Van Halen's new album, A Different Kind of Truth, will be released in less than two weeks. In the meantime, here's an exclusive 90-second preview of the "Blood and Fire" from the album. The disc's first single, "Tattoo," was based on the group's unreleased 1977 track "Down In Flames." Another track on the album, "She's the Woman," which the group played live at their recent secret show in New York City, was originally recorded as a demo in 1976.
So we offer a challenge to Van Halen's hardcore fans: Does this sound like a completely new song, or do you hear anything that sounds like an old riff or melody? To be clear, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a band using old material on a new album. Groups do it all the time, and you can't plagiarize from yourself. In fact, many of Van Halen's most famous songs (including "Right Now") borrowed elements from older material. We're just curious to know how much of this Van Halen album was created with that process.
To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here
-
MOVIES 'Star Trek' Is Crazy Good
-
POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix
Picks From Around the Web
blog comments powered by Disqus
We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Rolling Stone and its partners. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.
Most Popular
Photos & Videos
Random Notes: Hottest Rock Pictures
Gallery: Summer Tour Preview 2013











