VAN HALEN LAUNCH TATTOO SINGLE - THE VERDICT:
Van Halen's first new single in 8 years and their first prelude to an album with David Lee Roth since 1984 has been released today. Tattoo seems to be receiving a mostly favourable review from fans, eager to get their first glimpse at new Roth vocals since The Best Of Volume 1 and first new Eddie riffs in way too long.
Here is my MelodicRock.com single review: "Tattoo is a real groove orientated track, with that immediate Van Halen sound bursting out. David Lee Roth sounds well in control in his typical half spoken/half sung vocal style. Lyrically Dave continues being Dave - tongue in cheek and never too serious. The track has a monster bass groove and some impressive lead guitar riffs, many of which are a little buried underneath the high-in-the-mix vocals and some subtle accompanying keyboards. Alex's drum sound continues on where he left off with Balance, as does Eddie's guitar sound. That for me is a good thing as I liked that slightly darker tone. The solo also reminds me of that era - a little Humans Being in there as well as some Me Wise Magic/Can't Get This Stuff No More.
It is an interesting choice as a lead track for the upcoming album. A little laid back perhaps, but maybe the guys are going for a Poundcake/Judgement Day kind of 1-2 punch as She's The Woman (set to follow Tattoo on the album) sounds like a fired up classic VH rocker.
Overall I think the song is very catchy and a solid track - without being a knockout classic. I like the verse and bridge better overall than the actual chorus. It is a little understated as far as EVH's presence within the song goes, however the production and mix give reason to be enthusiastic about the sound of the upcoming album. I think the song is a good statement of intent from the band and mixes a little classic VH with some current/new VH - and that's at least what I was hoping for."
I'm told Van Halen dress rehearsals set to begin January 20 in Los Angeles. My birthday on the 21st...c'mon guys....invite me over :)
Interestingly, the A Different Kind Of Truth album has a February 3 release date for Australia - typically big albums drop on the Friday here, but will this happen with a US release not until their regular Tuesday release day - February 7?
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