Poundcake by Van Halen

Album: For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991)

Charted: 74

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Songfacts®:

Explaining the lyrical influence of this song, Sammy Hagar said that he liked people who were like poundcake, that is, what you see is what you get, nothing to hide.
The video stars Tania Coleridge, who was also in George Michael's "Father Figure" clip. Both videos were directed by Andy Morahan. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Chapman - San Francisco, CA, for above 2
This song opens with the sound of a power drill, which Eddie Van Halen used along with his guitar to create an interesting effect.
In the music video, a timid model, played by Diane Manzo, goes to a "Van Halen Casting" and spies on the sexy girls who showed up for the audition. Meanwhile, the band is rocking out to the song. Director Andy Morahan told the UK TV show Video Killed The Radio Star, that he spent so much time filming each band member that by the time he got to Alex Van Halen on the drums, Alex was worn out from playing the explosive song over and over. "He was so angry with me by the time I got to his close up that he goes, 'You should have started with me,' and he walked out. And he was right, actually. He was absolutely right, and he was pretty livid with me. So I learned a good lesson."

Comments: 10

Rick from FloridaThere are no inappropriate lyrics, Drake. This song is about real people and real relationships especially with women. Not quick sexual encounters. The whole point of the song.
Jeff from Green BayHe is using a power drill. No question about it. I can do it on my guitar, in fact I found that out by accident. It's not hard to do. Paul Gilbert from the band Mr. Big does it in concert all the time. He makes the sounds like Eddie and then he plays his guitar with a special pick made for the end of a drill bit.
Demetrios "meter" Pappas from Atlanta , GaThe power drill use causes an induction field from the electromagnetic effects of the tool. The pickups on a guitar use induction field technology to generate the signal from the strings vibration within it's own field. The pickups therefore generate a sound from the drill and can be altered by his fingers on the strings and speed of the motor. As he does by fluctuations in the trigger ect.
Dustin from ArkansasJohnathan: Eddie takes a drill and touches his strings just at the base of the neck with the part that holds the drill bit to get that sound.
Marc from -, MdFirst-ever interview with the girl in this video, including what she's doing now and never-published pics: http://noblemania.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-girl-in-video-poundcake-1991.html
Drake from Huntington Beach, CaThe song is actually what you think it is. When I listen to this song, I try to avoid the inappropriate meaning of the lyrics and just listen to the background music. Which rocks way better than the words, do you agree?
Willie from Scottsdale, AzNo, I saw Ed use the drill on stage during the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge tour. It's not a special effect.
Aly from Stilltickin@optonline.net, NyWhile I agree with the comments posted about this great song. I have to say that I have always felt that Poundcake was referring to a lady's lovely round derriere. If you listen to the lyrical content, I feel that they tend to suggest this...even if not directly.
Brad from Saratoga Springs, NyIt is a power drill its been done by others
Johnathan from Fort Wayne, InDoes anyone know if he is actually using a power drill and his pickups pick up the sound or is it a typical Eddie van halen finding some strange but awesome way to make that sound.

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