Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimi Thing 10
Tedeschi Trucks Band- Revelator
|
One of my favorites from last year.
Today:
Van Halen - A Different Kind of Truth
This is a blazing, storming, rip-roaring comeback record for VH that I honestly did not think they were capable of making. Using old demos from the 70's as building blocks for several of the songs was a great idea, as it gives the album a lot of the swagger of the old days. Eddie is absolutely on fire throughout, playing with a blazing intensity. Roth, who was never a particularly great singer, has certainly lost even more of the limited range he had, but he makes up for it with his sheer enthusiasm and clever lyrics. Alex is still a beast behind the kit, and EVH's son Wolfgang is no slouch on bass either.
The opening track/lead single 'Tattoo' is pretty mediocre and didn't give me high hopes, but the second that track 2, 'She's The Woman' kicked in I was sold. This song could have been lifted straight from the 'Fair Warning' album, it's like 'Mean Street 2012'.
My only real complaints are the noticeable absence of Michael Anthony's soaring background vocals. Eddie and Wolfie do a nice job keeping that those trademark high harmonies intact, but Anthony's presence is missed. The other downside is the terrible mixing and mastering. This is a true loudness war victim, brickwall mixed and lacking in dynamics. I'm sure it sounds OK out of shitty earbuds on an iPod, but played through a nice stereo the music has no room to breathe. It's also a very bass heavy mix. Wolfgang's bass tone is very overdriven and in your face, a contrast to the clean, crisp, punchy sound that Michael Anthony has. Sometimes Eddie's guitar gets a little lost in the wash of bass sound, which is something that never happened on previous VH records, where the guitar is always bright and up front in the mix.
Overall though, a fantastic comeback for one of my all time favorite bands. This one will unleash your inner 16 year old.
Also on tap for today, first spins of:
Paul McCartney - Kisses on the Bottom*
Metallica - Beyond Magnetic EP*