Confession: I Have a Bad Feeling About the Van Halen Single 'Tattoo'

As promised, Van Halen released tour dates yesterday and you can see them below. The band also announced  A Different Kind of Truth as their new album and that the song "Tattoo" is the first single. The full version of the song will be released Tuesday, January 10. The full album is out February 7.

I waited all freaking day to hear the 30 second teaser snippet of "Tattoo." I'm serious. I was slammed at work and didn't want to have to listen quick and leave it as an afterthought. So while everyone else was listening, I abstained so I could come home, hit play a couple times and really think about the preview for awhile. And after all that, I ended up disappointed. Granted, the only thing we have to go on now is a 30 second sample... but still. I love me some Van Halen. I have no idea what I was expecting... but it wasn't the flat vocals and weirdo lyrics in "Tattoo."

Now, "She's The Woman" is another story entirely. The band recorded a demo of the tune way back in the late 70s and it just never made it on to an official album... until now. Like "Tattoo," "She's The Woman" will be on A Different Kind of Truth. Of course, the modern version is different. Here's that 70s demo, by the way:

Here's the band doing "She's The Woman" on Thursday night in New York City:

Anyway, I hope I'm being overly pessimistic. And I'm sure once I hear the full version of "Tattoo" I'll like it more. I'll be buying the single on Tuesday for sure.

The tracklisting for A Different Kind of Truth:

1. Tattoo
2. She’s The Woman
3. You and Your Blues
4. China Town
5. Blood and Fire
6. Bullethead
7. As Is
8. Honeybabysweetiedoll
9. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin’

Here's the tour dates. Kool and the Gang will provide support.

Feb. 18 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
Feb. 20 – Auburn Hills, MI – The Palace Of Auburn Hills
Feb. 22 – Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Feb. 24 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Feb. 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Mar. 01 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Mar. 03 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Arena
Mar. 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Mar. 09 – Buffalo, NY – First Niagara Center
Mar. 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Mar. 15 – Montreal, QCBell Centre
Mar. 17 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
Mar. 21 – Ottawa, ON – Scotiabank Place
Mar. 24 – Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
Mar. 28 – Washington, DC – Verizon Center
Mar. 30 – Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center
Apr. 01 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Apr. 10 – Sunrise, FL – BankAtlantic Center
Apr. 12 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Times Forum
Apr. 14 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Apr. 16 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Veterans Mem. Arena
Apr. 19 – Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
Apr. 21 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Apr. 25 – Charlotte, NC – Time Warner Cable Arena
Apr. 27 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
May 01 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
May 05 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
May 07 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
May 09 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
May 11 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place
May 17 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
May 19 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
May 22 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center
May 24 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
May 27 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Jun. 01 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
Jun. 03 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
Jun. 05 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion At San Jose
Jun. 12 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
Jun. 14 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Jun. 16 – Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center
Jun. 20 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Jun. 22 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Jun. 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Jun. 26 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Arena

Comments

[ricksav65]

I totally agree with you, Allison. If you listen to the 2 songs that they with Roth on Van Halen: Best of Volume 1, you'll get a good feel for what this album will sound like. Only the new album doesn't have Michael Anthony's great backing vocals. I will make sure I listen to the whole album on youtube before I buy it.

[Kixchix]

Pathetic.
I don't care about what they release.

Once you put a 20 yr old son of one of the best guitarists of all time in Mike Anthony's spot, credibility is impossible to attain. Wolfie prob is adequate, but he did not pay dues, therefore what comes after is moot.

As the cult wrote: "Ya gotta bleed a little while you sing.......lest the words don't mean a thing......"

Wolfie hasn't bleed, jeez he didn't even have to sweat. Nothing against him, please. It's equivalent to the hedge fund manager sliding his snot nosed kid in at 3 million $ year job right after college.

My advice: See Kix or Phil's La Guns at a club. They need and appreciate your support!

[Jeff]

Wow...I am so sick of people complaining about MA not being in the band anymore....GET OVER IT....he isn't coming back! Who wouldn't want to share thier passion and career with their offspring? I commend Eddie for bringing his son into the fold. I certainly would if he was a compentent player, and lets face it, the kid is the son of the greatest freaking guitar player EVER. Take a listen to the bass line on "She's the Woman" from Cafe Wha? The kid is just ripping. Sure he may not be able to harmonize like MA but, give the kid a chance.

I for one am looking forward to the new CD and can't wait for the tour.

"Credibility is impossible to obtain" - Give me a break

[Kenny Ozz]

Ive never seen so many people get so bent outta shape over a friggin bass player not being in a band. A damn BASSIST!?

[Jeff]

Amen Kenny

[reptileblvd]

I agree with Jeff & Kenny. It sucks that Michael is no longer in the band but Wolfgang is a Van Halen and its family band now.

That little rant aside. Van Halen with Dave sucks, they have not produced anything worth listening to since the 1984 album, and should have stuck with Sammy with whom they had progressed into the modern era with.

Kool & the Gang as an opener, that's funny, they had to dig that deep to find a band they were better then. RIP Van Halen your careers have turned into humor.

[glamrockerarchie]

the soundclip is boring and im sure they must be runnin out of ideas if your using a 30 yr old song that wasnt good enough back then that aside i did like the me wise magic a few yrs back so im tryin to be optimistic they could come up with smethin worhtwhile, we will see. they def miss michael and sammy now though.

[MEWIZEMGIC]

Hoping the remainder of the stuff sounds better as well. Sounds like Dave's solo stuff in the Tattoo piece, but we'll see. Kool & the Gang as opener - you gotta be kidding????!!!! I'm not sure what that says, but it doesn't say rock n' roll to me.

[Christian]

First of all, the point is MA got screwed, when he was an integral part of their sound. Bass IS important, and MA added that AND a great voice for harmonies. What they did was pathetic. Second, every 'bonus' track I've heard since 'Balance', on best ofs, has sucked. Will I buy it ? For sure. Will I buy the special ed if there is one ? Of course. But, I am just OCD and need to own every VH album. I have no hopes for it.

[bumblefootboy]

wolfgang has more right to be there. he is family and a good bass player, how can he not be having eddie as his father. i think its great seeing the van halen boys and dave putting a new cd and new tour.i have nothing against mike, but it is what it is.i guarantee there is more people who like this than the " haters" out there. if u dont like it thats fine, but your missing out in some great music.,

[Sweet Lou]

I've said it before and I'll say it again..Michael Anthony isn't even in the top 50 bass players of all time. I have been a VH fan since I saw them open for Journey and Montrose in 1978 through many many a hangover year to 1985. Michael Anthony was the weak link musically. His bass solos were nothing more than doing some somersaults and flopping around whil his bass pedal made some distortions. His VOCALS however were killer, in the SAMMY YEARS. I hate having to downplay MA, but seriously all the freaking unwarranted love for this guy is just mental. You say the name Van Halen to people you hear, EDDIE or DAVE, sometimes ALEX...you've NEVER heard the name MICHAEL ANTHONY. Hell most casual fans referred to him as the chubby bass player. Now they can still do that, its just Wolfie.
As for the new tune...sounds like "Slam Dunk" or "A Little Ain't Enough" era Dave.

[Jack]

Unfortunately Dave just doesn't sing like the Dave that made VH huge, and as much a massive VH and DLR fan as I am, I just can't help thinking he is the weak link now.

As for Mike, he's an decent bass player, but his biggest contribution to VH is on the vox side. He's certainly no Billy Sheehan, but that's not what VH needed/needs, but listen to even just that old demo of She's The Woman, and you'll hear how much he was part of what made VH. W/out him, and DLR being less than he was, I don't see this being anywhere near the success anyone would hope for.

I want to love the album, but I am VERY afraid to listen to it.

[Him]

Respectfully, I think KixChix (is there more than one?!!?) was having a bad day when she posted. And though I get her point (I think), I am not sure that she should be relying on the Cult and any version of L.A. Guns to bolster claims as to credibility.

I am approaching this release, like the new Black Sabbath one, with caution. But my opinion means squat--I left that one there for you Metalboy!--when it comes to what bands do or don't do. If I like it, I will buy it. If I don't, I won't.

[JT]

While I wasn't impressed with the :30 clip that was posted, I'm looking forward to the album (and the whole song of "Tattoo"). It's impossible to judge it based on that lone clip that didn't even get through the full chorus.

I can't wait to see the band live, and I'm actually looking forward to seeing Kool & the Gang too.

[Metalboy!]

According to Diamond Dave, in interviews last year, Wolfgang is the one who facilitated reuniting Roth with the Van Halens, setting us up for the possibility of Rock'n'Roll History.

At the time, Wolfgang said to his dad, Eddie, that the early Van Halen, actually, the first three records, was the best stuff they ever did. I wouldn't be surprised if this album was something else he facilitated, cajoling his Dad to make a Van Halen record that would harken back to the glory days of VH.

As much as I love Michael Anthony and the notion of the purity of original line-ups (Crue/Aerosmith/Cinderella), Wolfgang is most certainly, a creative force to be reckoned with in this band.

The 30-second clip of "Tattoo" actually sounds like every Van Halen song boiled down into one track. Having listened to so much U.S. Hard Rock from the late sixties to the present, my instinct, based on that 30-seconds alone, is that this song, let alone the entire album will ROCK!

They will be nominated in several categorize at the 2013 Grammys and will actually win a few. This album's gonna be a monster, not only putting Van Halen back on top, but the entire genre. Maybe their success and visibility resulting from the release of this album will inspire slackers like Crue and Poison to finally put out albums of original material.

The release of this album, combined with the release of the new Aerosmith album, just might be the one-two punch needed to put Hard Rock back in the forefront. With those two bands leading the way, watch new bands finally get noticed. Perhaps in the music business, as with all other facets of pop culture and entertainment, trends are cyclical, and just maybe it is finally Rock'n'Roll's turn again to once again, return to the top of the charts. It's just taking a little longer to happen, is all.

p.s. HIM -- If you're implying my opinion duzn't mean squat, you may be right. If you think I don't have regard for your opinion, you are wrong, sir. Regarding your point of view, as you say, "If I like it, I buy it. If I don't, I won't." Or, similarly, in the words of my father (RIP 2010), "When you're right, you're right. When your wrong, your wrong!"

[Metalboy!]

Yeah, and I agree with Jack. Let's hope digging into the archives is not an act of desperation (a la Cheap Trick with the inclusion of their long lost cover of Slade's "When The Lights Are Out" on their last album, "The Latest") but more about getting back on track (no pun intended) and setting the tone for the rest of "A Different Kind Of Truth".

[Metalboy!]

Clarification: Cheap Trick's superb cover of Slade's "When The Lights Are Out", which is rumored to be right out of the vaults (and certainly sounds like it) just makes the rest of their latest release, "The Latest", pale by comparison. Let us hope that is not the case with "She's The Woman" on "A Different Kind of Truth".

Also, I love cryptic album titles and "A Different Kind of Truth" certainly falls into that category.

Here's what "A Different Kind of Truth" means to me...

Right now in Pop Music there's a lot of talk of "TRUTH" in lyrics and in hyperbole and dialogue expressed by the most visible and popular artists.

I think what Van Halen is saying by titling their album "A Different Kind of Truth" is "Here is Rock'n'Roll -- TRUE Music", the opposite of the fluff that predominates the charts today, sampled, autotuned and retrofitted with every sonic bell and whistle known to man, where production is everything that merely utters the word "Truth" and postures as being "True", without representing any real inkling of TRUTH.

"A Different Kind of Truth"!

It's as if Van Halen are collectively proclaiming:

Every note is TRUE as it's played by the man with his name on the door. Every note Diamond Dave sings is TRUE (though probably punched in a little, which is less egregious than autotuning, hahaha!!!). Every drum beat drummed and every bass string stroked are TRUE as they are coming from REAL instruments, not sampling! Every song is TRUE as it's REAL Rock'n'Roll (or so The Boys of Van Halen believe), not the artifice that rules the charts today.

[bluejayart]

Did I read right?!?!...Kool and the Gang supporting act? WTF?

[JT]

Just a note on "She's the Woman" (and Metalboy! might be able to verify this), I have heard that VH fans were upset the song was not on the first couple of albums, and the song has held an almost cult-like status among the diehards. Perhaps Wolfie knew about the desire of fans to get a solid studio version and he also prompted the band to put it on the album?

[Shadow]

Haven't been able to hear the clip cuz its been taken down.

However from what ive heard She's the Woman is one of the demos made byt he band with Gene Simmons around the love gun era. I agree with everything SweetLou said about MA and i just want this damn album to come out. And To the one who said that Roth Van halen hasntput anything good out since 1984, They've only released two damn songs!! before this stuff. a big verdict on a very small body of work don't you think?