Coming to Cleveland soon is Down, a metal supergroup that’s written some of this era’s great classic rock songs. (Check out Wednesday’s Scene to read more about that.)

This past weekend in New York City, Down performed a faithful cover of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” that kicked total ass.

Here’s quality video of it, followed by a clip of glory-days Van Halen performing the song, followed by a live version of it by punk-rock godheads the Minutemen.

Each has its own charm. What’s your favorite?

And what would it take to get Down to record an album of covers? —D.X. Ferris

https://youtube.com/watch?v=WUJJ1MaCt0g%26hl%3Den%26fs%3D1%26

This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2009.