Discologist Kevin Hill Discologist Kevin Hill

Episode 396: Van Halen's '5150' [Discologist]

Van Halen’s 5150 was a turning point for the legendary party rockers for more than one reason. The replacing of original front man David Lee Roth with rocker Sammy Hagar was what was driving headlines, but the real news was in the music. Revved up, radio-friendly, and raring to go, this “new” Van Halen supplemented often questionable machismo with synths, honest-to-god pop hooks, and, most radically: Feelings.

Washington Post Pop Critic Chris Richards and Broke Royals’ Philip Basnight are joining us as we reconsider one of the most divisive albums of Van Halen’s career, reveal it’s secrets, and more.

This, dear listener, is what dreams are made of.

Read More
Discologist Kevin Hill Discologist Kevin Hill

Episode 338: Van Halen - Van Halen [Discologist]

In the late 70's on the Sunset Strip an, ahem,  eruption of pure rock-and-roll was about to occur, and it was to be led by four dudes by the name of Eddie, Alex, David, and Michael. Van Halen didn't just bring "ass-rock" into the 80's, the guitar wizardry of Edward Van Halen revolutionized the electric guitar in every way, from how it was played, to the gear that was used to keep it dialed up to 11.

Join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary this monster of rock with our friends Casey Rae (author, 'The Priest They Called Him: William S. Burroughs and the Cult of Rock 'n' Roll') and Marcus K. Dowling (Decades, Medium). We're on a quest to find out what makes rock-n-roll tick once and for all - or at least say the word "cock" a lot. 

Read More