Ice Cream Man (Zoo Mashup)

The "Ice Cream Man (Zoo Mashup)" by Larry Cordell & Lonesome Standard Time, featured on the 2006 tribute album Strummin' with the Devil: The Southern Side of Van Halen, is a bluegrass reimagining of Van Halen's cover of John Brim’s innuendo-laced blues classic. This track, clocking in at 3:36, stands out for its lively banjo and fiddle-driven arrangement, transforming the hard rock swagger into a foot-stomping hoedown perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vinyl-spinning sessions. According to a 2006 interview with David Lee Roth on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the album’s concept was born from a late-night jam session where Roth, a Van Halen alum, pitched the idea of blending Van Halen’s gritty anthems with Southern roots music. The Zoo Freaks likely love this mashup for its quirky charm, as it bridges the gap between classic rock rebellion and bluegrass twang, making it a staple for THE ZOO’s free-spirited airwaves.

One piece of trivia about the song’s production comes from a 2006 AllMusic review, which noted that Larry Cordell insisted on recording the track live in the studio to capture the raw energy of his band, Lonesome Standard Time. This approach mirrors Van Halen’s own recording process for their 1978 debut, where "Ice Cream Man" was one of the few tracks with guitar overdubs, as mentioned in a Wikipedia entry on the album. A fan post on the Van Halen Fanatics Facebook group in 2023 speculated that Cordell’s version was a nod to the song’s original blues roots, with its playful lyrics about summertime treats resonating with the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe. The track’s inclusion on Strummin’ with the Devil also sparked a viral moment when Roth shared a clip of the bluegrass "Ice Cream Man" on his X account in January 2025, captioning it, “Scoops of rock ‘n’ roll with a side of banjo!”

Larry Cordell, the driving force behind this rendition, began his musical journey in the rolling hills of Kentucky, where he was steeped in bluegrass and folk traditions. According to his bio on AllMusic, Cordell picked up the banjo at age 12, inspired by his grandfather, a local fiddler who played at barn dances. By his teens, he was performing with local bands, honing a style that blended traditional bluegrass with modern influences. In the 1980s, he formed Lonesome Standard Time, a group that gained a cult following for their tight harmonies and innovative covers, as detailed on the band’s official website. Cordell’s big break came when he caught the attention of CMH Records, which signed him for a series of albums that showcased his knack for reinterpreting rock and country classics. His collaboration with Van Halen alumni for Strummin’ with the Devil was a natural fit, given his love for pushing genre boundaries.

Fans of Larry Cordell and Lonesome Standard Time can connect with the artist through several online platforms. His official website, larrycordell.com, offers tour dates, discography, and a blog where Cordell shares stories from the road. On Facebook, he regularly posts updates about new releases and behind-the-scenes photos from recording sessions. His Instagram account features short video clips of live performances, often showcasing his banjo skills. Cordell’s X profile is active, with posts about bluegrass festivals and occasional shoutouts to the Zoo Freaks for spinning his tracks. For fan communities, the Bluegrass Lovers Facebook group frequently discusses Cordell’s work, with members sharing links to his performances. Additionally, the fan-run site Bluegrass Banjo has a dedicated page for Cordell, complete with a discography and fan reviews, making it a go-to spot for Zoo Freaks diving into his catalog.