Billy on Music in 1984 - 1984-06-06
Billy Corgan

http://www.angelfire.com/bc/billycorgan17/hsarticles.html
(lookup on archive.org)

Billy Corgan was a writer for his school paper at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois. He was also Features Editor for his school paper and usually wrote articles related to music, bands and the music industry. The following two articles show Billy's passion for music in high school. The first one is a review of Van Halen's album "1984" and the second article discusses some bands that Billy thought were "waiting for a big break". Enjoy the articles!

1984 is one of Van Halen's better albums By Billy Corgan, Features Editor

Up until this date, I have only purchased two Van Halen albums, numbers one and three. As many know, Van Halen's first was a masterpiece, a classic show of what rock 'n' roll can be. Albums four and five, whose titles I shall not even mention, were great disappointments. So, along comes "1984", yes, the year and the album. I figured to myself, oh no, I'm going to get another dose of boring cover songs coupled with some on the spot guitar riffs.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! "1984" got me right between the eyes. Emotions such as shock, relief, happiness, and general applause greeted my worn psyche.

Eight songs characterized as five Van Halen songs and three cooked keyboard songs. Side "un" (I love to write in French) opens with Ed fooling around on his Oberheim. Quickly follows is the first Van Halen number one song ever, "Jump," which by now is causing your brain to phosphorescent mustard, but is worthy of a gold star.

Then the album begins–"Panama" wails in with David Lee Roth cackling the Jack Danieled dosed voiced and Edward with some accelerating pyrotechnics. I can't figure out what "Panama" is about, save for David Lee Roth and his overgrown hormones. Fingertips catch the ear on "Top Jimmy," about the ultimate rock and roll singer who sings "So good that the roof fell in and he didn't even stop the show." I'm positive that this is D.L.R.'s mirrored image of himself and his acceptable vocal conditions.

The album ends with Van Halen doing what they do best, out of control rock and roll. "Girls Gone Bad" sums this up with Edward casting every spell and trick in the book. The final, "House of Pain," which is slightly indiscussible in this newspaper.

"1984" is THE best Van Halen album in a seemingly long eternity.

This album proves by far that Edward Van Whalin' is THE best rock guitarist. Oh joy of joys, at last, real rock and roll.

New bands wait for big break By Billy Corgan, Features Editor, June 6th, 1984

For our last issue, I thought I would stray from my normal record reviews and do something a little different. There are many new or fairly new bands that have yet to reach national attention, but are worthy of it. This month I'd like to discuss two bands that I think are on their way to national prominence and success.

Leading the pack is U2, a band that has had some exposure through its cable and MTV videos, but has really not cracked with a major hit. The band's latest album, War, perfectly summed up the U2 sound. Backed by guitarist The Edge, lead singer Bono pounces upon stage and people with songs filled with valor and sincerity; specifically "Gloria" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Watch out for U2, because the chemistry is there, they just have to have to hit the right chord…

R.E.M. is a band that will probably never break the mainstream radio market, but I don't think they care. Their sound is one of Doors-like mysticism and musical similarity to Creedence Clearwater Revival. My favorite song from R.E.M. is "South Central Rain (I'm Sorry)" which reminds me of what playing real music is like. Songs like these hit home. They're simple but poignant in their manner and sincerity. R.E.M. is a good thing to latch on to…

I think what typifies all these bands is sincerity and desire, sincerity of tone and the desire of success. For your own ears, check them out.

Source: Muzzled