The summertime series of albums best listened to when it's hotter than hell continues with an absolute classic.
I started the set last week with Sublime's self-titled album; it's pure coincidence that this week's feature is a self-titled release, too. Truth be told, you could probably tag any of Van Halen's first half-dozen albums with the "best listened to in summer" tag, but I put the debut ahead of the rest.
Why? The cover songs, first and foremost. "Ice Cream Man" is such an obvious summer jam, but their cover of The Kink's "You Really Got Me" is best cranked loudly with the car windows cranked down. Doesn't hurt that the album features "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" and "Jamie's Cryin'," too.
So help yourself to a double scoop of Van Halen this summer. And watch this space for more summertime ROCK.
