VAN HALEN
"Best
of Both Worlds" (Rhino; 2004)
Reviewed by Snidermann
This new "Best of" Van Halen CD is a 29 song, double CD set that showcases all the band's biggest hits over the years, including both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hager on vocals (hence the name of the CD).
Most of the band's best songs are here but, because they can only put so many songs on two CDs, some of the best songs are not. Most notably for me, "Ice Cream Man" did not make the cut, but oh, well. There are also three new songs that really rock and live cuts including "Ain't Talking About Love," "Panama" and "Jump."
The Van Halen mystique is really apparent throughout this CD. Since Van Halen's music is heard everywhere on the classic radio scene, sometimes you really forget how many excellent songs they have put out over the years. This collection just reminds you to get out your old records and check them out all over again.
This is such a great compilation. The scope of the music and influence that Van Halen has had on rock'n'roll and the music industry in general is undeniable. Even if the band never records again, they're still a force in the musical industry.
An utterly awesome collection of great Van Halen music.
For more information, check out www.van-halen.com.
"Van Halen 3" (Warner
Bros.; 1998)
Reviewed by Snidermann
This Van Halen release, simply entitled "Van Halen 3," is a statement that says rock doesn't have to be complicated to be good. "3" was produced by Eddie Van Halen and since he is a (perhaps "the"?) guitar god, this is a guitar album. Eddie's riffs are abundant throughout the recording, even more so than usual. Alex Van Halen on drums and Michael Anthony on bass provide a strong supporting cast for the band and rounding out the quartet is Ex-EXTREME vocalist Gary Cherone.
If I didn't know better, I would think that Sammy Hagar was still the frontman for Van Halen. His voice and Gary's are so much alike, you begin to wonder if they can clone voices. Regardless, Cherone does a good job of putting vocals to Van Halen's music.
Of course, any Van Halen lineup must forever be compared with the supergroup of the late '70s and early '80s, who consistently put out top ten releases and packed arenas worldwide. They defined a musical generation and changed rock'n'roll music forever. During Van Halen's heyday, it was David Lee Roth that almost spoiled Van Halen for me. He was everything I hated about the spoiled bad boy rocker image. But when that band got together to record an album, there was magic afoot. The music on those first few records will just set you afire.
I have to give credit to Cherone: the guy has to contend with the "ghosts" of both Diamond Dave and Sammy Hagar but he lives up to expectations admirably. I'll admit, It took me a few spins to really get into the groove of "3," but I'm glad I stuck to it, because man, it's really catching on. Cherone only recorded this one album and it's too bad. It would have been interesting to see where Van Halen would have gone with Cherone at the microphone.
For more information, check out www.van-halen.com.
"Balance" (Warner
Bros.; 1995)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Watch out! You might hear a matured Van Halen on this release. Music has to mature and change -- not only because the audience matures, but because musicians grow up and reflect on their artistry as well. Still, because I grew up with Van Halen (and I think those of you who did the same will agree with me), one can't help but secretly wish Eddie would just go back to the way it was. Still, we have to give credit where credit is due: The dead-on vocals of Sammy Hagar, the Jack Daniels bass of Michael Anthony and the drum curtain background by Alex Van Halen enveloped the unmatched sound of Eddie Van Halen on guitar.
"Balance" was one of the better guitar albums from the Hagar era because the kinks were all worked out on the previous three CDs. As tight as they were on record, there were stunning guitar tricks that kept you listening. Some of it was experimental, (i. e. the two instrumentals on this disc), but the Van Halen guitar sound was still alive and kicking.
The best tracks here are “The Seventh Sign,” “Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Amsterdam,” and “Baluchitherium.”
Van Halen: Eddie, Alex, Sammy and Mike.
For more information, check out www.van-halen.com.
"Van Halen" (Warner
Bros.; 1978)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Van Halen's 1978 debut release has got to be one of the great rock records, debut or not. The foursome of David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony on bass make up one of the most dynamic lineups in rock history.
"Van Halen" proves it beyond a doubt; these four guys kick rock ass.
I am listening to this CD while I write this review and I have to stop a moment because "Ice Cream Man" just came on (my all time fave Van Halen tune) and I can't write and rock at the same time. In my ears, there has never been a more perfect blend of voice and music ever written than "Ice Cream Man." Anyone with that tune, check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Back to the review: "Van Halen" established the band as a driving force in rock music. Eddie Van Halen's guitar work here entrenched his place in rock history and, when combined with the other three incredible members, makes for a truly explosive release.
This shit is as vibrant now as it was 20-some years ago. A truly amazing release.
For more information, check out www.van-halen.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 11 Nov 2008 01:44:54 -0600
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