[twitter style=”vertical” float=”left”] [fbshare type=”button”] [google_plusone size=”standard” annotation=”none” language=”English (UK)”] That’s the title of the new VH album to be released on 7th of February. So what’s all the fuss about? Well today saw the release of the latest VH single – “Tattoo”, while the video was also made available on Youtube.
So what do Van Halen sound like after 28 years, with David Lee Roth back at the helm? Pretty much the same, really. Eddie Van Halen still shines on guitar and hasn’t lost his personal touch and technique which made him an innovator all those years ago. Wolfgang, Eddie’s son, on bass is a nice touch and adds a bit of pathos to the VH comeback, even though he has been a part of the band for a while now.
As for David Lee Roth, he can still be considered a good showman and entertainer, but is definitely not and never has been one of rock’s great vocalists, in the likes of let’s say, the late Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Robert Plant or David Coverdale to name just a few. He does however restore some glitzy glam to the band which had been lost in previous line-ups, or rather traded for other qualities, which somehow just never recreated that successful tongue-in-cheek “Jump” vibe.
All that being said, “Tattoo” is a rather mediocre comeback offering from a multi-million selling rock act. Specially after a 28 year wait. But it would be fair to hold on just a few more days for the release of “A Different Kind Of Truth”, before delivering the final judgement.
3 Comments
Dexter
Let me start by saying I have been a fan of VH’s music since I heard VH 1 in 5th grade. I heard that the Tattoo video came out on Youtube today, and I couldn’t wait to see it. Wow is all I can say. Let me rephrase that, Wow, the only way that could have been lamer is if it was a bluegrass version. It has a weird vibe I just can’t put my finger on, but it’s kind of like they’re just going through the motions. I felt like I was watching a Van Halen tribute band. I never did understand the whole Micheal Anthony thing. I think Eddie was just making room for his son, but Michael Anthony’s backing vocals were as much a part of the “Van Halen Sound” as Eddie’s guitar, and he will be sorely missed. Well, maybe not. I have both Chickenfoot albums, and they have shown me what could have been Van Halen’s present and future. I’m sure that VH’s 2012 tour will sell out, but not because they have a killer new album, but rather because it’s Van Halen, and everyone wants to experience a connection back to their youth, when Van Halen was truly the biggest band in the world. If you listen to Chickenfoot (I caught a live show on Paladium TV & is was exceptional), it’s obvious that Sammy and Michael still have the passion, but if Tattoo is any indication, Van Halen is way past their prime. Maybe the rest of the album will better, but as of now, my opinion is that I’ll pass on this version of Van Halen, and listen to The Other Half.
The Editor
I wholeheartedly agree with your comment Dexter. I think the Michael Anthony thing has to do with the fact that, he defied “the boss” Eddie, by playing with Sammy and got the chop! Anyway let’s wait for the album…then we’ll get down to it!
SCOUTDOORS
You obviously have not heard the entire album. It kicks major ass. Sounds just like what you want old VH to sound like. Tattoo actually blends in better in the context of the entire album. But virtually ever song rocks harder than Tattoo. Album of the year.