Post by dangerzone on Jun 21, 2006 17:12:40 GMT -5
Van Halen 'Fair Warning'
1981, Warner Bros
David Lee Roth- vocals
Eddie Van Halen- guitar
Michael Anthony- bass
Alex Van Halen- drums
Classic Roth era VH are remembered mainly through their 1978 self titled debut and '1984', with the rest of their catalogue distances behind. 'Van Halen II' deservedly so, easily Van Roth's poorest outing, 'Women And Children First' not so, perhaps on par with the debut if not better. 'Diver Down' was a slight letdown due to the covers which comprised half the album, but the original tracks were brilliant to say the least. Where does this leave 'Fair Warning' then? Who cares really. I consider this the pinnacle of VH's Roth years, and their career for that matter. Often forgotten in the annals of the bands history, it came at a time when the band was in an experimental stage with keyboards and a moodier sound. Maybe I'm partial to this because it's the first VH album I got into, but it's surely one of North America's definitive hard rock albums, not just of the 80's, but of all time.
I never tire of this album. The shifting moods from track to track are genius, one moment you're caught up in the desperation of 'Mean Street', the next you're fully engaged by 'Dirty Movies' party rock rowdiness, and the classic line 'you remember when that girl was prom queen? This might be my favourite VH song when it boils down to it. US metal that has rarely been bettered. More anthems are provided in the shape of tear up's 'Sinners Swing' and the classic 'Unchained', the main riff to which Eddie would reuse for 'Panama' a few years later. 'Hear About It Later' and 'Push Comes To Shove' are slower and more reflective but melodically faultless, the latter with a slight disco riff. 'So This Is Love' is a bouncy rocker heading straight into the bizzare aplocalyptic keyboard piece 'Sunday Afternoon In The Park'. That in turn leads into the brief but savage 'One Foot Out The Door'. Eddie rips it up on a grand scale with his solo, the climax to one of rocks perfect albums.
The impact this had on me when I first heard it a decade ago I still feel with every listen. There's an atmosphere about this album that is truly indescribable, a mood of ambivalence that suggested the band was on the verge of meltdown, which they were, Eddie ready to quit the band some say. But its the music which wins out inevitably. This is now 24 years old and still as relevant as ever, sounding as fresh as it did then. This is the type of album which gives my life meaning and keeps me from self destruction. It's testament to the power of rock, hard rock, metal etc Few bands could aspire to this level of briliiance except The Who and Y&T. Like 'Divine Intervention' this album changed my life. It won't change yours. Right place at the right time.
Rating: A
1981, Warner Bros
David Lee Roth- vocals
Eddie Van Halen- guitar
Michael Anthony- bass
Alex Van Halen- drums
Classic Roth era VH are remembered mainly through their 1978 self titled debut and '1984', with the rest of their catalogue distances behind. 'Van Halen II' deservedly so, easily Van Roth's poorest outing, 'Women And Children First' not so, perhaps on par with the debut if not better. 'Diver Down' was a slight letdown due to the covers which comprised half the album, but the original tracks were brilliant to say the least. Where does this leave 'Fair Warning' then? Who cares really. I consider this the pinnacle of VH's Roth years, and their career for that matter. Often forgotten in the annals of the bands history, it came at a time when the band was in an experimental stage with keyboards and a moodier sound. Maybe I'm partial to this because it's the first VH album I got into, but it's surely one of North America's definitive hard rock albums, not just of the 80's, but of all time.
I never tire of this album. The shifting moods from track to track are genius, one moment you're caught up in the desperation of 'Mean Street', the next you're fully engaged by 'Dirty Movies' party rock rowdiness, and the classic line 'you remember when that girl was prom queen? This might be my favourite VH song when it boils down to it. US metal that has rarely been bettered. More anthems are provided in the shape of tear up's 'Sinners Swing' and the classic 'Unchained', the main riff to which Eddie would reuse for 'Panama' a few years later. 'Hear About It Later' and 'Push Comes To Shove' are slower and more reflective but melodically faultless, the latter with a slight disco riff. 'So This Is Love' is a bouncy rocker heading straight into the bizzare aplocalyptic keyboard piece 'Sunday Afternoon In The Park'. That in turn leads into the brief but savage 'One Foot Out The Door'. Eddie rips it up on a grand scale with his solo, the climax to one of rocks perfect albums.
The impact this had on me when I first heard it a decade ago I still feel with every listen. There's an atmosphere about this album that is truly indescribable, a mood of ambivalence that suggested the band was on the verge of meltdown, which they were, Eddie ready to quit the band some say. But its the music which wins out inevitably. This is now 24 years old and still as relevant as ever, sounding as fresh as it did then. This is the type of album which gives my life meaning and keeps me from self destruction. It's testament to the power of rock, hard rock, metal etc Few bands could aspire to this level of briliiance except The Who and Y&T. Like 'Divine Intervention' this album changed my life. It won't change yours. Right place at the right time.
Rating: A