Review: Van Halen New Song 'Tattoo'
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 12:01AM Van Halen just released "Tattoo," the first single to their upcoming album A Different Kind of Truth. It's the first Van Halen single with David Lee Roth on vocals in 27 years.
"Tattoo" sounds exactly like Van Halen -- there's no disputing that classic guitar tone. And once Diamond Dave opens his mouth, you know exactly what you're going to get. After a couple of listens, I decided that "Tattoo" is a catchy song but something is missing. Sure, there's the nonsensical lyrics that are part of Roth's signature and there's an awesome (I mean REALLY awesome) guitar solo, but isn't that all standard for VH? I can't quite put my finger on what is missing but I'm pretty sure it's energy. Or enthusiasm. But it's something and I bet I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Now, I know a lot of you flipped out with glee on first listen and that's great. Instead of attacking me for my opinion, educate me on why "Tattoo" is fantastic.
Reader Comments (36)
This song will win a Grammy, as well as soon to be released album it's taken from, "A Different Kind of Truth" will do. "Tattoo" is an example of what Van Halen mean, as in "A Different Kind of Truth" -- that it's truth observed about the phenomenon of our mass populi's love affair with tattoos soaring in popularity.
Not only might these guys very well show up on the Grammys but also, could very well appear during The Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame telecast, jamming with some new inductees, as a way to make right their MIA induction.
Another words, their presence is going to be HUGE as a result of this single and album.
Say what you will about Wolfie, he facilitated the reunion, as Diamond Dave has continuously pointed out.
As far as energy level, Al, you are right. To be fair, these boyz testosterone may not be pumpin' like it was back in the glory days, a harsh reality having to do with the realities of aging.
The video also pulls down the energy level, too, for obvious reasons like random slo-mo and unflattering black & white photography. The video feels whipped off when they really could have made something classic given the subject matter.
I like the stripped down feel of the music, almost a Demo-Raw kind of feel and, as I said the words are topical and killer!
I love Eddie's approach which sounds like a one-take with no overdubs or additional rhythm guitar accompaniment. The lead may not be totally ripping but still is utterly original as only Eddie can deliver.
It's still got just enough to blow every other gunslinger out there. The outro at the end is superb. Just incredible, overall, the more I think about it. Get ready for these recordings, which will serve as an international wake-up call to make believers out of everyone in good ol' Rock'n'Roll again!
Listen to the tune with your eyes closed, not only for an accurate feel of just how much this song ROCKS but so you won't have to stare at Eddie's nerdy cross trainers! Eddie, get some cool shoes, willya?
While I am not sure it will win a Grammy and I will hold out on further judgment until I hear the rest of the album, it is Van Halen 2012.
I think that last part is really important: 2012. Pining for the 70s or whining about them digging into their archive (in some cases, all in the same post), isn't really fair or realistic.
And the "Son of Van Halen" sniping is really just armchair warrior type stuff. If it props you up, so be it. But really? What does it do or what does it prove? That you don't like the song? That you think it lacks passion? Not sure it does either of those things even if that is what you are trying to say.
Really, Metalboy!, I am in a state of shock. Instead of raising the level, you simply let your words stand on their own. Good show. Good show.
Or do you mean you missed Van Halen cos they are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get over it for god sake Mike is gone !
The Michael Anthony meme is amazing to me. I obviously loved the original 4 and dig MA's work in Chickenfoot. But can we all stop pretending that when MA's bass solo came around that is when we all went to the bathroom, grabbed a beer or smoked something? Not once did I go to a VH show eagerly anticipating MA...and I played bass!
Not impressed with this as the first single at all. WHERE IS THE HEAVY VH RIFF? WHere is the OOMPH (UMPH) in the song??
I MISS MIKEY!!!
I love the pre-chorus. "Mousewife to Momshell in the time it took to get that new tattoo". Look over the lyrics. People who use tattoos to communicate something interesting about their life....and in some cases, their life 'aint so interesting after all. Most of the classic Roth lyrics was his unique viewpoint on life and observations.
Gripes? Production might be to 'modern' with little separation between instruments. Everyting seems blown up. I'll save judgement until I hear a clean version on the DVD.
Listen, Eddie Van Halen is the reason I picked up the guitar 26 years ago. I've hunted down PAF's and vintage effects, bought and rebuilt Plexi's, slapped together a fair share of guitars, and became interested in vintage Oberheim analog synths because of Van Halen. My life has been so rich and fulfilled because of this band that I can't put it into words. For that I AM grateful for this album and WILL give it a fair shake. I owe it to them and myself.
The reviewer seems young- well, here’s a shot kid- The lyric is a taunt to mediocrity. TO WIT: The suburban house wife or cheesy low-level thinker who imagines somehow that she becomes this whole new hot thang just because of a stupid half-assed pop-culture tattoo -hence "Mouse-wife to Mom-shell"? Get it? Watch the mind-numbing lameness that is ‘orange county idiots’ or ‘miami d-inked’ for an example. The low denominator of merely putting on some dumb looking paint or a super-hero costume ain’t what gives you desirability or even relevance. "the crazy stuff we NEVER SAID, poetry in ink" -folk trying to inhabit some deeper meaning out of a total bullshit shallow relationship? Maybe? "dragon magic, so very autobiographic" Riiiight- "best to see these true colors than to follow you’re false virtue" as Dave follows up with a true story of the Unions - hard-fought, life-changing- aaah, now there’s some real meaning in that tat, before the american cultural experience became so lame.
Getting the level of talent & social commentary couched in cultural satire just a bit now?? This from a guy who has by most standards, kicked serious ass, hit some high achievement & in the end doesn’t care if he fails or no. That, pals-ies, is fun success. Whether or not you dig this tune, there’s more going on here & with the challenge to move it forward nowadays.
Musically, they at least strike toward the flame-thrower they were once, utilizing an early kicking gem. It is VH & sounds like it. 55 ain’t be 23, yo. Not to mention, who else at that dollar level, has at least potential to bring something creatively compelling? Let’s hear the record & Damn, I hope the kids listening can find something to break through the sad experiences that dominates the mainstream. THIN- "like a condom ad - with bass pumpin so loud & music so thin, it’s as if you’re hearing nothing at all" -david lee roth
Well, if some y'all could attempt some creatively compelling music equal to what you hypothesize your imagination was expecting, then you would’ve written it yourself & turned the planet on, wuuntcha?