Poundcake

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the vibes with Van Halen’s "Poundcake" from their 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge! This track kicks off with a wild twist—Eddie Van Halen revving a Makita 6012HD power drill against his guitar pickups, creating that gritty, engine-like roar. According to Eddie in a CD single interview, the idea sparked when a guitar tech was messing around with a drill at 5150 Studios. Producer Andy Johns loved the raw energy and pushed to weave it into the song’s intro and solo. Eddie even painted a drill in his signature Frankenstrat red, black, and white stripes for live shows, as seen in the official music video directed by Andy Morahan. That video, by the way, features model Diane Manzo as a nervous auditionee spying on flashy dancers at a “Van Halen Casting,” a playful nod to the band’s larger-than-life image.

Here’s a juicy tidbit: "Poundcake" hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, but the lyrics stirred some debate. Sammy Hagar explained in a Songfacts interview that the song’s about craving someone genuine—simple, soulful, like homemade poundcake. Still, fans like Aly from New York, posting on Songfacts, read it as a cheeky ode to a woman’s curves. The song’s rhythm got a boost when Andy Johns suggested Eddie layer two 12-string electric guitars under his usual gritty axe, giving it that arena-rock punch. Sammy Hagar shared a remastered live clip of "Poundcake" from a 1991 Dallas concert on X in May 2024, hyping the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Expanded Edition. Fans went nuts, with posts on X noting the song’s 11-week chart run and 2 weeks at #1.

Now, let’s rewind to how Van Halen got rolling. Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in the Netherlands, moved to Pasadena, California, in the early 1960s. Their dad, a musician, got them hooked on music early—Eddie on guitar, Alex on drums. They formed their first band, The Broken Combs, as teens, playing local gigs. By the mid-1970s, they teamed up with bassist Michael Anthony and showman David Lee Roth, naming the band Van Halen after the brothers. They tore up Hollywood clubs like the Whisky a Go Go, catching the ear of Warner Bros. after a demo produced by Gene Simmons of KISS. Their 1978 debut album, Van Halen, exploded with hits like "Runnin’ with the Devil" and "Eruption", showcasing Eddie’s game-changing guitar chops. Sammy Hagar joined in 1985 after Roth’s exit, bringing a heavier, melodic edge that fueled "Poundcake"’s era.

Want to dive deeper into Van Halen’s world? Check out their official website for news and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, though the band’s been quieter since Eddie Van Halen’s passing in 2020. Sammy Hagar keeps the flame alive at his website and on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans gather at Van Halen News Desk, a killer fan site with deep dives into the band’s history. Join the Van Halen Fan Club on Facebook or the Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker) Fans group to vibe with fellow Zoo Freaks who live for that Van Halen sound!