korn‘s nu metal classic Freak On A Leash.
Yoshiki was performing the first of a two-night stand at LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall when Davis joined him for the performance in which they reimagined the track with the help of a full orchestra.
Yoshiki accompanied Davis on piano before switching to the drums for the rousing climax of the track.
Watch the performance below.
Freak On A Leash was the second single to be released from Korn’s third album, 1998’s Follow The Leader.
The song was one of the first ideas to come from the album’s writing sessions.
Davis previously told Metal Hammer: “Oh, we loved that song from day one. I remember coming up with all these lines. It came a lot easier than other songs.”
On the track’s memorable ‘scat’ breakdown, Davis adds: “We were jamming and I started mixing beatboxing and this scat thing I do.
“I loved vocal percussion – dudes like Doug E. Fresh and his beatboxing from back in the day. I listened to a lot of old school hip hop and New York freestyle – that’s what I listened to with all the 80s new wave stuff.”
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