Beats Workin

Album: A Different Kind of Truth (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Van Halen fans may recognize this song as "Put Out the Lights," which was featured on the Gene Simmons produced demos that the band did for Warner Brothers in 1976. It features new lyrics and an altered arrangement but still sounds like a '70s rocker even retaining the cowbell.
  • The song is one of a number of tracks on A Different Kind Of Truth based on old demos from the 1970s. They were written at a time when the band credited all four members with co-writing credits, including founding bassist Michael Anthony, who was sacked in 2006 by Eddie Van Halen. However, he told Planet Rock that he has no plans to pursue the band for his share of royalties from the album.: "I don't want to do anything," he said. "I just let it be. It'll be nice to hear some of those old songs again that I haven't played in a long time."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.