I gotta say, the new Van Halen-

[gbsmusic]

is better then I thought it was going to be. I really think they did a good job. Could it have been better? YES. Over all I think poor Dave is having a hard time with his voice but that's fine with me, it's really great to hear something new and it's so great to hear Eddie again. I think the music is great and the solo's are good. Sure do miss Michael as it's been said but I'm glad it's out and I like it!! I think I like Blood and Fire the most so far, it just sounds like the old stuff and reminds me of driving in my Chevelle 25 years ago with the music cranked!!!!

 

[halford]

Haven't heard it yet....

but...

 

[gbsmusic]

Haven't heard it yet....

but...

 

[James Lugo]

Yeah it's hard to take anything you say serious with an avatar like that.

I too feel the same way about the new VH. Bravo.

 

[gbsmusic]

Yeah it's hard to take anything you say serious with an avatar like that.

I too feel the same way about the new VH. Bravo.

I could change it

 

[luther910]

I've heard the songs now and they are really good (with the exeption of tattoo) But I can't help feeling that the production really lets the album down. And what the fu*k was Ed (and the "producer") thinking about when he choose his guitar tone for the album? I had Fair Warning on the same playlist...Indeed Ed's tone was better in the old days

 

[projectx102]

I've heard the songs now and they are really good (with the exeption of tattoo) But I can't help feeling that the production really lets the album down. And what the fu*k was Ed (and the "producer") thinking about when he choose his guitar tone for the album? I had Fair Warning on the same playlist...Indeed Ed's tone was better in the old days

I think the tone is decent. I hear parts where the original Plexi may have been used. I think he's just tired of fighting gear to get the gain and response he needs these days. Also don't forget the influence on the tone that Ted Templeman and Don Landee had.

 

[luther910]

Also don't forget the influence on the tone that Ted Templeman and Don Landee had.

True. It may very well be Ed himself who insisted on having such a distorted and garbled tone, but I cannot fathom how it's not possible too achieve a better mix as a whole.

 

[gbsmusic]

I dont think his tone is awful but it could be better. I've listened to it a few times and I'm liking even more

 

[ShredMojo]

Wow! Listening to it now, was really digging the album, and then As Is and now honeybabysweetiedoll came on. Awesome music! Sounds like something I'd expect from Steve Vai not Van halen!

 

[jabps]

Yeah it's hard to take anything you say serious with an avatar like that.

I too feel the same way about the new VH. Bravo.

I have to agree with what James said the other day...I think the mix/production as a whole could have been a tad more cohesive. I think thats where a top producer could have helped...to a degree...an outside ear so to speak.

However I like the album...alot. I even like Tatto...the pre-chorus is great. I don't even mind the guitar tone. Honestly, when classic bands usually try and recapture old magic it fails...so I just never get my hopes up. Sometimes you get pleasantly suprised. To me this is a logical step for Roth/Van Halen at this point.

Frankly imo only...I don't really think Ed's old tone could work now...with this version of the band, this version of Roth.

 

[wIsEbLooD]

the more i listen to it the more i dislike it. there are alot of good parts but no songs that really knock me out as a whole.

 

[BackCrack]

...But I can't help feeling that the production really lets the album down...

Don't blame the producer. Look at what he had to work with: a bi-polar singer, a recovering addict with an ego, a non-communicating drummer, and a kid who only listens to the previously mentioned addict. I think Shanks pulled off a fricking miracle with these clowns.

 

[MisterBulbous]

Haven't posted here in a while. I've had the VH recording for a while but have been too nervous to listen to it. Finally, listened to it last night. KILLER.



I was really expecting a lot less...figured Ed would have the same solo style that he wore out on previous recordings. While there is some repetition, he's got some wild legato stuff going and a return to some of the original tapping styles. As always, his rhythm is spot-on. I hear a lot of fire in his playing and not as sloppy. That said, it's not overly polished as you still get that "falling down the steps" feel that he is famous for. Some of the songs almost have a progressive feel to them w/tempo changes, guitar tone changes and all kinds of noises going on.

On the down side, Dave's vocals and phrasing is awkward. It think he kills the potential of She's the Woman because there are no sing-a-long parts other than the short chorus. In all, there is a lot of random scatting, which is hard to stomach at times.

All in all, this isn't formulaic "love you baby" rock that we've had from VH in the past. Can't wait to see them in Louisville.

 

[gbsmusic]

...But I can't help feeling that the production really lets the album down...

Don't blame the producer. Look at what he had to work with: a bi-polar singer, a recovering addict with an ego, a non-communicating drummer, and a kid who only listens to the previously mentioned addict. I think Shanks pulled off a fricking miracle with these clowns.

WOW!!!!!

 

[MisterBulbous]

...But I can't help feeling that the production really lets the album down...

Don't blame the producer. Look at what he had to work with: a bi-polar singer, a recovering addict with an ego, a non-communicating drummer, and a kid who only listens to the previously mentioned addict. I think Shanks pulled off a fricking miracle with these clowns.

WOW!!!!!

Comments like that, remind me why i don't come here very much...

 

[gbsmusic]

...But I can't help feeling that the production really lets the album down...

Don't blame the producer. Look at what he had to work with: a bi-polar singer, a recovering addict with an ego, a non-communicating drummer, and a kid who only listens to the previously mentioned addict. I think Shanks pulled off a fricking miracle with these clowns.

WOW!!!!!

Comments like that, remind me why i don't come here very much...

 

[Chris6870]

While I'm not going to buy the cd or anything it's a lot better than a lot of the Sh!t on the radio these days.

 

[espquade]

Overall I think it's pretty Killer !

These songs have a cool vibe and a groove and just the fact that they actually made it after 25 plus years is something ! I agree the production could of been a little better , but it's something that is getting better with each listen.

Tattoo my least favorite , but the other tracks are growing on me more and more as this is the 4th time now that I have listened to it and it just keeps getting better ! Ed's playing is some of the best stuff he's done in years and seems like the fire is back a bit . David's vocals are not that bad really .. I mean what the hell do people expect I mean he's close to 60 or something right .

I think it's funny how people just love to hate on Van Halen and try to bitch about anything that's not perfect .

I for one am glad they put this cd out and am enjoying it because it's just ROCK N Roll man...

 

[BackCrack]

I think the band put a gag order on Shanks which why you haven't heard a word from him in any interviews. If you think I was harsh in my previous post, that's exactly what's being passed around the industry.