Well, I’m back from the Netherlands where I have an incredibly successful research collaboration. In fact, I’m so pumped, I need a little pump-it-up music, so in honor of the Dutch, I’m featuring one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, namely the flying Dutchman himself, Eddie van Halen.
Born in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, Eddie van Halen is the son of a musical father who got him music lessons early in life. Eddie and his brother Alex started playing music together in the 1960s. Eddie played classical piano and later drums, while Alex played the guitar. But Alex wanted be a drummer and it so upset Eddie, that he decided to take up the guitar out of spite.
In 1972 the Van Halen brothers formed a band called "Mammoth" featuring Eddie as lead vocalist/guitarist and Alex on drums. They were joined later by vocalist David Lee Roth . The band later changed its name to Genesis, but discovered the name “Genesis was already being used, so in 1974 they again changed their name this time to "Van Halen". They started out playing backyard parties and on a flatbed truck at Hamilton Park. Van Halen grew the band’s popularity by playing clubs in Pasadena and Hollywood. Gradually they rose to fame on the Los Angeles music scene as Eddie became recognized for his guitar wizardry. They’ve sold over 80 million records and are the 19th best selling artist/group of all time.
So kick out the jams with some brains-against-the-wall rock and roll!
China Town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4df49v43Ss
Blood and Fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPWpWvLuJyA&feature=relmfu
Dance the Night Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOC9PMhB29c&feature=relmfu
She’s the woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VANKEZ2auSk&feature=related
Hot for teacher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVMGoKSDFOs&feature=related
Everybody wants somebody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w86uPARykI&feature=relmfu
When a research collaboration goes as well as the one from which I just returned, it calls for champagne, or at least, the American version of champagne. I picked up a bottle of Roederer Estate Brut, the first California sparkling wine produced by the champagne house of Louis Roederer. Roederer is also the manufacturer of Cristal, which goes for about $200.00 a bottle. However this American cousin can be had for $20.00, more my style. This is a delicious sparkling wine with elegant pear, apple, and nutty aromas that rise to the surface on tiny fine bubbles. Roederer Brut is really well balanced with a creamy feel and apple citrus flavors followed by a clean, bright finish. It’s made from 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir and it’s lip-smacking good. You can find it just about anywhere, so if you’ve got something to celebrate, grab a bottle, put on some Van Halen, and turn up the volume. Enjoy!
Cheers!
