Eddie Van Halen is on fire, but where are the songs?
There’s a lot that’s good, and good-natured about A Different Kind Of Truth (** 1/2), the first album the still combustibly carefree sounding rock quartet that bears the name of Van Halen (as well as his drummer brother Alex and bassist son Wolfgang) has recorded with David Lee Roth in 27 years.
For one thing, there’s Roth, who, reunited with the band for a tour in 2007 and will join the VH family for a much-anticipated jaunt that will bring them to Philadelphia and Atlantic City in March.
The 56 year old professionally charming cad has lost much of his vocal range. But he still knows how to have a good time, whether offhandly noting in “The Trouble With Never” that “selective amnesia is only a heartbeat away” or delighting in the philosophical ponderings of the turbo-charged talking blues “Stay Frosty.“ Roth’s self-mocking flamboyance qualifies him as one of rock’s great showmen, and when that’s coupled with the dazzling dexterity of Eddie’s lightning runs and a thunderous rhythm section, you’re back behind the wheel of that Camaro you drove in 1985 with a beer between your legs.
The trouble is that even though many of the songs are reworked versions of 1970s demos - or maybe because of that - with few notable exceptions like “Blood and Fire,” they’re largely lacking in the melodic pizzazz that turned VH into such a hit machine in their heyday. A Different Kind Of Truth is completely respectable effort that avoids nearly all of the pitfalls typical of decades-in-the-making reunions, but short of songs that can stand up to “Hot For Teacher.”
Below, Different's first single, "Tattoo."
Previously: In The Mix Live: Dr. Dog Follow In The Mix on Twitter here
I miss the brightly colored spandex and high leg kicks. I guess we all get old.— brio- WT DOUBLE F!— rofratu
- Another pathetic money grab by over-the-hill rockers. Undoubtedly a gazillion Van Halen faithful will fill the arenas and line these guys pockets with more $$$$. Pathetic...only in America!— MtnClmr
- Have you listened to the album? Why don't you get INFORMED before you post your lazy, ignorant remarks. — Joe Brizzi
Comment removed.- You sure sound like a lot of fun. Sheesh.— philly2sf
- Thank you Dan. Now I understand.— Lord Baltimore
- Oof that's hard to listen to! It's truly sad. I saw them back with Cherone and it was just awful. They had no business being the main act that night. I can't imagine it's any better a decade later. Also Eddie's kid simply isn't Michael Anthony, just sayin'.— PhilaObserver
- Hey, PhilaObserver, clean the wax out of your ears, Wolfgang is BETTER than Mr. Anthony. VH has produced another GREAT album. Listen before you post. — Joe Brizzi
- Not only is Wolfgang a forgettable bass player but Mike also sang all those outrageously high harmonies. This band made me so excited about music all the way through "F.u.etc.) but this is a shadow of that great band. Too bad. — holy
- Pure garbage. Hey here's a clue - artists that continue to be viable continue to grow and change. Friggin guys will end up like the Eagles - booking $150 a ticket show then playing to empty halls with scalpers trying to give give the fix away as bookmarks. I feel sad for any sap pathetic enough to have to relive his glory days by listening to this aural diarrhea.— enabler1
- The Mighty Van Halen has returned to save us from the dreck that passes as music these days! Can't wait to see them on March 5th! Rock on Van Halen!!!!! The Album ROCKS!!!!!!— phillysportguy
- Decent song. Looks like they escaped from the geriatric ward, though.— SirEdward
- Decent song. Looks like they escaped from the geriatric ward, though.— SirEdward
- ZZZZZ....club bands hacks never liked them from day one....— malco49
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