Could This Be Magic?

The Zoo Crew is spinning the eclectic vibes of Van Halen's "Could This Be Magic?" from their 1980 album Women and Children First, a track that stands out for its unique acoustic charm amidst the band’s hard rock catalog. This song features a rare guest appearance by Nicolette Larson, a singer known for her work with Neil Young, who added a female backing vocal during some of the choruses—marking the only time an outside artist contributed vocals to a Van Halen song. Larson’s involvement came through producer Ted Templeman, who also worked with her at Warner Bros. In a reciprocal gesture, Eddie Van Halen played on Larson’s 1978 album Nicolette, credited mysteriously as “?” in the liner notes. The band recorded the song’s distinctive sound in stereo using two Neumann KM84 microphones, and at one point, they playfully considered adding animal sounds like a horse neigh or cow moo to the track’s outro, though this idea was ultimately scrapped.

Another intriguing tidbit about "Could This Be Magic?" comes from a 2020 X post by @netw3rk, quoting Eddie Van Halen on his spontaneous slide guitar performance: “I never played slide guitar before ‘Could This Be Magic.’ I had something totally different in mind for the song, and Ted says, ‘Try playing slide?’ I did it right there on the spot and that was it.” This impromptu approach highlights Eddie’s virtuosity and willingness to experiment, which became a hallmark of the band’s creative process. The song’s acoustic, almost vaudeville-like quality, described by Sleaze Roxx as a “barbershop quartet style melody,” showcases Van Halen’s ability to blend their wild rock energy with unexpected stylistic detours, making it a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

Van Halen began in Pasadena, California, in 1973, founded by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, who were born in the Netherlands and moved to the U.S. as children. Their musical journey started early, with their parents encouraging their talents—Eddie on guitar and Alex on drums. By 1969, their family stretched finances to buy Alex a drum kit and Eddie a Gibson Les Paul. The brothers played in various bands, including the Trojan Rubber Company and Genesis, before forming what would become Van Halen. Initially, Eddie handled both guitar and vocals, but the addition of charismatic frontman David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony solidified the classic lineup. Their early gigs in local clubs and backyard parties built a loyal following, and by 1977, a demo produced by Gene Simmons caught the attention of Warner Bros., leading to their debut album in 1978. That self-titled record, featuring hits like “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Eruption,” revolutionized hard rock with Eddie’s innovative tapping technique and the band’s high-energy performances.

Van Halen’s official channels keep the legacy alive for fans. You can visit their official website for news and merchandise, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, though posts have slowed since Eddie’s passing in 2020. Fans, or Zoo Freaks in spirit, connect through communities like the Van Halen News Desk, a dedicated fan site offering detailed archives and news, and the Van Halen 5150 Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories and discuss the band’s impact. These platforms keep the magic of Van Halen’s music spinning, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl on the airwaves.