New Van Halen album...

Anyone pick this one up or download it? I've heard good things, though their first single "Tattoo" was underwhelming.

Apparently they re-visited some old demos from the late 70s for inclusion on the album. I plan on picking it up tonight and hoping for the best.

 

Heard it once. I am a huge fan of VH with Diamond Dave out front and while it certainly isn't up there with their best albums it has its moments. The old demos certainly give it a feel back to their first couple of albums. Michael Anthony is definitely missed here.

 

I don't know about Van Halen, but I am certainly becoming fond of AreaMan's avatar.

 

It's OK. Has its moments. If it came right after "1984" you'd be disappointed. 28 years later, it's as good as anyone could reasonably suspect.

 

I'm going to see them live in March, very excited.

Though, I've heard that they've put on some terrible shows in the past.

 

Agreed, it's got that patented VH rhythmic crunch, some decent shredding by Eddie and a fair approximation of Diamond Dave's vocals at their best and these days that's enough for me.

 

Same here.

And "Tattoo" sucks. That song is awful.

 

By the way, how did Kool and the Gang end up as their opening act?

 

Thirded. On both counts.
AreaMan, care to comment?

Saw VH on the 2008(?) tour, and it was a fun show, but it was a little embarrassing watching Diamond Dave prancing around like that at his age, and the vocals weren't great. Will be picking this up, and I'm sure I'll enjoy and just be happy to have something new from them.

 

I'm 2/3 through the album and Tattoo is by far the worst thing on the album.

Yes, it has its moments. Never a huge Van Halen fan, but this is in the mold of the 70s stuff I did like. Very up tempo with a lot of cool guitar effects (remember those?).

 

Possibly the oddest pairing in the history of rock recorded music.

 

Not quite.