Top Jimmy

The track, from the 1984 album, was recorded using a Ripley stereo guitar (only the fourth in existence at the time). Each string was assigned to either the right or the left (6th string = left, 5th string = right, 4th string = left, 3rd string = right, 2nd string = left, 1st string = right). The exact tuning of the song was mysterious. Eddie had a melody in his head and tuned the guitar to the melody he was hearing.

The lyrics were inspired by a musician named Top Jimmy. Top Jimmy got his name from Top's Tacos where he worked until he decided to become a blues singer. He was known for playing outrageous shows at the Whisky A GoGo, where Van Halen also played. Top Jimmy lived up to his name by giving out tacos to starving musicians. He later went on to perform at Café de Grande with his band the Rhythm Pigs. Together as Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, they released an album in 1987 titled Pigus Drunkus Maximus (Restless 72221).