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

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.